On the Evil Scale: Keeper of La Tecla (The Key) Book Two

Guardians patrolling Heysham scanned the quiet vast, and empty lot, when the Demons present, began sensing a buzzing magic of a portal beginning to open somewhere. Turning to the Wraiths, they revealed their senses then watched as sparks violently tore a large hole mid-air near the massive warehouse.

“There!” one of the Demons pointed, watching as men, women and children emerged quickly, scampering around fearfully before they all clustered closely together near the warehouse, “Hey…” he and the Guardians rushed forward, reassuring them that they were safe, “it’s all right, what happened?” he looked around.

“Invaders!” a woman cried, holding her son, “They destroyed it!”

“Destroyed what?” one of the Wraiths wondered.

“Everything.” the woman bounced her son in her arms.

Sharing worried glances between then, the Guardians then watched as Steven, Roberto and Nikolaas were last to emerge from the portal that quickly closed behind them as soon as they planted their feet on the concrete lot.

“Oi, what happened?” one of the Wraiths questioned urgently.

“Send word to Yzavela, tell her we made it out!” Roberto hissed.

The Guardian didn’t hesitate, nodding quickly. As he turned, his eyes glanced across the Irish Sea, seeing the island in the far distant line a streak across the horizon. Removing his radio from his pocket, and turning around once more, gazing upon Penrith’s folk, he spoke into the radio, spitting the words urgently.

“Are Steven and Nikolaas there?” a woman’s voice spoke.

“Yes, they were last to come through.” the Wraith answered.

“Get them here NOW, get them all here.” she affirmed, “Guardians are going to open a portal for them to come through, we don’t have time for the ferry. Inform them of that, so they don’t get frightened.”

“Yes, Ma’am.” the Wraith nodded.

“There’s also medical staff here waiting for anyone that’s injured.”

“Got it, I’ll tell them because…” his red Wraith eyes scanned all of the wound men, women and children, “there are many that are.” he closed his eyes, catching the fresh scent of blood sweeping through the air.

“Thank you.” she appreciated.

Tucking the radio back in his pocket, he approaching announcing to all that the island was aware of their arrival and are waiting for them.

“When? Did she say when?” a man barked.

“Now…” the Guardian hissed impatiently, then turned, for Demon Guardians announced that a portal was beginning to open for their senses picked up on the buzzing magic, “told you, mate…” and as he watched the portal grow in size, from its swirling center, it spewed a petite figure that emerged with six Guardians, wolf and dragon.

“Yzavela!” Steven sped forward, appearing on the dock ahead of her.

“Steven!” I rushed forward, “Are you all right?!”

“No, not really.” the Wraith complained, “But I’m alive.”

“Where’s Roberto and Nikolaas?” I veered around him searching for the Demon and Wraith.

“Roberto is with Nikolaas, he used too much magic at once…and it almost burned him out.” Steven worried as he turned, waving a hand toward the warehouse where the Hungarian and Puerto Rican sat on the ground.

“Right.” I frowned, then turned to the six Guardians, urging them to get everyone through and to take all of the injured to Matthews and Beth, “They’re waiting, go…” I gestured ahead then looked at Steven, sharing a worried expression before I veered around him, making my way toward Nikolaas and Roberto, “hey…” I greeted softly, “is he?” I looked at Roberto, who knelt alongside the unconscious Demon.

“Alive?” Roberto rasped, “Si, but exhausted and rained.”

Kneeling alongside the Hungarian, I studied the wounds that grazed his chest, face and arms, then slowly reached out for his right arm. I gasped softly, seeing his level 5 rank tattoo pulsating before it faded out completely, leaving only a black mark upon his skin.

“How much magic did he use?” I asked the two Wraiths that stood.

“If we had to guess, most, if not all of it.” Roberto looked at Steven.

“Enough to create a lightning storm on the ground. How’s that as an answer?” Steven groaned.

