《BLACK GHOUL》 Chapter 1 - Prologue ''Heart Beats Slowly'' ''In the year 1514 in England. April 25th, the first sightings of ghouls were discovered. An expedition to a lost nation was all it took for a dark history to resurface.'' ''They live amongst us in hiding, they look like us but they are different from us. Beings said to possess supernatural abilities and worse of all... their taste for human flesh.'' ''Meeting one will most likely be unfortunate for any of us, but am afraid that won''t be the only thing we will be worried about, for an even greater power amongst the ghouls will come to light, I pray what I have discovered will not come to pass, for we will be facing an era of extinction if war emerges from both sides.'' ''What I have discovered maybe the words of a delusional man, but I tell you, the things we think that are not seen are what is closer to us, the discovery of this lost species is only the beginning of a world of ghouls and humans.'' Jonathan Jonas *** England The Year 1807 The ships onshore, the raging cold wind around the country of Great Britain, in a small community, bells banged loudly, scaring the birds away from rooftops. The weather dim and moody, the carriages passing by, a splash of muddy wet sand everywhere. "ATTENTION!" an armed scout soldier shout, the others lined responding by hitting their boots fiercely on the mush sandy wet ground, they placed their long shotgun behind and stood straight. "AND MARCH!" the soldier shouts again and they march forward. In a distance, a tall man with shoulder-length dark hair watches them from a rooftop as they move away from the building. His black eyes drifted to the concrete building, he places his hands on the iron roof, the wind blew harshly around him, he rose to his feet and walked to the edge of the roof, going down in a swift move landing perfectly and putting on his black hat, he walks toward the building. Passing through the busy carriage road. He walks straight inside unnoticed and undetected, his eyes scanning the wide hall, he caught sight of the stairs and headed for it. He reaches a door in the long lobby, voices coming from inside. "How many times do I have to tell ya, what I say is final, I will not support this campaign you are trying to create, the internal affairs will not take part in this business," he said finally. "But sir please am begging you" another man plead. "Enough! Get out of my office before I call the guards" the man warning, angry he stormed off opening the door, he shut the door sighing frustrated. "If the affairs don''t help with the economy then we are at lost here" he heard a voice, he turned and met a man leaning on the wall wearing a black hat and a long black jacket and other black clothing. "And who are you?" the man demand looking at him strangely, the man in black smiled. "Someone who thinks people always have a say in matters like this" he smirks. "Well if you are here for a budget I suggest you''re wasting your time" the man noted. "Oh am not here for the budget--am here for a different matter" he moves forward walking toward the door. "Good luck with that," the man said walking downstairs. The man in black open the door and walk inside the wide office. "Who are you? I thought I made myself clear the first time, so there''s no need of you coming again or most likely sending more of your people" the man on the seat said lighting up his round brown cigar. "You must be mistaken, am not here for a budget," the man in black said amuse walking to his seat. "Then what do you want" he hissed. "Charles Brown, the man who worked his way to progress by the blood of Innocent life''s" he began. "A man like you don''t deserve the seat you''re in, you''re stained" he adds darkly. Charles blew smoke out of his lips. "Who the hell are you to come in here and say such things," Charles said sternly. The man smirk. "I would have left the justice to the law but," he said walking around the office as if studying it. "But when the blood of ghouls is involved, it''s my business" he turns. "I don''t know what you are talking about," Charles said reaching for a gun beneath his drawers, like a blink, a dagger penetrated his hand deeply causing a bloody mess. Charles shouts in pure pain raising his head to meet the man''s eyes. He growled using his other hand to bring out the gun, but once again in speed, the man in black took it swiftly away from him, tossing it somewhere. "Who are you?" he chokes out in pain. The man smirks darkly, the white part of his eyes went black and his eyes changed to gold like it was swirling around, a hint of black in them. Charles''s eyes widen. "Gho...ghoul...ghoul" he choked as he gasps in fear, something like a black shadow forge at the man''s back like something was coming out. Like a long extended thread line it formed a being beside him, not just any being, it was tall and long, skinny, extended arms and legs, bald head, pointy ears, pointy jaw, the same eyes like the man, the being was covered in black bandages that were faded out. "Dear God," Charles said trembling. The creature snarls out revealing its sharp fangs up and down, Charles shouted as the being''s mouth extend, devouring him whole like he was nothing. "SIR! SIR! SIR!". They heard banging on the door, it burst open and the soldiers rush in and saw the sight, without hesitation they shot at them, the being stood in front of the man as the bullet made an impact with the skin, it penetrated not making any damage as the bullets drop on the floor compressed, the man ran straight to the window, the being followed behind as they clashed through the glass and jumped off 5 story building, this gained the attention of everyone in the parking lot, the women screamed at the sight. The man and the being landed perfectly like it was nothing, the being turned to black mist and bandage retreating back to the man''s body, he rose to his feet cracking his neck as he rolled up a black material to cover his nose and mouth leaving only his eyes, he adjusted his hat smirking as he walked out of the scene leaving a terrified crowd. Hours Later The man was nowhere to be seen as the soldiers swarm the building, Everywhere around that area was in chaos. *** The man watches from a distance, he looked away heading into town, a crowd was there leaving him unnoticed by anyone, he walks to a house, looking around before going inside. He took a deep breath, removing the material that covered his nose and mouth, he walks to a wall embodied with newspapers on it, he rotated his knife and aiming at the paper that had Charles Brown picture in it, other politicians picture was there also with knives on their picture, he folds his arms satisfied by his accomplishment. Suddenly the hairs at the back of his neck stood up, his eyes widen as he turns in a flash bringing out one of his knives to someone''s throat, the woman gasped in fear. "Who are you?!" the man demands darkly. "Please I mean no harm," she said raising her hands slightly. "Depends on who is talking" the man adds in amusement. "You''re the black ghoul," she said. His expression changed. "The black ghoul who watch over us" she adds as her eyes changed just like his. Seeing this the man retreated his knife, the woman was one of him. He took his time to study, she had brown hair packed neatly, she was dressed formally, she didn''t seem much of harm yet. Her hazel brown eyes fixed on him. "What do want?!" he asked walking past her gathering his stuff. "My name is Vanessa Carson," she said, he turns to her "So?" he shrugs. "Am from an organization known as the Black Lotus. We are an order created to fight for ghoul''s right". "I have heard rumors about the Black Lotus, nothing to worry myself about. What does that have to do with me now?". "I know everything about you" she began. "Lucas Carter" she adds. Lucas froze turning to her. "I have done my homework. You see Lucas I have been looking for you" she said. "Long I have searched". "Why?" Lucas demand, his identity was the last thing he wanted anyone to know. "The ghouls have a belief about a greater power that live amongst us, something very ancient and powerful, it was written on Jonathan Jonas journal and we believe there is" she adds walking toward him. "Your Claw is unlike anything, it''s rare, I can''t help but say this but you''re our salvation, a way for ghouls," she said certainly. "Join us, Lucas, join the Black Lotus and help us find a way" she adds. "Way for ghouls to do what?" Lucas asked, she smiled. "For ghouls to get our life''s back," she said, Lucas sigh. "Why would ghouls want their life''s back, we are nearly extinct as it is," he said folding his arms. "But with you, there is a way" she shrugs. "Join us Lucas and we can set it right, not to set everything but at least a starting point for our future," she said. Lucas''s eyes never left hers. "Ghouls have no choice Vanessa, we are a race of flesh-eaters" he noted. "Then let''s make a choice, a choice for us to get our freedom back, the coexistence of two species". Chapter 2 - Black Home The Future ''Are there any greater bond than siblings, is blood stronger to fight against all odds bestowed upon us or is there a greater threat that we can''t fight. Does our bond weaken us in dark situations''? His dark brown eyes scanned the wide city of New York, the lights around brighten the city of sin and crime, he watches closely from the rooftop. ''Could there be a world where ghouls and humans can coexist or a world where one species will rule''? He squats placing his hands on the roof, the wind blew harshly around him, flapping his clothes. ''What would become of the world that is driven by pain and revenge, a twisted fate that is unleashed on both sides like a raging fire that can never be quench''. He closes his eyes and flashes open his ghoul eyes that beam in the dark, his body cover in a dark mist, vibrating around him. ''When your Achilles'' heel is taken away from you what is left of a man, a man consumed by hatred or a man with a new resolution''. He rose to his feet, sliding up the thick material, covering his mouth and nose, he flaps on his black hood, a being that could not be seen appeared beside him wearing a dark smirk, waiting. ''I will neither be a man consumed by hatred or filled with a resolution. I shall become a plague that drives out darkness. A hero does not exist, only the strong ones able to fight for a possible reason''. "Ghost," he said, the being''s head snap turning to him. ''In this black world, I shall become a plague driving out the darkness where ghouls and humans can coexist as one. *** The Past New York City The Year 2019 A city filled with nothing but crimes and danger, not everyone is safe, you just have to make sure you survive every day, that would be the number one rule in New York, what''s expected for a city doomed by laws against ghouls. Downtown along the streets, in an apartment upstairs away from the road, in a neighborhood, a dog barking loudly at nothing in particular. "So tell me, Liam O''Brien, what kind of guy are you?!". she wrapped her arms around his neck, Liam''s hands on her waist as he smiled faintly. This was getting interesting. "Well judging from your question am sure you don''t want me to answer truthfully," he said amused, she giggled. Liam O''Brien has always been a straight person, that was what she likes about him. "Well depending on what your answer is," she said tilting her head to the side smiling placing her lips on his as they kiss passionately, Liam groaned as he ran his hand in her dark blond hair, the kiss getting heated between them, his hand found his way down to her waist, circling it in a repeated rhythm. She moaned at his action. "Liam," she said huskily, Liam groaned pushing her to lay on her back against the couch, the kiss got more passionate, their hands circling on each other bodies. "Let''s take this to somewhere more private". "Am okay with doing it on the couch" Liam said sending faint kisses on her neck, she moaned loudly. The Door Clicked Open. "Geez, you two get a room" a girl around the age of 14 hissed walking inside pulling her bag down. They separate from each other adjusting their clothes, Liam cleared his throat. "Jen you''re home early," he said rubbing the back of his neck. "Hi Nicole," Jenna said ignoring her brother. "Hey kiddo" she smiled. Without any more words, Jenna walks out of the parlor to the corridor. "I should go," Nicole said putting on her sweater. "Now? There''s still time am sure Jen won''t interrupt us again" Liam assure her, she sighs. "It''s not that Liam, I saw a bruise on her face in case you didn''t notice, I think you should go talk to her" she noted. Liam sigh. "See you later babe" she went on her tiptoe pecking his cheek before leaving. "Bye," he said, the door shut close. Jenna flips the pages of the book she was reading as her door click open, she turned. "You know you should knock first" she rolled her eyes. "Don''t give me attitude, now sit up, we need to talk" he orders, she grumbled sitting up, he sat beside her. His hand reached for her brunette hair covering her face but she waved him off, but he caught sight of the bruise. "What happened?" he demands. "Nothing". "Jen!" he hissed. She turned and face him. "It was the bullies okay, they pulled a prank on me saying that I deserve it because am an orphan" she hissed. "Jen". "Why did mum have to die and why did dad leave us" she demands as the tears whelm up in her eyes. "Look Jen, there are a lot of things we don''t get okay so just leave it be" he trails off standing up, walking toward the door. "You act like you don''t care, am not even sure you do, you just work up yourself claiming you want me to get the best education, I hate you" she fired. "Okay that''s enough" he hissed facing her. "I quit going to college because I wanna earn money for your school, am not doing this because am self-righteous, am doing this because it was mom''s dying wish, she told me to take care of you and am gonna do just that, whether you fucking like it or not," he said finally. "You''re not dad" she looks away cleaning the tears streaming down her cheeks. "No am not, but am your brother and am gonna take care of you no matter what," he said turning to leave. "Am seeing your principal tomorrow" he said as he left. "You don''t have to do that". "I sure will". * "Earlier today another ghoul attack happened in section 5, we must warn those of you living in that section must be cautious of your surroundings while the G.I agents do their job," the newscaster said from the TV, some scenes showing the areas and covered bodies. Jenna''s eyes were glued to the screen, her eyes drift to her hand assessing it, she remembered when the boys threw basketballs at her, her heart slams loudly in her chest just by the thought of it, she gulps hard because that moment she swore she felt her skin move that second but she wasn''t sure of it, maybe her mind was playing tricks on her. Liam walked into the parlor seeing the state she was in, he throws her bag at her making her snap out of it. "Welcome back to earth," Liam said smirking, Jenna rolled her eyes. "Come on talk to me, what got you all in?" he said, Jenna looks away. "When those bullies threw balls at me" she began staring at her hand. "I felt strange like something was gonna come out of me, I don''t know maybe it was trauma or something" she adds puzzled. "Am going to your school" Liam said. "Come on we are leaving now" he adds reaching for his jacket. "Am not going" she grumbled. "Don''t give me that, we are leaving now, am gonna be late for work" he noted putting on his black jacket. Her eyes caught this. "You''re always on black, what are you a ghoul?" she trails off. "Haha very funny, now get" he warned, she let out a frustrated sigh putting on her school bag. They both head out downstairs into the streets. "You know that ghoul attack was two miles away from our house," Jenna said. "Yeah whatever, don''t mind the news, they are probably making up things," Liam said as they stood waiting for a street bus. She faces him folding her arms. "Oh yeah? You think ghouls aren''t real?" she asked sternly, he sighs. "Well I haven''t seen one myself, so for now to me they aren''t," he said not too sure. "You know sometimes I wonder what they are like, the government says they look just like us but they are different," Jenna said, his light brown eyes land on her. "Shut up," he said playfully scattering her hair. "Liam" she groaned waving his hand off, adjusting her hair back in place, Liam always loves doing that to her hair. "What was dad like?". "Why do you wanna know?" he asked sternly. "Don''t know, I can''t remember much but you do" her brown eyes land on him. 14 Years Ago The Year 2006 8-year-old Liam rode his bicycle heading home, he finally got to their street and got off carrying it up to their apartment, he dropped it at the corridor removing his safety helmet, the moment he opened the door, he could hear baby cries. "Mum?" he called walking inside, he found her in the dining room crying, a letter on the table, he blinked staring at her as she sobbed. "Mum Jen is crying" he noted to the baby in the crib, she sobbed raising her head, her eyes were bloodshot red from all the crying. "Could you smooch her for me?" she said forcing a smile. "Okay," he said heading to the crib and carried Jenna in his arms smooching her, her cries reduced a little, her bright baby brown eyes glued on Liam while sucking her finger. Curious Liam walked to the table and saw the letter, and then he heard sobbing again, he adjusted Jenna in his arms as he walked to her room. "Please Steve, whatever you are doing is not the right way, I just don''t know but please come back, I will be waiting for you" she sobbed dropping the phone on the bed crying while burying her hands on her face, and then it dawns on Liam, their father left them. He could still remember clearly how his mom waited for him until the day she drew her last breath. Present Day "Well dad was a piece of shit," Liam said without a doubt, he hated the man since that day. "That''s it?" Jenna raised an eyebrow, the bus stop in front of them. "Yeah, now let''s go," he said as they step in. *** "We the G.I agents assure the citizens of New York that we will do everything in our power to keep this city safe. Once again, ever since the ghouls were discovered to society they have caused nothing but panic in our city, we assure you, citizens, that we will get rid of the threats". Liam''s eyes drift to the boy standing beside them that was busy with the news from his phone, at the red line on the front said ''Xavier Jose'' beneath it said ''G.l Agency Captain''''. Liam looks away. ''Ghouls I just wish they would just disappear''. He thought. "Nicole''s dad is pretty cool," Jenna said, Liam shrug. "Yeah he sure is, after all, he''s the one keeping the city safe," he said his eyes drifting back to the screen. *** May-field Junior High "Come on Liam just go, this is so embarrassing," Jenna said as they walk through the doors of the school into the wide hall where the lockers were. "Not until I see the principal" he note as they got to the office. "Just sit here and wait" he ordered, she blows a hair off her face doing as she was told. Liam gave a light knock before entering. "Mr. Tom, Liam O''Brien, Jenna''s brother," he said as they shook hands. "Oh Liam, you don''t visit much," Mr. Tom said taking his seat. "Yeah am busy these day''s but I came for something important," Liam said taking his seat. "Okay, and what would that be?" Mr. Tom asked arranging some files on his desk. "It''s about my sister, she''s being bullied often and it''s disturbing her studies here" he began. "Oh!". "Yes, and I will like you to review this" he noted. Mr. Tom adjusted his glasses before facing him. "You see Liam am afraid I can''t review that" he clarified. "And why is that?!" Liam said forcing a side smile. "That''s the question I expected you to ask, you see Liam, your sister shouldn''t even be in this school" he began. "Excuse me?" Liam blinks thinking he heard wrong. "This is one of the most prestigious schools and if I recall, you couldn''t even afford to admit your sister into this school but you begged me with the little money you had, since you were her only guardian I took pity on you and let you pay half the school fees and that isn''t even up to what the students pay here, am afraid to say you are not even qualified to review any matter, so whatever it is she should just be grateful and deal with it" he states firmly. Liam let out a gasp of surprise. "My money is involved in her education, am sure I have rights here," Liam said pissed. "No Liam you don''t" he state. "What the fuck! Are you saying she should endure while those kids treat her like that?!" he spat. "Don''t you use that tone on me, young man, am not about to get lectured by a kid whose father dumped like a coward and his mother died of depression" he hissed. Liam growl slamming his hand on the table standing up, he wanted so badly to punch his face that looked at him and his sister like they were nobody and worst of all bad-mouthed his mum. "What are you gonna do, hit me? I assure you that will be a big mistake. I just need one call and your sister is expelled" he threatened. Liam gasps out unbelievably unable to do anything. "Now if there isn''t anything else, leave," Mr. Tom said going back to arranging his papers. With fist tighten Liam storm off and shut the door behind him loudly, luckily no one was in the hall, only Jenna who was standing in front of him, from the look on her face, he knew she heard everything. She hasn''t even realized what her brother was going through until now. she wondered what he went through to get her into this school. "Jen look" he began but Jenna instantly hugs him tightly, wrapping her arms around his back in a tight hold. "Am sorry Liam" she said crying. He wraps his arms around her. "It''s not your fault" he kept whispering as he smooched her, he wasn''t gonna let this get to him, he could still remember the promise he made to their mom, he will make sure she gets a good education, it was a sacrifice he had to make even if it meant being insulted. *** Phone Service Center "Hello, this is the Intercom phone center how may I help you?!" Liam said as his hands went through the keyboard swiftly. "Okay I will make sure to reveal the problem," he said. "Thank you for your time". The comm went off, he took a deep breath leaning on his chair. "What O''Brien work getting to ya?" a young man said leaning on his chair away from the cabinet blocking their workspace. "It''s nothing, Trent," Liam said rubbing his eyes. "Hey whatever it is you can tell me" Trent offered, Liam sigh, Trent has been Liam''s close friend ever since they were little, he could tell him anything without a doubt. "I had a major breakdown with Jen''s school principal," he said. "Oh shut up," Trent said unbelievably. "The real deal, I mean I can''t believe that sucker was like that, man he''s a pain in the ass" Liam clarified. "That''s rich bastards for you, they look at us like dirt, believe me, man, you are really lucky to get Jenna into that rich spoil school" Trent reasons. "They have good studies there" Liam notes. "And speaking of rich how is Nicole?" he adds shaking his eyebrow. "Yeah she''s good I was planning on calling her but not while am not in a good mood," Liam said. "You''re one lucky dude, I wish I got a girl like her" Trent reason. "Yeah she''s okay, I like her because of her full spirit, she doesn''t see me as a nobody, she sees me for who I am," Liam said softly as he smiled. "I bet her dad must have offered you money to stay away from her" Trent said. "Her dad doesn''t know we are dating," Liam said rolling his eyes. "Oooooooh a secret lover," he said dramatically. "Shut up dude," Liam said elbowing him playfully as they laughed. *** Section Two "Am telling you man ghouls are at a high rate here" Trent said as they walk along the pedestrian lane. "Please stop with this ghoul stuff I have heard about this from Jen all day and am not about to hear it from you too," Liam said walking into a shop. The top said ''Drinks & Dine''. "Am gonna eat your flesh" Trent said making ghoulish noise. "Cut it out" Liam grimaced, Trent just laugh as they took their seat. "Seriously dude what''s with you and ghouls," Trent said amuse. "Nothing" Liam shrug. "Yeah right" Trent huff, he looks away from Liam''s face turning to order. "Fuck me check out that beauty," Trent said astonish. Liam blink looking up at what got his friend startled, Liam''s eyes caught a girl seated near the window reading a book, the sunlight reflected on her face. She had shoulder-length midnight hair, it had slight waves, her dark green eyes fixed on her book. "She''s a beauty," Trent said mesmerize. Liam''s eyes were glued on her, the wind slowly creeps in making her hair blow slightly, her eyes slowly drift from her book and instantly land on Liam, he felt a certain coldness from it that made him unease, but there was something beneath that coldness, he felt it in every fiber of his body. He quickly tears his eyes away. "Am not so sure about that" Liam said. "What? She''s one hot babe" Trent urge. "Well looks can be deceiving," Liam said without a doubt as his eyes drift back to the girl, her eyes back at her book. The sound of his phone ringing distracted him. He slides it from his pocket and picked the call without looking at the number. "Yeah?" he answered looking out the window. "Yeah this is Liam O''Brien why?" he said again and then his eyes widen, the information nearly stopped his heart. "Liam what''s wrong is everything okay?!" Trent said worried at his sudden change of expression. Liam cut the call. "I have to go," Liam said rushing out of the shop in panic. The girl''s eyes were glued on Liam as he rushes out. *** May-field Junior High "Here we are at May field Junior high where a ghoul attack happened, the police are still trying to discover what caused the outbreak until the G.I agents get here, for our recent information, about five students are still trapped inside the school building," the newscaster said. Students, teachers, parents were outside in chaos panicking at what happened. The taxi stop in front of the school and Liam rushed out paying the taxi and rushing through the school gates. "Jen!" he called in the up roaring crowd but she was nowhere to be seen, he pushes forward to the front where a caution yellow line was drawn. "Excuse me" he called a policeman. "My name is Liam, Liam O''Brien, I was called on what happened," Liam said in haste. "O''Brien?" he asked, Liam nod. "We identified your sister is one of the students trapped inside but we can''t go in because the ghoul is still in there, we have to wait until the G.I agents get here" the man noted. "No no you can''t just wait, you have to go in there now and do your job, for fucks sake my kid sis is in there" Liam hissed frustrated. "Calm down," the man said waving him backward. "Please do something my son is in there," a woman said crying, others complain too almost crossing the line. "Come in, come in I need back up," the man said to the comm on his shoulder as the protest got louder, Liam''s eyes drifted to the stretcher that brought out something on it covered in a white material that was stained in blood, Liam froze as time stopped around him, nobody needed to tell him that those where remains probably of a leg or arm, another came out. "Sad to say this but now only three students are definitely in that building," the newscaster said shivering at the sight. Liam stood frozen, the others around him pushed and shouted but they were like faint sound to him. ''Jen''. He thought. "Jen" he came back to reality as his eyes drift to the school building. "Jen" he panicked, he went under the caution line and ran inside, the policeman shouted at him to come back but he ignored them as he went through the doors of the school. Inside was dark, the lights shake like the switch were off, Liam walk quietly assessing the hall, it was scattered with papers all over, some lockers left opened and other things on the ground, he sighted a bat and grab it, hoping it would serve as a defense when the time came, who was he kidding, there was no way he could defend himself against a ghoul but what were the odds, his sister''s life was on the line. He made his way to the classes searching them one by one, he got to one and he heard cries and muffle sounds, he rushed in and saw two students hiding under a table but Jenna wasn''t among them. "Hey it''s alright," he said, they squeak turning to face Liam in fear, seeing Liam meant no harm they crawled out from under the table. "Just walk quietly and head to the door," he said, they nod as they walk past him, he stopped one of the girls. "Where is Jenna?!" he asked. "I don''t know, we got separated when the outbreak happened, maybe she might be in another class," the girl said before running out. Liam walk out of the class and kept searching, he just hoped in his heart that she was okay. Only his footsteps could be heard in the quiet hall as he kept searching the classes. He got to another area of the hall and saw blood marks leading to a class, he slowly followed the trail raising the bat, he got further and further to the classroom and then his eyes widen when he saw Jenna sitting close to a wall her knees to her chest as she cried. "Jen!" he called dropping the bat as he rushes into the class to her side and hug her tightly, relief she was safe. "Jen! Jen! Are you alright?" he asked worried. "Jen?" he said again but she was frozen like she was lost. "Jen!" he said shaking her body to gain her attention. "Jen talk to me please" he demands, her hand tremble as she points forward, he followed the trail of her hand and turns. He gasps in fear as he rises to his feet, his eyes shake seeing a being close to the board but it was dark there, he could only see a shadow, he was frozen in fear as the being step forward. Each footstep sounded like a thud until it came to light. "Holy shit!" Liam exclaimed, it had a feminine structure, it was tall and long, skinny, extended arms and legs, bald head, pointy ears, pointy jaw, black eyes, and gold in the center, covered in black bandages that were evaporating black mist around it. What shocked Liam the most was, the being slowly fold into series of black bandages and move to where his sister was in a long thread-like form, he followed the movement in shock as the being creep back to Jenna''s body back into her skin, her eyes turned to all black, with gold at the center like it was moving and then it changed back to the main color of her eyes, and the black veins on her face disappeared. This left a paralyze Liam of what he just uncovered. "I didn''t mean to". Chapter 3 - Black Heart 16 Years Ago The Year 2004 Liam groaned as he tussled and turned on his bed unable to sleep, he turned again as his eyes were fixed on the window, he watches as the rain poured on the window from outside. He turned away from the window watching his door, he looked beneath, a shadow passed by, he gasped, his breath caught as the shadow stopped in front of his door, his eyes widen as the doorknob turned, the thunder strike. Out of fear Liam used his blanket to cover his face, breathing fast, he laid still as the sound stopped. He quickly removed the blanket, the shadow was gone. Liam pulled the covers off his body and got off his bed, he slowly walked to his door and opened it looking sideways, seeing nothing, he walked out of his room. He paused when he saw lights in the parlor, curious he walked towards it and hid behind a wall, he watched as his dad went through his laptop. The table, chair, and floor were scattered with papers, for a minute Steve groaned rubbing his forehead as he sighed. "Dad?" Liam said coming out of hiding. "Oh son, what''s wrong can''t sleep?!" he said, Liam nodded. "I saw the shadow again," Liam said. Steve forced a smile. "Don''t worry soon you won''t have to see the shadow again" Steve assured his son, Liam blinked. His eyes drifted to the papers everywhere. "What are you doing? it''s late you know" Liam said curiously. Steve smiled. "Something important Liam". "What makes it so important," he asked. "Cause with this you won''t see the shadow anymore," Steve said a smile purse up his lips. "Now off to bed, you have school tomorrow," he said, Liam turned heading back to his room but for a minute he turned and his eyes caught the shadow on the wall, he was pretty sure it wasn''t his dad''s shadow because it was standing tall hunching, it smirked sinisterly, Liam froze, it turned in a snap, Liam gasped at the action, he was just convinced that the thunder was playing mind tricks on him. His dad''s eyes averted from his laptop to him, he smiled faintly. *** Present Day Wailing Sirens Liam was standing leaning on a car, his eyes fixed on his sister who was seated at the back of an ambulance, she was covered with his jacket, her eyes fixed on the ground. "Liam" he turned, Nicole rushed towards him and hug him tightly, Liam groaned feeling relief by her embrace. "Are you all right?" she asked worried, Liam just nodded. "Jenna?!" she adds, his eyes drifted to her. "Oh thank God," she said in relief. "How