Legacy of the Demon (54 page)

“Good plan.” I grinned. “You hungry?”

“Starving. But I could really use a shower first, if you don't mind.”

I sent him off with a promise of a loaner t-shirt and fatigue pants, unspeakably relieved that he'd emerged oriented and accepting and calm.

As soon as he left, Cory's pod vibrated.

“He was waiting,” Szerain said.

“I suppose I can understand wanting a little privacy for unpodding,” I said with a shaky laugh. Marco had come through all right, but . . . yeah. Demons. Pods. Mutations. I grabbed a sheet.

The sphere dispersed to mist, but I stood gaping rather than draping. Like Knight, Cory lay in a fetal position, but unlike Knight, he was definitely . . . different.

No way would we be hiding this with a pair of contacts. Though Cory remained quite human-shaped, and his right leg still ended mid-thigh, the skin of his shoulders and upper arms was
alive with slowly shifting colors, rich and bright like impossibly flawless tattooing. His hair hung to his shoulders in perfect waves, with each strand a vibrant hue—hysterically ironic considering that the man had always avoided anything brighter than brown.

But the clincher was the trio of tails that curled around him. Bright and furry tails as thick as Ashava's wrist and who-the-hell-knew how long.

Cory shifted, tails moving with sinuous grace to help him push up to a sit. I snapped out of my shock and thrust the sheet around him.

“Welcome back!” I grabbed a towel and held it out.

He took it with a smile and wiped off his face. “Glad to be back,” he said. A bright blue tail snaked out to better arrange the sheet over his privates. Cory cocked his head at the tail and laughed. “Ain't that some shit?”

“Um. Yeah. That's one way to put it.”

His mustache was gone, and the rest of his face held zero hint of stubble. When he ran his hand over his hair, it seemed to move of its own accord. Like Knight, his pupils held a flicker of rakkuhr, but Cory's irises gradually shifted from one rich color to another. Turquoise to amber to violet and more. Mesmerizing.

“I've been dying to try this!” Using the tails as support, he stood and got his balance on his one leg, then walked several steps—slowly, cautiously, and bit awkwardly—but most certainly attaining ambulation.

“Nice!” I said in genuine awe. “The basement shower is open if you think you can make it down the steps, or you can wait for Marco to finish up in the bathroom down the hall.” This was surreal as hell, but at least the changes seemed to suit both men.

“I'll give the stairs a try.” Cory retucked the sheet around his waist then pointed a tail at the laptop. “Someone's trying to get your attention.”

“Huh?” The camera light was blinking erratically. “Oh. I'll get our tech to check it out.”

“No. It's Morse code. It's repeating ‘Kara' over and over.”

“What the . . .” I had no reason to doubt Cory, considering his ham radio skills. And there was only one person I knew who could and would hack into our system—into
any
system.

“A new pattern started as soon as you looked over,” Cory said then watched it closely until the light stopped blinking. “It says, ‘Thought you would want to see this. Paul.'”

Not only was Paul watching us, he knew Cory was a ham
radio operator and would know Morse code. Damn, the kid was scary sharp—as tapped in to electronic “flows” as I was to the arcane ones back when I could get all lordy on the nexus.

The screen went dark, then a single picture appeared. Perhaps from the camera of a laptop, judging by the angle. Paul had eyes everywhere.

I leaned in close to get a better view. Tessa was seated, half-facing the camera. Rhyzkahl stood behind her, hands gripping her shoulders, and expression dark. She looked haggard and worn. Not at all like the Tessa I knew. Her typically wild and curly blond hair was cropped short, and her eyes were puffy and bloodshot. In the background, Angus McDunn stood in profile. His expression and raised fist led me to believe he was arguing with someone off camera.

Ten seconds later, the image vanished, and the screen returned to the paused Kadir video. I pushed down the powerful urge to slap duct tape over the camera—mostly because it would be pointless considering how easily he could spy on us through the many security cameras we had around the place.

“What was that all about?” Cory asked.

“Just a jokester friend,” I said lightly. “He probably thought he'd have me stumped with the Morse code. Nothing to worry about.” I gave a little laugh. No need to drag Cory any deeper without reason.

“Lucky I was here.” He smiled, but the shrewd look in his eye reminded me that he'd been a cop for over fifteen years. He wasn't fooled. “Shower time,” he said then tail-stumped off, balance and coordination improving with every odd step.