I never knew level 5 Demons cold exhaust most of the magic to the point where they wind up unconscious, but I did know that they had a limit of how much arcane practices they could use at once. Turning to the Guardians that patrolled Heysham, I instructed them to take Nikolaas and his friends directly to the hospital. Receiving a series of brief nods in affirmation of the orders, I stood, then stepped aside as the men knelt, lifting the Hungarian to his feet, draping their arms around their shoulders. Watching as the Wraiths followed the two Guardians down the dock and through the portal, I combed my hair back, sighing heavily, then continued urging the townsfolk through the portal that couldn’t be kept open much longer. Standing on the dock, I glanced back, remembering the day where my mom and I had come through here with Bobby, and in the distance, I could see thick tips of smoke swirling high in the air.

“Yza…” one of the Guardians shouted, beckoning her forward, “we have to close the portal, come on love!”

Hearing the man calling my name, I turned, carefully running down the dock with Zanzabarr and Abraxas, and once appearing on the Isle, I turned watching as the portal closed behind me, leaving only sights of the Irish Sea and its black waters from the evening light and moon shining upon the surface.

Residents in RP&V watched as the crowd from Penrith was smaller than they hoped, which meant some of their loved ones and friends must have perished.

The terrified, and homeless families and individuals huddled closely together on the harbor, glancing around in fear with tears; children had no time to put shoes on their small, bare feet, and dressed still in their pajamas, as were the parents. They even held onto their favorite toys for comfort, or suckled on their thumbs. They listened to all of the Guardians instructions to get off the harbor and dock and up the slope into RP&V where they would receive proper care according to their needs. Both Steven and Nikolaas, as well as Yzavela, also firmly offered their beckoning pleas. As Penrith’s folk followed a thick line of Guardians, entering the village square, many of the Isle’s residents rushed through, greeting loved ones and friends, while others handed out blankets, taking the injured to the hospital where Matthews and Beth stood outside, guiding them to the proper ward for care.

The Isle’s Demons and half-breeds felt pounding headaches from the screaming thoughts of the townsfolk, but they blocked it out, putting their own thoughts in a box, preventing themselves from reaching out to others.

Walking through RP&V examining the helpless men, women and all of the children with blood covered faces, hands and lounge wear that might have had tears in some places, the scene reminded me perfectly of the night when my mom and I barely fled the Great City but never could I compare our experience to those of these people. As I stood, scanning the mass, I couldn’t believe how many left there were, and I had expected more than what stood in the village, even though most had already been sent to the Isle.

“THIS IS MY FAULT…” I taunted myself as I paced nervously, “THIS IS MY FAULT, THIS PROBABLY WOULDN’T HAVE HAPPENED IF I HADN’T ASKED BOTH NIKOLAAS AND STEVEN TO SEND SOME WRAITHS AND DEMONS.” I let out a deep sigh, “THEY COULD’VE BEEN THERE TO HELP, AND DEFEND THEIR HOMES.” I paused, watching as women fell to their knees, crying in anguish as they lost their homes, or even their husbands and children, while the mortals suffered head wounds, gunshots or broken bones; the Wraiths and Demons too had mild injuries but began healing slowly due to traces of Vervain and liquid iron remaining in their veins, “I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS.” my eyes watched as the Demons attempted conjuring sparks of their magic to heal their wounds and that of their friends and mortals, but they had required blood transfusions which I didn’t think were possible for Demons considering they were purebloods and half-breeds, and none of us have blood types per say but Matthews and Beth knew how to care for the supernatural men, women and children.

Nikolaas had regained consciousness, standing outside the hospital with both Steven and Roberto by his side. Running his trembling, and unsteady hands through his stringy black hair, he examined the faint traces of blood that stained his palms. Attempting to rub it off on his lounge wear, it proved ineffective. Moaning in agitation, he let out a few deep huffs and Hungarian slurs.

“Nik…” Steven rasped, placing a hand on his shoulder, “take it easy.”

“You shouldn’t be out here, you should be resting inside.” Roberto added softly, placing a hand on the man’s other shoulder.

“I can’t, and won’t, sit by and do nothing.” Nikolaas quickly glanced between the two Wraiths that he could trust with his life and putting trust in anyone was difficult for the Hungarian, “I can’t.”

“And you’re not, but you need to rest.” Steven argued firmly.

