Elevate

Haunting Ground

AT EVERDEEN’S RESIDENCE

The man jolted from his seat as he rubbed his temple, filling himself with frustration. His table was crammed by those loads of folders and paperwork. His ink from its container was speckled around in the corner of it, tainting some of those sheets. He has been anxious for certain reasons, but his thoughts which’re filling his mind have stopped when he heard several soft knocks in his door.

He presently strode and unlocked the door, revealing a man in his dark cape. He immediately let the man entered his office. Glimpsing over the sides of the hallway, he made sure that no one had seen him entering. He took a tricky drag and sealed the door. He placed his collar properly and hurled beside the man, who’s intently looking in his direction.

His hands were inside his empty pockets. His cape was somehow drenched with water mixed with mud as well as his high-heeled direful shoes. A scowl was plastered on the man’s face when he perceived the annoyance slowly moving out from him. He surely doesn’t want him to be around his abode. Perhaps, he’s too anxious that his name will be tainted just before the time he can finish his plans.

“Why are you here? I already told you that you cannot come here if I didn’t tell you so.” He promptly uttered and moved to his chair. Slumping himself on it, he laid his hands on top of his desk and waited for the man to respond.

“Well…” He took some steps near to him and declared, “I’m getting bored, Zyrender. You’re not even making your promise.”

His stare went into a deadly glare that could melt him out in any moment. He fiddled his fingers when he saw that the man is not making fun anymore and he was dead serious about their agreement. He’s not the type of person who’s easily can be played upon. He needed to be apprehensive with him, to think that he’s a rival to him since then.

“I told you. You’re going to meet her until you do the thing I instructed you.” He uttered. “

He progressed on the couch and sat. Crossing his legs, his eyes travelled in different spots of the office. He was intently examining the place, which made Zyrender more even sensible. He cleared his throat all of a sudden.

“What about the kids?” He inquisitively inquired.

“Oh…those kids. They’re still breathing. Don’t worry, I’ll give them a visit later in the evening.” He winked at him.

Zyrender made a sigh and nodded. “Okay. Now, are you going?”

“No. I think I like it here. Can I have a room here?” He chuckled and clasped his hands.

“No.”

He vigilantly said with a blank expression. Obviously, he knew that he was just toying with him right now. Yet, his not in the mood to play with him and he wanted to kick him out directly outside.

“It’s just a joke. Geez, can you just chill for a while. I meant no harm here. Precisely, we dislike each other and we don’t click at all. But, we made a team. How ironic.” He laughed a bit and stood. “Well, I got to go. I just visited here to see what you’re doing these past few days and I guessed you’re doing great…now that you have full control of the city. Who knows? Maybe the next thing you’ll do is to eradicate Embreal completely.” His eyes were full of menace as his laugh enveloped the place.

He waved his hand to him as he stepped back near to the door. Clutching the knob, he slowly twitched it and opened it a bit.

“Oh, by the way. I think your daughter is up for something. You should talk to her and maybe have a father-daughter conversation. You’re too focused with your plans that you forget that you still have a kid to watch over. Tata!” He didn’t wait for his reply and moved out. He immediately closed the door, leaving Zyrender.

He stared over the entrance, not until a few seconds it was opened again. But now, it was Trench Dickman himself. His face was insulated with sweat as he held those papers on his chest. He was literally catching his own breath.

“Where have you been? I’ve been waiting for you.” He simply stated.

The young man bowed his head and uttered, “I’ve been collecting the list of those kids who entered the program in Care Orphanage. They’re willing to go in the training and already got their permission from their parents.”

“That’s great. Be sure that they will stay in the Orphanage, up until the program is done.” He said to him.”

“Yes, Sir. By the way, Carmilla hasn’t come home yet since two days ago.” He reported.

The man recalled what the hunter had said to him a while ago. Perhaps, Jack knew that his daughter is doing something that is out of his league. But he was certain, that she hasn’t found out something about his plans, and that’s what more important to him. He wanted her to be out of his plans so he could easily do them. To him, Carmilla would be a disaster; a hindrance to his plans. And somehow, he’s being sorry for that.

He tuned himself and brushed his fingers through the shelf. He slowly pulled the last book from the left and gradually, the wall moved to the left, vibrating the ground as it let a small door be exposed in front of him. Trench had already knew about it and he was able to pass through the passage.

“Are we going back there, Sir?”

“Yes. The system is not working that good in the forest. Perhaps, it couldn’t reach that much energy. We need to work on it. And, please continue to give me updates regarding Carmilla from where she is up to what she does.”

“Yes, Sir.”

He took his step inside and swerved himself to look at Trench. “And, let’s put you into a run today. Is that okay with you, Trench?”

A smile was slowly curved on his lips. “It’s my pleasure to do it, Sir.” Excitement could be seen clearly in his eyes. He’s been waiting for such thing to happen.