could this ghoul attack happen from nowhere," she said confused, Liam was silent as he recalled what he saw, he swallowed. "Um Nicole could you please get the car ready, I will get Jen so that we can head home, she''s pretty shaken up," Liam said. "Of course," she said leaving. Hands in his pocket he walked towards the ambulance, Jenna''s eyes averted to her brother, she gulped. "How are you feeling?" he asked. "Not fine," she said truthfully. "Good because if you said you were fine I would have wondered if what I saw was a dream," Liam said like he was losing it. "Seriously Jenna what the fuck happened there," he said still trying to tell himself that what he saw wasn''t real. "I don''t know" she managed to form the words trembling, Liam let out a frustrated sigh. "Excuse me?". Liam turned as two men walked toward them, they were both in a cooperate outfit, an inner white long sleeve shirt, tucked in black trousers, a well knotted red tie, a long black jacket that looked more like a coat with matching black shoes. "Are you Liam O''Brien?" one asked. "Yeah whose asking?" Liam said looking at them strangely. The one who asked the question removed his black glasses, he had dark hair and dark blue eyes. he brought out a badge. "Chase Wyatt, G.I agent" he introduced bringing out his hand but Liam didn''t shock it, he just smiled taking it back. "And this is my partner Max Cody, we are both members of unit 6 division of the G.I force," he said. Max smiled. "We are here cosigning the ghoul attack in the school," Max said. "Okay so what does it has to do with me," Liam said looking back and forth between the two agents. "You were asked to stay behind the caution line during the incident but you disobey those orders, so we are here to ask some questions about what you saw," Chase said sternly. "I didn''t see anything," Liam said looking away. "You were in the building when the ghoul was still sighted am sure there must be something you saw" Chase add forcing a smile. "I got in there found the kids, helped them out, and then saw my sister that''s all, I didn''t see any ghoul," Liam said turning. "Let''s go, Jen," Liam said grabbing her hand as they walked past them. "Perhaps someone or something who wasn''t supposed to be on the school premises?". Liam halted as he turned. "Wherever there is a Claw there is a ghoul" Chase adds. "Claw?" Liam swallowed. "Yes Claw, they are beings, organic beings, part of the ghoul, we also call them the ghoul predatory organ" he explained. "So maybe the students inside then may have been ghouls who called the Claw out or" Chase trailed off as his eyes landed on Jenna, she went stiff, Liam''s hand tighten on hers. "Like I said I didn''t see any ghoul or any Claw, now please excuse me, it''s late I need to get my sister home," Liam said turning as they left. Chase''s eyes were fixed on them as they left the scene. "You think he''s telling the truth?" Max asked removing his glasses. "Who knows, but he sure as hell is hiding something," Chase said. "Or protecting someone" he adds. "Yeah like anyone would protect a ghoul" Max scoffed. "It''s in his eyes," Chase said. "What?" Max shrug. Chase turned facing him. "When a brother is willing to protect his sister". *** Nicole eyed Jenna through the review mirror, her eyes were fixed out the window, her eyes drifted to Liam who was lost in his head. "Liam is everything okay?" Nicole said worriedly. But no answer, she sighed as her eyes turned to the road. "Liam!". "Yeah?" Liam answered facing her like he was brought back from a trance. "Come on Liam talk to me, I know you''re worried about Jenna but you seem off," Nicole said. "It''s nothing, it''s just my first time seeing a ghoul scene," Liam said turning to face the window. Liam shut the door close leaning close to the car window. "Thanks for the ride" he forced a smile. "Sure just take care of her okay?" Nicole said. "I will," Liam said his eyes never leaving her, he leaned further claiming her lips with a light kiss, their mouths roamed in wonder, Liam pulled away, leaving a confused Nicole. "Goodnight," he said as he stood up straight. Nicole just nodded starting the car and driving away, her eyes averted to the review mirror for a brief second. Liam turned facing the apartment. Climbing up he finally got to the door and walked into their apartment. He saw Jenna sitting quietly in the dining. She nervously looked at him. Liam was silent as he strolled to the dining and sat in front of her. "Tell me what happened?" he asks sternly. She swallowed hard, her eyes landed on him. "It was the bullies again, it got worse" she began. *** Six Hours Ago May-field Junior High "What are you guys doing?" Jenna asked scared as one of the boys locked the classroom door and the three boys gathered her. "Just a little prank" one said smirking, Jenna gasp moving backward, her back hit the cold wall, the boy smirked as one brought out a pocket knife waving it in front of her. "Stop it," Jenna said scared. "What''s it gonna be boys, where should I cut first?" one said darkly. "Let''s cut her ear," another said. "I say her cheeks," another said. "Maybe we should just go for the face and say she had a fall, the principal will believe us anyway," another said. "No! No!" Jenna said panicking. "Maybe her cheeks will do first," he said as his knife reached for her cheek and slit it. She screamed in pain as the blood trailed and drip on her school shirt. The boys laughed, as they watch Jenna cry in pain. Jenna''s hand trembled as she stared at her own blood, she sobbed painfully, placing her hands on the floor as she cried. The boys kept laughing, but one laughter seize. "Guys?!" he gained their attention as they stared at what he was looking at, they froze. The cut on Jenna''s cheek slowly closed up gradually, closing up completely like it wasn''t even there to begin with. Jenna gave harsh breaths like she was having a panic attack, her fingers tighten in a fist, her furious eyes averted to them, her eyes changed, the white part went all black, the color of her eyes changed to bright gold. They shift back in fear. "She''s a ghoul man, she''s a freaking ghoul!". Jenna''s panic attack got worse like she couldn''t breathe like something was cawing to come out of her, like her was body was about to burst, unable to bear it any longer she screamed as her Claw came out with a loud roar. You could hear terrifying screams as blood splashed on the window, a girl passing by saw this and screamed causing panic in the school. Everyone rushed out when the Claw came out roaring deadly as it grabs one of the bullies trying to crawl out with one leg, the other was ripped off. "MUMMY" he shouted in tears as the Claw slide him back inside leaving blood trails and devoured him. All the way Jenna watched having no idea she was controlling it. *** Present Day "Shit" Liam exclaimed as he held his hair sighing deeply. "How is this possible Liam, why am I a ghoul and how did that thing come out of my body?!" Jenna demanded in tears. "I don''t know okay, am just as confused as you," Liam said frustrated. "Even though those suckers deserved this, but in the hell Jen you killed three people, three, do you know how serious this is, it''s just any second before the G.I finds out" Liam hissed. "Am sorry Liam, am sorry, I didn''t know what came over me. I was scared so scared that I felt helpless, it just came out like a shadow" she broke into tears. "I didn''t mean it, any of it, I just wanted the pain to stop" she sobbed. "I wanted it to stop" she broke. Liam pulled her in a tight hug, she cried as she wrapped her arms around him. "Am scared" she cried. "It''s alright, am right here" Liam assured her. "I won''t let anything happen to you I promise" he adds. That moment they heard a knock on their door, they froze. Liam turned to Jenna and signaled her to keep shut, he walked quietly to the door and peeped through the tiny hole, he froze when he saw agents. He turned to Jenna who was particularly gulped to the ground. "Who is that?" Liam demanded. "I believe we have met," Chase said. "How many times do I have to tell you, I know nothing about these ghouls," Liam said. "We are not here for you Liam," he said, Liam froze. "We are here for your sister, if she could have a few words with us, am sure there won''t be any problems," Max said, Liam''s eyes widen as he looked through the hole, their hands were on their gun. "Shit!". He rushed to Jenna. "Go! Get your things fast" he said haste, she nodded rushing to her room, Liam rushed to his as he brought out a bag and throw whatever clothes he needed, he put on his black jacket and turned to the wall, he felt it and crack it open, a safe where he kept some money he was saving for Jenna''s college but right now they needed It for something more important. He grabs the money and shoved it in his bag pack, he rushed out. "Liam!" they called banging on the door. "If you do not answer I will be forced to break in by the count of three". Jenna''s eyes widen. "One". "Go, fire escape!" Liam said as they rushed to the window. "Two!" Chase said impatiently, he turned to Max, he nodded in agreement, they brought out their guns, the guns went on automatically making a sound, showing red like bullets inside. "Three". With one push of his leg the door broke down and they rushed inside pointing the gun at every area but the whole house was empty. "Shit they escaped!" Max said staring out the window, Chase rushed to his side, his eyes landed on them running into the streets. "Come in, Chase Wyatt from unit 6, we have a loose ghoul, I repeat we have a loose ghoul," he said to his comm. *** "Last night the ghoul behind the outbreak of May-field junior high was revealed to be Jenna O''Brien a 14-year-old girl said to have killed three other students from her class for a reason that remains anonymous, bu----" Trent pressed the remote changing the channel, he couldn''t believe what he was hearing, he just took a deep breath processing it. The knock-on his door distracted him. "Who is it?! It''s 4 in the morning for fucks sake" he hissed pissed walking to the door, he peeped through the hole but covered it in shock. "Dear God," he said with wide eyes, he hesitated for a bit before unlocking the door and opened it. "Your kid sis is a fucking ghoul!" he hissed. "Hey Trent," Liam said, his eyes drifted to his sister. "We need your help, we have nowhere else to go," Liam said firmly. *** "The outbreak of May-field junior high was revealed to be Jenna O''Brien a 14-year-old girl said to have killed three other students from her class for a reason that remains anonymous" Nicole''s eyes widened as Jenna''s picture came up on the screen. She had to get up from her bed to take a closer look to make sure it wasn''t Jenna but nothing changed. "Oh my God!" she gasped covering her mouth in shock. *** "This is unbelievable, your sis killed three kids, this is bad, real bad," Trent said walking back and forth in his apartment. "I know okay, I freaked out too and it has gotten much worse, the agents are after her now," Liam said stressed out. "What? You mean like the Ghoul Investigators! Dude, she''s in real trouble, they will find her in a matter of seconds" Trent hissed. "I know I just have to think of something," Liam said confused rubbing his neck. "There''s nothing to think about, the agents are badass and they are really kin on exterminating ghouls and now your sister is one of them, her life is practically over!" Trent hissed. "I KNOW THAT!" Liam shouted, Trent, paused. "I know that too okay, I just" he was lost for words as he broke. "I have to keep her safe no matter what" he was able to form the words. "This is all my fault," Jenna said stepping forward. They turned and face her, she was in tears. "If I haven''t killed them we wouldn''t be in this mess, it''s my fault you have to go through this," she said sobbing. "Am a ghoul, you guys don''t know how that feel, am the only one whose a fugitive here" she said looking away. "Jen" Liam sighed as he walked to her side and hug her as she cried. "Fine, you two can stay just until you figure out a way out of this" Trent said walking out shutting the door behind. "It''s okay we are gonna get through this together" he assured her. She nodded. "Together," she said. *** "Ghouls stuff whatever" Trent murmured as he walked into a store, he went straight to the line where drinks were, walking across to another section that was raw foods, his eyes scanned them, taking what he needed and placing them on the small roller he had, he went back to the drinks section to select. "Trent Mckell, age 21 lives alone in a one-room apartment, friends with the O''Brien''s for a very long time". He heard a voice, he shifts and looked at the other section, a man turned and smiled removing his glasses. "Who the hell are you?!" Trent demanded. "Am Chase Wyatt G.I agent". *** Liam watched as Jenna was fast asleep on the couch, the door clicked opened. "Where have you been?" Liam said blinking as Trent walked in with a bag of groceries. He was out since in the morning and back at night. "Nothing important, just went to get some supply since we have a full house now," Trent said forcing a smile, Liam smiled faintly. "Thank you, Trent, for this really means a lot, you''re the only one I can trust," Liam said sincerely. Trent forced a smile walking out. His eyes drifted to Jenna once more, he was gonna help her through this even if it was the last thing he did, ghoul or not Jenna will always be his sister. They just had to figure a way. Jenna gasped flashing her ghoul eyes open, Liam froze as she sat up and faced the door. "Someone''s coming," she said without a doubt, panicking Liam sat up along with Jenna but it was too late, the agents walked in, Liam pulled Jenna behind him. "Trent?" Liam called, if he had the chance he wanted him to run far away from harm''s way but that came crashing down when Trent walked in and stood beside the agents. "Trent?" this time he said his name for a different reason. "Am sorry Liam she has to go, she''s a ghoul, they said they just want her in custody that all" Trent tried to reason. "And you believe them? How could you Trent, Jen is like a sister to you" Liam said not believing his eyes. "Yes Liam she is a sister to me not that thing behind you now" he pointed out. "Liam I suggest you step forward and let''s handled this ghoul situation," Chase said stepping forward. "She''s not a ghoul situation, she''s my sister for crying out loud," Liam said unwavering. "We are warning you, Liam," Max said as he brought out his gun so did Chase. Jenna panicked for her brother''s safety, she instinctively steps forward and her Claw is forged out of her. "What in the hell" Trent said as his eyes studied the being, it roared like hell was rising it charged towards the agents making loud thud noises with each step it took, the agents fired their guns, the shot left holes on the Claw''s body but not enough to stop it, one swig of its hand sent Chase flying across the wall to another apartment, it grabs Max by the throat and rose him off his feet and fling him up causing a crash. It turned to Trent. He froze as the Claw walked towards him with dangerous steps and stopped in front of him like a giant as the shadow covered him. It roared in his face, Trent shouted in horror as the Claw was about to devour him. "Jen stop it" Liam hissed. "I don''t know-how, it''s following my emotions, and right now am angry at Trent and it wants to devour him," Jenna said panicking, the Claw mouth widens, its sharp fangs reaching for Trent. "Stop!" Liam hissed but it didn''t listen, Liam snap. "CLAW I SAID STOP!" Liam shouted, the Claw mouth shut close instantly and turned to face Liam. "Do...Not...Eat...Trent" he said carefully, the Claw head tilt to the side. "I think she heard you," Jenna said. The Claw turns to sense other agents coming, it growled running to their side and grab them, they shouted as it jumped out the window clashing the glasses, they shouted as they saw the hard ground but it landed perfectly and dropped them on their feet. "Well done Claw," Jenna said. It turned to her. "Jen..do..not..praise..that..thing," Liam said with clenched teeth. Liam''s eyes drifted to the window, he saw Chase struggling to stand still, blood trailing from his head. "All unit the ghoul is out I repeat, the ghoul is out," Chase said to his comm. "Shit we have to go now," Liam said as they ran, Jenna''s Claw behind them. In less than a second about three agents were after them, they shot from a distance but the Claw being behind them blocked the fierce bullet, they ran to the other side of the blocks and came to a dead end. "Shit we are stuck" Liam cursed. The agents came, one shot at the Claw but it weakens and went off in bandages back inside Jenna''s body. Like in slow motion the bullet passed, Liam quickly shielded Jenna and the bullet penetrated his side. He growled in pain. "LIAM!" Jenna shouted in horror, she held him as he went on his knees holding his side as the blood gushed out. "Liam!" Jenna hissed in tears. "Jen run" he choked out in pain. "No! No! am not leaving you, never" she cried. Another agent aimed the gun at her, Jenna turned to it in fear, Liam''s heart sank as the bullet came for her but a figure landed in front of them, a Claw surged out of figure and stopped the bullet, the Claw looked like Jenna''s with the same feminine structure but it was wrapped in dark blue bandages. "Claw attack," the figure said, the Claw roared and charged towards the agents and attacked them in a massacre as they shouted. Jenna watched as the hooded figure on all black turned. A thick material covered her mouth and nose leaving only her ghoul eyes. Liam''s vision was blurry as the figure reached for the hood pulling it down, revealing midnight hair. Liam fainted into an abyss. Chapter 4 - Black Truth Three Days Later Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) At the highest floor of the skyscraper building inside, a conference was being held. "Liam O''Brien, age 21, spent most of his time working at a club bar and now a customer service worker at the Intercom phone center. Liam and his sister both spent their Life''s in foster care until he was old enough to feed for them both" Xavier said to the congregation as the wide large screen showed several images of Liam. "Brother of Jenna O''Brien, age 14, schooled at May-field junior high as a normal citizen but now a suspected ghoul who murdered three students in her class" he noted. "Normally ghouls manifest their abilities at the age of 5 but she did at 14 according to our findings" he clarified, the screen changed and showed her Claw captured on camera. "And it''s none other than a black Claw" the moment he said that whispers filled the hall. The screen changed to a much older photo that was brown and worn out but still showed some well-defined forms. "Which we haven''t seen since the year 1807, the black ghoul". Whispers between the agents increased in the hall, the picture screen showed another old photo of a man in all black, the hat he wore covered his face. "I want all units to get that ghoul at all cost, for now, we know this isn''t just an ordinary threat" he adds darkly. *** Sounds Of Beeping Monitor Max slowly opened his eyes, meeting the white ceiling, he tried to move his body but he felt paralyzed. "Fuck" he cursed. The door slide open and Chase walked into the room. His hand was wrapped up to his chest with a shoulder paddle, a bandage around his head, a few cuts and bruises on his face. "Hey feeling okay?" Chase said forcing a smile, Max gave him a look. "Well do I look okay?!" he said sarcastically. Chase''s eyes drifted to his partner''s state, one leg was raised in a big bandage, his hand on the bed also wrapped, a neck supporter on his neck up and still. "No," Chase said truthfully, he sighed. "We shot at that thing more than once, the effects were slow, it''s unlike the rest," Max said. "Well, our superiors have discovered what it is. It''s the black ghoul" Chase said. "Are you fucking kidding me, the black ghoul?" Max said unbelievably. "Yeah, I suppose we have a much greater threat out there now," Chase said sternly. "We have to catch that thing and fast" Max said. "Yeah, we will together, the doctor said you will make a fast recovery with the facilities here" Chase assured him. "Well it''s the peck of working with one of the biggest companies," Max said smiling, Chase smiled nodding. "You know man, we are creating something big" Max began. "A place without any flesh-eating ghouls, a place where humans can live in peace, to do that we have to make sacrifices". "I just want a place safe for Renee that''s why am doing this. I can''t just die yet until I fulfill that, that dream" he adds clearly, Chase rubbed his face, nodding. "Yes, we can''t die yet until that dream is accomplished until we are free of all ghouls once and for all" Chase said darkly. *** Elsewhere Liam laid still on the bed until he finally opened his eyes and met with a brown ceiling. He groaned holding his head and sat up, he hissed in pain holding his side, he realized he was shirtless and a bandage at his side rib practically almost soaked with blood. The door clicked open. "Liam," Jenna said in tears as she threw herself at him hugging him tightly. "Ow ow ow" Liam groaned. "Sorry," Jenna said pulling away. "You okay?" he asked using one hand on her cheek. "You''re the one who got shot and you are asking if am okay," she said sarcastically. "Don''t give me attitude" he warned, her face lit up. "It''s good to have you back Liam," she said almost teary again, hugging him once more. "Hey don''t cry, am here and am not going anywhere leaving you behind" he assured her stroking her cheek gently, she nodded as the tears fell and hugged him tightly, she didn''t know what she would do if she loses him, he was everything to her, a father, a mother, a brother and all the qualities she could ask for. "It''s okay" he smooched her. His eyes scanned the room. "Jen?". "Yeah?". "Where are we?" Liam said finally noticing the weird room he was in. She broke the hug, facing him with a huge smile. "A safe place" she assured him. "A safe place? Last time I checked there were no safe places" Liam reasoned. "Well this isn''t just any place," she said getting up and threw Liam a black shirt, he caught it putting it on, and got up gently, she took his hand and lead him out of the room. Liam met with a view of what looked like a wide veranda with several pillars, they were at the down area, Liam was sure there was an upstairs. People were walking around, some standing and talking, some working carrying supplies. "What in the world" Liam trailed off staring at the sanctuary. "Welcome to the abandoned section one aka ghoul underground," Jenna said. "You mean everyone here is ghouls?" Liam asked with widening eyes. "Yes everyone" she clarified. "This is crazy, section one doesn''t exist in the homeland," Liam said shock. "Well, that''s what they made us think" she shrug. "Years back, section one was wiped out doing a raid on ghouls in this area, so the authorities shut this place down and now off the radar". "A perfect place for ghouls to stay safe" she adds. "Wow!". Liam was amazed. "I see you''re alive and kicking" a voice came in, they turned. Like in slow-motion a dark-haired girl walked towards them, she wore a white light shirt that was let down at her side shoulder, a short jean skirt, black knee light leggings, black boots. She placed her hand on her waist as her head tilts to the side. "This is Riley Leah, she''s the one who saved you" Jenna introduced. Liam blinked. "You? You''re the one from the store, reading that book, with the cold glance" Liam said shocked. A cold glance she had on right now that made Liam shiver slightly. "Well yeah, ghouls gotta come out of the dark. Nice to meet you too Liam" she walked to stand in front of him, she only reach him at his neck level. "You''re a ghoul" Liam stated. She smiled but it wasn''t a pleasant one. "Yeah and your sister is but you''re not which is impossible," she said puzzled. "And is that a problem?" Liam shrug still getting used to the idea that his kid sis was a ghoul. Riley smiled, Liam returned the smile, but her expression changed and it wasn''t pleasant. "Follow me," she said stern walking past them. "Man she''s tough" Liam murmured. As they followed behind her. They walked across a wide corridor, a water passageway at both sides. "Ghouls has high intense genes, even when they mate with humans or ghouls the genes transfer to the offspring" Riley explained. "Mate?!" Liam said amused, she halted and turned staring at him in the eyes. "Would you prefer I said sex?" she said, their eyes locking against each other intensely. "Nope, the mate word is more educating" Liam shrug. She turned and walked further. Jenna just rolled her eyes, it was like watching two kids go at it. Riley leads them upstairs it looked just the same as downstairs but there were people seated there doing various activities. She leads them straight to a door and walked in, there was a mini office there. Liam almost gasps in shock when he saw a Claw standing in the office behind a little boy around the age of seven. "Just learn to control your emotions and then it will lead you through," a man said to the boy as he nodded closing his ghoul''s eyes and took a deep breath. "Just relax," he said softly. "It''s all in there the Claw''s are a part of us, they are what makes us whole, without them we are unsatisfied," he said again. Liam''s unreadable gaze was on them, watching this scene, for a minute pictured himself as the boy but this image was different, he was crying on the ground his leg was bleeding from riding the bicycle roughly, his dad beside him smooching him that everything was okay. Liam blinked looking away as his fist tighten. The boy opened his eyes back to his blue eyes and his Claw reversed inside him. The boy smiled. "Thank you, sir," the boy said. "Now run along," the man said. "Hi Riley," he said cutely, Riley smiled warmly with affection as he rushed out of the office. Liam''s eyes were on her, she noticed this. "What?" she said a stern, her smile fading. "Great only the kid gets a nice warm welcoming smile and I get a frown" Liam noted, Riley just rolled her eyes. "I can remember that sense of humor anywhere," the man said rising to his feet, he had dark grey hair and black eyes. His eyes drifted to Jenna and Liam back and forth. "My name is Allen Leah and I knew your dad," he said firmly. Liam''s eyes landed on Riley who made eye contact with her father signaling her to leave them alone, she nodded leaving. "You knew dad?!" Jenna said with anticipation. "Yes Dr. O''Brien was a master in his field, we met at the same college and we worked on the same project together, we were close". "Project?!" Liam said puzzled. "Yes, a project to suppress the ghoul''s genes, which your father was working on when he married your mother" he noted. "Wait for a second, my dad was a ghoul?". It wasn''t a question but it was a newfound realization. "Yes, that''s why Jenna is a ghoul" he clarified. "Which I don''t understand because Steve succeeded" he added. "Well, he practically failed," Liam said. "Yes," Allen said his eyes landing on Jenna who was silent. "And no because it did" he add. Liam blinked. "Yes you Liam, you are the proving existence that the ghoul genes can be suppressed because you are human and Jenna isn''t, he must not have tried it on her because she was still a baby," he said. "Yeah he left after a year she was born," Liam said relieving the memory of how his mother felt and how depressed she was until she was lead to her untimely death. "Well wherever he is right now, I just want him to know he''s a real piece of shit" Liam spat. "Mom knew dad was a ghoul and still loved him" Jenna finally said. "Yes she did, but ghouls and humans are different in all qualities, it was hard," Allen said sighing. "I would have come for you then when your mother died but I assumed you both were humans and I didn''t want to drag you guys into the ghoul world but I was wrong". "There''s only one person to blame here and it''s a man who called himself our dad and used us as lab rats!" Liam hissed. "He was trying to keep you both safe away from all this" Allen reasoned. "He put us in harm''s way when he left us and that was the biggest mistake he made and believe me when I say I hate him so much I would punch him if I saw him" Liam hissed pissed. "He didn''t leave Liam". "THEN WHAT!" Liam shouts. "Because Steve is dead". Jenna and Liam froze at the sudden information, their eyes slowly widen in shock. Allen ran his fingers in his hair and sighed. "He died five years ago, he didn''t want to come back after Chloe died because the agents were after him but they found him," Allen said. A tear fell from one of Jenna''s eyes as she looked away. "He wasn''t even here to begin with," Jenna said walking out of the office. "Jen" Liam called about following her but he hissed in pain holding his side. "Liam". He turned. "Your sister is in danger, you have to protect her no matter what, away from the G.I agents," Allen said seriously. "Why would the whole agents come after her" Liam said puzzled. "Because she''s the black ghoul," he said. Liam blinked confused. "Your father is the direct descendant of Lucas Carter O''Brien, he was a black ghoul just like your sister," Allen said sternly. "Okay? Skip the history, what the hell is a black ghoul, and what does it has to do with Jen" Liam demanded. Allen looked away and reached for a bunch of files on his desk and handed it to Liam who took it confused. "If you want to keep your sister safe then you should at least know". *** Liam groaned sitting on the bed, he was back at the room he woke up in, groaning in pain he removed his shirt, the bandage was already soaked with blood, he turned and saw a newly fresh bandage on the nightstand, he blinked taking it, maybe they knew he needed it. After some few hours of replacing his bandage, an experience he had when he got in gang fights. He finally got the chance of looking up the file, he took it and unfold it, it was filled with old research papers and then he saw a name. "Steve O''Brien," he said, the file must have belonged to his father there was no doubt about it and Allen wanted him to see it. He went through it carefully removing some files, he saw blood samples report of him and Jenna and also some dates of improvement and failure, and then he saw it, a black ghoul. Just like Allen said they were direct descendants of Lucas Carter O''Brien. Lucas Carter O''Brien, born 1778 in England, was known to possess a rare ancient Claw known as Ghost, with his recent involvement and dangerous act fighting against the order, he was known as a black ghoul. In my research, I discovered that this gene could only be passed down every 55 years and if my calculations are right I am very unfortunate to wield this power that would be passed over to my children, I have to stop this, stop the Ghost with all I have, I just hope I would be able to, for my unborn child. Liam reviewed some old photos but he still didn''t get it, what was so bad about the black ghoul and this Ghost that got his father so worked up that it even meant him leaving, he didn''t know what his father true intentions were and he couldn''t be more curious to find out more. He went through another bunch of papers. The year 1999, February 16th. Chloe is pregnant and I knew it was about time for me to make my research come through. In the year 2000, August 5th I met an accomplice, Allen Leah who shared the same dream I had, and together we worked for a way to suppress the genes. In the year 2001, my experiment began with my son, he grew up normally after the first treatment and after five others I was successful but not for Jenna and I regret she would be placed in this burden I meant to carry for her. Liam saw some more photos of his work, he paused when he saw something hidden at the back of a paper, he pulled it out. It was a picture of the whole family. Steve was behind smiling, his hands placed on Liam''s shoulder who smiled too. Chloe smiling carrying Jenna in her arms. Liam then remembered when they took the picture. His finger rubbed against it in longing. "Why did you have to leave and die just like that" Liam said, he was gone now he would never get the chance to ask him, there were a lot of things he wanted to tell him but it was futile. He shut the file close, what was the point, he had one promise to keep and that is to help Jenna through this, she had the most dangerous being inside her and he had to help her surpass this power. A light knock distracted him, he turned as the door opened and a young man with dark hair and light blue eyes wearing glasses walked in. "Sorry for the disturbance," he said walking in. "You must be Liam" he adds. "Yeah, and you are?". "Oh sorry am Sean. Sean Carlos is like the doctor around here" he smiled. "Alright then, if you''re a doctor you must be the one who fixed me up when I got shot, thank you," Liam said firmly. "You''re welcome and quick thinking. Yeah, I was the one, it was a bloody mess, the bullet they shot you with was intended for ghouls, wounds can be nasty from that bullet but don''t