“He’s right.” a woman’s voice approached.

The three men turned, watching as Yzavela approached with Abraxas and Zanzabarr in her company. Adjusting their shirts, making sure they looked presentable, they each apologized for their inappropriate manner of dress.

“Don’t be sorry…” I reassured, “but they’re right Nikolaas, you need to rest before you can take care of anyone.” I turned, glancing toward the crowd that continued parting and dispersing to the hospital and spare rooms at the Inn across the street, “They’re safe now, as safe as they can be.” I looked back at the Hungarian, “But what happened?”

“They attacked us.” Nikolaas groaned, “A General Matrx and his…” he paused, still feeling fatigued, “militia of Nightwalkers, Shayds and Lycynians, and mortals of course.” he finished.

“General Matrx?” I wondered curiously, stepping aside, allowing men to pass through, carrying their sleeping, or crying children.

“You know?” Roberto pondered, studying her uneasy mannerisms as she rubbed her arms, feeling an unsettling chill.

“Personally, no but I have heard of him. He was the heartless bastard that issued the martial law in the Great City, under Drakuul’s decree.” I rasped softly, standing near him, “I’ve never seen him up close, but I have heard that he’s ruthless.” I sniffled, shaking my head, “Now, I hate to ask this right now, but…how did you escape?”

“Escape?” Nikolaas unintentionally barked, “Not everyone escaped.”

“That’s not what she meant!” Steven hissed aggressively, flashing his red eyes, leering at the Hungarian, “She welcomed us here, show her the respect she deserves when she’s the only one that cared enough to take us in.”

“Steven, it’s all right…” I muttered, “I shouldn’t have asked like that.”

“No, Steven’s right.” Nikolaas groaned, looking at her, “Apologies. I meant no offense, but please…I don’t want to talk about it now.”

“That’s fine, perfectly fine.” I approached the Hungarian, “You had helped my mom and I once, and I’m more than happy to repay the favor in way that I can, hmm?” I nodded, “Now please, get some rest.”

“Yza?!” a man’s voice called out her name from the thick crowd.

Turning around, I could see Anthony and Thomas pushing their way through the mass. Seeing the Italian brothers waving their arms above their heads in urgency, I smiled then glanced back at the two Wraiths and Demons.

“I have to go.”

“It’s all right.” Nikolaas moaned, “Perhaps I will rest, yes.” his dark eyes felt heavy, before he stumbled, losing his balance.

“Oh my god…” I worried, “is he…is he?”

“We’ll take care of him, you go…” Steven urged her gently, placing a hand on her shoulder, “after he rests and once the people have been settled, we’ll find you and tell you more but right…” he gazed over her shoulder, watching as two men approached swiftly, “I think you are needed elsewhere.” he nodded.

“Y-yeah, okay.” I patted his arm. Stepping back, watching as the two Wraiths shuffled Nikolaas back through the sliding front doors of the hospital, I sighed heavily then turned, greeting both Anthony and Thomas, “Hey…” I leaned into Anthony’s arms as he reached for me.

“This can’t be happening.” Thomas pondered, watching the crowd.

“But it is.” Anthony moaned, holding Yzavela close, “We managed to hear bits from the Guardians, the men that did this were from the Great City?” he gently pulled away, looking down at her.

“Yes.” I looked up at him, then over at Thomas, “Even though they didn’t tell me, I could see it from Nikolaas’ memories…the mortals, and supernaturals or paranormals in their trucks and tanks, shooting their guns destroying the town. I don’t even think Nikolaas realized that I peeked around his mind, that’s how worn out he is.” I felt tears.

“Worn out?” Thomas wondered.

“In a sense.” I wiped away a few tears that ran down my cheeks, “I’ll tell you later.” I leaned into Anthony’s arms once more, needing him.

“Yza?!” Jonathan’s voice shouted her name loudly, “Yza?!”

Veering around Anthony, I watched as both Jonathan and Erik swept through, approaching where Thomas, Anthony and I stood on the steps of the hospital.

“Yza, is it true?” Jonathan finished, “What the Guardians are saying?”