“Okay. Get yourself ready for tonight. We’ll test you.” He added and the two of them went inside. Slowly the shelf went back to its original place, covering them wholly.

AT THE FOREST

“What took all of you here?” The man delightedly asked them when they entered his premises.

After taking the kids safe back at her home, Liech went to her best friend to get Matt. Era and William directly went to the man’s abode to talk about things. It was first time for Vixen to dwell in the middle of the forest. Somehow, it took her several months after the destruction to finally come in the place; everything is new to her.

Her eyes roamed around. Those who resided in the forest were more accommodating than those in the city itself. They were having their own market and they planted their own crops. They can live independently since then. But now that the dome had collapsed several months ago, they were able to use their strengths again. Loads of basket filled with harvested, fresh crops were delivered in each household. They were helping each other and respect had been an important thing for them to keep. Their houses were somehow distant to one another, but they could easily get to talk each.

Communication hasn’t been a problem to them and they could clearly see how fond and happy they’re in the place. Surely, the old man was able to build a community where peace can be seen. He welcomed them inside his house and they slowly entered. Everything was made from wood, from the walls down to his utensils. There were two men, both have good bodies and keen senses, guarding from the outside.

They settled on the couch and placed their stuff behind their backs. The place smelled like pine trees. The lamp was currently lighted, on top of the wooden circular table, beside those old, ragged clothes and woven shoes. A deer’s horn was freely hanging on the wall, beside those thick, furred jackets. There were also different types of weapons around them.

The man had gained weight, and his beard had now turned into grey. His flabby tummy was slightly exposed as he scratched it. He hasn’t still stopped smiling in front of them. He offered a plate of dried fish.

Cody grabbed some of it and munched it. He was standing still beside the ladies together with Miguel who’s always keeping his reticence. Guilbert decided to speak up for them and said, “Do you have anything to say?” He blunted to the man, which caught him off guard.

But then, Ian was fast in recovering himself and burst into a sneer. “I didn’t see that coming. D*mnit! You’re really are a blunt one from time to time.” He crossed his legs. “Well, the woman hasn’t told anything since then. She wanted us to know that she’s still the game master. She still has the guts”

Vixen sighed.

She knew that Penelope is a smart ass and that she can’t be easily played. They needed to have something that’s vital for her to make her speak or maybe find another person to speak in her behalf; someone who knew her plans.

“But I found something in her things.” Ian uttered and pulled a tiny, furrowed picture of a baby boy, wrapped soundlessly between the white cloth.

“Who is that?” Cody asked.

“I think it’s her child.” Ian answered.

Guilbert was staring over the picture. “I didn’t know that she had a baby. So where is he now?”

“No…As far as I can remember, Jack Rush has a secret relationship with Penelope herself. They just didn’t share it to the public since it would be vile to let the people know that her husband was a hunter.” Loshiana stated.

She pulled the picture near to her and carefully examined it. “If this child is an offspring of her, then I think we need to search for him.”

“But that would be precarious. We don’t know where he is right now or if he’s still alive.”

“Then, we should ask her herself. Miguel can do the whole thing.” She glanced over Miguel who’s quiet in the corner. Slowly, a smirk was formed on his lips. It has been a while when he used his strength and now he was given a chance to do it. They asked for permission from the old man and he led the way to the cell.

The two sentinels followed them quietly. Cody was caught when he heard something rushing from the distance. It was water and he thought that it was the spring itself. There was an extra small, narrow road leading to somewhere else. The trees were somehow murky in that side, which was even hard for him to see what’s waiting beyond them. They moved to the left path and there, a woman in her late sixties had passed them.

She was wearing her delicate white shoal and long, creamy grey silk dress. Her shoes were jerky and quite unsealed on its front, leaving her toes exposed outside. She was bringing with her a basket of small containers filled with herbs and ointment. She gave them her warmest smile, wrinkling the side of her eyes.

Her gaze suddenly locked to Loshiana and uttered, “You seemed distressed, my child. Beware. She’s going to hunt you down. Your eyes speak your turmoil.” She patted her on the shoulder and left without saying again.

The others looked at the woman as she travelled. Cody scratched his head as he was left with question about the message that she gave to Loshiana. He glanced over her, who’s currently dumbfounded by the woman’s words. Guilbert decided to tap her, enough to bring her back in veracity.

“Who was that?” He asked Ian.

“Oh. She’s Farvella Moniel, the shaman in this place. She’s peculiar somehow, but she’s a good person. Just don’t mind her. She’s often like that to our visitors. Some said that she can somehow see the negativity in a person. And, it’s just a matter of a fact if that person will believe her.” Ian said and looked over Loshiana. “It’s better if you keep your head on the tract and be vigilant, Loshiana.” He recommended her.