worry you will be fine" he explained. "Okay," Liam said. "Am here because Allen sent me, he wanted me to do a blood sample just to be sure you don''t have any ghoul genes" he noted. "I have no problem with that" Liam shrug. "But first do you know where Jen is?!". *** Liam carefully strolled in the veranda holding his side, he followed the directions that Sean gave him. He wondered where Jenna was, he hasn''t seen her since the news of their dad''s death, he just hoped she''s okay. On his way passing he heard someone humming it was so faint that Liam couldn''t almost hear it but he did, he slowly walked to where the sound was coming from, he walked further and saw Riley standing as she watched the setting sun, she stared at it with dull eyes as she hummed faintly, the rhythm was nice and slow like a lullaby. Liam stood watching her as she hummed to her rhythm, Liam felt a lot of vibes coming from it, of pain, anger, and sadness, how could one person have all these raging emotions inside. Riley turned but her hum seize when she saw Liam, she folded her arms. "You know if you wanna be here you have to respect other''s privacy, it''s called being a gentleman not being told to," she said tilting her head to the side. "That''s a whole lotta mean in that cuteness," Liam said sighing, she looked away. "Riley". She turned. "I never got the chance to thank you for saving my life. So thank you" Liam said sincerely. She waved the hair covering her left eye, pulling the strands behind her ear, walking past him. "So am not getting any you''re welcome?" Liam said raising an eyebrow, she halted sighing. "You know for some reason you hate me and that makes me feel uncomfortable" he added, she turned. "I don''t hate you Liam" she turned back walking. "Am not just friendly with everyone" he heard her say as she disappeared into the other hall. Liam sighed turning back to his search. Liam took the stairs and found himself at a place that looked like a veranda, he saw Jenna sitting on a flat pillar watching the sunset into darkness, he strolled towards her sitting beside her. "You know Liam they say ghouls who stay here are the ones their identity have been exposed," she said her eyes fixed on the cloud. "It''s okay to be sad Jen" Liam stated. "Liam you have every right to leave me and live a normal life but still you chose me," she said facing him. "Of course I would, you''re my sister and nothing will ever change that, I will always care for you no matter what," he said finally, her eyes were teary again, he took her hand and gave it a reassuring gentle squeeze. "We can''t run forever Liam" she sobbed. "As long as am with you then it''s worth anything, I will keep you safe Jen, trust me," he said. "Of course I do Liam, you are my only family," she said hugging him tightly. Liam took a deep breath wrapping his arms around her. *** A few Hours Later Sean carefully drew blood from Liam''s arm into a syringe, they were both in a lab. "Okay that should do it," he said assessing the blood before placing it in the test machine, Liam''s eyes scanned the mini-lab, it had all the equipment a doctor should need even for an experiment. "Wow you guys have a lot of equipment around here" Liam acknowledged. "Yeah we do get supplies, we just have to be careful not to draw unwanted attention," Sean said his eyes in the microscope binocular. "But well Riley does all the hard work" he adds. "Riley huh?" Liam said sarcastic, Sean removed his eyes from the binocular and made a face. "Yeah, she hates me" Liam looked away. "And that bothers you" Sean raised an eyebrow. "Look I don''t care what she thinks of me, I just hate her attitude" Liam began. Sean''s mouth dropped for some reason but Liam surged on. "She''s like captain cold like her heart was sold off to winter or something" he reasoned. "Not to talk of her cold eyes, it''s like danger zone" he adds. Sean waved his hand beneath his throat like he was dead and the Liam caught on but he was too late as he turned, Riley hit him behind his head. "Ow?" he made a face. "Aww, how sweet of you, thank you for the compliment, Liam," she said turning, grabbing what she came for as she left. "Tried to warn you, you really shouldn''t get on Riley''s bad side, she can be scary when you get on her nerves and you bro just made the dark list," Sean said tapping his shoulder in console like he was about to be a roaster. "Yeah great pet talk Sean," Liam said sarcastically. The computer beeped and Sean checked it. For some weird reason Liam''s heartbeat in anticipation, he didn''t know what the results will say. He swallowed hard. "Well good, you''re 100% human, that means Dr. O''Brien succeeded in destroying your ghoul genes" Sean noted. "Well that''s good to hear but not for my sister," Liam said looking away, taking a deep breath. "Yes I did check her blood, it''s rapidly around her cells," Sean said tying his laptop, opening a file showing Liam her blood results. "What the hell" Liam was astonished staring at the video, her blood cells were black moving at an enormous speed like it was a virus. "In our research, since ghouls had come to existence we realized that our cells are more like a virus, we call them ghoul genes, they spread both breeding of humans and ghouls" Sean noted. "So there''s nothing like half-ghoul?" Liam said puzzled. "No there''s nothing like that only ghouls, the virus is very strong," Sean said not liking the idea. "Well this is annoying I mean in all the research don''t you guys know why ghouls came in existence in the first place" Liam reasoned. "We don''t know what brought about ghoul but we do know it was discovered in 1514 by Jonathan Jonas, an archaeologist who studied a bit of science. He wrote the theory about ghouls, he was able to manipulate what ghouls can do and revealed them as threats and that they live amongst humans, but some thought he was crazy until the first sighting of a Claw in 1657. It caused a major panic and then humans got to know that they weren''t alone in the world and so far ghouls blended in hiding and reveal their identity if necessary" Sean explained. "But what if it was a virus that caused ghouls to be" Liam raised an eyebrow. "Am afraid that''s zero on that" Sean said. "Why?". The moment Liam asked that a Claw surged out of him and the being sharp claws slit his hand. "Hey what was that for" Liam fired as he reached for small cotton and cleaned the little blood dripping. Sean''s Claw reversed back inside him. "Sorry, that was to prove to you that your theory is wrong," he said amused. "Yeah I get it but don''t do that again" Liam warned. He nodded. "Well as you have been injured by my Claw, if it were a virus you would have been infected by now," Sean said checking his watch. "So you''re saying ghouls has been with us since the very beginning?!" Liam said like he was crazy. Sean smirked. "And now we are speaking the same language," he said adjusting his glasses. "This is unbelievable," Liam said shocked, so there were two types of human beings that differ in qualities. Humans and ghouls. "So you''re saying it''s possible even in the slightest chance that ghouls and humans can live together," Liam said. Sean''s expression changed. "Well I would agree to that but right now the fight between both species has proven that--that can never happen" Sean stated. Liam sighed, Sean was right, there was no way that anyone in the world would agree to live side by side with ghouls, that tend to eat flesh. "So I think we are done, it was a good talk. You are free to go, you should rest" Sean said with a smile. "Thanks," Liam said. "Sean?!". "Yeah?". "Do you by chance have any phone I could use, it''s just for something important" Liam said. Sean raised an eyebrow. "I will just believe it''s for personal reasons but just be careful, agents track well" he noted, Liam nodded as Sean handled him a burner phone. "Thanks once again," Liam said leaving. Liam headed towards a wide area making sure no one was watching. He dialed a number, the phone ranged from the speaker for some second before it picked. "Hello?!" a voice came in, Liam felt his heart skipped a beat when he heard the voice, he hesitated to speak as he swallowed hard. "Who is this?" the voice said again, he took a deep breath. "Hi Nicole, it''s me.... Liam". Chapter 5 - Black Hidden One Year Ago The Year 2017 Downtown Club The upbeat sound of the club bar could be heard inside, it played faintly. A young woman walked into the bar section which was downstairs probably stressed out from something and needed a release, she walked straight to the drinks section. She took her seat swiftly. "I would like something to cool down with," she said rubbing her head. "Cool down from what" she heard a voice, raising her head she met with light brown eyes, he mixed some bottle of drinks eyeing her a bit. "I just need a shot of anything," she said admiring the young man''s features, she didn''t know guys like him worked at a club bar. "Anything to cool off versus a shot of any drink coming for the lady," he said, she let out a laugh, he had a sense of humor. "Now you''re smiling, it''s nice to see that, I hate a frowning face, especially from a beautiful lady" he adds. "Well I had a bad day," she said sighing, he poured a drink in a small glass handling it to her. "Well how bad, it can''t be worse than mine" he shrugs. "I just found out my boyfriend was dating me because of my family wealth and is sleeping with my best friend," she said pissed taking a shot of her drink, the alcohol burned her throat as she swallowed hard. "Well that is one bad day," he said. She laughed. "Another one" she shifted the glass to him for another drink, he did so and handled the glass once again, he leaned close to her as she took the drink moaning. "You see drowning yourself in alcohol isn''t gonna help one bit," he said softly. "Especially for a beautiful lady like you". Her eyes landed on him. "Oh please am not buying that, I just dumped a guy, am not really for another gold digger again" she scoffs. He sighed standing straight. "Too bad and offended, I wasn''t flirting, am just worried" he noted. "Yeah right spare me the crap" she took another drink. "Nicole Jose, your father is the owner of the G.I agency," he said, she froze and stared at him with wide eyes. "If I were interested in your money yeah I would have flirted with you but am not, am just worried about a girl who would get drunk late by this time of the night, and trust me there are lotta goons around here who like helpless drunk girls like you are now," he said firmly. She tried to say something but she couldn''t form the words. "Now if you would excuse me my shift is over," he said taking off his cap and drop it on the table leaving the sidelines grabbing his jacket. "Am sorry". He halted. "I shouldn''t have said that, it was wrong of me," she said sincerely. He turned. "I didn''t take an offense I was just being neutral," he said smiling. "What kind of name do I call a guy like you," she said curious, a smile curled up one side of his lips in an intriguing way she couldn''t resist. "Liam O''Brien". *** Present Day Liam walked into the caf¨¦ making sure his face was hidden with the cap he was wearing beneath his hood, his eyes scanned the shop and landed on Nicole who sat silently close to the wall staring out the window, Liam slowly walked towards her, she turned. Unexpected of him she rushed and hug him tightly. "Oh my God Liam," she said teary, Liam wrapped his arms around her, missing the feel of her body against his. "Am so sorry for not calling since I had to be careful" he said breaking the hug, she smiled. "It''s okay, you''re here now and that''s what matters," she said softly, He smiled as they took their seat. "How''s Jenna, please tell me what I heard on the news wasn''t true," she said with hope. "It''s true," he said sternly. She gasped in surprise. "Jenna is a ghoul," he said, she rubbed her forehead sighing. "And I need your help" he adds. Her eyes landed on him. "You have never asked me for something before," she said. "Well I am now," he said. She looked away. Liam blinked. "And am sensing a no" he adds not liking the thought of it. She faced him placing her hand on his. "Liam my father is after your sister" she began. "Fuck" Liam cursed looking away like he expected her to say that but hoped she would comply. "I know Liam it''s fucked up, am so sorry but" she sighed. His eyes landed on her. "I can''t help you not when Jenna''s a ghoul," she said, Liam let out a sigh unbelieving. "So what, you''re gonna give up on her and let them catch her?". "If it''s the right thing to do. Yeah". Liam removed his hands from hers. "She''s your responsibility Liam, not mine, I can''t put myself at risk". "You sound like Trent" Liam scoffs. "Look, Liam". She placed her hand on his. His eyes landed on hers. "You have to turn her in, it''s what''s best for the city and you, you can be free," she said smiling, Liam''s looks darken, he never expected this from Nicole. He just nodded rising to his feet. "Liam?" Nicole said worriedly. "I can''t" Liam began. "I can''t give up on her". "You were the only person I could trust, I guess I was wrong" with that he walked out of the caf¨¦. Tears filled Nicole''s eyes as she cleaned it off, that moment she regretted the words she said. *** Liam stood on the pedestrian lane with other people waiting for the lights to turn green for them to cross. Liam stood frozen in time and space, he didn''t know what to do, Nicole was the only one he could turn to for help but now it was just him and Jenna. The Lights Turned Green Hands in his pocket he crossed the road to the other side, his eyes caught the big screen, it was wanted news of his sister, he halted staring at the screen, his fist tightens, were ghouls a threat to this world that they would be hunted no matter what, feeling pain and anger he tore his eyes away from the screen, he froze when he saw someone in a distance watching him, the clothes didn''t have to tell him twice that the person was a G.I agent. Liam quickly turned the other way heading away from the streets breathing fast, he got to a neighborhood looking around. He faced front but froze when an agent stood in front of him. "Liam O''Brien. My name is Drake Carson, head of division six, I need you to come with us" Drake said a stern, Liam turned slightly, about three agents at his back. "And if I don''t?" Liam said sternly. "Am afraid if you don''t comply we would have to use false" Drake said. Out of instinct Liam pushed Drake and ran out. "Get him!" Drake hissed. Liam ran as fast as he could looking back, the agents were gaining on him fast. "Shit" he cursed running further to the other block. He halted when a Claw jumped down on his front and growled grabbing him up to the uncompleted building, Liam shouted as the Claw threw him inside through the window and disappeared, he felt someone grab him. "Riley?" he said puzzled, she pushed him to the dark and placed a finger on his lips. She listened as the agents came to the area looking for Liam and took a wrong turn to the other side. "What were you thinking going out away from the ghoul underground" Riley hissed pissed. "I needed help," Liam said running his fingers in his head confused. "Help? Who do you think will help you, nobody can Liam" Riley said. "Yeah I know," Liam said dropping to the ground to seat. "Not even from the people you love" he adds sighing. Riley blinked puzzled. "Everything it''s" he was lost for words. "It''s gone" he managed to say. "Our lives are gone. Jen''s future, my future, it''s down the drain just in one night". Riley folded her arms, her eyes fixed on him. "I can''t even ask the people I care about for help, they are all saying I should turn Jen in for my future," he said rubbing his forehead. "Am fucked up" he added. "Not even close". He raised his head to meet her gaze. "You got the chance to live in a world with no worries of being hunted, I was born in that world," Riley said sternly. "A world where ghouls are despised for being born, you don''t know what that feels like Liam, you have no idea". "I have a feeling am about to find out," Liam said without a doubt, she let out a chuckle that didn''t reach her heart. "You''re not a ghoul Liam, you''re human, only Jenna will feel it not you". "Well am on the run too just for siding with her, am pretty sure I know what that feels like," Liam said. "Well you have a choice, we don''t" she looked away. "Am sure you can find your way back since you got out yourself" Riley said walking away. Liam''s eyes were fixed on her until she left. Liam looked away placing the back of his head on the wall. Liam''s hand felt the caution line in front of their apartment, he went inside. His eyes scanned everything that was covered, a memory flood in of when Jenna did her 12th birthday, he smiled at the memory, a memory he wished would last forever but that was all gone now, there was no looking back anymore, Liam turned taking a deep breath before leaving the apartment, forever. *** Section One Ghoul Underground Liam walked into the wide veranda, he halted when he saw Jenna walking to and fro like she was waiting for him. "Jen". She turned to rush to him, she hugged him tightly. "Where did you go?" she said worriedly. Liam sighed. "To see Nicole" he forced a smile. "Well what did she say, is she gonna help?" Jenna said with hope, Liam could see it in her eyes that she didn''t wanna live this way but there was no going back, this is their life now. "No, we''re on our own now". *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) Drake and the other two agents walked along the long glassy hall, they got to a door and it slides open revealing a wide office. Xavier was seated, his eyes fixed on the laptop. "Sir" Drake began, Xavier didn''t bother to look. "Am sorry sir, we couldn''t apprehend the brother, he got away" Drake said swallowing hard. "I think with the help of a ghoul" he adds, Xavier''s eyes slowly averted from his laptop to Drake. "Deploy the rest of the teams," he said darkly. "I want every inch searched, eyes everywhere. I want the black ghoul found!". "Yes sir," Drake said as they left. Xavier leaned on his chair rubbing his chin, his fingers went through his laptop, he uploaded Jenna''s profile and then Liam''s. "So Liam is human," he said faintly. "How is that possible?". *** Section One Ghoul Underground Liam gulped down the whole can of water, he sighed rubbing his forehead. "Geez is sure it''s not possible to be drunk underwater," Sean said amused taking a seat in front of him. "Well do you have anything stronger? cause I could use it," Liam said forcing a smile. "Just a sec" Sean said walking out. A few minutes later he was back with alcohol. "You read my mind" Liam commented. "Indeed I did," Sean said taking a seat, he placed two small cups on the table and poured the alcohol. "To living in hiding" Liam cheered taking his shot. "Liam," Sean said worriedly. "You''re good brother you know that," Sean said, Liam raised an eyebrow. "Really? The part I can''t give my sister a good education or the fact the only way for us to live is in hiding" Liam said taking another drink. "The fact you''re with her and not giving up" Sean reasoned. "I have seen the world, Liam, I have seen when families abandoned their loved ones but you--you stand with your sister even though you''re human. Now that''s got to count for something"Liam just nodded. "Jenna is lucky to have a brother like you, you would have bolted but you didn''t" he add. "You know what" Liam began quitting his drink. "I never wanted any of this, I wanted Jen to be happy, you know, go through school and have a life, I don''t want this kind of life for her but" Liam broke as the tears fell. "She''s just a kid and she has to endure all this" Liam said cleaning his tears. He rose to his feet unsteadily. "Whoa! Take it easy, you''re drunk" Sean said worried, Liam smiled patting his shoulder. "Three shots can''t weigh me down," he said walking away, leaving a confused Sean. Hands in his pocket he got to his room opening the door, he shut it groaning, his eyes drifted to Jenna on the other bed, her back turned. Liam sat on his bed raising his shirt a little, his bandage was a little bit soaked in blood. He sighed removing his shirt tending to his wounds. Jenna slowly opened her eyes hearing Liam in small pain, tears streamed down her cheeks hotly, she sobbed slightly. ''Am sorry Liam''. *** A Week Later Section One Ghoul underground A young boy moved his sliding chair around the four computers around him, his fingers ran in his messy brown hair, his other hand typing swiftly on the keyboard. A young woman walked up to him. "What have you found this time Evan?" she asked rolling her eyes. "We need supplies, remember? for the medical department," Evan said his eyes fixed on the computer. "Yeah, we have a lot of sick people," she said worriedly. "Yap and I just have to find the right hospital for Riley to break into," he said. "Well you better eat or you''re gonna faint the next time you slide on that chair of yours" she warned, he finally faced her. "Paige am fine, I won''t relax until I find the perfect spot," he said, Paige''s eyes drifted to the red beep on the laptop. "You mean that perfect spot" she pointed out. Evan turned to the laptop. "Oh yes baby, I found it, get Riley," Evan said excitedly, but then his expression changed. "Shit" he cursed. "Well? What is it?" Paige asked moving close. "The security cameras are linked to the G.I headquarters, they must have tapped into the system," he said sternly. "Dad there has to be a way to get those supplies, we need drugs and other stuff, the sick are getting much around here," Riley said walking to and fro in the office. Allen rubbed his forehead. "We must abort the mission, it''s too risky," Allen said sternly. "But dad" Riley began. "We can''t Riley we can''t, the cameras are linked to the G.I, it''s much too risky," he said finally. "So what, you''re just gonna do nothing?" she said. "I have no choice Riley, you have to understand," he said his eyes drifting to her, she looked away walking out of the office. She waved her hair back walking along the hall not minding where she was going, Her mind was fixed on the people who needed treatment. Her head bumped into someone''s chest. "You okay". The moment she heard Liam''s voice her head shot up, their eyes met. "Am fine" she said walking past him but Liam grab her arm, she froze turning to face him with a dark expression. "I heard about the mission" he began. "But it''s suicide" he adds. She shoved her arm off. "These people need to be treated". "And we will find another way, that hospital is jacked" Liam reasoned, she let out a sigh. "I don''t expect you to understand, you''re not a ghoul" she turned leaving. "So what, you''re blaming me for not thinking like you guys?" Liam hissed but she didn''t answer him. Liam just sighed looking away. She was so hard to deal with. *** Jenna was busy watering the plants, in the glasshouse, they grew various types of things. Jenna turned about watering the other plants but she gasped when she saw Evan standing smirking. "You scared me," she said taking a breather. "Hey, you," Evan said smiling. "What is it Evan" she rolled her eyes. This past week Evan had always been a pest around her. "Duh? You''re the black ghoul, I get to hang out with you, cool right" he said handing her a soda, Jenna smiled dropping the sprinkler that went off, she took the soda from him. "Thanks". "You''re welcome" he winked. She blushed faintly, she cleared her throat. "So um I heard about the mission but it was aborted right?" she asked. "Yeah it was a great opportunity though" he shrugged. "To get there you have to be like twice stronger and faster If anything happens, Riley is good but there are some risks she can''t take," Evan said. "But she''s still willing to no matter what," Jenna said amazed at a woman like Riley. "Yeah it''s always been Riley, she''s always there for us like a guardian," Evan said smiling at the thought. "You know she goes to college and runs the underground," he said. Jenna''s eyes widen. "Seriously?" she said shocked. "Yeah, I do go out sometimes" he shrugged. "Not everyone here has their identity revealed but the greatest challenge is there are no nurses except Sean who''s a doctor but too bad he got busted three years ago, soon he will be off the database and he can change his identity". "Really? you mean if I wait too, I can change my identity" Jenna said with hope, Evan looks turned sad. "Am afraid not, you''re like a major target". "Oh". Jenna looked away. "So I and my brother are stuck," she said. "At least am here," Evan said, Jenna smiled charmed. "See ya later got some hacking to do," he said leaving. Jenna sighed looking at her hand, she raised her hand studying it, her skin moved like a dark mist and her Claw came out standing beside her. "To get there you have to be like twice stronger and faster If anything happens". She remembered Evan''s words, her eyes drifted to her Claw who tilts its head to the side. "What do you say?" Jenna said it growled slightly. "Wanna go for a mission?". "What do you mean I should take you, I don''t want your brother to bite me at the back" Riley reasoned. "Don''t worry we won''t tell him" Jenna said, Riley sighed, this was not a good idea. "You took me and my brother in Riley, it''s the least I can do, for everyone here," she said, Riley turned to her folding her arms. "What if you get in a situation where you have to kill agents," Riley said, Jenna swallowed. "After all you have killed before" she adds. "If it''s the right thing to do". *** Liam walked into the room dropping some clothes on his bed, he blinked when he didn''t see Jenna anywhere in the room. His eyes drifted to his pillow he saw a small letter. He took it. "Placed on another duty I will be back late". Liam blinked confused. "What other duty". *** Section Twelve New York General Hospital "This isn''t legal right?" Jenna said as she watches Riley cover her face, with a light black veil. "Nope, it''s what you signed up for," Riley said, Jenna sighed covering her face also. "Okay, Evan tell me where the nearest window is," Riley said to her comm. "Up straight to the back, that''s the only window that can get you guys through with no cameras," Evan said. "Thanks, Evan," Jenna said. "Wait, Jenna? What are you doing there?" he asked stunned. "Helping out," Jenna said as she followed Riley to the back of the hospital, Jenna gasped staring at the height. "It''s" she caught her breath. "High" Riley said as with one jump she made her way to the window. "Come on Jenna it''s simple," Riley said from the window, Jenna swallowed hard as she nodded, she jumped, Riley caught her hand before she fell. She pulled her up inside the room. "Wow there are a lot of things ghouls can do," Jenna said. "Yeah too bad we have to hide it," Riley said walking to the door. She peeked from the room, spotting all the cameras around. "Evan how much time left?" Riley asked. "Just give me a minute," Evan said. "Okay be fast," Riley said closing the door, she turned to Jenna who was practically sweating. "You okay?" Riley asked amused. "Yeah is fine it''s just I have never done this before," Jenna said. "It''s okay, this is your life now we have no other choice". "Other than stealing" Jenna caught her off. Riley sighed. "We will always have a choice Riley, we just have to find it," Jenna said. "You sound just like your brother," Riley said. "Is that a bad thing?". Jenna raised an eyebrow, Riley just let out a chuckle. "Alright am done" Evan''s voice sounded from the comm. "You have one hour to get through that lobby to the storage where the drugs are," Evan said. "Let''s go," Riley said as they went out of the room, Jenna followed behind as they walked to the lobby looking sideways, Riley heard some noise. "Quick hide" she hissed as they hide behind a wall, Jenna''s heart was slamming fast in her chest. A nurse walked in, her eyes fixed on the roaster she was reading, she walked past not noticing both of them. Riley nodded as they came out of hiding, they got to the storage, quickly shutting the door, they packed as many drugs as they needed, they just have few minutes left. *** Section One Ghoul underground Liam search everywhere for Jenna but she was nowhere to be seen, he checked the plant garden but she wasn''t there also. "What the hell," Liam said puzzled, his eyes trailed upstairs, his expression changed, he felt odd as he headed for the stairs. *** "Riley, Jenna, you have to get out of there now, something tripped off, you don''t have an hour" Evan panicked when he saw the red light, he turned his other chair to another computer, it was footage of the hospital outside, an SUV packed and agents came down. "This is not good, guys get out of there now" Evan hissed typing on the keyboard, he turned and froze when he saw a pissed Liam. "Liam," Evan said swallowing hard. Liam''s look darken. "Where is she" Liam said darkly. "Liam". "I SAID WHERE IS JEN!" Liam shouted, Evan went stiff. "The..the General hospital" Evan said. Liam stormed off. "Liam wait, Liam, you can''t go there, there are agents" Evan hissed but he was far gone. "This is not good". Evan feared for the worst. Chapter 6 - Black Choice Riley and Jenna were out of the store looking for an exit but according to Evan, the G.I agents were already on their trail. "Evan find us a way out of here fast," Riley said looking out the window were several SUV was packed, agents out. Jenna paced in the room in a panic. "What are we gonna do Riley?" Jenna asked haste. Riley''s fist tightens, her comm sounded. "There''s no way out, the G.I has eyes everywhere, the moment you step out of that room you''re done," Evan said. "You know what to do" he adds. "I see," Riley said offing the comm, she turned to Jenna who was stiff. "Remember when I said, there might be a situation where you have to kill agents," Riley said darkly, Jenna swallowed. "That time is now". *** Liam got out of the taxi as it drove off, an alarm was blowing inside the hospitals as the agent''s flood in, the press was already there ready to fabricate more news. "I repeat we have multiple killings in the building I need more agents". Liam turned when he heard the words coming from Drake in a distance. His eyes widen at the news, his sister wasn''t a killer there was no way she would do that no way. That moment a loud sound came, his head shot up to the twelve floors where the sound came from, a body burst out through the window and landed on the ground causing a bloody mess, screams sounded everywhere. Liam stood frozen his eyes were not on the body that fell but at the window where a black feminine Claw was and it was Jenna''s there was no doubt about it. His mouth was left apart unable to form the right words in this chaos. The Claw disappeared back inside. The siren blows loudly as more police cars surround the front of the hospital and more agents came. Liam was still, as he watches the scene. ''Jen did all this?''