As soon as he was gone, Szerain shoved the lid of the laptop closed. “Shit.”

“My sentiments, exactly.”

“You have a plan?”

“Not right now, I don't. We'll come up with something after the debrief tomorrow.” I gazed down at the crushed sofa-bed and the puddles of goo, the only remaining evidence of the two pods. “If Tessa needs help, we'll help her. If she's an enemy, we'll capture her. Either way, we need to root her out along with whatever crew she's hanging with.” I tugged both hands through my hair. “I think Boudreaux may know more about McDunn's whereabouts than he's letting on. And maybe this overture from Paul means he'll be more accessible. But I need to eat and sleep before I can deal with any of it.”

Michael shoved the front door open. “Hey, everyone!” he hollered. “Squig and Fillion were hiding in Jill's truck. You gotta see!” He dashed off and leaped down the steps.

Jill came down the hall, followed by Ashava. “What's going on?”

“It seems the missing catlets have been found,” I said then gestured toward the goo-puddles. “And we have two more for dinner. Makonite and Krawkor, formerly known as Marco Knight and Cory Crawford, and who are both currently showering off pod-gook.”

Jill muttered something under her breath then followed Szerain and me outside. Bryce leaned on the porch rail, a big grin plastered on his face. His gaze tracked something in the air. A bird?

Jill moved close to Bryce's side. “Is that a . . .”

Bryce gave a laugh. “Yes. Yes it is.”

I stared. From high above the driveway, a metallic-silver furball streaked toward a bewildered, tongue-lolling Sammy.

“Fillion!” Michael called. “Be a good kitty.”

The catlet spread big bat wings wide to slow his dive, then spat a weak bolt of arcane energy at Sammy's tail before climbing again. Sammy yelped but immediately bounded around, barking upward as if wanting more of the game.

“Bryce?” I managed to get out.

“Seems the kittens stowed away in the back of Jill's truck,” he said, eyes dancing with amusement. “She drove them straight to the middle of the mutagen.”

Jill smacked him on the arm, grinning. “Not on purpose!”

“Oh no,” I groaned. “And they didn't have makkas, so they mutated.” Holy shit, that was
fast.
If we hadn't shut down the flow, the world would have been unrecognizable in a matter of days.

“Are they still friendly?” I asked. “And where's the other one?”

“I'll show you!” Michael dashed down the steps and peered into the bushes. “C'mon out, Squig! Peoples here to see you.”

Out of the bushes stalked a winged catlet covered with furry green scales, tail straight up in the air. A tail covered with needle spikes instead of fur. I had the awful suspicion that she just might be able to hurl them.

“Good girl, Squig.” Michael scooped her up and cradled her close, the biggest grin ever plastered on his face. “See, Kara?”

I grinned right back, relieved that Squig had flattened the needle spikes to avoid injuring Michael. “I see.”

Szerain draped his arm over my shoulders. “Just wait 'til they grow up.”

“I almost feel sorry for Fuzzykins,” I said, giving a mock-shudder.

Ashava tugged on Jill's hands. “Mom, can I play with Fillion? Pleeeeeease?”

“Sure, sweetie. Just be careful with . . .” She trailed off as Ashava ran and made a flying leap off the porch, transforming midair into a blue and silver dragonet about twice the size of Fillion. “Alrighty then,” Jill choked out then laughed as Ashava and Fillion started a game of aerial tag.

Szerain's arm tightened around me. I looked over to see tears gleaming in his eyes as he watched the young qaztehl play.

“She's beautiful,” he said in a cracked whisper. “So free.”

The pain and envy in his voice tugged at my heart. He'd been crippled and enslaved for thousands of years. How could he dare to believe he might someday be truly free?

I pulled him close. “You'll join her up there soon. I promise you that.”

He gave a shaky smile, hope flickering weakly behind the despair in his eyes.

Jill peered toward the sky. “Ashava, dinner in ten minutes! No wings or claws at the table!”

The dragonet bugled an acknowledgement then did a neat barrel roll around Fillion.

“Spaghetti and meatballs, with green beans from Rhyzkahl's garden,” Jill announced to the rest of us as she pushed off the rail. “If y'all behave, Ashava and I will make chocolate donuts for dessert.”

I sucked in a breath. “Real chocolate donuts?”

“Real chocolate donuts.” Her eyes sparkled. “I made sure to get all the ingredients during my pre-summoning errands.”