“Look around, what do you think?” I complained.

“And Nik?” Erik added, “Steven and Roberto?”

“They’re inside, but Nikolaas is practically burnt out.” I muttered.

“All right, what does this mean, worn out and burnt out?” Thomas rasped, placing his hands on his hips, “Am I missing something?”

“It’s a Demon thing, mate.” Jonathan looked at him, “When we, and half-breeds use too much of our magic at once, it’s like a battery that dies down before it recharges. It’s worse for level 5 purebloods like Nik.” he nodded, placing his hands on his hips in the same manner, “I can’t say I’ve ever been there but it could be dangerous if we’re not careful. Just ask Wyatt.” he shrugged.

“But they’re all right though, right?” Erik worried for his friends.

“They’re trying to be.” I affirmed, “And so must we.” I then turned, hearing the doors slide open, “I thought you were resting?” I spotted Steven emerging through the entrance.

“I’m not tired.” the Wraith shrugged, then glanced toward Jonathan and Erik, “Hey, kids…” he grinned, then shared a quick hug with the two Demons before pulling away, patting their shoulders, then he glanced at Anthony, “You’re here?” he groaned, “A Lycynian?”

“Excuse me?” Anthony frowned, “I’ve done nothing to you.”

“No, but your kind had a part in this.” Steven hissed deeply.

“Hey!” I argued, standing in front Anthony, leering at Steven, “Just because you have a negative experience with those out here, and soon I’m sure with Leonus, you don’t come here and judge the others that have done nothing to you. Don’t hold them responsible for what they, out there, did to you! Anthony is my husband, and you will not disrespect him, is that clear?” I affirmed proudly, feeling Anthony’s hands inconspicuously reaching for mine as he stood behind me.

Knowing he was making a mistake, Steve nodded then apologized.

“You’re right, I’m sorry.” he looked at the Italian, “Truly I am, you know that we…” he gestured at the distance between them, “do not get along, and that it’s just in our nature.”

“It might in our nature that’s true, but we don’t have to live by it, for I have nothing against you and your kind.” Anthony growled, “But you’re forgiven.” he nodded, “This time, there won’t be another.”

“Fair enough.” Steven agreed respectfully, then turned away, luring Erik and Jonathan away as he descended the steps, wanting to have a hand in helping his people settle.

“What was that?” I turned to Anthony, “Again?”

“I’m tired of having the Wraiths think I’m a mongrel, I’ve dealt with it too long and I can’t tolerate it anymore, especially from someone who knows nothing about me.” Anthony argued bluntly, “And Yza, my darling, I won’t apologize for it.” he took her hands, giving them a quick kiss, then backed away.

“An…” I called out to him, “Anthony?!” but he didn’t reply, “Um, I must be missing someone here, what the hell was that?!” I looked at Thomas.

“That, my dear girl, is Anthony’s temper getting the best of him.” he looked down at her, “But at least he’s smart enough to walk away before you burn his a** hmm?” he grinned, nudging her gently.

“That’s not funny.” I didn’t find the humor.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean it to be.” Thomas surrendered the conversation, “I should go find Louisa, I’m sure she’s around here somewhere. If I see Anthony, I’ll let him know that…”

“No, don’t.” I interrupted, “Leave him be.” I nodded, then parted as I walked through the crowd. Scanning the faces, I then just couldn’t believe me eyes, “Bobby?!” I called out to the older gentleman that turned to the sound of my voice, “Oh my god, Bobby!” I greeted in a rush with a wide smile, “W-what are you doing here?!”

“My family and I moved to Penrith a few months ago. We never had the chance to move to Paris when we should have, and our town was destroyed. Knowing we would be safe among Nikolaas’ people, we’re more than welcome, but that was mistake.” Bobby complained, “And you? Are you and your mum doing well, where is she?” he searched for the woman in question.

“Believe it or not, I don’t know.” I looked around, “She’s somewhere.”

“Yza?!” Wyatt approached her and the older gentleman.

“Wyatt.” I greeted, “This is Bobby.”

“Ah, Bobby.” the Demon nodded, “I’ve heard of you.”