. He thought swallowing hard. He looked sideways confused. He ran his hands in his hair stressed out, his eyes drifted to a window near a bit of bush, he looked around, everyone was focused on all the front windows and doors but not the one near the bush. Making sure he wasn''t spotted he rushed to it, the window was sealed, he looked for anything around him he could use to burst his way in, he spotted a stone, he used it to break the window using his hand to find the handle, it clicked, he climbed in. It leads to abandoned storage that was dark, he took his time before he could find the door, it leads him to a room that had pipelines, his eyes drifted to the stairs. He quickly made his way towards it. *** Outside An SUV drove in, Chase got down from the car, adjusting his jacket, his eyes scanned the chaos, he walked to the control center where Drake was leading the force. "Sir" Chase said, Drake''s eyes drifted to him. "It''s about time you came here" he hissed. "Traffic sir," Chase said. "What is the status, sir" he adds. "Well it''s messed up, the ghouls in there are not giving the agents chances, there are tons of hostages in there and I don''t know if they are alive or not," Drake said frustrated. "Prepare yourself" he turned to Chase. "You''re going in with the next unit". "Yes sir". *** Inside Liam''s eyes scanned the scattered lobby, the lights shaking, he checked if there were any agents but none, a chopper passed from outside showing lights, Liam hid behind a wall, it took some time before he ventured further searching every room. He got to another floor, the moment he stepped in, he stepped on blood, his eyes widen when he saw various bodies of agents and what shocked him the most, the bodies of some nurses and doctors, he gasped shakily as he leaned on a wall. He froze when he heard a gunshot. "Jen" he panicked as he rushed to the sound, it came from another lobby. "Jen!" he called the moment he got there, about three agents turned seeing him who pointed their gun at Jenna''s Claw. "Liam?" Jenna said with wide eyes. "Jen" he stepped forward. "Don''t move" an agent hissed about firing but another Claw jumped at their front, it attacked them until they were devoured. Riley stepped forward as she stepped on the blood. "What are you doing here Liam," she said sternly. "What am I doing here?" Liam said unbelievingly. "Just look at the fucking mess you guys caused, you''re killing like mindless monsters" Liam hissed. "If you think we are doing this on purpose, we are not," Riley said. "Then explain the bodies of those innocent people" Liam hissed. "It was the agents" Jenna caught in. His eyes landed on her. "They spotted us and they opened fire, they were just unfortunate being in the front lines," she said. "Unfortunate? Jenna what the fuck are you even doing here, you''re supposed to be in the underground away from all this but" he lost it running his hands in his hair. "Riley needed help Liam, the people at the underground needed help" Jenna reasoned. "So stealing and killing agents is the help huh," Liam said. "We didn''t have a choice" Riley hissed. "DON''T GIVE ME THAT" Liam shouted, Riley''s look darken, he tore his eyes away from her facing Jenna. "Our life is destroyed Jenna, we were almost at peace away from the world but rather you chose to do this" Liam said. "It''s my choice Liam, not yours" she looked away, Liam let out a gasp of surprise at her words. *** Outside "Sir we have gotten a clear visual of the ghouls," a man said from Drake''s comm. "Shoot them" he ordered. "I want all units in that building in a minute". "Yes sir". *** Inside Instantly Jenna''s Claw snap so did Riley''s, they sensed something. Jenna''s eyes widen in realization. "LIAM LOOKOUT" Jenna shouted, Liam turned but it was too late, the chopper came from nowhere and fired a bomb. It caused a huge explosion sound as everything went blank. Jenna gasped opening her eyes as Riley helped her up, Jenna groaned in confusion as she tried to gain her vision, everything was a blur, her ears sounded like rings. "Jenna" Riley called her name but it was like a faint sound, inaudible. Her vision cleared as she searched for her brother, she spotted him but the destroyed building separated them, blood trailed from his head as he struggled to stand. "Liam" Jenna called as he turned to her relieved she was okay, but then he saw lights, he knew the agents were coming. "Riley gets Jenna out of here" Liam hissed. "No, we have to get you out," Riley said. "JUST GO" he shouted. Riley gasped as the agents came at the other end where Liam was. She turned to Liam as their eyes met, everything else was in slow motion, Riley was about to speak. "It''s the only way," Liam said turning his back. "Let''s go, Jenna," Riley said looking away as her chest twisted from a newfound pain. "What no, no am not leaving my brother no" Jenna cried as Riley dragged her away. "NO NO NO LIAM" she cried, Riley pulling her back as they left. The agents came and saw Liam, Chase stepped forward, their eyes meet. "We meet again Liam O''Brien," he said darkly. Liam was silent. "Cuff him" Chase ordered as an agent came to Liam and pulled him to his knees, his hands behind as the agent cuffed him, Chase''s eyes scanned the scene but no ghouls. "Some brother you are," Chase said, Liam''s eyes drifted to him. "Risking your life for your sister," he said. "I will do anything for her," Liam said stern, Chase let out a weak smile. "Let''s see how long that lasts". *** "The incident at the New York General Hospital has been uncovered to be no other than the work of ghouls, the G.I agency believes the mastermind behind it, is the black ghoul and one other ghoul yet to be identified. Several innocent people were killed during this chaos. The black ghoul is now posing a huge threat to the--". Nicole clicked on the remote before she could hear more, she sighed pulling her hair backward, she turned standing to her feet as she got to her room window, the gates were opened, her dad car drove in, she rushed out. Xavier''s eyes were fixed on his watch as he walked into the mansion, he halted when he saw Nicole standing in front of him. "What is it Nicole?" he asked walking past her. He knew what she was about to say. "It''s about Liam and his sister," she said following behind they both climbed the stairs. "There''s nothing I can do, his sister is a criminal and he''s siding with her," he said. "Of course he will, she''s his sister," she said. Xavier halted turning to her. "I just found out you were dating this Liam O''Brien, you came to me pleading I should let him off the hook if he turned his sister in but he refused". Nicole looked away. "You said so yourself" he adds, Nicole was about to say something. "And now you''re siding for both of them" he reasoned. "Because it''s what''s right," she said. "Siding with ghouls isn''t right, you of all people should know that" he hissed. Nicole''s eyes landed on his bag, she saw a file sticking out, the tip said Liam O''Brien. She swallowed. "Yes dad you''re right, I shouldn''t be siding with ghouls, sorry for disturbing you," she said turning back downstairs. Xavier just sighed going up. Nicole halted turning. ''Why does dad have a file on Liam, I thought Jenna was the only threat''. She thought puzzled. *** Section One Ghoul Underground. "What were you thinking Riley do you have any idea how much damage you have caused" Allen hissed pissed, Riley looked away. "Everything was going according to plan, but the cameras were well monitored," she said. "I told you it was too risky but yet you did it and dragged Jenna into this and now Liam is taken to a place we have no idea" Allen said frustrated. "I will take full responsibility for what happened," Riley said, Allen sighed. The Door Clicked Open. They turned. Jenna walked in with bloodshot eyes from crying. "Please" she began crying. "Please we have to find Liam, please" she cried. "It''s all my fault, if I would have just stayed put none of this would have happened" she broke. Riley walked towards her and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Evan is searching every section in the city, don''t worry we will find him, and I will bring him back, I promise" Riley assured her, she nodded hugging Riley as she cried, Riley froze at this action, she made no move to wrap her arms around her, she remembered when she looked into Liam''s eyes, that moment, she blinked at the thought. "Don''t worry we will find him" she said wrapping her arms around her. *** Somewhere In Section Ten Liam could hear sounds of water dripping, his eyes slowly opened, he looked around weakly, he was in a wide room with dim lights, but the sun reflected through the windows, it was the only source of light in the wide warehouse. He tried to move but he found out he was cuffed to the chair. "Hello, Liam". His head shot up when he heard a voice, his eyes caught a figure in a distance that walked to him, he swallowed when the man came to the light. Xavier smiled taking his seat in front of him, Liam turned when he heard another noise, a man in white came rolling a table that had several knives on it, Liam''s eyes widen as he turned to Xavier, who smirked. "Let''s start with something simple shall we". *** Jose Mansion It was hours since Nicole''s dad left, this was a perfect opportunity. Nicole slightly opened the door to her dad''s study room, she walked in shutting the door from behind. She rushed to the table searching for Liam''s file. "Where is it?" she said turning to face the shelves, she got to it and searched, opening everything, checking every file in place but nothing, she looked around the office running her hand in her hair confused. When Liam asked for her help she should have helped him but she was blinded by the law, she shouldn''t have hesitated, she would make things right, she just hoped it wasn''t too late to make amend. Her eyes drifted to his table, she blinked walking towards it, she turned to where the chair was and squat checking the table, she felt her hand on it and opened something that showed a password input. "Really dad," she said sighing, she tried a password she knew it was the right one and it opened, it was always the date her mom died. She opened the shelf and saw series of classified files, she searched for Liam''s and found it, she quickly opened it going through it, she saw his picture something written on it, she froze. "Captured?" she gasped as she searched for a location until she found it. "Section 10". *** Hours Later Section Ten Warehouse Sound of screams of pain could be heard as the knives came in contact with Liam''s chest, he took a harsh breath as the man finally stopped, his blood flow through his chest to the floor, dripping like water. "Let''s start again, where is your sister and where is the ghoul underground located," Xavier said losing his patience. Liam laughed slightly despise the pain he was in. "You think this is funny?. Your life is in the line here" Xavier hissed, Liam spat blood on his face. "Screw you," Liam said a stern, Xavier slowly wipes the blood off his face with his thumb. He smiled facing Liam. "Make sure you torture him until his last breath, he''s no use to us," Xavier said rising to his feet not breaking eye contact with Liam. "You made a big mistake Liam and now you have to pay for it," he said turning to leave, Liam burned hate on Xavier until he exits the warehouse, the man on white sharpened his knives. "Let the fun begin," the man said bringing out a syringe, Liam''s eyes shook as he watches the liquid spill slightly from the tip of the needle. *** Section One Ghoul Underground "I found him". The moment Evan said that everyone rushed to him. "Where is he?" Jenna demanded. "He''s in section 10 at an old warehouse," Evan said. "But the place is guarded by agents" he adds. "Sean, Paige let''s go," Riley said about leaving. "Am coming with you" Jenna said unwaveringly. Riley turned to her. She knew that there was no way to talk Jenna out of this. "Then let''s go". *** Section Ten Warehouse They waited patiently in the woods, they watch the guard''s movement, their face covered. "Sean, Paige you two take care of the guards, me and Jenna will take care of the ones inside," Riley said, they nodded as they came out and their Claw surged out, shots were fired at once as the Claw''s attacked. Nicole arrived in a car in a distance, she parked getting down, she gasped when she heard gunshots, panicking she rushed towards the warehouse she didn''t know if she could get there in time but she just hopes she would, for Liam''s sake. Jenna and Riley were able to make their way inside, there was only one light in the wide room, Jenna''s eyes scanned everywhere until she met a sight that left her trembling. "Liam," she said heartbroken as she saw the state her brother was in, his chest had series of cuts everywhere, he was in the pool of his own blood, his head downwards like he was drugged, the man torturing him turned and moved back when he saw them, Jenna''s eyes changed, without hesitation, her Claw came at the man, he shouted as he ran but the Claw came at him devouring him instantly. Riley stood frozen watching the state Liam was in as Jenna rushed to him. "Liam! Liam!" Jenna said but he didn''t answer he was unconscious, her Claw came behind and broke the cuffs, she held him steady before he could fall hugging him tightly, not minding the blood getting to her. "Liam" she cried as her trembling fingers felt the cuts at his back, she broke. "Am so sorry, am so so sorry this is all my fault" she cried. "Am sorry please please wake up" she sobbed. Riley''s eyes shook watching the scene that gave her pain in her chest. He would have talked, he would have told them their located, where Jenna is, for his own safety but yet he took it all, he took it just to protect his sister. "What kind of guy are you Liam," Riley said softly. "Liam please wake up," Jenna said crying. Liam slowly opened his eyes, pain shocking his body but that''s wasn''t his concern right now. "Jen," he said faintly. Jenna gasped breaking the hug. "Liam" her eyes filled with tears more, Liam forced a smile despite the pain he was in as he cleaned her tears. "Don''t cry, am fine" he assured her. "No you''re not," Jenna said sobbing. "This can''t kill me," he said. Sean rushed in with Paige. "Guys we have to go one of the agents set off an alarm, agents will be flooding here soon," Sean said. "Let''s go," Jenna said helping Liam up, Sean rushed and helped as they took him out of the warehouse, Liam''s whole body shock in pain, everything was spinning in his vision. "Liam". They halted when they heard his name. "Nicole," Jenna said with wide eyes, Liam slowly turned as their eyes meet, she gasped as tears filled her eyes when she saw the state he was in. "Liam," she said in tears. "Let''s go," Riley said as they walked out to the forest leaving a heartbroken Nicole. "Liam". *** Section One Ghoul Underground Jenna walked to and fro outside a door waiting, Sean came out. "How is he?" Jenna asked worriedly. "Well the stitches took some time, hopefully, it won''t leave any mark except for some" Sean said, Jenna swallowed. "But more importantly he''s gonna live" he adds smiling, Jenna nodded rushing in. Sean turned and saw Riley leaning on a wall. "You could go see him" Sean shrugged. Riley looked away, as she turned about leaving. "You saved him Riley there''s no need for you to feel guilty about what happened to him," Sean said. "Am not feeling guilty" Riley hissed turning to face Sean. "He had every chance to get away from all this but yet he stayed and got himself almost killed," Riley said. Sean sighed. "You don''t get it? do you Riley" Sean said, she looked away. "Even ghouls deserve to feel the love you know and Liam''s love for his sister is what kept him alive" he adds. Her eyes landed on him. Liam''s eyes slowly opened and met with a brown ceiling, he tried to move his hand but it was paralyzed by the drip, he tried the other one and felt something on it, his eyes drifted and saw Jenna sleeping on it, her hands locked with his, Liam smiled faintly, he forced his other hand to move, it did and he placed it on her head patting it softly, he sighed looking up, he felt a stare on him, he turned to the curtains at the door, the wind blew in as it waved slightly, Riley was there watching him, he blinked cause for once her green eyes were not covered in darkness but light, she had a light expression than usual and she felt sad. Their eyes locked as they both studied each other feelings with their eyes, Riley forced her eyes away as the darkness came back, she turned to leave, the curtains flapping as Liam watch her disappear. Liam turned back to face the ceiling. ''Ghouls can never have a normal life. That thought kept lingering in his mind, Jenna will never have a normal life, but Liam would choose, he won''t let that thought destroy Jenna''s future, never again, he will put an end to all this, once and for all. *** One Month Later Section Three G.I Headquarters (Medical Unit) Chase walked through the slide doors, Max was already on his feet packing his things, he turned as Chase stepped in, he smiled. "Finally out of this cozy room," Max said amused. "Am glad you''re okay" Chase said. "Yeah I am and finally I can see Renee," Max said. "Wanna come with" he offered, Chase was about to say something. "I actually need a ride," Max said, Chase let out a laugh forgetting what he was about to say. *** "Sure" Section Four Cody Resident "I just hope I don''t get a beating than a welcome" Max said amused. "Am sure she won''t put up a fight" Chase said pushing a button that rang inside, it took some seconds before a woman opened the door, she gasped when she saw Max. "Hi honey," Max said smiling. "Max," she said tearily as she hugged him tightly. A few Hours Later "No working until after the baby okay," Renee said packing their plates. "I can''t promise," Max said, Renee made a face. "Chase please you''re his best friend talk to him since he won''t listen to his wife," Renee said rolling her eyes as she walked to the kitchen. "She''s right you know" Chase shrug. "So now you''re taking her side" Max raised an eyebrow. "Come on Max you''re gonna be a father soon, just stay with your family" Chase reasoned. "There won''t be a family when ghouls keep moving around," Max said. "Yeah that one I can agree with," Chase said leaning on his chair, Max''s eyes drifted to Renee at the kitchen, he smiled. "Families are the best thing in the world that''s why we do everything we can to protect them," Max said facing Chase, he nodded. "You''re always afraid of starting a family because you''re afraid of the world" he adds. "Come on Max". "That''s why you''re still single". "Shut up" Chase looked away, Max just let out a laugh. "Trust me, a family is the best thing that can ever happen in this messed-up city" he shrugged. Chase sighed. "Say that to the brother and sister on the run," Chase said sternly. *** Section Eight Nicole came out of a book store walking towards her car, she checked her bag for her keys when her phone rang, she stared at the number strangely until she picked. "Hello?" she said but no answer. "Hello?". "Nicole". She froze when she heard Liam''s voice she almost had a heart attack just hearing it. "Liam," she said shakily as hope that he was still alive creped through her body, after a month she finally heard from him. "We need to talk". Chapter 7 - Black Runaways Nicole''s eyes kept lingering on the window, she sighed as her hands wrapped around her cup of coffee. She checked her watch, then looked at the window again, she was getting unsettled just by waiting. She ran her hands in her hair looking down, she heard the doorbell, her head shot up as she saw Liam walking into the cafe. "Liam," Nicole said with shaky eyes, it''s has been a month since she last saw him, seeing him now was like the first time, She was so glad he was okay after what he had been through. Liam swiftly took a seat in front of her. "Hi Nicole," Liam said forcing a smile, Nicole trembling placed her hands on his, the tears fell out of her control. "Am sorry, I should have---" she sobbed. "What my dad did was---". "Hey hey it''s not your fault, it was your dad''s choice, not yours," Liam said holding her hand in his. "And I understand, you were just doing what you thought was right," Liam said. Nicole nodded cleaning her tears. "I miss you, Liam, I do," she said staring into his eyes with longing. Liam gave a hand a light gentle squeeze. "I know and I miss you too". "I need your help" he adds. "Tell me I will do anything," Nicole said unwavering. "I need to get out of the city, I need to keep Jenna safe away from all this," he said sternly. "But Liam". "I need a change of passports and new identities," he said. "Liam running won''t solve anything, it will put you guys at risk" she reasoned. "I have to Nicole, this is the only way, if I stay here she will be in harm''s way, they would come after her, and I don''t want that". She sighed. "Staying here will only get more people hurt, Jenna won''t have a future and I don''t want that to happen" he adds. "Okay but getting a change of identities for you both will take some time but I can make it work," she said, he placed his other hand on hers. "Am sorry for all the trouble" Liam said. "Am willing to help Liam, whatever it takes am not making that mistake again, I will help for real this time" Nicole said certainly. Liam''s eyes shake at her response, he slowly reaches and cups her cheeks, Nicole leans into his warm touch. "Thank you it means a lot," he said forcing a smile, she nodded as the tears fell, Liam wiped it off with his thumb swiftly, she sighed in relief loving the feel of his hand on her cheeks. "You were hurt," she said softly. "Am fine" Liam assured her, Nicole nodded as the tears fell more. "Keep Jenna safe," she said. "I will". *** Liam walked out of the cafe adjusting his cap, he looked sideways making sure no one was watching him as he continued his walk. Behind a building Riley came out, her eyes fixed on Liam until he exited the streets. *** Section One Ghoul Underground Liam made his way into the veranda, he halted when he saw Riley standing with her arms folded. Their eyes met, the silence grew around them, Liam broke the eye contact as he walked past her. "Where have you been?" Riley asked, the question halted him in his tracks, he turned to face Riley, so did she. "Nowhere important" he shrugged. "She''s the G.I agency Captain''s daughter, asking her for help is like asking an enemy for help," Riley said sternly. "That is none of your business Riley," Liam said not liking her prying attitude. "So what? you''re gonna leave the city?" she fired. "So now you''re spying on me, I didn''t picture you for a stalker," he said with a weak smile. "Am making sure you don''t do anything stupid that would expose this hideout, the agents are everywhere" she said darkly. Liam snap. "That doesn''t give you the right to spy on me, weren''t you the one who talked about privacy," Liam said pissed, her look darken, she walked deadly towards him and looked deeply into his eyes. "You don''t get it Liam, there no one to trust," she said. Liam''s fist tightens. "I know I can trust Nicole, she''s always free about her feelings, unlike someone. She''s not hiding in a mask" he stated, her eyes changed instantly, Liam wasn''t bothered about this. He just wants only one thing. "I just want my sister to be safe, I don''t need you to tell me how this world works, I have seen it and had a taste of it, I think I can cope just by myself. Tell your dad we are leaving, he doesn''t need to look out for us again" Liam said walking away, she let out a frustrating gasp. *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) Chase walked along the halls, he went straight to the computing hall he was called to and entered. There were several people seated as they went through their computers. "Chase it''s good you''re here," Drake said walking towards him. "Sir you asked for me," Chase said. "Yes I did, yesterday our surveillance camera''s caught something," Drake said motioning to a computer, he typed on it and a street surveillance video came up the widescreen in front, a young man was present his face hidden as he walked the street looking sideways. The footage zoomed in and the face was revealed. "Liam O''Brien," Chase said in realization. "Yes, and he was meeting someone but we still can''t figure out who," Drake said. "This means he''s still in the city and closes by," Chase said rubbing his chin. Drake viewed out another footage. "Other than the street there are no more sightings of him, it''s like he just disappeared," Drake said. Chase''s eyes were fixed on the footage. "No he didn''t," Chase said getting something, he reviewed more footage putting it together. "I think he used a shortcut to somewhere off section two," Chase said. "Shortcut to where?" Drake said puzzled. Chase got the last footage. "Section one". *** Section One Ghoul Underground Evan''s hands went swiftly on the keyboard, a red beeping sound went off in one of the computers, he slides his chair to the other computer, someone was trying to hack into the section. His hands went fast on the keyboard. His eyes scanned the code coming up. "Poor G.I agents, you just made a big mistake," he said deadly as his computer screen changed to nothing but code, he typed in speed. Riley walked towards him. "Evan" she called. "We have a problem," Evan said. Riley''s eyes widen. "What?" she demanded, she knew it was only a matter of time. Since the past month of no sign of Jenna, the agents had cameras in every street, that was what she worried about. "It''s those fucking agents they are trying to hack into the section," Evan said. "Well can you stop it," Riley said in haste. Evan smirked. "When have you ever doubted me?" Evan said as he pressed enter. *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) "The footage is gone" one of the men seated said to Chase and Drake, Chase turned to the screen. "The data is erased, this means section one doesn''t exist" the man adds. "I must have seen wrong," Chase said not too sure, something was off. "Wyatt get the unit ready we are going on patrol," Drake said. "Yes sir". *** Section One Ghoul Underground "What? We are leaving?" Jenna said shocked as she watches Liam pack some stuff in a bag. "Jenna, pack your stuff," Liam said. "No am not until you tell me why," Jenna said sternly, he faced her. "Look I got Nicole to get us a hotel to stay in until we get our passport and leave the city," Liam said firmly. "Wait Nicole wants to help now? What happened to we are now on our own" Jenna said. But Liam kept packing. "We can''t just leave, this place is safe Liam, what makes you think when we get out of here we will be" she added. Liam sighed placing his hands on her shoulder. "We will survive just like we always have". The moment he said that the doors slide open and a Claw came at him, it held him at the throat and smashed him on the wall. "LIAM!" Jenna shouts. "You piece of shit," Riley said walking in. Liam struggled as the Claw held his throat tightly that he couldn''t breathe. "Because of you the agents almost found out our hideout and sooner or later they will come on patrol" Riley hissed. "Riley stop it you''re killing him," Jenna said frighten, Liam kept struggling but it was futile. "I SAID STOP IT" Jenna shouted as her Claw surged out and pushed Riley''s Claw off, Liam gasp as he fell to the ground struggling to breathe, Jenna rushed to his side and held him steady. Riley looks dark as their eyes met. "Riley" Evan called walking in but didn''t catch the situation. "We have to leave now, the agents are on patrol," Evan said walking out. Riley turned back to them, Liam''s furious eyes landed on her. She said the words she would forever regret saying that moment. "Get out and don''t come back" Riley spat darkly as she left, her Claw following behind. "Let''s get out of here there''s no use staying," Liam said rising on his feet. "But-". "Don''t argue okay just do it" Liam said pissed. Riley stood at the edge of the roof, her eyes fixed on the cars moving in the street. Evan, Sean, and Paige behind her covering their faces. They wouldn''t have to do these if Liam didn''t act out, but they had no choice, the underground must remain hidden for the sake of all the ghouls there. On the driveway out of nowhere, Claw''s landed in their front and the battle began as sounds of a gunshot could be heard. In a distance, Chase was in the car when he heard the gunshot and stepped down. "All units come in," he said to his comm. There was static and no report until. "All units pull back I repeat pull back, the ghouls attacked fro-". The line went off, he froze. He shaky dropped the radio command swallowed hard. ''Ghouls were monsters''. That was his only thought. *** Liam stopped in front of the window, watching the rain pouring outside. They were already in the hotel of any radar, Nicole would be meeting them soon with their new identities. ''Soon we will be away from all this once and for all''. Liam thought with hope, there will be no more danger for Jenna. Jenna was seated on the bed watching him, she turned as her fingers mingled together, she didn''t like this idea one bit. The thought of running away reminded her of someone. *** Section One Ghoul Underground "What were you thinking Riley" Allen fired. She looked away. "He put everyone here in danger dad, the underground was almost exposed and the safety of every ghoul here, what we built all these years was about to come down" she reasoned. "And besides it was his decision of leaving" she added. "We have to get them back it''s not safe out there, leaving the city will only put them in danger" Allen reasoned. "So what dad, they left on their own accord so don''t stick yourself for them," Riley said. "You know nothing Riley, I own a debt to Steve that can never be repaid, if you won''t find them then I will," he said finally. "Even if it means endangering everyone''s life in the underground," she said sternly. "Liam had every chance to expose us when he was being tortured but he didn''t, can''t you see he''s not a threat to us," Allen said. "That was his choice, he almost got himself killed for it," she said. "Oh Riley" Allen said rubbing his forehead. "Have your mother''s death turned you into this cold person?" he said. Riley''s eyes landed on him shaky, her eyes almost at the blink of tears but she fought the urge back, looking away. "Mum was killed unjustly by the agents" her eyes landed on him. "Don''t try to justify my feeling on that because yes it did change me, you don''t have to spell it out" she said a stern, Allen''s look saddened. The Door Clicked Open. Paige froze seeing that she interrupted something. "Sorry," she said seeing the scene. "What Paige?" Riley asked. "Evan wants you to check something out," she said. Riley turned to her father. "Leave," Allen said turning to the other side. *** "Last night was a massacre, agents were killed on patrol, once again it''s none other than the work of the black ghoul, after a month of silence we are now visited with more killings by the runaway ghoul Jenna O''Brien," the newscaster said. "At this rate, Jenna will be caught," Evan said turning to face them. "They are such awful people, they are pinning all the killings on Jenna just to fasten their capture on her" Paige said unbelievably. "They could send her to the worst prison, they could send her to Steel, it would be hell for her," Sean said. "We have to help them Riley even if they don''t need our help, Liam thinks running away is the only way to protect Jenna, he''s making rash decisions that could most probably get them both killed" Paige reasoned. Riley''s arms were folded as her fingers tapped on her arms. She sighed. "I don''t like this idea one bit," she said. Evan turned to his laptop. "I have a full guarantee they will be caught once they board a plan, change of identity won''t help when facial recognition is run they won''t stand a chance," Evan said worriedly. "When will their plane leave?" Riley said. Evan quickly hacked into the system, all footage of Nicole came out, where she has been, it took some time, he was sure this was the right one. "This evening by six," he said, they turned to Riley awaiting her decision. She growled frustratedly. "Alright we will help them but am not playing nice" she warned, they smiled. *** On Air Airplane A white private plane flew the skies, amid white clouds, the sun at an uprising making everywhere yellow. Inside A woman seated with her legs crossed drank her wine swiftly, her eyes fixed on New York news, she watched it on her wide iPad. "Last night was a massacre, agents were killed on patrol, once again it''s none other than the work of the black ghoul, after a month of silence we are now visited with more killing by the runaway ghoul Jenna O''Brien," the newscaster said. Her light blue eyes fixed on Jenna''s picture showed on the screen, a smile formed on her lips as she dropped her wine on the small portable table in front and opened a file in the iPad, it came up with a name. ''Dr. Steve O''Brien''. "Jenna is the black ghoul huh?" she said amused as she opened a file of research. "That''s isn''t what your research said" she smirked. A man in a suit probably a flight attendant carrying a juice-in tray walked past her to the other side of the plane. "I wouldn''t do that," she said, her eyes fixed on her iPad. The man blinked puzzled. Her eyes drifted on him. "He doesn''t like to be woken up, I wouldn''t want you to end up in the ground too soon," she said amused, the man''s eyes widen as he rushed out. Her eyes lingered at the other side of the plane then back to her iPad. "What are you doing during all this chaos, Xavier". *** New York City Sounds Of Light Knock Liam and Jenna turned the moment they heard the sound, Jenna''s eyes drifted to Liam as he carefully walked towards it and checked the small hole before opening it. "Nicole," Liam said relieved, she walked in. "I got everything, you guys have to leave tonight," she said. "Great, Jen get ready," Liam said but she didn''t make a move. "Jen!". "Nicole why are you even here," Jenna said sternly. "Am here to help" she reasoned. "Yeah I know but a month ago you didn''t want anything to do with us," Jenna said. "Don''t think you''re gaining any self-redemption by doing this" she added. Nicole looked away. "Jen!" Liam hissed, her eyes drifted to him. "Liam, running away after everything we have been through, after everything you have been through. You just wanna flush it down the toilet and let the agents have their way" Jenna hissed. "What are you expecting me to do Jen, to fight a force we can''t handle just for our freedom?" Liam said. "It''s better than running like cowards" Jenna spat. "Jen!" Liam hissed. "AM NOT RUNNING AWAY" she shouts. "I don''t wanna be dad, I wanna stay and face the situation so don''t be like him please" she adds. Liam froze at her protest. "Is that what you think?" Liam began, she looked away. "Am like dad?". "Well what do you think," she said sternly, Liam let out a gasp of surprise running his hands in his hair. "Nicole could you please excuse us," Liam said. "What do you wanna do? let her leave and give me a piece of your mind of how you want nothing more to protect me?" Jenna said sternly. "Jenna stop talking like that, your brother loves you and he wants to keep you safe" Nicole said softly. "By running away, no it