“Sounds like heaven,” I said, sighing happily. I placed my hand over the leaf and Mzatal's ring, pressed both tight over his sigil, and willed an impression of this one perfect moment to him. Later, I'd tackle demon pacts, lordy machinations, alien antics, and the billion other issues that weighed on my heart and mind.

But for this little slice of now, I planned to enjoy the company of family, friends, and demonic battle
kittens.

Terms Related to the Demon Realm

Anomaly:
A tear in the dimensional fabric. Various causes. Effects can be catastrophic. Repairs done by demahnk, demonic lords, and (for small anomalies) syraza.

Blade (verb):
To stab a being with an essence blade. With rare exceptions, results in permanent death and a scattering or consumption of the target's essence. The body of one killed by an essence blade will not discorporeate.

Demon realm and demon language:
The world of the demons and demonic lords. The demon language has never been fully mastered by a human because of the verbal complexity and telepathic component. The same sound may have a multitude of different meaning depending on the telepathic pattern behind it. The demon word for their world is heavily telepathic and seventeen syllables.

Demahnk:
Non-corporeal beings who take on demon and human forms. Their demon form looks like a large syraza with ridges on the torso and skull. Sometimes called “Elder syraza.” Each of the eleven is ptarl bound to a lord, with the exception of Zakaar. The lords are half demahnk, half human.

Demahnk Council/Demon Council:
Comprised of the eleven demahnk ptarl/advisors of the lords. Holds power and influence that Kara is still discovering. Enforcers of Szerain's exile.

Demonic lord:
Half human, half demahnk hybrid. Able to monitor, maintain, and influence the potency flows of the demon realm.

Earthgate:
One of eleven gateways between the Earth and demon realm. Defunct for thousands of years.

Eleven
: A significant number in the demon realm in rituals, architecture, and managing potency. Also, the number of demonic lords (before Ashava).

Discorporeate:
The immediate dissolution and disappearance of the physical form after death when the death occurs on the non-home world. A demon that dies on Earth will discorporeate with a chance of resurrecting in the demon realm, and the same goes for a human who dies in the demon realm. Death by blading precludes discorporeation.

Essence blades:
Three knives created by Mzatal as artifacts of power.
Khatur
(Mzatal),
Xhan
(Rhyzkahl's, but currently with Mzatal),
Vsuhl
(Szerain).

Lord headache:
Excruciating head pain triggered by thoughts of topics deemed off limits by the demahnk council.

Manipulation:
The altering of memories or controlling of actions through telepathic means. Utilized by demonic lords and demahnk.

Mutagen:
Specialized rakkuhr that can cause mutations.

Mraztur:
Derogatory demon word used by Kara and her allies to refer to the demonic lords unified against her personal interests and those of Earth. Rhyzkahl, Jesral, Amkir, and Kadir. Rough translation (per Seretis): motherfucking asshole dickwad defilers.

Nexus:
A confluence of potency streams harnessed as a focal point of power in each lord's realm. Universally marked by a platform of stone, wood, or crystal surrounded by eleven columns. Foundation for the most powerful rituals. Mzatal and Kara created a basic nexus in Kara's back yard. Mzatal later amplified it by anchoring Rhyzkahl to it.

Plexus
: The chamber in each lord's realm where the arcane potency flows of the planet can be monitored, manipulated, and adjusted by a demonic lord. Used daily, often for many hours at a time. Most are furnished for comfort during long work sessions. Kara's rough translation:
a demonic lord's man-cave.

Ptarl:
The demahnk counselor and advisor to a demonic lord.

Qaztahl:
Demon word for demonic lord. Both singular and plural. The lords are human in general appearance, but have a palpable energy aura and are able to shape and wield potency. Mind readers. Fully responsible for maintaining the potency stability of the planet. It is the one matter they agree on without question.

Rowan:
As yet enigmatic personality that Rhyzkahl intended to overlay on Kara. Demonstrated arrogance and sense of invulnerability. Seems to be familiar with Szerain.

The Cataclysm:
Demon realm disaster that began in the 17th century and lasted nearly a century. Earthquakes, floods, fire rain, and rifts in the dimensional fabric. Started by a ritual performed by Szerain and Elinor.

The Conclave:
An annual meeting of all qaztahl where global issues are addressed and plexus schedules for the upcoming year are confirmed. Outward hostility is frowned upon. Intrigue is rife.