She slowly nodded even though she’s still filling herself about it. Miguel assisted her, by wrapping his arm around her. So then, they continued and turned left, perceiving an establishment made of hard wood. There were no windows around it, but the guards, bringing with them their bats and rapiers, were surrounding it in each sides and to the distance. It was the Cell. Ian is the only one who got the access in the place and its security is whole day.

They stood in front of the oaken door with symbols that they couldn’t understand. The man progressed and one of the sentries greeted him with a bow. He pulled the key and slowly opened the door, letting them perceive an opaque, macabre room. The only thing that made light inside it was the large torch attached to its post. He went inside first and the rest of them followed.

But before they could enter the premise, the sentinels stopped them and asked them to remove any sharp weapons they got. They looked in each other’s pockets and things, but only Cody was the one who brought one – a dagger. He voluntarily laid the item inside the small, wooden box that the officer was holding.

When everything was clear, they successfully moved inside and saw those horrendous, razor-sharp weapons hanging on the left side. Those filthy, untouched books, covered with animals’ fur were piled up in a corner, beside the stools. The rug that was on the floor smelled like reeking, flesh blood. It was unbearable for them, yet they decided to be silent. There was a black door in front of them and it was locked, covered with large chains.

The man faced them and said earnestly. His face was staid. “When you enter, there are things that might be overbearing to you or it might cause you to go back. They might ask for your help, but bear in mind that those people have killed thousands and have done loathsome deeds. It’s better to keep your distance from them and might as well act like you cannot hear them.”

All of them acknowledged their profound breaths and prepared themselves. The man progressed to the door and opened the bolt with the key. He pulled the chains and gradually opened it, exposing a torrid sense inside. It wasn’t a straight path but it was a way for them underneath the ground. They moved downstairs.

As soon as they saw the light coming from them, the cries and begs echoed inside. Clanking sounds from those bars were highly visible as they probed for aid. Ian led his way and it looked like he became another man they don’t know. His face was stern and they could clearly see the malevolence in his eyes. It was as if they’re facing another side of him which he’s just keeping for some time.

Their eyes were almost sunk as they were skinned to bones. They could see those slender limbs and as if they’re living dead. Some have lost their hair and the hope to live, placing themselves in the dark corners of their cells, curled up. Some have tried to reach them by extending those arms. The place was a total distress and horrific. A small window was giving light to those who’re locked up, revealing the clear blue skies.

One of the cells, which they thought to be empty was somehow different from the others. Slowly, a man rose from the ground and went to see them, holding still the corroded bars.

Vixen was able to see him again. It was the man back then in the third level. Her eyes suddenly went vast when she saw him smirking ominously in her way. Surely, he recognized her too. She didn’t stop herself from getting a gulp from the man’s presence and a question of how he got inside the cell roamed in her mind. Cody was able to see him also and then he realized that it was true that the man was there and somehow, he’s just waiting for the right time to get near the woman.

His eyes travelled to him and his smirk became wider. He didn’t bother to say something to them and watched them passed him. Both of them could hear their hearts pondered, but Guilbert and Miguel didn’t mind to get bothered by him.

They knew that the man still doesn’t have the chance to get outside when he’s under the dominance of Ian. Ian might be a good man, but he has his own demon crippling behind his shadows. He’s just taming himself.

They were moving to the end of the place and suddenly stopped to the last cell to their left. It was completely dark and they couldn’t see anything at all. The man let out a good breath. Putting his hand inside his purses, he cleared his throat and spoke, “Aye. We know that you’re here. Get up, you got some visitors.” He chuckled.

In a couple of seconds, they heard a low, creaking sound from the surface and slowly a woman got up from her spot and the light was able to reach her out, exposing those dark circles around her eyes, messy hair and lean body.

Her dress were now scruffy, exposing some parts of hers. She had lost weight but her presence didn’t change at all. She’s still the Penelope they knew from before – avaricious, cunning and prevailing. A grin was painted on her face when she saw everyone, then came a menacing sneer from her.

“What took you so long to give me a visit here?” Her eyes went large as she eyed each and every one.

“Should I guess what you’re doing here?” She was acting like she’s thinking about something, but evidently, she was just frolicking with them. “Oh, right. You’re here because you need some answers…” She pointed herself and with glorious, she confidently added, “From me.” She bowed her head to them.

Guilbert couldn’t succour himself and dashed to her, pulling those thin clothes. His eyes glistened in menace as he breathed hard. “Stop playing around. We’re not here to feel the guilt on why you’re there right now…locked up.” He pushed her, making her stumbled a few steps back.

He pulled directly the tiny piece of picture he got from Ian and let Penelope see it. Her sneering face drastically changed into an apprehensive one. Her hand reached out to it, but Guilbert swiftly pulled it away from her. “I bet you know who is in this picture.” Now, he’s the one smirking to her.