“Have you now?” Bobby studied the tall, 6’4 Swedish Demon.

“Just that you arrange transportation, and worked with Marxus.”

“Ah, yes…that.” Bobby complained, then watched the way he looked at Yzavela, completely misinterpreting their relationship, “Ah, I see.” he nodded, “Are the two of you…” he gestured between them.

“No.” I grinned, “Wyatt is a friend, and Guardian.”

“Friends only.” Wyatt clarified, “I’m taken, and she’s engaged.” he pointed at Yzavela who giggled softly.

“Ah, well…good for you, both of you.” Bobby nodded, then took a look toward the hospital, “My family is probably looking for me, so I think I should go and find them. It was a pleasure seeing you again, perhaps once this settles, we can get together and catch up on all of your adventures, hmm?”

“Of course, I’m sure my mom would love that.” I smiled, then gently turned him toward the hospital, “Go find your family and give them my best, I too, would love to meet them.”

“Soon.” Bobby grinned, then walked past her.

“What the hell would give him the assumption that we were dating?” Wyatt complained softly, looking down at Yzavela, curiously raising his eyebrows.

“I don’t know, but you made it clear that we’re not.” I grinned, then nudged him teasingly, “Get back to work, please?” I looked up at his tall stature.

Nodding, offering her a friendly grin, he turned, swiftly disappearing into the crowd.

Sighing heavily, I looked around Zanzabarr and Abraxas but I didn’t see them anywhere. Calling out to them urgently, I found them near the gazebo, keeping out of everyone’s way for they were becoming a bit agitated by all of the new scents of Wraiths and Demons. Once I approached, greeting them, I instructed the Zyphyn to take the wolf back to the suite, and that I would be home as soon as I could, once the chaos ceased.

Among the survivors, a young woman who arrived with both of her mortal parents, searched the crowd. She an Irish Wraith with a light shade of Auburn red hair that hung past her shoulder that was had a natural wave, and big green eyes. Spotting someone she recognized from her youth, her eyes widened in surprised because it’s been seven years since she had seen him.

“Jonathan!” she called out, waving her arms, “Johnny!” she called out again, but it was masked by the loud echo. Hoping that her waving arms would attract his attention, but backed away quickly bumping into a figure that appeared behind her. Feeling the drop something at her feet, she turned, seeing a pile of blankets laying in jumbled heap, “Oh my god, I’m sorry.” she knelt then became starstruck, deeply and attractively staring into big brown eyes, “I’m so sorry…”

“It’s, uh…” Nick too, was stunned her beauty and red hair, “yeah, it’s my fault. I wasn’t watching where I was going, and they’re just uh, blankets.” he grinned, “I’m Nick.” he introduced himself, helping her to her feet like a gentleman, “One of the Guardians.” he gestured at his uniform and badge.

“I’m Clarissa.” she answered, “Wraith.” she flashed her red eyes.

“Me too.” the words rushed from his mouth, “God, I’m sorry.” he closed his eyes, feeling stupid, “I don’t know why I said it like that.”

“It’s all right.” Clarissa giggled, and in that moment, Jonathan was far from her mind, “Um, can I walk with you? I don’t know anything about this place, and I’m a bit lost as to where everything is.”

“Sure.” Nick nodded, “Are you…here alone?”

“No, I came with my family. They’re around here somewhere, we got separated in the rush.” she frantically looked around.

“Stupid question here, but are your parents Wraiths too?”

“Um…” Clarissa looked at him, “no, they’re… mortals. It’s a long story, and one that I don’t like telling random strangers.” she grinned.

“No, I get it.” Nick attempted raising his hands but needed to make sure he didn’t drop the blankets again on the cobblestone streets, “I can help you find them, that’s what I meant to say but poorly done.”

“I left by the warehouse over there, but then once the Guardians had begun instructing everyone elsewhere, that’s when we got separated.” Clarissa continued searching for parents, then shrieked, “There they are!” she pointed through the crowd, then sped through, appearing in front of her mother and father.