isn''t" she spat. "What happened Jen" Liam said not believing her words. She sat up. "We are in this together Liam" she reasoned. "But if it''s about running away then we''re not" she adds taking her bag. "There is no together Liam, am a ghoul am different and that will always stay that way," she said. Liam let out a gasp of surprise. "And I choose to stay," she said moving backward slowly. "I won''t run away not like dad," she said stopping. "You should too". She turned to crash into the window. "JEN!" Liam shouted in horror as he watches his sister jump out of the window. Liam and Nichole rushed to the broken window in surprise, they looked down and saw her landing on her feet. She turned and looked up, she stared at her brother one more time before running. *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) About three SUV parked in front of the agency, she smiled as her green eyes studied the building. "Looks like we''re finally here, no distress call but still I have to come all the way," she said as men in suits came down from the other SUV, one opened the door and she got down, they headed towards the building. Xavier''s fingers tapped on the table lost in deep thought, they lost 26 agents during the patrol, and yet still no black ghoul, he was getting impatient, he was lost of strategy but he had to think of something before it was too late. "Mr. Jose" his secretary walked into his office. "Someone is here to see you," she said. "I have told you no one is to see me unless they have information on the black ghoul" he stated darkly, she swallowed. "The person here to see you" she began, Xavier''s eyes drifted to her. "Is from the Order" she stated. Xavier''s eyes widen. ''The Order''. He thought. His secretary left as a woman wearing a smart white suit, with a skirt walked in, her heels sounding loudly in the office. Her blond hair is packed neatly in a bun. "Xavier Jose, it''s nice to finally meet you," she said bringing out her hand. Xavier was left frozen where he was, the woman noticed this and smiled. "No welcome for me?" she said, he swallowed as he rise to his feet and shook it and they took their seat. "I figured you already know me, Xavier," she said. "How wouldn''t I," he said sternly. She raised an eyebrow. "Barbra Jones, head of the Order how could I not know" he adds sternly, she smirked widely. "It''s nice you do and I suppose you know why am here," she said leaning on her chair crossing her leg on the other. Xavier sighed. "The black ghoul, of course, heard amazing stories consigning that and your approach towards the situation" she noted. "Believe me, we have everything under control" he assured her. Her smile faded. "No Xavier you don''t" she began with a scowl. "Am a descendant of a man who discovered ghouls live amongst us" she said. Xavier swallowed. "Not only did he write about ghouls but a threat amongst them we are yet to face. An even greater power" she adds. "The black ghoul," he said. "Yes, one we have not seen since 1807. Such a coincidence isn''t it" she said. "How?". She smiled placing a file on his desk. "Unlike you, I have done my homework properly," she said as he went through the files. "What does this have to do with Steve O''Brien," he said puzzled. "Oh it has everything to do with him, mostly his research" she noted, he blinked. "Am sure you know the brother is human, which you''re still trying hard to figure out why" she said rising to her feet, pacing in the office. "Steve O''Brien began a secret research to destroy the ghoul''s genes because he knew very well his children will inherit the most dangerous Claw known". She turned to him. "Ghost," she said. Xavier''s eyes widen. "You did know they were descendants but you had no idea what power the black ghoul posses, we just happened to call it the black Claw but I assure you that is different" she added. "But Steve succeeded in destroying it, Liam is human, Jenna is the black ghoul," Xavier said certainly. "Yes that is a very possible answer but something is off, something about Steve''s research," she said certainly. "What are you implying?". "We need more answers," she said sternly. "But where will we find those" Xavier said haste, Barbra just smiled taking the files. "Focus on catching the black ghoul I will focus on my end," she said turning to leave. "There are no answers, Steve O''Brien is dead". She halted. "Isn''t he?" Xavier said stern. Barbra turned smiling but then it faded. "Focus on your assignment. Don''t you forget the G.I is what it is today because of the Order, I won''t be happy when you tarnish that image". "You know this isn''t just any ghoul it''s the black ghoul" Xavier began. "Of course, the black ghoul a big threat to the Order in the past, so if you don''t want history to repeat itself I suggest you act fast" she stated. "If not I will involve the Ghoul Killer" she warned, Xavier froze at the warning, he swallowed hard, there was no way he was letting that happen. "Rest assured I will do everything in my power to get the black ghoul so please don''t involve the ghoul killer," he said shaky, she smiled broadly. "Good cause that wasn''t a warning, I meant every word I said," she said leaving. ''I have to handle this situation fast, I don''t want the Order involved in this. Xavier thought. *** Along the hall, Chase and Max were busy discussing. "Now the division 6 unit leader is dead I think you have a better chance here," Max said. "I don''t know Max, we still have a lot of things to worry about, we have to visit their families," Chase said, it had been his thought ever since the massacre, how to break it to their families that they were dead, this was always the hardest part of the job as an agent. "It''s hard isn''t it," Max said lost in thought. "Yeah," Chase said. They halted when they saw a woman accompanied by men in black coming towards them. Chase''s eyes landed on Barbra, she smiled as they walked past them. Like in slow motion, their eyes met, Chase got an unease feeling. They finally passed and Chase was left frozen by the stare, he turned and watch the strange woman walked until she was out of sight. Max placed a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, you okay?" Max asked worried at his change of mood. "Yeah, just this weird feeling that''s all" Chase shrug figuring there was no need lingering on it, he had other things to worry about. Chapter 8 - Black Siblings Fourteen Years Ago The Year 2006 New York General Hospital 8-year-old Liam played with a batman toy, he raised it up above like the action figure was flying, he smiled at the thought. He placed it near the chair he was seating on. His eyes scanned the busy hospital as he blinked. He turned the other way, his dad walked towards him with a smile. Liam smiled. "Dad what is it taking so long, am tired I want to go home" Liam pouted. Steve smiled at his son''s antics, he squats in front of him. "Congratulations Liam, you''re a brother," Steve said smiling warmly. "Am a brother? I thought I was the only child" Liam said puzzled. Steve let out a laugh. "Well do you want to see her?". "Her? I wanted a brother, not a sister, she would make me play with dolls and stuff" he rolled his eyes. "Seriously Liam stops taking things seriously," Steve said amused. Liam looked away making a face. "Don''t worry Liam you will love her" Steve assured him. "She''s just for you" he adds as Liam''s eyes landed on Steve who brought out his hand, Liam took it. Steve lead him to the baby care center, Liam''s eyes feasted on babies in bed. His eyes studied them one by one until to a baby a row near the glass. "That''s her" Liam pointed to a baby that was asleep. Steve smiled. "Love at first sight, I didn''t have to show you which one" Steve impressed, Liam blinked his eyes fixed on his baby sister. "I just had a feeling she was the one" Liam said, Steve turned Liam and squat in front of him, he took both his hands. "Do you know what being a brother means" Steve began, Liam blinked. "It means loving her unconditionally, guiding her, supporting her, and protecting her no matter what," Steve said. "Do I really have to do all that?" Liam said making a face, a wonderful smile formed on Steve''s lips. He just patted his cheek as he rose to his feet. "What''s her name?" Liam asked curiously. "Jenna," Steve said. "I will call her Jen, it''s way cooler," Liam said, Steve smiled. Liam walked close to the glass. His eyes fixed on Jenna, she jolts lightly awake sucking her tiny thumb, Liam smiled at the action. * The Year 2011 5-year-old Jenna carefully used her pencil to write in her book, she hoped she got the words right. Sounds Of School Bells Everyone rushed getting their bag and waited for their parents, soon they came one by one and picked them as time went by, until Jenna was the only one, her face dropped. A teacher came to her. "Jenna". She slowly raised her face. "My brother isn''t here yet," she said sadly. "Well, you see" the woman looks sideways unable to say the words. "Just come with me okay," she said taking Jenna''s hand. The woman leads Jenna to the junior section of the school, Jenna blinked when they got to a door that said ''Principal Office''. "Just seat here okay your brother will be out soon," she said leaving. Jenna did as she was told. She heard noises coming from inside like scolding sounds, Jenna just fixed her eyes on the floor as she swings her legs back and forth. A few minutes later the door slide open as two boys with swollen faces came out cursing. "Damn that O''Brien he''s inhuman, look at my face," one of the boys said pissed as he wiped the blood from his lips. "Isn''t that Liam''s sister" another pointed out, they turned to her with dark looks. "Did I do something wrong?" Jenna blinked. "No, your shit face brother did" the boy hissed. "My brother doesn''t fight without a reason," Jenna said, they gave each other looks, one faced her. "Oh yeah," he said coming to her about grabbing her arm but another hand came in from nowhere, they turned and meet with a scowling Liam, they froze. "Pissed off" Liam hissed. The boy cursed removing his hand. "Let''s go," he said as they left. Jenna''s eyes drifted to Liam''s hand. It had bruises on it. "You fought again," Jenna said sadly. "I had my reasons". "Mum won''t be happy about it," Jenna said, Liam rolled his eyes grabbing her hand. "Let''s go," Liam said as they walked out of the hall. "You should stop fighting," Jenna said. "Yeah yeah yeah, just don''t tell mum okay? I don''t want her to worry" Liam said. "She might find out later" Jenna reasoned. Liam sighed. "I hope the principal doesn''t call home". *** A few Hours Later Their hands locked together, the two siblings walked up to their apartment. Liam opened the door but met with a sight that shocked them to the core. Their mum was on the floor unmoving. "MOM!". They rushed to her side trying to wake her but she didn''t move, Liam quickly rushed to the telephone on the wall and dialed the emergency number. * Six Months Later Liam and Jenna waited around the long wide corridor for the doctor''s report. The doctor came out and they rushed and stood in front of him. "Am sorry kids but your mum''s insurance won''t get her the treatment she needs" the doc said. "What do you mean?" Liam demanded. "It means she''s not responding to treatment, she has only today". The news broke them as they froze, tears filled Jenna''s eyes. "I will call the foster agency to take you guys in since you don''t have any relatives". Jenna broke into tears as Liam held her tightly. ''If dad was here none of this would have happened. Liam thought angry. ''It''s all his fault''. Liam sat watching his bedridden mother smooching a sleeping Jenna beside her. She hummed a tune and turned to Liam and smiled faintly. "Are you angry with me?" Chloe asked weakly, Liam looked away cleaning a tear that fell from his eye, he smiled faintly turning. "Why should I be angry I have no control over death," Liam said. "But I know one person I could blame" he adds sternly. "Liam your dad left for a reason, you don''t have to blame him," Chloe said as tears filled her eyes. "I shouldn''t blame him? He''s the reason why you''re like this, he left just a year after Jen was born, he left leaving you all alone. And I shouldn''t blame him?" Liam said unbelievingly. Chloe sobbed, she was about to say something but she could see it in her son''s eyes, he was so angry with his dad. "We don''t get to decide what happens in our life Liam," Chloe said sighing, her eyes drifted to Jenna. "She will be all you have now" she noted. "Take care of her" she adds, Liam nodded. "I will," he said. "She probably won''t understand," Chloe said. "She doesn''t need to understand," Liam said, Chloe smiled turning to face the ceiling. "Your father was many things Liam, he risked everything for you" she turned to Liam, he blinked. "A time will come when Jenna will have to bear a burden you can''t" she added. "I hope you will be ready to overcome those obstacles". "Mum what are you talking about?" Liam asked lost. "Just promise me something," Chloe said ignoring his question, she brought out her hand, Liam rose to his feet taking it, he held it tightly with both hands. "Keep her alive," she said with a stern look, Liam didn''t get it, of course, he would, he didn''t know why is mum will say it out like a warning, he just nodded. "I will". *** Two days later In the harsh pouring of the rain, Liam and Jenna threw flowers on their mother''s grave, the coffin slowly sank to the ground. The two were under one umbrella as the priest said some words and they dig sand to cover their mother''s grave. Jenna''s kept crying painfully. "Mom" she cried wrapping her arms around Liam''s waist, his hand was on her shoulder as the tears fell. "Everything will be alright Jen" he managed to say. "Am gonna take care of you, I won''t let anything happen to you I promise". *** Present Day Liam was lost in thought, his head buried in his hands, Nicole sat beside him placing a hand on his shoulder. "Tell me Nicole what have I done wrong," Liam said lost, his eyes fixed on the ground shaking. "It''s okay Liam, she didn''t mean what she said am sure of it" she assured him. But Liam wasn''t quite convinced, he could see it in her eyes when she said those words, he knew it in his heart, what she said was absolutely true. "Maybe she''s right am just like my dad, thinking running away is the only solution, am such a fool," Liam said without a doubt, what else was the right thing to do, he just wanted to protect her and keep her alive just like he promised his mum. "Liam," she said hugging him tightly. "We will find her Liam, we will and we will set everything right," she said softly, Liam sighed. "Okay," he said. Nicole broke the hug staring into his eyes, they were sad and helpless, she broke just by seeing him like this, she leans in and kissed him, Liam closed his eyes giving in to the kiss, their mouth roamed in wonder as it got intense between them, Nicole wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. "I miss you, Liam," Nicole said huskily between kisses. Liam groaned at her response running his hands beneath her blouse raising it up above her head, Liam trailed kisses on her neck, in his vision green eyes haunted him, an image of Riley came in his vision, when he laid on the bed in pain, after being treated of his wounds when he was captured. Riley watching him as the curtain danced in her front, the light he saw in her eyes, staring at him reaching his soul. Liam stopped his action instantly, Nicole moan seize wondering why he stopped. Her eyes landed on him seeing his confused expression. "Liam what''s wrong?". "Nothing," Liam said unsettled as he moved away. "I don''t think I can do--" "I understand," Nicole said cutting him off. "Am sorry I shouldn''t have done that when you are worried about Jenna". "No Nicole don''t say that". "It''s okay Liam, we will find her lemme check up on something," she said forcing a smile as she put on her blouse walking out of the room through the door, with an unreadable expression. "Fuck" Liam cursed running his fingers in his hair. What was wrong with him? Why was he thinking of Riley of all people? ''Am losing my mind''. Liam. thought. *** Downtown Jenna''s eyes were on the city that haunted her. Inside, the taxi driver sneak peeks at Jenna through the review mirror, Jenna sighed turning back inside the cab, she noticed the man staring through the review mirror. "I will stop here," she said. He pulled over and she paid him off and got out. Making sure she was leaving, the driver quickly checks the news on his phone and saw her picture, he swallowed as he quickly dialed the emergency number for G.I agents, his hands trembling as he typed but suddenly a being hand wrapped in a bandage grab the phone and squeeze it to pieces. The man squealed in fear when he saw the Claw. "Don''t" Jenna warned, the man swallowed nodding his head. The Claw reversed back inside her, she turned to put on her hood and walked into the streets of section 5. She got to the building and went upstairs to the apartment, there was a caution line but she ripped it off and walked inside heading straight to her room, she went under her bed and pulled a box out, she opened it and her eyes landed inside, she brought out papers and then there was a brown envelope inside, she opened it, some money was in it, she took it and shut the box close. *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) A beeping sound went off. One of the computer programmers saw this and typed and footage of Jenna exiting the house came up the screen. "The black ghoul has been located I repeat the black ghoul has been located," she said to her comm. Subway Station Jenna took a deep breath looking around waiting for the train to come in. She bent her head enabling the hood to cover her face more, she didn''t want her to look to attract attention, one look and they will call the G.I agents, her picture was practically everywhere. A train finally came making a railway noise, the doors slide open, in the company of some few crowd, Jenna followed behind and step into the train as it moved. She took her seat in a place her eyes could be everywhere, making sure the few people inside weren''t watching, she reached for her pocket and brought out a picture of she and Liam, she smiled feeling her fingers on it. "This is for the best Liam, this way you will be safe from me," she said faintly. She meant the words she said, she had to leave him, she wasn''t running away not like dad, she will find a way to fight this, no more hiding, she wanted her life back, she wanted things back and running away isn''t the right thing to do, her life as a ghoul has taught her that, she didn''t care if she had to face the whole agency, she just wanted things right. She put the picture back and cleaned some tears that fell from her eyes. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up, she felt someone watching her, only her eyeball moved and caught someone in black, his head bent like he was asleep but she knew that wasn''t the case here, something was off the moment she stepped on this train, she just noticed that now. Her eyes changed to ghoul''s eyes, the hood was able to cover her face from sight, she turned and sighted the man slowly reaching for his gun. She grabs her bag and walked to the other side of the train where there were lesser people, she turned slightly, the man following her revealed his gun. She faced front as she headed to a place with no people, she turned the man already behind her, her look darken. "Jenna O''Brien you have the right to remain silent or-". He froze when he heard a growl behind him, with widen eyes he turned to see her Claw. Before he could act her Claw bite his head off making a bloody mess, his body fell headless on the floor. Screams filled the train from the people there. Jenna sighted more agents coming, they got the whole train ambushed. She turned running for the other side of the train her Claw following behind her, she gasped when she slides the door open, one agent shot at her. Jenna shrieks as the gun penetrated her shoulder, she fell to the ground, her Claw snap coming at the agents as shots were fired. Jenna used this opportunity to crawl out to yet another side of the train, she held her bleeding hand, her wound wasn''t healing because of the bullet, she cursed turning, her Claw reversed back inside her, she panicked more as agents came for her. Jenna tried to bring her Claw out but it wasn''t responding, it was weakened by the bullet. "Come on" she hissed turning in panic as the agent pointed the gun at her, out of anger and fear she screamed and her Claw roared coming out and fling the agent off the train creating a bloody mess. Jenna holding her bleeding shoulder, sighted some more agents coming. They just kept coming. "Claw attack" she hissed as the Claw roared, with loud thud feet step it charged at the agents. Jenna ran to the door and slide it open making sure she was a bit far away, she turned and froze when Chase stood up out of nowhere and pointed the gun directly at her head, she gasps. "Hello Jenna," he said darkly and shot the gun, it made a loud noise. *** A few Hours Later Section Five Uptown "What makes you think she came back home?" Nicole asked. As they walked the streets. "She has emergency savings, I gave it to her a year ago, she would probably come back for it," Liam said without a doubt, he just hoped she was there now, he needed to see her so that they can talk. They halted with other passersby who stopped too when the big screen up in a building showing advert changed to the news. "Earlier today, from the reports we got, the G.I has succeeded in capturing the black ghoul" the moment he heard that, he froze. "Jen," Liam said lost. "She will be transported to the G.I agency for her sentence, we advise you to stay tuned for more updates on the black ghoul". Liam snaps as he ran. "LIAM WAIT" Nicole shouted but he didn''t turn. *** Jenna groaned opening her eyes, everything was fuzzy, her head hurt like she took a bullet to her head, she remembered quite well she did. She tried to move but panicked when she couldn''t, she gasped when she couldn''t move, her hands were wrapped up with some weird white material and there was something on her head, it was made of steel, it wasn''t an ordinary one, she tried calling her Claw but it wouldn''t come out. "No matter how you try it won''t work," Chase said as he pointed to the device around her head, Jenna panicked looking out the window of the van, it was dark outside but Jenna could tell they were heading somewhere. "Where are you taking me?" she demanded. "A place you will get the justice you deserve," Chase said folding his arms. "Get me out of this," she said struggling to remove her hands wrapped to her chest like she was a psycho. "You know, because of you, we have been through hell a lot, my unit leader died because of you," Chase said sternly. "I don''t know what you''re talking about I didn''t kill any unit leader" Jenna hissed. "Yeah? But you killed agents" he snaps. "The agent your Claw threw out the train had a 5-year-old son, did you know that?" he said. Jenna''s eyes widen. "Of course you won''t, we are all just agents to you. But we are humans who joined the force to make this city a better place" he said, Jenna looked away. "You ghouls don''t think about that huh? you''re all just about killing" he spat, Jenna turned. "What about us too, you all are just about getting rid of ghouls, we have families too, we are not animals," she said. Chase let out a laugh. "Twisted isn''t it," Jenna said. "Am sorry about your partner" she adds, she still remembered that day, those words caught Chase off his guard, his expression changed. "You''re sorry?!" he said amused. "The only way you will be sorry is when you die," he said scowling. Suddenly they heard a loud thud sound on the van roof, the impact made the metal come down a little. "Hey? What''s going on?" Chase motioned to the driver in front but instantly the van somersaulted and landed on the other side of the road. Outside a face-covered Riley landed on the ground, her Claw walked forward and ripped the door open, and dragged Jenna out. "Ri---". Riley hushed her before she could say her name. They turned when they heard cars coming at them. Riley''s Claw ripped the material wrapping her hands. "Run" Riley hissed to Jenna, she nodded running out, Riley stood in front, her Claw beside her as the agents came down and pointed their guns at her. Her Claw roared and charged towards them in the crossfire. *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) An agent rushed in the hall, she rushed into Xavier''s office unannounced, this caught his attention. "Sir the team bringing the black ghoul was attacked on-road," she said in harsh breaths. Xavier rose to his feet, they just captured her, he wasn''t just gonna let her go, he had to think of something fast, the Order was the last people he would want to be involved with, the black ghoul was his to capture and kill. *** Section Five Jenna ran as fast as she could into the forest near the road, but as soon as she heard the gunshots she halted. "Riley," she said worried, she anticipated whether to go back and help Riley or run for her life, she couldn''t just do that, Riley has helped her a lot, she had to go, about going back a bullet came at her but hit the branches, she turned, it was Chase coming at her. She ran further inside as Chase kept firing at her. "CAME BACK!" Chase shouted firing the gun hoping it would hit her. Jenna duck as she ran, the bullets were fast coming at her. She halted hiding behind a tree, she peeked and saw Chase pointing his gun everywhere in a distance. "JENNA!" he shouted. "WHERE ARE YOU JENNA, COME OUT!". Jenna took a harsh breath, once more she tried to call her Claw but it didn''t respond, she growled trying to pull the steel off her head but it wouldn''t budge, she turned, Chase was close, she made a run for it, Chase caught the sound and kept firing at any sound he heard. Jenna squeak when she tripped and fell off a small hill, she rolled to the ground, upon her feet. Out of nowhere, someone pulled her into hiding. Liam hushed her as she tried to scream. "Liam," Jenna said tearily. Liam hug her tightly. "It''s okay am here," Liam said. *** "Sir the black ghoul is on the run" Xavier comm sounded. He was in a chopper heading towards the scene. "I want all G.I agents to pursue, I want all hands on deck, kill any ghoul on sight that tries to help her," he said darkly. *** Section One Ghoul Underground "Sean, Paige. Riley needs assistance" Evan said going through the footage on the screen, Allen walked in. "What''s going on?" Allen demanded. "I don''t know but all the G.I agents are after Jenna and Riley is caught in the crossfire, at this point she won''t make it," he said. *** Section Five Riley ran towards the agents her Claw in front of her, guns from every area were firing. She landed in front of an agent, his eyes widen as she somersaulted and snap his neck in an instant. The agents surrounded her, her Claw roared standing in front. They pointed their gun at her ready to fire but about two more Claw''s landed and charged towards the agents in a bloody battle. "Go we will handle them," Sean said. Riley nodded as she ran out with her Claw. "All agents I repeat go after the black ghoul" Max comm sounded. He was on stand by, on hearing this, he drove his car and headed towards the scene. "Chase where are you?" he said to his comm but no answer. "Dammit," he cursed driving at full speed. *** Liam kept pulling the steel but it wouldn''t budge, it was like it was gulped to her head. "Shit I can''t take this thing off" he growled. "We have to, my Claw won''t come out because of this thing," Jenna said, Liam struggled to pull it off once more but it was of no use. They raised their head up when they heard the sound of choppers around. "Jen we have to move now," Liam said seeing the lights, one spot at them and they will be done for, Liam took his sister''s hand as they made a run for it. In a distance, Chase sighted them and rushed at them firing. They duck as they kept running, into the road, leaving Chase way behind, the chopper lights came at them. "All units the black ghoul is on sight I repeat the black ghoul is on sight," the man in the chopper said, he gained a visual about firing directly at Jenna. But the chopper shakes fiercely and spins around in false. His eye widen when a Claw roared at him from the window, he shouted as the Claw barged in and devoured him. The chopper spin clashing into another chopper and landed on the ground creating a huge blast, from Jenna and Liam the impact landed on the ground as the fire blew everywhere. *** Section Thirteen A chopper on the air, the sea below, it headed towards a large building with bright lights, it was wide and big made of steel. The chopper landed on the top. Soldier agents came to it ducking, they helped a woman out. Barbra stepped out as they lead her away from the chopper. "Ma''am you should have told us you were coming," one of the soldiers said. "I needed to see someone urgent," she said, her eyes feasting on Steel prison. "Am here for subject 24" she said, the man looked around making sure his other colleagues didn''t catch that. "Right this way ma''am," he said leading her. *** Section Five Xavier''s chopper landed on the roundabout where the agents were gathered, Xavier got down from the chopper and walked further, his eyes landed on the explosion in a distance. "What happened?" he demanded. "A Claw jumped in," the agent said. Xavier''s expression changed as he grabs a suitcase, they walked towards an SUV getting in. "Move," he said as they drove to the scene. Max''s car pulled up when he saw Chase running out of the forest. "Chase!" he called. Chase rushed to the car. "Max what are you doing here, you should be on standby" Chase demanded not liking the idea. "They called all agents so I figured you needed help," he said. "Now get in we have a ghoul to catch" he adds. Chase smiled getting in following the other agents in cars. *** Jenna could see nothing but darkness in her vision, her ear sounded loudly like rings. She groaned opening her eyes, she felt like her head was spinning, that damn steel was still around her head clanging to it, her leg bleed, she held it in pain, her elbow held bruise that shock pain throughout her whole body. She looked around for her brother not minding the pain she was in. She gasp when she caught sight of him, he was on the ground unmoving, half of his face burnt and blood trailing. "LIAM!" she shouted in horror, she tried to move but her wounded leg wouldn''t let her, she agonize in pure pain as she struggled to crawl to her brother. "Liam" she cried struggling to get to him, that moment the agent''s cars were coming one by one but that was the least of her concern, she needed to get to him, her elbow clenched to the concrete ground as she kept crawling in pain, she finally was able to get to him, the agents were already present, each coming down from their SUV one by one. "Liam," Jenna said, he was barely breathing. "It''s all my fault," she said crying as she held him close. "I shouldn''t have left you, I thought I was doing the right thing" she cried painfully. "Why?" she said as the tears came. "Why do we have to run, why is all this happening to us" she hissed. "Why? Why? Liam" she broke. The agents pointed their guns at them. "I don''t want to live like this" she cried. Her eyes landed on his burnt mark on his face, her anger boiled as she faced the agents with bloodshot eyes. Growling in pain, she rose to her feet even as she wound leg was giving out. ''Is it wrong for ghouls to have a life?''. She thought limping forward, the agents pointed their guns ready to fire. ''Why? Why? Why?''