The groves:
Clusters of white-trunked trees that form a network of organic teleportation nodes, with one in each realm of the eleven qaztahl and a dozen or so more scattered across the planet. Animate and sentient. a.k.a. Rho. Kara has a unique relationship with the groves. Teleportation can only be activated by a lord, demahnk, or Kara. Each grove has a
mehnta
as its caretaker—a lifelong commitment.

The “others”:
The vague designation given by Zack for ones he cannot speak of who, along with the Demahnk Council, hold and enforce ancient oaths.

The Three:
Mzatal, Rhyzkahl, and Szerain when they each bore their essence blades. Dominated the demon realm unchallenged and unchallengeable for centuries.

Valve:
An arcane conduit between the demon realm and Earth that acts as a potency pressure valve to help stabilize the demon realm.

Terms Related to Earth

Arcane Investigations:
FBI special task force in charge of demon and arcane-related action and investigation.

Bertha:
Cory Crawford's 1976 Chevy Nova. Kitted out with ham radio equipment.

Bloodbath Summoning:
An attempt over thirty years ago by Peter Cerise and five other summoners to summon Szerain. Rhyzkahl came through instead and slaughtered all the summoners but Cerise, (including Kara's grandmother, Gracie Pazhel). Tessa witnessed.

DIRT:
Acronym for Demonic Incursion Retaliation and Tactics. Special units on the frontlines of rift formation and invading demon suppression.

DNN:
Demon News Network. Television network devoted to coverage of rifts and demon activity.

Federal Command Center a.k.a. Fed Central:
Beaulac Ground Zero headquarters for DHS, NSA, CIA, and other national agencies, with the FBI Arcane Investigations task force taking the lead. Located in what used to be the Southern Louisiana Heart Hospital, now converted into a secure compound.

Kara's Kompound:
Nickname for Kara's house and property.

Ground Zero:
The Beaulac PD parking lot and immediate surroundings. Relates to the valve explosion and its resulting destruction and arcane activity.

Rift:
An opening in the dimensional fabric, often manifesting on Earth in the form of surface crevices that span anywhere from a few inches to hundreds of feet in length. Jontari can use them to travel between the demon realm and Earth.

Skeeter:
Slang for “mosquito”. DIRT code word for a winged demon.

SkeeterCheater:
Graphene-enhanced netting capable of holding a demon physically. Relatively immune to their arcane attempts to break free. Used to cover or partially cover rifts to slow demon arrivals. Exorbitantly expensive to produce.

StarFire Security:
Legitimate high-end security company owned by J.M. Farouche.

Symbol Man:
Peter Cerise. Serial killer who used blood and death magic. Tried to summon and bind Rhyzkahl. Killed by Rhyzkahl.

The Child Find League:
Non-profit organization founded by J.M. Farouche to help find missing children. Impressive track record.

The Demonic Lords – the Qaztahl

Amkir
(AHM-keer) Ptarl:
Dima
. One of the Mraztur. Light olive complexion, short dark hair. Unsmiling. Known for his temper.

Ashava
(Ah-SHA-vah) No ptarl. Two-month old daughter of Jill Faciane and the demankh Zakaar (Zack Garner). Kidnapped by Szerain and Zack. In hiding from Xharbek. The only free demonic lord (a
qaztehl
).

Elofir
(EL-oh-fear) Ptarl:
Greeyer
. Short sandy-blond hair. Slim, athletic build. Calm, gentle, deeply caring. Enjoys the quiet of his wooded realm. Zharkat of Michelle Cleland. Pacifist by nature.

Jesral
(JEZ-rahl) Ptarl:
Ssahr
. One of the Mraztur. Slim, brown hair, keen gaze, impeccably styled and graceful. Smiling, outwardly friendly. Slick, cold, and calculating.

Kadir
(kuh-DEER) Ptarl:
Helori
, estranged. One of the Mraztur. Tall, slender, blond, androgynous. Cold, psychopathic, chaotic, vicious. Utterly brilliant. Lives slightly “out of phase” with the rest of the demon realm. Nicknamed “Creepshow” by Kara. Associated demons:
Sehkeril
(reyza),
Kuktok
(kzak).