Vixen glanced over her back and saw the man patiently looking in their orientation together with the others. They could hear those chatters from everyone. Cody gave her a tap and she looked at him. He deliberately shook his head and told her not to mind the man and just focused on what’s in front of them. She slowly obeyed the man’s words and watched Penelope filled herself with havoc.

“Where did you get that thing?” She asked with her coarse voice. She intently looked at Ian when she realized that it was the man’s doing. He just stood straight and raised his eyebrow to her a bit.

“Tell me! Where did you get that thing?” She raised her voice and it wasn’t like her.

Guilbert slowly let out a maddening laugh when he knew that they just dropped the bomb. “Hmm..Do you want answers, Penelope?” He mockingly asked.

The woman gave him her deadliest glare but he didn’t budge. Instead, he kept his composure and faced her with such certainty. But the least that they could expect, the woman precipitously changed her actions. She was laughing so hard while holding her stomach, which left them in such question. She’s in total nuts.

“Do you think I’ll fall for that? Of course not! You can go rot in hell with that piece of trash.” She whispered to Guilbert.

But then, she didn’t know that Guilbert is more of a madman than her. A smirk was still on his face and he moved near to her. He leaned his head for him to whisper straight to Penelope. And it was then, he had confirmed that the child in the picture is her offspring. No mother won’t go berserk when it’s all about her child.

And it was clear for him that Penelope, somehow, is still in touched with the boy. It might be a secret that it’s hard for them to ask from her, but they just need to find the kid. He’s a new lead to her new lair.

“We don’t need to ask you anymore. Just go rot in here and witness how we’ll eradicate this child.” He whispered to her, flapping the picture to irritate her.

Penelope’s eyes showed how fretful she was when she heard him, clenching both of her hands as she gritted her teeth. The man winked at her – he had won the game. He didn’t bother to wait for her response and moved away from the cell. The others were left hanging on how things went. Ian was just smirking and followed Guilbert.

Miguel and Cody paced towards them and asked, “Are we really done here?”

Guilbert simply nodded and put the picture on his pockets. Loshiana and Vixen were left with no choice but to follow the men back to the top. But just before they could take their steps, Penelope gave them some words. She hissed and laughed in irritation.

“You think you’re going to win this game? Just dream continuously.” She spitted on them.

They slowly wiped their faces. “Do you think this is just a game? Then, maybe you can continue to dream by yourself and see for yourself how we’re going to hunt your underlings.”

The woman scoffed to her. “Look who just got her confidence to talk back to me? Loshiana, my dear…Don’t you remember? I helped you. So, maybe you could help me too this time.”

Her eyes were showing concerned to the woman all of a sudden. Maybe it was the guilt she’s feeling right now. Vixen laid out her hand on her shoulder, making her focus on her. She slowly shook her head and told her, “She’s just playing with your emotions right now. Get a grip.”

“Well. Well. Well. I guessed the Eye had learned from her lessons and grew into a fine lady. Awe, what a lovely sight to see.”

She took a deep breath and didn’t bother to look at Penelope. Instead, she decided to pull Loshiana away from the woman and they followed the others.

“See you when I see you, ladies. Don’t let me catch you.” She laughed vigorously as if she wasn’t threatened by Guilbert.

When they’re near the door, Vixen peeked over the guy and their eyes sealed to each other. The prisoner gave her a wink, giving her colds down to her spine. She decided to look straight and helped Loshiana climbed up the stairs and the men assisted them.

Locking the door closed, Ian put the chains back to their place. And when he’s done, he gazed at them and emitted, “Let’s go back in my house and talk things out.”

“Okay.”

“Uh. Can I go to the spring first?” Cody suddenly blunted a question, making everyone gape at him. Then, Guilbert remembered what they have talked early in the morning and said, “Oh, right. Cody wanted to visit the spring.”

“Oh, okay. You’re free to go there, Cody. But be sure to come back in my place before the night touched the ground. You don’t want those wild creatures to hunt you down.” Ian voiced and punched his shoulder slightly and progressed outside the Cell.

“Right. We’ll see you around there, Cody.” Miguel said.

Loshiana and Vixen gave him a pat and a rub on his hair and smiled.

“Don’t let the bug bite you.”

“If you see something suspicious, just go straight back, okay?” Vixen said.

Cody nodded at her and snickered. Lastly, Guilbert eyed on him. His face suddenly changed into a serious one. “Be sure you’ll come back before night.”

“I will. Thank you.”

“Okay, we’re leaving now.”

Unhurriedly, all of them moved first and left Cody with his own plans now. They went straight to Ian’s place, while he progressed to the other road; the narrow one, leading to the spring itself. His guts were taking him there and he had hoped that he would see something in that place.