. Tears filled her eyes, she kept calling her Claw, she growled trying her very best to force it out, blood trailed from her nose as the steel shock her brain. "WHY?!" Jenna shouted at them. Liam''s eyes opened slightly, he was gaining consciousness slowly. He forced his body up. "Jen?" Liam said managing to stand on his own. Jenna turned hearing her name, tears filled her eyes as she smiled, she was glad he was alive. "Liam," she said looking deep into his eyes, her eyes drifting to his burnt marks, the tears came more like flowing water. It was all her fault because she was born because she was a ghoul. "I just want a place where humans and ghouls can live together," she said in tears. "Is it wrong to ask for that?". At that moment an arrow penetrated her back coming front to her chest, the head had a red substance that creped through the arrow into her chest, Jenna gasp slowly as the cold harsh substance entered inside her flowing to her brain. Liam''s left eye that wasn''t burnt slowly widen as time stopped around them, Liam''s breath was lost, his whole body was stiff at that moment. Jenna looked down and saw the arrow piercing out her chest, her blood instantly flowed staining the white shirt she wore, she took a slow breath, her breath the only thing she could hear when she raised her head and saw Liam''s teary one eye. "L...Liam" she choked, blood gushing out. Liam was frozen to the core" he couldn''t say anything, it was like a nightmare he could just wake up from, but right now this was reality. "JENNA!". Chapter 9 - Black Ghoul Section Thirteen Steel Prison Barbra was lead along the halls by a soldier, her heels echoed in the wide long lobby they got to a wall and it opened showing highly classified security. "Kill the soldiers that were with you on the roof," Barbra said a stern, the man''s eyes widen. "I hope you do that Colonel Jackson," she said. He swallowed. "Yes, ma''am". Barbra typed a password, did an eye scan, and then a hand scan until the wall went up showing more steel doors that opened repeatedly into a further distance. She smirked walking inside, another sliding door open, it showed a wide room with only one light on the ceiling, a chair at the center in front of a wide glass holding something in, she took her seat swiftly crossing her leg. The light came in and a shadow of a being was revealed at the other end where the glass was separating them. "Hello Dr. O''Brien," Barbra said amused, inside seated he slowly raised his head, steel around it tightly, his black eyes met with her blue ones. "It''s been a while" she adds smirking. "Barbra Jones. To what do I own this generous visit" Steve said amused. She smirked. "Answers Steve. Answers" she said clearly, Steve leaned on his chair. "Am afraid there is nothing I can do for you" he shrugged. She ticks her tongue. "I knew you would say that," she said. His smile faded as she raised a picture of Jenna and her Claw at the other side. "Your daughter will be captured at this rate or worse killed" she noted. Steve shook his head negatively. "I wouldn''t do that" he pointed out. "You have no idea what you''re about to unleash to the world" he adds. Barbra blinked. "What do you... mean?" she said slowly. Steve sighed, his hands feasted on his face. "You better start talking" she warned. "You have it all wrong Barbra," he said raising his head. "Jenna isn''t the black ghoul, Liam is" he adds, Barbra, froze. "What are you talking about Steve, Liam is human," she said certain, Steve leaned on his chair. "You succeed didn''t you" she began. "In destroying the ghoul genes" she adds. "The black ghoul is beyond anything we have ever since" he began. "I knew that the moment Liam was born". * Nineteen Years Ago The Year 2001 "Honey, I have to rush to the store, watch Liam okay?" Chloe said pecking Steve on the cheek, he nodded, he was buried in his research. ''I had to find a way to destroy the genes, so I searched'' "Alright," Steve said as he watches Chloe exit the house. His eyes drifted to his laptop as he texted Allen on the daily progress. He resumed back to his research, he was focused on the history of Lucas Carter O''Brien. ''I knew the black ghoul was powerful and wielding such power was a risk. But Liam. Liam was different'' *Sounds Of Childlike Laughter* Steve''s head automatically turned when he heard the laugh, he blinked, he was sure Liam was alone playing in his room. "Liam?" he called but no answer as the laughter continued. Steve removed his glasses and walked towards Liam''s room slowly. "Liam?" he called again as he slowly opened his room door, his eyes landed on Liam, he was on the floor playing with a toy. "Here," he said raising it. "Like this one?" he laughed showing it to someone. Steve shaky eyes watch his son talking to who knows who, haste he barged in. Liam turned. "Daddy" he smiled, Steve''s eyes slowly followed where he was pointing at. Steve gasped leaning on the wall in fear when he saw a shadow figure of something hunching in the wall, a wide smirk was present on its lips. ''It was impossible, ghouls manifest their powers at age 5 except Liam. Ghost has been with Liam since the very day he was born. I had to find answers, so I searched until'' Steve''s hands were frozen when he saw something in Liam''s blood cell, his eyes shaking. ''Ghost was consuming Liam''s body gradually and the only way to stop it was--'' * Present Day Steve was lost for words as the tears fell slightly. "Was what?" Barbra demanded. "Steve what did you do" she hissed. His eyes met hers. "The only way for Liam to survive was to improve his ghoul genes," Steve said. Her eyes widen. "No no, do you have any idea what you have done" she hissed. "Liam was dying, at a young as he became close to Ghost, Their bond was strong, I had to do it," he said. "I had to make Liam stronger to keep him from dying without knowing I was making Ghost even more powerful than all the previous black ghouls," he said shakily. Barbra was frozen as she heard the shocking story. "Ghost became more aggressive and Liam was too young to control it, so I created Jenna". Barbra''s head shot up at the sound of that. "What?". "Jenna was conceived normally but she was meant to be born to wield half of Liam''s genes, making Liam temporary human but it became permanent," he said. "Unless". "Jenna dies," Barbra said in realization rising to her feet, she brought out her phone quickly dialing a number. "Pick up" she hissed dialing Xavier''s line once more but no luck. "What happens when Jenna dies" she demanded. "If Jenna dies, Ghost will resurface. It''s at a slim possibility Liam can control it, it''s like Ghost has a mind of his own" Steve said trembling, Barbra turned to Steve. "You have no idea what you''re about to unleash to the world," he said those words again, this time it was Barbra who was left paralyzed. *** Section Five "JENNA!". Liam watched as his sister slowly fell to the ground, she bleeds out none stop. Liam was left paralyzed at the sight. "Jen," he said shakily as the tears fell out of his eye nonstop, he slowly moved one leg but found himself on the ground. The tears fell as Liam dragged his body to crawl to her, he needed to reach her, to talk with her, tell her everything will be alright, tell her he would protect her no matter what. Xavier who shot the arrow watched along with Chase and Max and the other agents, all watching the scene. Riley ran out of the forest and stood beside her Claw that reversed inside her, she froze when she saw the scene, she slowly walks close but halted in shock when she saw the state Jenna was in, Liam trying to reach her, her eyes drifted to the chopper on fire, she remembered when she ordered her Claw to take it down, she weakens. "Claw, what have you done," she said shakily. Liam growled in pain as kept trying to reach her, he got closer, his hands slippery from her endless flow of blood on the ground, he forced his body up and held her, his body trembled as he stared at her calm face, her eyes shut. "No Jen no, please... please don''t do this to me" Liam cried holding her close, begging, hoping she would wake up but she didn''t budge. Her body felt cold, she was gone, Liam felt his heart tearing apart. "Jen" he kept calling her name. "JEN" he cried holding her lifeless body. Xavier placed his crossbow down, he turned to an agent. "Get her," he said sternly. "The body might serve for something later," he said, the agent nodded. He felt his pocket vibrate he brought out his phone and saw thirteen mixed calls from Barbra, he blinked as another call entered. He picked it. "Xavier does not kill Jenna you hear me!" she shouted from the phone, Xavier smiled. "Why? she''s already dead" he said amused. "Hello?" he said but it was like the call ended, he stared at his phone puzzled, he shrugged. "Get the body" Xavier motioned to two agents, they nodded walking towards Liam. Liam cried closing his eyes. Like a sound of a heartbeat he saw a shadow smirking at him in his consciousness. Liam shakes hugging her face to his chest in a tight embrace. The image kept coming and coming, his head kept cracking like he was losing it, he definitely was. His teeth clenched his fist tighten around her in pain. "Liam" Riley finally found the words, watching his pain, something was off and she knew it. The agents came close but froze when they saw something like black veins creeping up Liam''s hands up to his whole body. One turned to Xavier. "Sir I think--". They froze when Liam shouted in pain. They moved back in fear. Liam didn''t know where the pain was coming from, it was like something was about to come out of him like a bomb. The pain was agonizing like hell, Liam let go of Jenna''s body holding his head like he was going crazy, the black vein creped to his face where his burnt mark was, it steamed and burnt off regenerating like it wasn''t even there to begin with. Liam shouted as his body vibrated, phasing his body and a black shadow like he was being shocked, his shouts vibrated and cracked also, he raised his head holding it in pain, his eyes flashed open as they shook, the black vein creped into his eyes, the white socket of his eyes went all black with black veins at the edge of each eye. His main eyes turned shiny gold like it was moving with a hint of black doth in them. ''Jen''. Liam thought, he growled placing his hand on the cold floor as something surge out of his back, it caused him unbearable pain. The agents watch this in shock, Some of them were unable to move. Xavier''s eyes shake. ''What is this?''. He thought frighten. Riley stood frozen, watching Liam undergo such dreadful pain. "Liam". Liam shouted as something came out of his back, first, it was a long extended hand, Liam felt like his body was splitting into two. Then the head and then all parts came out. It was beyond anything they have ever seen, the loud thud sound came as two feet came with the ground, Ghost fully surges out roaring dangerously like a breath of freedom. Ghost was tall, taller than the other Claws they have ever seen. It was hunching, it was tall and long, skinny, extended arms and leg, bald head, pointy ears, pointy jaw, the being were covered in bandages that were faded out but the eyes could not be seen because it was covered with a bandage-like material it was blind. Series of long extended sharp pointy rod-like thorns were dangerously embodied at Ghost''s back. Ghost smirked widely with a growl. His head slowly turned to Liam. With a loud thud sound he turned standing in front of Liam, his long extended hard reach for Liam''s head, and grab it slowly using his long sharp nails to grab his hair careful not to hurt him, he rose Liam''s head, Liam''s now ghoul''s eyes landed on him, Ghost moved his face closer, their face an inch apart. Ghost''s faded tongue came out elongated, he made a face like ''long time no see'', Ghost''s head turned to Jenna''s lifeless body, her body slowly cracked like she was breaking, Liam saw this. Ghost leaned as his mouth extended devouring Jenna much to everyone''s surprise. Ghost leaned back up standing in front of Liam who was kneeling, Liam''s eyes turned to the agent then at Xavier, Ghost smirked sinister waiting for the words it was like he saw through Liam''s eyes and then. "Kill". Like hell was rising Ghost roared and jumped at them, the agents fired in panic but the bullets fell slat on the ground, none of it penetrated, with a loud thud sound it landed in front of Xavier as Ghost''s tongue wave back and forth. Xavier gulped hard, He roared and devoured him whole until there was nothing left but blood. The agents fired at Ghost, it snaps and came at them, tearing them like they were animals. Max rushed forward shooting at it. "MAX NO!" Chase shouted as Ghost snap and turned, Max, froze, it smirked like an invitation, waving his extended hand, its nails slit Max''s throat. Chase''s eyes widen in shock. Max''s throat gushed out blood as he fell to the ground lifeless. "MAX!" he shouted in horror. "Pull back! Pull back!" the comm sounded loud. Ghost heard that and charged at the reminding agent in a blood bath, only a few escaped with injuries, the rest was left for it to devour. Ghost walked back to Liam who rose to his feet. Riley watches all this in a distance unable to move from where she was. Ghost stood in front of Liam breathing out steam and smirked like the deed was done. "Liam". Liam''s head turned slightly at the sound of his name, their eyes met, a tear fell from Riley''s eye. "Liam," she said softly, Liam just stood watching her from the side, his eyes were cold no life in them, the life was gone only death, pain, and anguish was in them and it frightens her. Sean came behind her and dragged her away, Sean said something to her but it was inaudible, her eyes fixed on Liam until she was finally dragged away from sight. It was all her fault if only she didn''t bring down the chopper. *** Section Thirteen Steel Prison Barbra stood immobile as the call she made to an agent cut, they gave her the full news and it weakens her. She turned to Steve who had his head down. "Is there any stopping it?" she said, Steve was silent. "Then I will have to take matters into my hand," she said turning to leave. Steve slowly raised his head. She turned to him. "I will put an end to this," she said, the iron door shut close. *** One Week Later Somewhere In Section Eleven The Black Lotus "A week ago, the G.I lost their Captain, Xavier Jose the owner of the agency, also half of the agency were killed in an unexplained event we are yet to uncover, but please stay tuned for more updates". A man''s sky blue eyes were fixed on the screen, he leaned on his chair rubbing his chin in thought. ''The black ghoul, you have finally shown yourself''. He thought a young man walked up behind him. "What should we do, do you think it''s time?" the young man asked. "Soon," the man said. *** The rain poured in all corners of New York City, the skies were dull and gloomy, it was a boring day in the city. The flag came up and was folded in front of several graves, the agents were under the rain as they buried their colleagues, Chase held Renee close as she cried her heart out. Other agents present saluted as the long-short gun was shot. When everything ended everyone went their separate ways. Only Nicole was remaining, she stood in the rain holding an umbrella, eyes fixed on her father''s grave, tears fell, she had no control over it. A woman walked towards her and stood beside her. Nicole sobbed turning. "Nicole Jose," the woman said. She nodded sobbing. "And who are you?" Nicole demanded. "Am Barbra Jones, the new Captain of the agency" Barbra said smirking, Nicole turned to face her. "I know after this you would probably have nothing to do with your father''s company," she said. "What happened to my dad and the other agents that night is still classified, why is that?" Nicole demanded. "I assure you it''s best you don''t know," Barbra said. "Try me" Nicole surged on. Barbra smiled. "Tell me Nicole" Barbra began. "How much do you know about Liam O''Brien". *** Section Four "You okay?" Chase said turning on the wheel to another block, Renee sobbed shaking her head negatively. They stopped at her house, they got down, Chase help her in, he sat her down at the dining going to get water for her, he sat next to her, pouring the water in a cup. Renee sobbed as she broke into tears. "If only he would have just waited after the baby none of this would have happened" she cried. "Why, why did he just die like that, doesn''t he know how I would feel after he''s gone?" she broke, Chase leaned pulling her in a hug, she placed her head on his chest crying. "He said everything will be alright, he joined the G.I to stop ghouls and he ended up dead" she cried. "Why? Why? Why can''t they just disappear and leave us alone, why?" she cried painfully, Chase wrapped his arms around her, his eyes drifting to Max''s picture on the table, a flash of Liam''s Ghost appeared in his head, his teeth clenched. *** Section One Ghoul Underground Allen stood in front of Riley''s room door, he knocked slightly but no answer, ever since that day, she was locked up in her room, Allen heard everything from the others, he couldn''t believe what he heard, Liam was the black ghoul, confusion flood his face, he knew all too well that he and Steve walked so hard to suppress the ghoul genes but now he was beginning to doubt their work. Allen click the door open, walking in, Riley was seated on her bed watching the window, he sighed walking towards her, he sat beside her, she didn''t make any move. "Hey," Allen said rubbing her shoulder, she turned slightly to him. "Are you okay?" he said worriedly. Riley swallowed. "I have never been so scared in my life," Riley said lost reliving the moment. "When his Claw came out it was like death, it was so horrible" she shook slightly, she faced him. "He devoured his own sister," she said with shaky eyes, Allen swallowed. "If only I didn''t bring down that chopper," she said sternly. "Riley we have talked about this, it wasn''t your fault, blaming yourself won''t help," Allen said certainly. Her eyes drifted to him. "What is he dad?". "The black ghoul". "How is that even possible, Jenna is the black ghoul, not Liam," Riley said still finding it hard to believe. "I don''t understand dad I thought you said his father destroyed the ghoul genes in him and we checked his blood, he was hundred percent human and now" she trailed off confused. "Am also confused Riley, something must have gone off during the research am sure of it" Allen said certainly. "Really dad?" Riley scoffed. "What makes you so sure that the research was only about destroying ghoul genes," Riley said sternly. "I don''t know Riley, Steve succeeded, Jenna''s death must have triggered something. Sean and I will look into his research once more and see what I can find" Allen said sternly. "Until then we have to find Liam". On hearing that Riley turned to her father with shaky eyes. "Yes, Riley we have to find him". *** Jose Estate Nicole''s body was practically shaking, when Barbra told her everything, she was left stun, she held out a picture of Liam and her smiling brightly. ''Liam is the black ghoul, he''s the one who killed your father''. Barbra''s words rang in her head. ''Together we can bring him down before he hurts anyone else''. Her look darken, she lit the lighter she was holding and set it on fire, she watches as the side Liam was in burnt off. ''Why did you do such a thing, Liam''. She thought. ''You will regret it, even if it''s the last thing I do''. *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) Chase with other agents walked into the wide hall they were all summoned and took their seats. "I wonder why they called us after a whole week without service," a man sitting beside Chase said. "I don''t know maybe it''s to announce the new Captain," another said, Chase''s eyes drifted to them, His eyes caught someone in a distance seated in another congregation, he knew that was Nicole Jose the moment he saw her, daughter of their previous Captain. He wondered what she was doing here. The lights in the high stance came up gaining their attention. Heels sounded as a woman stepped forward, Chase recognizes the woman, it was the same person that walked past him when he had that strange feeling. Men dressed in white clothing with white cloth jackets walked forward and stood in front. Whispers filled the hall. "Hello agents, my name is Barbra Jones head and owner of the Order, starting from today we will be taking over the G.I agency," she said, everyone looked at each other in whispers. "The Order?". "Who are they?". "I have never heard of them". "The Order is a secret agency, they have been the first hunters of ghouls before the G.I, it was none other than us who sponsored this agency" she noted, everywhere fell silent, she smirked. "As your previous Captain is dead is only neutral I take over, starting from today the Order will join forces with the G.I agents. My agents will show you the real deal of hunting ghouls with our weapons, I suppose we will get along well" she said. "And" she began. "I will like to introduce our best agent in the Order". "The Ghoul killer," she said. Whispers filled everywhere. Even if they haven''t heard of the Order before they heard stories of the Ghoul killer, the person was an agent who worked underground hunting ghoul, he had the highest record of ghoul killings mostly imprisonment. "As we all know the black ghoul is still on the loose she said. Their expressions darken. "Yes, that is the biggest threat we have ever encounter. We will need the Ghoul killer present in capturing the black ghoul" she adds. Everyone waited in anticipation, Chase wondered what kind of person the Ghoul killer was to get the crowd in a stir, and then he came forward. They froze, it was a boy at the age of 16. He had dark hair, dim green eyes that were dull, he was dressed casually, his red hooded sweater up, hands in his sweater pocket, he smirked when he saw their surprised stare. "What is this?!". "Is this a joke?!". "He''s just a kid for crying out loud" "Is this really the ghoul killer?!" Protest sounded in the hall, Chase eyes never left him, There was something odd about him he couldn''t place. But he knew one thing, this agency called the Order was out of their mind to think a kid could kill ghouls, what they heard was definitely a rumor. Barbra smirked. *** Somewhere In Section Four In an uncompleted building probably left abandoned, deep inside in a wide room, with a wide window that was close to a building that had the TV on it, it showed the news of the change of Captain in the agency. Liam''s dark brown eyes were fixed on it, he was seated on the floor, his back leaned on the wall, one of his knees up, one of his hand rested on it. Ghost stood near the window watching the news also, he smirked when they showed something on the black ghoul and their main objective was to capture it but they didn''t show Liam''s picture. Ghost turned to Liam his head tilting to the side, with a deep growl. Liam closed his eyes holding his head. An image of Jenna''s lifeless body appeared in his head. The anger boiled more. ''Let them come''. He thought darkly. ''I will be ready''. He flashed his ghoul eyes open. Chapter 10 - Black Agent Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) Nicole''s eyes were fixed on the target. She gave eager shooting to it, she always played target with her dad on several games, the real one wasn''t any different to her. She reloaded her gun about the shooting. "Miss Jose" an agent came towards her, she turned. "The Captain will like to see you," she said. Nicole turned back to the target giving it one shot to the head. *** "Tell me Seth what do you think about the agency," Barbra said amused leaning on her chair. She watches the red hooded boy playing chess by himself, he was seated on the floor in a meditative position. "I haven''t met him," Seth said striking a pawn. "Oh you will soon," she said certain, she was counting on it, what Steve told her kept chilling her bones but she had to compose herself to find him. Seth strikes another pawn raising his head to face her. "What do you have in mind?" Seth asked smirking, Barbra smiled, that moment the door slide open as Chase walked in, Seth turned slightly as Chase walked towards them. "Chase it''s nice of you to be here," Barbra said amused. "You called Captain" he shrugs, his eyes drifted to Seth, his eyes back to his chess. ''How is this kid possibly the Ghoul killer''. Chase thought. The doors slide open distracting him, Nicole walked in. "Nicole you''re here," Barbra said. "Yes, you called" she shrugged. "As a matter of fact I did," Barbra said her eyes drifting back and forth between the two. "Chase am sure you know Nicole Jose" she adds. "Yeah the last name sought of implies it," Chase said. Nicole''s eyes drifted to him. "Yes, and she will be joining the agency. I want you to teach her everything you know" Barbra said. "Think of her as your student" she adds. "I thought we were meant to be on the trail with the black ghoul. But now you''re making me a teacher?" Chase said not liking the idea. Nicole rolled her eyes at his reply. "As we all know the black ghoul haven''t been located for weeks now" Barbra noted. Chase sighed. "Just do what I assigned you to do, I assure you Nicole is a fast learner" she adds. "Well, I just hoped she knows how to kill ghoul since she''s dating one. The black ghoul is her boyfriend" he noted. "Ex-boyfriend" Nicole corrected sternly. He turned to her. "I don''t care, hope you can keep up," Chase said, Nicole sighed. "Am tougher than I look" she said turning to leave, Chase was about to too. Seth rotated his king, his finger pushing the pawn off the chessboard to the front of Chase one foot he brought out. Chase''s eyes landed on the king piece near his shoe, he blinked turning to Seth. "Could you get that for me, must have slipped" Seth said amused, Chase''s eyes were fixed on him. ''What''s he playing at?''. That was Chase thought as he reaches for the king pawn, he walked towards Seth and handed it to him, Seth smiled taking it swiftly. Chase walked out. "What was that about?" Barbra asked raising an eyebrow. "Nothing" he shrugged but Barbra knew he was up to something, she leaned on her chair and tapped on a file. "When you''re done I want you to cover this file, it contains information on Liam and Jenna O''Brien," Barbra said. "After one game," Seth said tapping on his chessboard. *** Nicole gasped as Chase rotated her and landed her on the foam ground. She groaned. They were both in the training room. "You said you could keep up," Chase said giving her a hand. Nicole didn''t take it. She rose to her feet, getting in a fighting stance. "I heard you lost a partner," Nicole said coming at Chase. "It''s none of your business," Chase said blocking her attacks swiftly. "You''re not the only one who has lost something," she said aiming a punch to his face but he caught it in mid-air. "Concentrate," he said pushing her backward. She took harsh breaths trying to regain her strength they had been training for hours. "So why does a rich woman like you want to become an agent?" Chase asked. "Because my ex-boyfriend killed my dad" she hissed coming at him fiercely. Seth walked out of the agency, his eyes scanning the streets of New York, putting on his earplugs, loud music played it gave him the intense beat he needed, he placed his hands in his sweater pocket. He walked into the streets. He walked on the pedestrian lane with another crowd, he went backward on his sneakers like he was dancing. He closed his eyes remembering the past footage he watch of Liam when he disappeared with no trace. He opened his eyes, sliding more backward, he spins around. Anyone who saw him would think he was nuts as he went back and forth the place countless. Seth smiled to himself, walking further. *** A few Hours Later Section Two He got to section two analyzing the place, he smiled his eyes scanning the whole area of the section. "So that''s the trick" he nodded to himself. *** Section One Ghoul Underground Evan watched with shaky eyes the footage of Liam''s Ghost attack from his laptop, it wasn''t clear the image was all fuzzy but he could make out everything, he had never seen anything like this before, it was terrifying. He gasps when his laptop shut and met with Riley. "What are you doing Evan? You should be monitoring the agents and looking for Liam" she said, he swallowed. "I was but then I saw the footage," he said, Riley looked away. "It''s been weeks Riley, Liam is nowhere to be seen anywhere in the section he''s like a freaking-" "-ghost" Riley finished the words for him. He swallowed hard. "He''s the black ghoul right from the start, not Jenna, don''t you think it''s strange" Evan reasoned. "Jenna didn''t deserve to be killed or be devoured by her own brother" he noted. Riley swallowed hard reliving the incident. "The Order has taken over the agency Riley, the Order means Ghoul killer" the moment he said that her eyes drifted to him. They have only heard of the Ghoul killer, no one knew what he looks like but they knew his deadly record. "Let''s hope that will never happen," she said sternly. *** Section Two Seth walked into the caf¨¨ as the doorbell went off, he swiftly took his seat removing his hood. A waitress came to him. "Hi welcome to our Drink''s & Dine. What can I get you?" the girl asked smiling. Seth smirked placing his elbow on the table, his hand on his chin. "Truth be told, am not here for the coffee," he said amused. She blinked puzzled. "But I will have coffee, I just want some answers" he shrugged. "Okay? What answers?" she asked puzzled. "Any particular customer on the black hood" he raised an eyebrow. She chuckled. "Well we do have a lot of costumer around here am no--" "Particular customer" he cut her off slowly. She was about to protest but Seth slides the badge on the table only for her to see. She froze seeing he was a G.I agent. ''He''s so young she thought looking sideways trying to remember. "Well there is one, he actually sat the same place you are now, he has been here like twice or so," she said. "Twice?" "Yeah some girl with blond hair if am right" she shrugged. "Peach brown eyes maybe?". "Yeah peach brown eyes". She nodded. Seth smiled. "Thank you for your time, I will like that coffee now," he said amused. She nodded leaving. "Nicole, Nicole," he said ticking his tongue. *** Hours Later Ghoul Investigator Headquarters (GIH) Nicole got out of the agency exhausted from all the training, Chase was really a tough man to deal with and she hated his guts, she wouldn''t blame him though, the same guy she dated was the same one that killed his partner in cold blood. She searched her bag for her car keys and found it, she raised her head and gasp, Seth was seated on the roof of her car in a meditative position smiling. "What the fuck are you doing on my car!" Nicole demanded pissed. "Language," Seth said in a sing-tone voice, she walked closer. "You didn''t answer my question," she said sternly. "Tell me, Nicole, you helped the black ghoul didn''t you," he said. Nicole froze, he ticks his tongue. "You should have shared all information before you turned against him, what else are you hiding". "Yes I did help him but that was before I knew he was the black ghoul," Nicole said sternly. Seth nodding getting her point. "Understandable" Seth said rubbing his chin. "So now please will you get off my car!" she hissed, Seth smiled sliding through the front and got down. "Good talk, see you at work tomorrow," Seth said plugging in his earpiece, hands in his pocket walking away. ''Just in a day, he is able to gain this much information. Nicole thought with shaky eyes. ''Who is this kid?''