Mzatal
(muh-ZAH-tull) Ptarl:
Ilana
. Essence Blade:
Khatur
. Also holds Rhyzkahl's
Xhan
. Tall and elegant, keen silver-grey eyes, Asian features, very long jet black hair worn in a braid. Powerful and focused. Creator of the essence blades. Has a bond with Kara. Essence bond:
Gestamar
(reyza),
Dakdak
(ilius). Associated demons:
Safar, Juntihr
(reyza).
Jekki, Faruk
(faas).
Tata, Krum, Wuki
(ilius).
Lazul
(mehnta).
Juke
(kehza).
Anak
(zrila).
Steeev
(syraza)

Rayst
(rayst) Ptarl:
Trask
. Partner of Seretis. Swarthy. Stocky build, but moves with grace. Considerate, but not a pushover. Pays attention to the dynamics between others.

Rhyzkahl
(REEZ-call) Ptarl:
None
(formerly Zakaar/Zack). One of the Mraztur. Essence Blade:
Xhan
(currently in the possession of Mzatal). Long white-blond hair, ice-blue eyes, tall, muscled, utterly beautiful. Seductive and charming. Betrayed and tortured Kara in a failed ritual to create a weaponized summoner (Rowan) and raise an Earthgate. Exiled from the demon realm by Mzatal and imprisoned beside the nexus in Kara's back yard. Associated demons:
Eilahn, Olihr
(syraza).
Pyrenth
(deceased, reyza).
Kehlirik
(reyza).
Rega
(faas).

Seretis
(SAIR-uh-tis) Ptarl:
Lannist
. Partner of Rayst. Chiseled cheekbones, and shoulder length dark, wavy hair, reminiscent of a Spanish soap opera star. Bisexual. Loves being around humans, and has gone to extreme lengths to protect humans in the demon realm from other lords. Essence bond: Bryce Taggart.

Szerain
(szair-RAIN) Ptarl:
Xharbek
(in hiding/presumed dead by most). Essence Blade:
Vsuhl
. Brilliant artist. Smart and inquisitive and very patient when his plans call for it. Is called a kiraknikahl—oathbreaker. Diminished and exiled to Earth as Ryan Kristoff, but now free. In hiding from Xharbek. Essence bond:
Turek
(savik).

Vahl
(pronounced like the first syllable of volume) Ptarl:
Korlis
. Tall, black, and just the right amount of muscle. Tends toward rash decisions that cause him to be indebted to other lords.

Vrizaar
(vree-ZAR) Ptarl:
Fiar
Dark-skinned, bald, with a goatee and no mustache. Dresses like a biblical king, with gold and jewels just shy of gaudy. As cautious and prudent as Vahl isn't when it comes to dealings with the other lords, but not so staid that he doesn't enjoy the thrill of adventure. Loves to sail.

The Demahnk Ptarl

Dima
(DEE-muh) Ptarl of Amkir.

Fiar
(FEE-ar) Ptarl of Vrizaar.

Greeyer
(gree-YEAR) Ptarl of Elofir.

Helori
(heh-LOR-ee) Estranged ptarl of Kadir. Supported Kara after Rhyzkahl's torture. Spurned by Kadir. Prefers human form to the “elder syraza” form. Often associates with Mzatal.

Ilana
(ih-LAH-nah) Ptarl of Mzatal. Quietly influential.

Korlis
(CORE-liss) Ptarl of Vahl.

Lannist
(LAN-ist) Ptarl of Seretis. Attempted to thwart the essence bond between Seretis and Bryce.

Ssahr
(suh-SAR) Ptarl of Jesral. Essence bound to Xharbek.

Trask:
Ptarl of Rayst.

Xharbek
(ZAR-beck) Ptarl of Szerain. Considered missing or dead by most until he showed up in pursuit of Zack, Szerain, and
Ashava after the PD valve explosion. Masqueraded as Carl, the morgue tech. Essence bound to the demahnk Ssahr.

Zakaar
(zah-CAR) Ex-ptarl of Rhyzkahl. a.k.a. FBI Agent Zack Garner. Broke ptarl bond with Rhyzkahl during the Farouche Plantation incident. Was the guard and guardian of Szerain during his submersion and imprisonment as Ryan Kristoff. Fading and diminished after breaking the bond. Sire of Ashava. In hiding from Xharbek.

Residents on Kara's Property

Bryce Taggart:
(40ish) Ex-hitman for J.M. Farouche. Kara's head of security. Has essence bond with demonic lord Seretis. Was a veterinary student when he accidentally shot and killed his roommate. Recruited by J.M. Farouche shortly thereafter. Changed last name from Thatcher. Was once Paul Ortiz's bodyguard.

Bubba Suarez:
(early 40s) Security team. Construction specialist. General handyman.