Nick sped after her, appearing a few inches away, watching as she and her parents shared worried hugs. Looking around, feeling like a third wheel, he turned, biting his lip into a pout then heard his name mentioned.

“Hmm?” he turned back to them.

“Nick, these are my parents.” Clarissa introduced, “This is Nick, he helped me find you.”

“It was nothing really.” Nick gulped awkwardly, smiling at the young woman’s parents; her mother showed her gratitude, while her father was stern and unappreciative.

“We’re fine.” he dismissed the Wraith.

“Papa, stop it…he’s just being nice.” Clarissa argued bluntly.

“And you know what nice boys want from young women like you. It wouldn’t be the first time, or have you forgotten?” he barked, leering at her.

“No, I haven’t.” Clarissa hissed aggressively, “And clearly you are not afraid of reminding me of it every single time I talk to a cute boy.”

Nick widened his dark eyes, feeling like he was part of something he didn’t know he was.

“Um, excuse me Sir…” Nick turned, laying the blankets down, “you are getting the wrong idea, I bumped into your daughter and helped her find you. I didn’t approach her and certainly wouldn’t treat her like the men that you’re speaking of! I’m one of the Guardians here, I did my job helping her so…” he reached for the blankets, “hope you find your accommodations, whatever they be, to your satisfaction.” he glanced toward Clarissa, “Goodnight, Miss…” he bowed, then he turned, walking away.

Clarissa’s father, Patrick-Dylan Cavanaugh was a staunch Irishman, and was overly protective of his wife and daughter, even men looked at the wrong way, his temper would get the best of him, just as it did that very moment.

Her mother, Emma-Lauren Cavanaugh shook her head, then turned, walking with away with her daughter, strolling toward the Inn where they had been given a room. Showing her the key-card, she looped her arm through Clarissa’s and disappeared into the crowd, venturing to the tall establishment.

Hours later, the Penrith folk were settled, and the Jinn had appeared at the pub where Yzavela, Anthony, Lady D, Thomas and several of the Guardians sat around, quietly at the tables and booths, just being in the moment, pondering everything. Even Leonus and Derek sat in a nearby booth, sharing quiet drinks.

“I can’t believe this.” Natash spoke, sitting next to Lady D.

“None of us can.” Azir added, sitting next to Yzavela.

“It’s too much for anyone to handle at once.” I leaned forward, and buried my face in my hands, then ran my fingers through my hair. As I raised my gaze, looking at the Jinn, I knew there was absolutely no need in explaining what had happened because they could see all of it for themselves just by looking into my eyes, or reading my thoughts I had left open for them.

“Those poor souls.” Natash pondered softly, looking around, “The women and children too…” her heart sank, “I can’t imagine it.” her golden eyes looking at Azir, reaching for his hand, giving it a quick squeeze.

“This just means that Drakuul is getting closer.” Azir looked down at Yzavela, “Quicker than any of us expected, Penrith is just a start.”

“I know.” I complained, then leaned into Anthony’s arms after both he and I discussed his previous behavior that I wouldn’t tolerate.

“Now what?” Lady D fretted.

“First, we make sure these people are safe.” Leonus announced as he turned, looking around the room. Standing from the booth, he stood in the center of the pub, “Then we go to war and give ’em everything we’ve got.” he nodded toward Yzavela, as if putting aside his hatred for her.

“What just happened?” Nick whispered, looking at Caleb and Justin, “Is he actually agreeing with her without argument?”

“Yeah, and it’s bloody creepy.” Caleb frowned, sipping his drink.

“This is Leonus…” Derek leaned over, whispering to them, “he has something up his sleeve, don’t believe the sincerity for a moment.”

“We’re not stupid, mutt…” Justin leered at the Samoan, “zip it.”

“We have Jinn, Lycynians, mortals, Demons and bloodsuckers.” the Scotsman finished, “We are prepared enough as we can get, do you not agree?” he leered toward Yzavela who stood.

“Agreed.” I nodded, folding my arms, “Although, I think you had forgotten about dragons and a hellhound, but yes…we go to war.” I looked at the Scotsman then turned to Azir.

The Jinn bowed then stood, proudly declaring their presence.