. *** Section One Ghoul Underground Evan''s hands typed in speed, his computer displayed images of all the footage of today, he checks all sections hoping to see Liam, he groaned rubbing his eye but then he caught something. He blinked going back to the footage of the section two hours ago. He froze when he saw a boy about his age on a red hood staring at him smirking. Evan was left stiff on his seat, it was like the boy knew he was watching. "Whoa!" Evan exclaimed shivered at the stare, he quickly removed the footage taking a deep breath of relief. ''That was definitely not normal''.. He thought shivering again. Chapter 11 - Black Game Section One Ghoul Underground Sean kept going through Steve''s research files but still couldn''t find anything that said Liam was the black ghoul. He remembered that day he checked Liam''s blood, he was sure, sure that Liam was human but what he saw that day made him realized Liam wasn''t human at all. "Hey," Paige said walking up to him. "Hey," Sean said as she sat on his lap. "Found anything yet?" she said wrapping her arms around his neck. "No not yet," Sean said stressed. "Evan hasn''t been able to find him either, he''s off the radar," Paige said. "Liam is different now," Sean said. "What we saw that day was unlike anything, it was like his ghoul genes were improved or something," Paige said confused. Sean blinked, his eyes widen in realization. "Paige," he said with wide eyes, she turned to him. "That''s it" he kissed her on the lips briefly, turning to his laptop. "What if Liam''s ghoul genes were not destroyed but improved," Sean said. "Wait you mean his father did this to him? ". "I don''t know but am sure of this one. Jenna''s death must have trigger something, maybe she was like a key to a locker waiting to be opened" Sean said. "Jenna was the source" Paige nodded. "Yes, Jenna was what was keeping Liam at bay," Sean said. "Now she''s gone". They turned to look at each other at the realization. *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) Barbra walked into her office, she sighted Seth on the ground lying, staring at the ceiling, his ears plugged. "You have been out all day" Barbra began knowing that he would hear her. "Where have you been?" she demanded. "Tracking," he said seating up, he arranged the scattered chess on the floor. "So what did you get?" she asked taking her seat. "Nothing much just scratching the surface," he said studying his black king pawn. "You know the black ghoul is similar to a king" he adds in theory. "In what way" Barbra said interested. Seth rose to his feet with a well-arranged set. He placed it on her table. "Play chess with me," he said taking his seat. She sighed. "I have a job for you" she began seriously. Seth just played his pawn. "This job I want you to have a partner" she began, playing a pawn. Seth rubbed his chin like he was thinking, he smiled. "I have a bad history with partners," he said amused moving a pawn. "They tend to die every time". "Very unfortunate" he added shaking his head in pity. "It''s necessary Seth," she said making another move. "I have a plan" she noted as her knight checkmated his king. "A plan, just not for the black ghoul, but to uncover the ghoul underground and to get rid of all the ghouls in this city" she adds. "The ghoul underground" he moved a pawn. "What a place" he adds smirking. Her eyes drifted to him. She checkmated his king again. "A sanctuary for ghouls," he said like he was in thought as he moved his king, Barbra moved her pawn but she froze after making a move, she leads her king to a trap which Seth set since the very beginning of the game, she just figured that out. She smiled. "You''re always the winner". Seth smirked studying his king pawn. "Why do you like the king pawn so much," she said raising an eyebrow. "Because it''s indomitable depending on the player". "I will get you a partner so just stay put until then," she said reaching for a small box, she placed it on her table, giving it a password input before opening it. There were series of injections inside fill with a red syringe. "Time for your medication". *** The next day all agents were summoned to the training unit, new weapons were aline in front of them. Chase took the gun in his hand studying it. "It''s no different from the ones you guys use before," Nicole said checking the one on her hand. "No, it is," Chase said certainly. "The previous ones could only wound ghouls sometimes kill but this is well upgraded probably better than our own" he adds. "So no more capturing ghoul?" She raised an eyebrow. "Only when necessary I think," he said sternly, his eyes fixed on the gun. Nicole turned to her''s. Her fist tightens on it. ''Am doing the right thing''. She kept telling herself. She was caught out of her trance when Chase dropped his gun heading out. "Going somewhere?" Nicole asked. "None of your business" Chase said leaving. On his way along the hall, Seth walked towards him, they walked past each other not saying a word until. "Chase how much do you know about section one?" Seth asked, Chase, halted, they turned and faced each other. "Section one doesn''t exist" Chase noted. "Since when?" Seth shrugged. "For years now why?" Chase asked puzzled as to why he was asking such a question. "Nothing just curious of something," he said turning to leave. Chase blinked staring at the boy behind until he exited the hall, he turned in his direction leaving not wanting to linger on the mysteries around the Ghoul killer. He had other things to worry about. *** Section Four The Cody''s Resident On hearing the knock on her door, Renee opened it and found Chase. "Hey" she forced a smile. "Hey, how are you doing?" Chase asked worriedly. "Am pregnant, not sick" she rolled her eyes, Chase walked in. "Doesn''t mean I shouldn''t be worried" he clarified. Renee sighed walking to the parlor, Chase followed behind. "So what did the doctor say," Chase asked. "Well" she began carefully seating, a hand at her back, Chase took a seat. "He said I should transfer to the hospital until my due date," she said not liking the idea. "Well I think that''s good, I mean it''s good to be close. Don''t get me wrong I will be here for you but the hospital is for the best" Chase said firmly. She sighed. "Yeah I know, already packing," she said but Chase could see the hesitation in her voice. "Renee" he took her hand. "What''s wrong?". She trembled slightly. "I don''t know, scared I guess, I mean we live in a city filled with ghouls," she said shakily. "Nothing will happen to you Renee I promise" Chase assured her. "I find comfort in your words Chase and it means a lot but that doesn''t mean that when I wake up I don''t have the thought that we are living side by side with flesh-eating monsters" she noted as a tear fell from her eye. "They could be anywhere Chase and as far as am consigned, nowhere is safe" she adds. Chase swallowed. "I better get to my packing, thanks for coming, it means a lot," she said. "You''re here but-" she broke. "-They are still out there!" she said final, she rose to her feet leaving. Chase was left stiff, every word she said was the truth, the city isn''t safe, the world isn''t safe, they were most likely at the blink of extinction but still they would wake up every morning and do their various duties when there are flesh-eating monster''s out there. If the ghouls decide to retaliate, there will be nothing but bloodshed. Chase''s eyes landed on Max picture, his fist tightens but that''s why the agent was formed to get rid of the threat and clear the world of all ghouls so that they could have a normal happy life, it was worth fighting for no matter what just like Max said. Being an agent was their duty, their duty to protect the city, even if it was the last thing they do. Chase never doubted that thought once, it''s what made him surge further even in the blink of death. *** Section Two Seth was seated in the caf¨¨ once more, this time he ordered a cappuccino, his eyes fixed outside the window, a finger tapping on the table. But then it seized when he turned to face his drink. Without any word, he walked out of the caf¨¨ dropping his pay. He walked into the streets, people passing by around him, he got to a place he had to wait for the lights to go green. His shoe tap slightly on the floor like his own rhythm, and then it clicked, he smirked. The Lights Turned Green. He didn''t move from where he was as others passed him, he just smiled to himself. "Section one," he said amused. "The ghoul underground". *** Section One Ghoul underground Riley was seated at the edge of a pillar watching the dark skies, the cool breeze blew harshly around her. She closed her eyes remembering when she hummed when Liam came to her. She opened her eyes, her mind kept playing the extreme power of Ghost, Liam''s cold eyes, funny she gave the same vibe to him before but now, it was Liam who has the darkness and she was bracing for the light. Riley''s mind traveled when they first met in the cafe when their eyes met, there was light in them, no pain or anger, he was like a wind that was free of all dark emotion but now Liam wasn''t the same person, he was different the moment Jenna died in his arms, she could see his pain, feel it. "Liam, where are you?" Riley said softy as she watches the night skies, the stars brighten it. "Liam". Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters "Where have you been Seth? You shouldn''t be leaving without permission" Barbra hissed. "You said I should work on the black ghoul case," Seth said removing his earplugs. "No I asked you to stay put until I find you a new partner," she said. Seth didn''t say a word. Barbra sighed as she threw him a file, he caught it swiftly. The top was written ''Chase Wyatt''. "That''s the information on your new partner, he''s the best in his field," Barbra said. Seth smiled turning to face the chessboard in his front, he dropped the file. "The ghouls in the city have their identities hidden" Seth began playing a pawn, Barbra folded her arms. "You want the black ghoul, you want to get rid of all the ghouls in this city and you want the ghoul underground". He played another pawn. "You want many things, Barbra," he said, his eyes drifting to her. "Why don''t I grant you all your wishes" he adds, her expression changed, Seth smiled knowing she got the language. He scattered the chessboard, he held a castle pawn placing it on the board. "The ghoul underground" he began. "Section one". The moment he said that she froze. He placed the soldier pawn on the board. "Ghouls in the city". He arranged it one by one around the castle. He then held the black king pawn, smiling giving it a squeeze, he turned to Barbra who listen carefully. "The black ghoul of course," he said placing it far away. "The most important piece". "The underground is a sanctuary for ghouls. Where homeless or troubled ghouls reside. They help one of their own" he stated. "You force the ghouls out, the underground will take the bait to save their people" he adds. "Chaos attracts many things". He tapped on the king''s piece. "Are you saying I should call a raid, a hunt for ghouls to draw out the underground and the black ghoul?" Barbra said amused. Seth smirked placing the black king in the circle near the castle. "Let the hunt begin," he said amused. "May the best player win". Chapter 12 - Black Hunt Section Seven Loud Wailing Sirens Breathing fast, a man being pursued by agents ran as fast as he could into the dark alley. "I said stop" Chase Wyatt hissed firing at the man. "STAY AWAY FROM ME!" the man shouted, his Claw coming out. Chase fired his gun at the roaring Claw heading dangerously towards him, it came at his front, Chase quickly slides down escaping the deadly sharp fingers that came for his head, he turned facing the man''s Claw. "CLAW KILL!" the ghoul shouted, the Claw roared coming at Chase, He fired at the Claw countless but it still came at him, this new weapon was supposed to work but it was like they were back to scratch one again. Chase''s eyes widen when the Claw was close to him. Like in slow motion a red bullet shot from an unknown gun, hit on an iron pole, and bounced to the ghoul''s chest creating a bloody mess. Chase''s eyes widen as the Claw coming at him vanish in form of ashes. He took a harsh breath turning, the ghoul on the ground in the pool of his own blood. He froze. "Only a Claw can take on a Claw". His eyes searched and found Seth sitting on the iron fire escape near a building, his gun brought out steams and Chase knew he was the one who fired it, but how was it possible, he wasn''t even in the right angle where the ghoul was, it was like the bullet just bounced on it own. Chase''s eyes drifted to an iron pole that was compressed a little. ''He used the pole to spin the bullet to the ghoul direction''. Chase thought unbelieving. He slowly turned to Seth. ''Who is this kid?''. "The new weapons are designed effectively to kill a ghoul instantly once the bullet is embodied deeply in their chest" Seth explained, with one jump he was on the ground walking towards Chase. "Next time aims for the ghoul, not their Claw, I wouldn''t wanna lose a partner like you this early" Seth said smirking, walking past him. "Ghoul killer," Chase said, Seth halted, they turned in unison facing each other. "It''s Seth," he said amused. Chase knew there was something off, he knew it the moment the Order joined forces with the agency. Seth squat assessing the dead ghoul. "We have lotta ghouls to hunt, you best be ready". Seth smirked. "Cause this won''t be the only ghoul dying, all of them will" he added the last part darkly. Chase didn''t budge he just watch the boy driven by the cost of ambition. Chase wanted the same thing too more than anything, they had the same goals but different views, that was a realization he had come to understand. *** Section Six "In the past 1 week now ghouls have been hunted throughout the city. The new Captain of the agency has declared an order to hunt ghouls in the city, although protest of citizens has been made concerning their safety. Barbra Jones as Captain has ensured us it will go swiftly, all for a better safe city. We will like to urge the citizens of New York to stay safe while the hunt goes on" the newscaster said. 7 years old girl''s brown eyes were fixed on the screen, she blinked as they revealed the exposed ghouls and the killed ones. "Mummy, will they find us?" she turned to her mum who was busy doing the dishes. "Turn off the TV Ella," her mum said from the kitchen. "Okay," she said shutting it with the remote, Ella turned to face her Claw who squat in front of her. She showed it three fingers relating to a game, it just tilts its head to the side. Ella''s mother walked out of the kitchen watching the action, she trembled bringing out her phone to call her husband. "Ethan where are you? I think we have to leave the city, it''s not safe now, call me when you get the message," she said cutting the voicemail. She sighed. *Sound Knock* "Mummy someone is at the door," Ella said. "Who is at the door by this time of the night," she said worriedly. She turned to her daughter. "Ella takes your Claw back in," she said. Her Claw reversed back inside her. Ella blinked. Her mum stood in front of the door clearing her voice. "Um, who is it? It''s late" she said. "My name is Nicole Jose, I need to speak with you. Sage Tarek right?" she said from outside. Sage peeked through the door hole. There was Nicole, a guy with her. "Am sorry but I need a little more than the name" Sage reasoned. The man beside her brought out his gun. Sage eyes widen as she moved back panicking, she rushed to Ella''s side. "Mr''s Tarek?" Nicole said, she sighed knowing she figured it out. "You shouldn''t have brought out your gun Tommy, she must have seen you" Nicole hissed to her new partner that was overbearing. "Well, I have to put up a defense, who knows what will jump out there once the door opens" he reasoned. Taking a harsh breath Sage quickly dialed her husband''s number but it still went straight to voice mail. Suddenly she gasped as the door broke down, Nicole and Tommy walked in, pointing their gun at them. Nicole froze for a moment when she saw the child. But she stood her ground, they were ghouls nothing more. "Hands up," Nicole said sternly. "Any false move and we will shoot," Tommy said. Sage look darken, she hid her frightened daughter behind her. "Over my dead body". The moment she said that her Claw dashed out her attacking the agents. Nicole fired shots but it made no serious injury to the Claw. She froze as the Claw stood in front of her, she waited for the worse as the sharp fingers came for her but Tommy stood in front of her, it dug deep in his stomach, blood everywhere, Nicole was left frozen as Tommy''s lifeless body dropped to the ground. She gasped looking up but the Claw, the mother, and the daughter were nowhere to be seen, they were gone. "Come in, come in, report on your ghoul location" her comm sounded, she trembled as she answered it, her eyes fixed on her partner''s dead body. "The ghouls have escaped, man down," she said swallowing hard, her furious eyes drifted to the broken window, she walked towards it seeing blood. "I think we have one injured ghoul" she adds darkly. *** Somewhere In Section Six "Ethan where are you, I think we have to leave the city, it''s not safe now, call me when you get the message". Ethan''s phone stained with blood sounded, he gasped for breath reaching for the phone when he heard his wife''s voice but Seth took it. He ticks his tongue. "A family of ghouls," Seth said. "Seth, two ghouls escaped from Nicole unit, one dead, a ghoul injured. We have to leave now" Chase said walking in. Ethan''s eyes watered, he had the feeling it was his wife and daughter, Seth rose to his feet, Ethan held his ankle with his bloody hands. "Please" he choked in pain, Seth''s eyes slowly drifted to him. "Please don''t kill them, my wife, my daughter" he begged. Seth looks darken, Chase noticed this. "So ghouls have feelings huh?" Seth said darkly, he turned to Chase who looked away. ''They are just ghouls''. He kept telling himself but seeing the man right now in tears begging made him wonder. Seth brought out his gun, Ethan''s eyes watered. "Don''t worry they will be joining you soon" he said smirking. *Loud Gunshot* Chase cleaned the blood that splashed on his face. Seth walked past him. "We have two ghouls to catch," he said leaving. Chase tore his eyes away from the building and turned to Seth exiting the hall, he could still remember that day. *** Three Days Ago Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) "What? You want me to team up with the Ghoul killer?" Chase said not believing his ears. Barbra smirked. "Well you seem surprised" she noted. "Yes, Chase I think you are most suitable to be partners with him" she shrugged. "Why? There are plenty of agents around here and last time I checked I heard the Ghoul killer partners always die" Chase said scowling. He didn''t want to babysit a boy he wasn''t sure was a ghoul killer in the first place. "I read your file, your skills are wonderful and I know about the death of your partner, my deepest condolences," she said. Chase looked away as the pain built up in his chest. "You see Chase. Seth is a very gifted boy, am sure you and the other agents still doubt his existence as the Ghoul killer" she noted, his eyes landed on her. "Gifted?" Chase said puzzled. "I meant he''s smart" she smirked, but Chase knew all too well there was more to this gifted stuff. "I trust you will take good take of him" she adds. "Doesn''t he has a family or something, I mean who would want their kid hunting ghouls" Chase reasoned, she ticks her tongue. "Are you always this curious?" she said. "I am when necessary and this is definitely a reason," he said sternly. "His parents are dead, the rest are confidential" she smirked. *** Present Day Chase wondered, Seth Judson the Ghoul killer was a boy of mysteries. "What is your story Ghoul killer?". Chapter 13 - Black Chase Section Twelve New York General Hospital Renee was on the hospital bed when she saw the news, she reaches for the remote increasing the volume. "The new Captain of the agency has declared an order to hunt ghouls in the city, although protest of citizens has been made concerning their safety. Barbra Jones as captain has ensured us it will go swiftly, all for a better safe city. We will like to urge the citizens of New York to stay safe while the hunt goes on". The newscaster said. Renee swallowed, the city will most likely be in chaos if ghouls were hunted like this and she was worried. "Chase". *** Section One Ghoul Underground In slow motion, Riley walked the wide veranda now filled with countless ghouls, injured, homeless children. She could only hear her heartbeat as she watches this painful scene, ghouls were being hunted and they were helping the ones they could but for how long, what if the hunt never ends. Riley looked around, they were at full capacity here, so many injured, so many hungry. Her eyes landed on Sean who treated the injured the best he could. Paige walking about handling blankets but some didn''t get them. Riley halted as her heartfelt heavy with pain, to what end will this continue, her eyes met with her father who walked towards her, with a sad expression. "Dad," Riley said. "What will we do?" she adds shakily. "I don''t know Riley," he said sternly, he took a deep breath. "We will do the best we can" he adds. "RILEY!". They both turned at the sound of her name, Evan rushed in. "There''s something you need to see". "I caught on something, I believe two ghouls are being hunted right now. A mother and her child" Evan said, his fingers went on the keyboard, he brought out their picture. "Sage Tarek and her daughter Ella. In the footage last I saw they were headed towards section three and the mother is injured, I believe she''s one of the weak ghouls who have slow regeneration" Evan said turning to face Riley and Allen. "We have to help them" he adds. "The agents are swamping everywhere right now and we need to be in the underground to care for the ghouls" Allen reasoned. "Sean and Paige will take care of that" Riley said sternly. "I will find the two ghouls," she said walking out but Allen held her arm. "It''s too dangerous Riley, you will be caught in a second or worst killed," Allen said worriedly. "Well, I can''t just stand by and do nothing, that little girl and her mother must be scared right now" Riley hissed. "There''s something else," Evan said swallowing hard, they turned to him. "There are rumors that the Ghoul killer is involved in this hunt," he said. Their eyes widen. Riley turned to leave. "Riley" Allen called. "Am going alone" she said deadly as she turned. "I will find the two ghouls, the underground need you right now dad and you know that," she said leaving. *** Section Three Sage took harsh breaths, blood gushing from her side, she held the wall for balance. "Mommy why isn''t your wound healing," Ella said in tears, Sage turned to her daughter forcing a smile. "Because mommy''s Claw is very weak, since a young age," she said, Ella, hugged her mother wrapping her arms around her waist. "What of daddy, isn''t he coming?" Ella asked. Sage sighed, she hasn''t heard from her husband since, she just hopes he was okay. "Everything will be alright okay, am right here" she assured her. "Let''s go". Ella nodded. They got out of the alley, they hid behind a wall as they watch the streets, Sage held her side, her wound healing slowly but not enough. She knew she was in no position to walk the road with her bloody clothes, she groaned leaning on the wall, Ella held her mother''s hand tightly. "You will have to go without me Ella" Sage suggested, Ella shake her head negatively. "No am not leaving you," she said wearily. Sage carefully squat in front of her. "At least one of us have a better chance of surviving" she reasoned. "Remember your daddy''s workplace, you go there and find him you will be safe" she adds. "What about you?" Ella said. Sage forced a smile. "I will be fine, just find your dad okay?" she said. Ella nodded, hugging her mother before she ran to the streets. As long as she stayed hidden she knew her daughter will be safe, with her next to her daughter, they will be caught definitely, she had to loosen the load. Sage groaned forcing her body up as she walked back to the alley. She leaned on the wall forcing her body to move. "Hello, Mrs. Tarek". She froze when she heard a voice, she raised her head, she saw a boy on a red hood smiling at her. "I hope I got the name right" he adds. "Who are you? What do you want?" Sage demanded. "It was too risky to let your daughter off," Seth said. "Mommy!". Her eyes widen as she turned, Chase stepped forward with Ella, he held her arm keeping her from moving. Steel around her head. Sage turned to Seth. "Please, please kill me not my daughter" Sage pleaded. Seth smiled. "Am aware you sent your daughter to your husband not knowing he''s not of this world anymore" Seth said walking towards her. Tears filled her eyes as she heard those words, her body weaken as she went on her knees, Seth brought out his gun pointing it at her chest. "MOMMY!" Ella shouted trying to move but it was futile, the steel around her head stopped her from calling her Claw. "Just let my daughter go," Sage said as the tears fell. "I will let you know in hell," Seth said amused. Chase swallowed as he looked away, for some reason he didn''t want to see this, the little girl he held cried and kept trying to break free. ''They are just ghouls''. He thought repeatedly. Seth was about to pull the trigger when a Claw from nowhere landed behind him, he turned but it was too late, the Claw roared swinging him to the wall causing it to break. Chase brought out his gun firing at the Claw, it penetrated but the Claw still stood as it bared its fangs at him. "Shit!" he cursed moving backward reloading his gun, but a figure landed at his back, he turned seeing a face-covered person, only her green eyes showed. She rotated kicking him on the face, Chase landed on the ground hard . "Mommy!". Ella ran to her mother hugging her tightly. Chase groaned reaching for his gun but Riley placed her foot on his hand. "Don''t" she warned deadly. Chase stared at her furious. She walked past him, her Claw reversing back inside her, Chase used that opportunity to send a signal. Riley walked toward Sage and Ella who hug each other. But she halted as her eyes widen. Seth was behind them, what she saw frightened her. "LOOK OUT!" Riley shouted but it was too late, Seth fired the gun, it penetrated Sage''s chest to her daughter''s. Blood splashed on Riley''s face as she watches in horror, their bodies dropping to the ground lifeless. At that moment agent swamp the alley surrounding Riley. "Chase" Nicole said helping him up. Riley gasped seeing their lifeless bodies on the ground in the pool of their own blood. Her furious eyes landed on Seth who pointed his gun at her. "That hit should have killed you," Riley said darkly, she was certain but no wounds on his body that could mean only one thing. "You''re the Ghoul killer aren''t you," she said certainly. Seth raised an eyebrow. "Well I must be popular," Seth said amused. "You just killed a mother and child" Riley hissed. "Ghouls you mean" Seth cut in. "WE ARE NOT ANIMALS!" Riley shouted. Seth smirked. "No need for long discussion". He fired the gun. Like in slow motion the red bullet came for her, instantly her Claw raged out of her, taking the bullet, Riley used that opportunity to run as her Claw attacked the agents. Nicole''s look darkens, others were busy fighting the Claw, her gaze was fixed on the ghoul. ''I have seen that ghoul somewhere before''. She thought certain, she rushed towards Riley. Chase noticed this but he had his hands full. "Both of you follow her," he said to two agents, they nodded heading their way. Riley''s Claw reversed. Riley took harsh breaths as she ran, she halted feeling her Claw inside her, she was weak as she leaned on the wall. She turned seeing the agents after her, she tried to move but her body felt paralyzed, her Claw was wounded so was she, she turned to the three agents that stop in front of her. Her eyes widen recognizing Nicole. Nicole pointed her gun. "I remember you," Nicole said sternly. "You''re one of the ghouls that helped Liam when he was captured" she add. Riley was silent as she forced her body to stand straight. "I didn''t know you were an agent," Riley said, her body trembled but she held her ground. "Well people change, ghouls are nothing but monster''s" Nicole hissed. "I thought you loved him, finding out he''s a ghoul was too much for you," Riley said amused. "Why will I love a man who killed my father," she said darkly. "Any last words" she adds. Riley swallowed. "I guess not". She pulled the trigger. Riley''s breath caught as the red bullet came for her, her Claw was in no position to fight, she was left defenseless, she would have to face her fate. Unaware of her senses a tear fell from her eye unexpectedly. ''Is this the end?''. She thought closing her eyes. ''Maybe it is''.. She waited for the bullet. Chapter 14 - Black Unmask Heart Beats Slowly "Any last words" she adds. Riley swallowed. "I guess not". She pulled the trigger. Riley''s breath caught as the red bullet came for her, her Claw was in no position to fight, she was left defenseless, she would have to face her fate. Unaware of her senses a tear fell from her eye unexpectedly. ''Is this the end?''. She thought closing her eyes. ''Maybe it is''. She waited for the bullet. Suddenly a harsh wind blew around her, like something very fast and deadly passed. She heard splashing sounds, a loud thud then nothing. She felt a hand on her waist, she gasped opening her eyes, her head turning slightly, and found Liam beside her. "Liam" Riley said unbelieving, he was in black hood his cold ghoul''s eyes fixed on hers, she stared into them like what seemed like an eternity to her but, She was forced to turn back to the agents, she froze when she saw nothing but blood. Nicole''s gun was pointed at Ghost''s chest, she was trembling, fear chilled her bones, Ghost smirked breathing out steam looking down at her. He leans to face her, Nicole was paralyzed as Ghost brought out its long tongue licking the bloodstain on her cheek. Nicole gasped moving back, she landed on the ground shaking. Ghost came for her. "Ghost!" Liam''s voice made it halt, its pointy ears twitching. Nicole swallowed as her eyes drifted to Liam, he didn''t make eye contact it was like she wasn''t even there. "Liam" her voice was trembling. Riley felt gravity leave her body. Liam caught her before she reaches the ground, he carried her in his arms, her head rested on his chest, she weakly looks at him, her eyes closing. Nicole just watches as Liam was gone, nowhere to be seen. Chase ran towards her with other agents, he froze when he saw only the blood remains of other agents, only Nicole was left. He rushed to her side. "Nicole, what happened?" Chase said worriedly. Nicole turned to Chase still in fear. "Bla...Bla...black ghoul" she said trembling, Chase''s eyes widen. Seth stepped forward, he stood in front of the blood remains. "We move now" he began darkly. Chase and Nicole''s eyes drifted to him. Seth turned to them. "We raid the ghoul underground". Chase''s eyes were fixed on Seth. He saw when the Claw threw him to the wall, he was certain he wasn''t supposed to survive that but there he was standing without a scratch. Chase knew that the black ghoul wasn''t the only mystery, the Ghoul killer was too and he was dying to find out. *** Somewhere In Section Four ''Riley found herself inside the cafe once more, she was quietly reading her book when two young men walked into the cafe, they took their seat rolls away from hers, her eyes drifted for a moment to them, one was more of a talkative but the other had a silent nature, he looked bored, pissed and tired. Riley blinked there was a vibe coming from him she couldn''t place something strange, she just move her eyes away, she notices the other stare at her like they were talking about her but then she felt another stare, it made her shiver, she was forced to look and then their eyes meet. Her dark green eyes met with light brown ones, her breath caught at his unexpected stare, she was lucky her book covered most of her face to hide her emotion, their eyes lingered for moments. Riley must have not known it then but that moment was the first, the first time she met Liam O''Brien''. Riley slowly opened her eyes, she groaned feeling her body on a make-shift bed. ''Where am I?''. She thought puzzled, her head was a bit hazy, she took her time to look around, the room was lightened with candles, her eyes drifted to Liam standing near the window. She sat up as he turned facing her with his dark brown eyes, it was like the first time they met but this was different, his eyes weren''t filled with light but darkness. "It''s been a while" Liam began, hands in his pocket. "Riley" he adds, she shivered slightly at the sound of her name, she faced him. "A while? Liam, we have been looking for you for a month now and now you suddenly show up" Riley hissed. He walked towards her sitting in front, Riley stared at him curiously, his look changed, his dark brown hair was neck length now outgrown and messy, but still, it looked hot on him. Riley mentally slapped herself for thinking that way, why would she think that? It''s not like Liam had a thing for her, why else did he kill the other agents and let Nicole go. "Give me your arm," he said firmly, she looked away not wanting to do it. "Riley!". "AM ANGRY WITH YOU!" she shouted at him, he looked away. "I don''t get any of this" she began. "Why didn''t you come back? why did you devour Jen--". "Don''t say her name" he snapped, his expression darken. "Why? Are you afraid of the truth?" she said. Liam smiled but it didn''t reach his eyes. "I don''t know what is true anymore," he said sternly. "Did my dad really destroy the ghoul genes? Why did Jen have to die, why am I a ghoul?. Yes am afraid if I know the truth I won''t be able to handle it" he said. Riley swallowed, she didn''t know how she can bring herself to tell him it was her who caused the chopper to fall, she didn''t know how he would take it. Riley jolted a bit feeling a sharp pain in her arm. "I told you to give me your arm," he said, she turned to him. he took her arm rolling up her sleeve, Riley gasped seeing a deep cut. "I don''t understand it''s supposed to heal by now," she said confused. "This wound was caused by the bullet, it''s different, it will take time to heal," he said reaching for a white bandage, he slowly wrapped her arm, despite her hissing in pain, her eyes drifted to his face almost close to hers. She swallowed as her heart slammed loudly in her chest, she needed something to ease this awkward moment. "What is your Claw like?" she began, Liam didn''t say anything, he just bandaged her arm. Riley slowly placed her hand on his on impulse. His eyes drifted to hers, they stared into each other eyes for a moment. "It''s not your fault," she said softly. "Jen was right," he said sternly. "Running won''t fix anything, it never has," he said rising to his feet, their hands separating in the process, he walked towards the other side. Riley swallowed. "What are you gonna do?" Riley asked standing up, Liam didn''t say anything, he turned to her walking towards her. "I will set things right," he said. "The agency must be up to something" he adds certain. "As the black ghoul my picture wasn''t on the wanted list, none of my pictures is put up, am sure only a few in the agency knows my existence," he said, Riley blinked. "That''s odd," she said puzzled. "Yes, and it has everything to do with their new Captain". He turned to Riley. "What do you know about this Order organization," he said. Riley sighed. "They are the first hunters of ghouls, they have more resources and their leader is a direct line of Jonathan Jones," she said. "The man who discovered ghouls," he said. She nodded. Liam turned to the window. "There''s something else, in the Order, there is an agent known as the Ghoul killer," she said, he turned to her. "And I met him, he''s just a boy but-" Riley swallowed when she remembered what frightens her, his eyes. "But what" Liam demanded. "He''s not human". *** Section Twelve New York General Hospital Chase rushed through the doors, with harsh breaths, he ran upstairs looking around, they were preparing for their raid when he got a call that Renee was in delivery. He saw a nurse coming. "Um excuse me I got a call about Renee Cody," he said. "Oh right she''s in the delivery room over there but you have to wait," she said leaving. Chase nodded but his whole body was trembling, he took his seat in the waiting room. He just hopes she was alright. *** A few Hours Later "Chase Wyatt," a doctor said approaching him, Chase jolted standing up. "Yes!" he said haste. The doctor sighed, Chase feared for the worst. "Doc did something happen, please I hope nothing went wrong, is she okay? Is the baby okay?" Chase said in fear. The doctor just smiled. "No nothing went wrong at all, she had a safe delivery and it''s a boy". The moment Chase heard those words, a weight in his chest was lifted. He was beyond happy. "Thank you, thank you so much" he held the doctor''s hands. He just nodded showing him the room she was in. "Congratulations". Chase slowly walked towards the room but he didn''t walk in, the doors were glass so he got a sight of her, he smiled when he saw her holding her baby in her arms, she smiled brightly for the first time ever since Max''s death. Renee placed a kiss on her baby''s forehead, her eyes drifted to Chase, she smiled muttering a ''thank you''. Chase smiled, her eyes drifting back to her baby, Chase wished with all his heart Max''s was here to see the wonderful family he has, he could imagine Max was there beside Renee and his son, not a worry in the world, he looked away when his eyes got all teary. "Come in, come in, agent Chase report back to the agency" his comm sounded. Chase turned to look at both of them once more. He had to make the world right for Max''s son, he wants the city to be safe for him and he was gonna do just that. He turned leaving, they will raid the ghoul underground, he didn''t mind if he had to kill women and children, they were all just ghouls, as long as the city was safe in the future. *** Section Three Ghoul Investigator Headquarters (GIH) The agents prepared, loading their weapons and other resources, this was a war they were unlikely to win, they were about to raid hundreds of ghouls, it was a starting point of their fight towards peace in the city and they wouldn''t mind giving up their life because it was worth it. Nicole loaded her weapons when she caught Chase doing the same thing, she walked towards him. "Congratulations I heard the news" she smiled. Chase nodded. "Just don''t die" she adds, he turned to her and she was dead serious. "The hell is planning to, not until my bullet goes through the heart of the black ghoul," he said darkly. "Well that makes two of us" she shrugged, he faced her. "I hope you''re one hundred percent sure about that" he noted, she blinked. "What do you mean?" she asked swallowing hard. "I mean you need to seek out your feelings, any emotions you had for a guy named Liam O''Brien are gone, he''s not that person anymore he''s the black ghoul and he''s the enemy of the agency," Chase said sternly. Nicole looked away. "I understand". Seth studied his gun in his hand but then he dropped it on the table, Barbra walked in. "I hope you''re ready, it was your plan after all and it''s going smoothly," she said placing a briefcase on the table, Seth turned to her. "It''s time for your medication," she said opening the box that had a syringe with red liquid inside. Seth smiled closing the box. "How about I skip medication today," he said amused. She folded her arms. "Are you sure?" she raised an eyebrow. "Only a monster can fight a monster" he smirked. All agents were summoned in the conference hall, Barbra walked in gaining their attention, Seth behind her. "As we all know today we will be invading the ghoul underground" she began her eyes searching everyone. "What we will do today will mark a big step of keeping the city safe and sound. Yes, it''s suicide going after hundreds of ghouls but it is worth it. We have a dream to wipe the ghouls from the face of this earth and we are gonna do just that" she said sternly. "We are gonna destroy every last one of them because they have taken so much away from us, today we fight for a just cause to protect our people. Humans will be the only known species, not flesh-eating monsters, this step will bring a great change to our future". "For New York City" she adds. "For New York City," Chase said. "For New York City," Nicole said. Everyone said the same thing in unison. Barbra smiled at their response. Seth slowly removed his hand from his sweater pocket, red veins creep in his skin, he smiled. ''Black ghoul''. He thought darkly putting his hand back. ''May the best player win''. *** Somewhere In Section Eleven The Black Lotus A blue-eyed man''s hand tapped on his chair, his head lost in thought. A young woman and man walked in. "Uncle the agents are making their move right now," the young man said. "We have to act before it''s too late," the young woman said. "The underground is already doomed for," the blue-eyed man said turning in his wheelchair to the two. "Rory, Iris," he said referring to them both. Rory and Iris looked at each other before turning to face their uncle. "It''s time to bring in the black ghoul". Chapter 15 - Black Assault Section One Ghoul Underground "What''s going on why haven''t we heard from Riley?" Allen asked worriedly. "I don''t know, I can''t get through to her," Evan said. "What if they took her or worst," Paige said worried Sean placed his hands on her shoulder rubbing it gently. "The ghouls here are at their capacity, we must do something to stop this hunt," Sean said sternly. Allen sighed, this was too much for them to bear. *Sounds Of Choppers* "Do you hear that?" Allen asked confused. "That''s a chopper sound," Evan said certainly. "What is a chopper doing in section one, they can''t be on patrol can they?" Paige asked to fear for the worst, they all turned walking to the wide veranda that had a view. They halted. "It can''t be," Sean said unbelievably when he saw the chopper. They were shocked, the other ghouls noticed this too but it was too late, the chopper fired a missile. *** Section Four Riley turned, she knew something was up, something didn''t feel right. She walked to and fro thinking. Liam stood close to the window looking into a distance, he turned to her, he knew something happened. "Riley" he began. "The hunt, killings of ghouls," Riley said in deep thought, it was all connected for some reason. She turned to Liam. "It''s all the Order, to draw out ghouls but why?" she was confused. "You said section one was off the radar" Liam said. "Yes but-". She froze in realization, her eyes widen. "It wasn''t about the ghouls hunted, it was about drawing the ghouls to the underground because they have already found it," Riley said stun. "They are after the underground!". *** Section One Ghoul Underground Everything sounded loudly in Allen''s ears like rings, he groaned opening his eyes, his body shook in pain as he forced it to move, but he felt a pillar on one of his legs, he growled in pain as he looked around, everything was on fire and destroyed, his heart sank seeing this. He looked around searching, he found Evan unconscious on the ground. "Evan!" he called hoping he would wake up. "Evan!" he called again, Evan groaned holding his bleeding head. "Sir," he said. He forced his body up. "Claw," Evan said as his Claw came out and growled carrying the pillar off Allen''s leg. Evan helped him up, but he couldn''t fully stand on his own, the bone slowly regenerated but it would take some time because he was gravely injured. "Sir how did the agent found out our location," Evan said on the verge of tears, it was all over now. "PAIGE!". They heard Sean shout, they turned and found Sean close to a pillar but what made them paralyze in shock was, Paige was crushed by a pillar, her blood flowing everywhere, only her left side face showed, her eyes opened but no life in them. "Paige no, no!" Sean cried trying to move the pillar, Allen limped toward him. He placed his hand on his shoulder, Sean turned to Allen with tears in his eyes. "Paige she''s-". "Gone" Allen finished for him, Sean broke into tears crying painfully. "It''s not fair" he cried. Evan sobbed cleaning the tears on his cheeks that fell. He looked around some ghouls survived but that was about to end. *Loud Gunshots* The agents swamp in taking out ghouls, some ghouls retaliated, their Claw''s coming out as chaos began. "They will pay," Sean said rushing towards the scene. "Sean!" Allen called but it was no use. "Evan," he said. Evan nodded rushing to aid Sean. Allen looked around, he spotted a woman struggling to move, he rushed to her aid. Chase shot at any ghouls he saw, killing them instantly, he turned to Nicole. "Take the east wing". She nodded moving with some agents. Chase walked further, other agents spread out moving. Chase heard muffled sounds. He pointed his gun to the sound and saw a little girl crying, he lowered his gun a bit but then the girl screamed, her eyes changed as her Claw surge out coming for Chase, he moved away quickly before the sharp fingers cut his head off clean, he fired a shot and it penetrated the girl''s chest, she landed on the ground. Chase tore his eyes away moving further. *** Outside Riley ran as fast as she could, Liam behind her but she halted when she saw the building, it was on fire, agents firing, ghouls attacking but the agents gained the upper hand. "No," Riley said as tears filled her eyes. "Dad," she said rushing inside. Liam was about to move too but then he halted when he felt his hand vibrating like it was phasing of black shadow. The ghost inside him felt a presence and he knew it, it came from the building, something was in there, something that got Ghost stirred up, Liam rushed in, he had to get to Riley fast. Riley looked around the burning veranda, she rushed further inside. "Dad!" she called looking around, she froze when she saw bodies of ghouls and agents on the ground, bloody everywhere, she swallowed, she walked towards the other side. She was careful passing through the sides on fire, some parts were blocked by rocks and pillars, everything was gone, everything they built for the safety of ghouls was all gone, years of hard work. "All of you go," Allen said to some children as they rushed out. Riley smiled when she saw her father helping some ghouls out. The flames separating them made it harder to see but she could recognize her father''s voice anywhere. "Dad" Riley said relieved, Allen turned when he heard her voice, he smiled. "Riley," he said, he was glad she was okay. She stepped further but a shot came in. Riley''s smile faded slowly. Allen halted when he felt a sharp pain in his chest, he coughed blood and slowly looked down on his chest, blood flowed out, he raised his head to face Riley but the flame made it harder to see. "DADDDD!" Riley screamed as her father''s lifeless body landed on the ground revealing the Ghoul killer. *** Liam in the building, he didn''t know where to look, everything was destroyed, flames everywhere. "Liam O''Brien". He halted when he heard a familiar voice. He heard the gun click. He turned. Nicole pointed her gun at him. "We finally have some time alone," she said darkly. "You became an agent," he said. "You finally notice me, good," she said. "You killed my father" she spat, Liam''s look darkened. "Yes I did," he said sternly. Nicole let out a gasp. "How could you? How could you do this to me!" she hissed in tears. Liam turned about leaving. "Don''t you dare walk away from me Liam or I will pull the trigger" She warns. Liam halted turning his head bit. "Then do it," he said facing her. Her hands trembled with the gun like it was too heavy for her. "You can''t, can you?" Liam reasoned the tears fell from her eyes. "Because part of you doubts what the agency told you" he adds. He walked toward her, but still, she couldn''t fire the gun, she was helpless. He stood right in front of her, the gun pointing right at his chest, she swallowed. "Are you going to kill me?" she asked shaking. He pulled down her gun. "You know I never do anything without a reason. He leaned close to her ear, Nicole sighed a bit relieved. "I will never forget how your father killed my sister," Liam said darkly. On hearing those words her eyes widen. "What?" she trembled, he redrew from her, she froze at his deadly stare that got her pinned down, it was a whole new Liam O''Brien and it frightens her to the core. "Am sure the agency didn''t tell you that. What really happens" he said sternly. "You''re just another enemy to me, Nicole. You join the agency to kill ghouls right? Well, that makes both of us enemies" he said. "I hope you''re up for it" he adds darkly, turning as he walked away, leaving a paralyze Nicole. Riley''s world around her was crashed, Seth saw her from a distance but her face wasn''t clear. "Dad, you say?" Seth said amused. "You must be the daughter". Riley was furious. "I love family ghouls," he said slowly walking towards her a bit. "They amuse me". He fired the gun, Riley didn''t see the bullet coming, her breath caught but Liam was already in front of her taking the bullet, it passed through his shoulder, he held it in pain. "Liam!" Riley said holding him steady. Liam pulled up the light material around her neck to cover her nose and mouth. Riley was surprised at this action, instead of worrying about his wound he was more concerned about her identity being exposed. "We finally meet". They turned to Seth who walked towards them finally in plain sight. "Black ghoul," Seth said amused. Liam''s look darken. "The Order is pretty tough to let a kid like you do their dirty work," Liam said darkly. "I might just surprise you" he shrugs. "Enough surprise" Liam hissed. Riley''s eyes widen when a black shadow came out of Liam''s back, like a zap something Riley couldn''t see, Ghost came at Seth in speed digging his hand in Seth''s stomach, blood trailed from his lips, Ghost roared flinging him to the other side blood splashing everywhere. Ghost turned to Liam smirking, its tongue moving back and forth. Liam walked towards Ghost holding his shoulder. His hand vibrated again, his eyes stared at his phasing hand, and then it hit him. "So that what''s got you stirred up, Ghost," Liam said then he smiled darkly, Riley blinked at Liam''s sudden change of expression. "I guess humans aren''t our only enemy," Liam said amused. "Right? Ghoul killer". The moment Liam said that Riley froze, Seth got up, the hole in his body closing up like it wasn''t even there to begin with. He stood fully. "Seems like I underestimated you black ghoul" the moment Seth said that, something like a red shadow came flowing out of his chest, it unfolded of red bandages, and then a red Claw forged beside him, red in color. It had several pointy horns on its forehead. Seth''s eyes changed to all back and the center red with white around them, so did the Claw''s eyes. "I will like you to meet Rath," Seth said amused. "What is that?" Riley said shakily. "Riley get out of here now!" Liam hissed. "Let''s dance," Seth said, like a flashpoint of speed Rath zapped making a buzz-like sound, it passed Liam to Riley. Riley was in shock at what was coming to her. Ghost instantly went after Rath pushing it off as they fought roaring at each other with their sharp fangs and claws. Liam turned to Seth but he was already in front of him, he held Liam tightly on the throat raising him off his feet, Liam choked. "Depending on Ghost too much, such a pity" Seth said ticking his tongue, with one fling, Liam came clashing with two pillars breaking it instantly. "LIAM!" Riley shouted in horror, she faced Seth furious, she shouted as her Claw surged out and came after him. "Rath!" Seth hissed. Rath kicked Ghost off him up to the upper part of the building causing a crash. Rath zapped to Riley''s Claw slitting its head off clean. Riley held her chest in pain coughing blood, her Claw reversed back inside her, she felt weaken as her vision was giving out. In a zap buzz, Rath was in front of her, he flings her hard, the impact got to her head and she fainted. Seth slowly walked towards her unconscious body. "Don''t you dare touch her!" Liam hissed forcing his body up his wounds healing instantly. In a flash, Ghost was in front of Liam waiting for any attack. "Make me," Seth said darkly as Rath roared at them coming, Ghost roared waiting for the attack. Seth smiled but then it faded. He didn''t even see them coming. A young woman stood in front of him smiling, face covered. "Hello Ghoul killer," she said amused. Seth froze, with one kick to the face, Seth was sent flying across the other side. Rath noticed this turning, Ghost used that opportunity to bit down on its neck, it roared as Ghost bit the head off, Rath reversed. So did Ghost, Liam took harsh breaths going on his knees holding his chest. "Things like that shouldn''t weaken you" he heard a voice, Liam rose his head, a man stood in front of him, face covered also, the woman walked toward him. "You haven''t reached the full length of your powers" he adds. "Who are you?" Liam asked puzzled. "My name is Rory Lake and this is my twin sister Iris," Rory said, as they unravel their faces. "We are from the Black Lotus and we are here for you," Iris said. *** A few Minutes Later Chase walked around the place, there was no more ghouls insight which means the mission was a success, he sighed in relief but he saw Seth on the ground unconscious in a distance, panicking he rushed towards him but then halted in shock when a red Claw, unlike anything he has seen reversed back inside Seth and then it hit him. Seth was a ghoul. *** Outside Riley groaned slowly opened her eyes, her head resting on a wall she gasped as the memories flood in she looks around the agents were retreating in a distance. The building burnt to ruins but the fire still on. Liam stood in front, watching the building. "No!" Riley said in tears, she cried remembering her father''s death, others were gone too, everything was gone. "What would your father want after all this" Liam began. Her teary eyes drifted to him, he turned to her. "He would want you to put all this behind and live a normal life" he adds. Riley blinked. "What do you mean Liam," Riley said slowly standing to her feet. It took some minutes of silence. "Am leaving Riley" Liam said. Riley''s eyes slowly widen, everything was slow around them like time stopped, the wind around them blew slowly. Liam walked towards her, her heart slammed loudly in her chest, she took harsh breaths as her lips went apart, she was able to say something but he walked past her. Riley was stiff, her chest was in pain as she turned. "Liam!". He halted. She didn''t know what to say or do, it was all too confusing. "I will make everything right. Everyone''s death will not be in vain. I promise" those were his words as he walked away. "Liam!" Riley said but he didn''t turn he kept walking further and further away from her. She should have said those words, that she didn''t want him to leave. But she couldn''t bring herself to. ''Please don''t leave Liam''. She thought but she didn''t voice it out, a mistake that will haunt her. Liam was gone. Chapter 16 - Black Memories One Year Later The Year 2021 Wailing Sirens . . . . . Heart Beats Slowly . . . . . "Am leaving Riley" "I will make everything right. Everyone''s death will not be in vain. I promise". Her body was paralyzed once again, unable to do anything, she wished she had stopped him but Riley knew even if she did he won''t come back, she could see it in his eyes. She could only stand watching, her heartbeat the only sound she could hear as Liam walked away from her, that moment it was all gone. She watches as he kept walking further and further away from her until he was gone. "Liam". * Riley gasped opening her green eyes. She met with her room window, the rain poured harshly from outside, she sat up staring at it for a while before turning away from it, she found her Claw standing in the dark, it stepped forward tilting its head to the side. "Just go back in," Riley said getting off her bed. Her Claw reversed back inside her. Riley walked into her small parlor, she opened her fridge taking a bottle of water, she drank it once taking a deep breath. "Pull yourself together Riley," she said to herself as she looked back at the window. The thunder striking. * Morning Riley prepared for school, she stood in front of her mirror combing her now long curly red hair, she packed it in a messy ponytail, her eyes drifted to her clock. "Shit" she cursed grabbing her coat jacket putting it on and grabbed her bag, walking out. *** Riley walked into the streets of New York City, sirens wailing but she ignored it as she waited for her bus. It came and she got in. *** Section Four Hilton College Riley walked into the gates of the busy school, Riley went through her books walking her way to her lecture hall. "Riley!". Her head shot up. "Cindy," Riley said as a dark blue-haired girl ran towards her. "Finally you''re here, always late" Cindy said making a face. "Sorry I couldn''t sleep last night so I slept in this morning" Riley shrug. "You always do that" Cindy growled out. "Come on". She drags Riley with her to their class. The faculty hall was already filled. Riley and Cindy made their way to their seat, Riley brought out her laptop. "Let''s just hope Mr. Keith doesn''t give an unexpected essay test again". Cindy rolled her eyes. Riley laughed at her antics, so did Cindy. *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) The agency undergoes its various duties in and out. In the training section, Nicole flipped a trainee to the foam ground. "And that''s how you deal with an assault" she demonstrated, the agent on the ground groaned in pain. "Any question?" Nicole asked, they shake their head negatively. "Good" she smiled walking out. She walked into the cafeteria to grab a bottle of water. She sighed taking her seat. "The trainee getting to ya?" Chase said walking towards her. "You have no idea," she said stressed. Chase just smiled taking his seat beside her. "Sorry I missed Rex''s birthday," she said guiltily. "Well you could get him a late birthday present," Chase said bringing out a picture, Nicole''s face lit up when she saw it. "He''s so cute" she pouted. It was a picture of Renee and her son Rex, celebrating his one-year birthday. "He looks so much like his father but has his mother''s eyes," Chase said. Nicole''s smile faded slowly as she turned to him, she could see the pain in his eyes. "I wish Max was here to see this" he adds. Nicole placed a hand on his shoulder, in the console. "Well, I better get going," Chase said standing up. "Where to?" Nicole said amused. "Well has unit leader I have something''s to check up on, right before I get my car at the repair shop" Chase shrugged. Nicole chuckled. "You best do," she said. He nodded leaving. Nicole faced front, her smile going away, she looked around before bringing out a picture, it was a picture of her and Liam during winter season outside. She swallowed as her eyes lingered on the photo. Barbara was seated staring out the window, she heard sounds of chess on the board. "You should be resting Seth," she said turning, so did her chair. Seth was seated on a resting chair, his legs crossed, one of his hands was connected to a red drip, his other hand played chess. "I have rested for a year, I have had enough" Seth said focusing on his game. The doors slide open as Chase walked in. "Well hello, Chase it''s about time you came," Barbra said amused. Chase''s eyes drifted to Seth who turned to him, he smiled. "Hi, Chase," Seth said amused. *** One Year Ago Section One Former Ghoul Underground Seth slowly opened his eyes as Rath reversed back inside him, but his body went stiff when he saw Chase pointing his gun at him. "What the hell Seth. What the fuck is going on?" Chase demanded clicking his gun ready to fire. Seth sat up slowly as he smiled. "No need be stirred up Chase," Seth said. "Shut the fuck up!" Chase hissed. "You got all that blabbering saying you despise ghouls when you''re one" he adds. "Am not a ghoul Chase". "Then what are you?" Chase demanded. Seth slowly stood up, Chase never pulled down his gun, he was sure as hell ready to fire. "Ghouls are born but I was made," Seth said sternly. Chase froze lowering his gun. "What?". "When I lost my parents I was taken in by a group of scientists who experimented on ghouls" he began. Chase swallowed at the shocking discovery. "Day after day being injected and tested on. They wanted to create their own ghoul and they succeed" he said looking away. "It was hell until Barbra found me and saved me from that nightmare". His eyes landed on Chase. "And the lab?" Chase asked. "Destroyed of course" he shrugs. Seth walked towards him standing right in front of him. "Where the others?" Chase said sternly. "I was the only one who survived the procedure, the others died during the experiment. Painfully". "I despise ghouls as much as you do, becoming one is only different, I hope you understand that and make the right choice here," he said. "Am not the enemy" he adds. *** Present Day "Any news on the black ghoul" Barbra said, Chase''s eyes drifted to her. "No, still nothing, it''s being a year now," Chase said. "He just vanished in thin air," Seth said as his fist tightens around his black king pawn. "You mentioned something about two others," Barbra said. "Yes, I didn''t see their faces," Seth said sternly. "But they were tough" he adds. "And the girl you said the black ghoul was protecting, we have searched every database since the past year and yet nothing," Chase said. "I didn''t see her face either, but" Seth smiled. "I think she''s pretty important to the black ghoul, we find her then we find the black ghoul," Seth said certainly. "With her face not seen it''s nearly impossible," Barbra said. "Not entirely impossible for me" Seth shrug. "Release me from my rehabilitation then I will get you the ghoul" he adds. Barbra sighed. "But then, do not risk using Rath, your ghoul regeneration is not as strong as the normal ghoul abilities" she reasoned. Seth''s eyes drifted to Chase. "How about it Chase, let''s go catch ourselves a ghoul," Seth said amused. Section Four Hilton College "Ugh am so tired, four lectures in one roll I feel like my head will burst," Cindy said stressed out, she and Riley walked out of the hall. "Yeah me too," Riley said amused. "How about some drinks to get us up straight," Cindy said sneaky. "As far it''s not alcohol" Riley warned. "Don''t worry strictly coffee" Cindy smirked, Riley just rolled her eyes. "Hi, guys". They turned as a young man approached them. "Hey, Edward" Cindy said huskily. He smiled his eyes drifting to Riley. He had dark hair kept neatly and blue eyes. "Thought I would see you at the first period," Edward said. "Well I slept in again," Riley said forcing a smile. "Okay, then I was wondering when I will get that drink I asked you for" he shrugged. "I don-". "We are heading towards the caf¨¨ right now, wanna come with us?" Cindy said smirking, Riley secretly shot her death glare. "Aright that''s awesome I will go grab my bag," Edward said leaving. "Cindy" Riley hissed. "Come on Riley you know Edward has been on to you for months now, you can tell just by looking at his eyes. He really likes you, just give him a chance" Cindy reasoned. "I don''t know Cindy, I don''t thin-". "Come on Riley what''s with you and relationships," Cindy said raising an eyebrow. "Since the past year I have known you--you haven''t dated anyone" she added. Riley sighed. "Cause I don''t have time for that" Riley groaned walking past her. "Oh no you don''t," Cindy said dragging her back. *** Section Two Caf¨¨ "One cappuccino please," Edward said, the waitress nodded. Riley just silently zipped her coffee making sure her eyes were fixed out the window. Cindy rolled her eyes at her action. ''Great she will never get a boyfriend in this situation. Cindy thought sighing. The waiter brought Edward''s drink, his eyes drifted to Riley. ''Why does she keep avoiding me, did she have a boyfriend who was mean to her? I just hope she doesn''t push me away. Edward thought, his eyes never leaving her. Cindy noticed his stare, her head spark. ''Great I have an idea''. She thought deviously. "Riley oh I forgot," Cindy said forging a surprised face. "What is it?" Riley asked worriedly. "Oh am suppose to take my kid sis to her dance class, am so sorry but I have to go," Cindy said. Riley''s worried face instantly faded. "Really Cindy? Your sister only goes dancing classes on Monday and this is Wednesday" Riley said. "Right," Cindy said laughing nervously, her eyes going back and forth the two of them. "Got to go," she said rushing out of the caf¨¨. "Well Cindy is quite the character," Edward said amused. "Believe me she is," Riley said rolling her eyes. "I didn''t know you have a sense of humor," he said raising an eyebrow. "Well, not all the time," she said. They both chuckled. "I know this may seem out straight but am really into you Riley," he said seriously. Riley''s smile slowly faded, she swallowed hard as she felt uncomfortable. "Am sorry Edward but I can''t" she said softly. "Don''t get me wrong, you''re a really nice guy and easy going but I can''t" Riley sighed. "Why because you''re a ghoul?" he said. Riley froze instantly, he saw her expression but then laughed out loud. "Am joking don''t take it seriously?" he said amused but Riley didn''t buy that. "Look it''s just a joke me and my friends are in, if a girl doesn''t wanna date, I assure you it''s just a joke don''t take it too serious okay" he assured her. Riley took a deep breath of relief then composed herself. "I really do like you Riley I mean it," Edward said certain, his eyes not leaving hers. For a minute Riley looked behind him and saw an empty seat rolls away from them. Riley felt her heart flutter, she instantly remembered when she met Liam, how their eyes met, she tore her eyes away, her head hazy. "Hey, you okay?" Edward said worried placing his hand on hers, she was back as she turned and face him. "Yeah just remembered something I shouldn''t have" she forced a smile. "Do you wanna talk about it?" he said softly. "No. I think I have to go" she said rising to her feet about leaving. "We are having a party this weekend," he said standing up. She halted turning to face him. "It''s more of a frat party actually" he shrug. Riley was about to protest. "Please will you come? It would be nice if you do" he said. Riley took a deep breath. "Yeah I will," she said leaving. Edward smiled brightly. Riley walked along the pedestrian lane along with others. She was lost in thought, she adjusted her bag walking further as she sighed. She halted when she saw the big screen showing news of ghouls captures and attacks. She looked away, her eyes drifting to the alley that leads to section one, she swallowed walking towards it. *** Section One Former Ghoul Underground Riley stood in front of the ruins, a red caution line kept her from reaching further. Her eyes fixed on the burnt building made the tears fall, she imagined when they were there, together with Sean, Paige, and Evan as they laughed over something. Then her father walked in, she turned to him and smiled, he smiled back at her warmly. The tears fell uncontrollably, she held her chest as she cried out her heart, only her cries could be heard, every moment, every day, every month, for a year she was drowning in pain, she was putting on a mask in her new normal life but that was a lie, this was her, a girl in pain, a girl who lost her home, a girl who lost her friends and family, she was a girl who was broken with only pieces to pick. Chapter 17 - Black Danger Section Four Cody Resident "Come on Rex, come on," Chase said sweetly to the baby boy with dark curly hair and dark brown eyes, who held onto the wall to walk towards him, he giggled as he moved slowly. "Come on" Chase cheered for him, he came slowly but didn''t make it, before he hit the ground Chase caught him, raising him up. "That''s a good step," Chase said tickling him, he giggled. Renee walked in seeing the scene, she smiled. "Alright it''s time for Rex to go to bed," she said walking towards them, Chase smiled handing Rex to Renee who smooched him. *** A few Minutes Later Renee shut the door of Rex''s room silently, careful not to wake him up or it would be war. She walked to the living room and found Chase staring at a picture of her and Max. "Shall we?" she said grabbing her coat. "What about Rex?" Chase asked. "Well, my aunt is in the living room let''s just hope she doesn''t fall asleep" Renee said motioning to an elderly woman watching TV. "I can hear you," she said her eyes fixed on the TV. Chase chuckled slightly. *** Cemetery An SUV pulled up outside the black gates of the cemetery. Chase and Renee got down walking in. They got to a grave that had ''Max Cody'' on it. Renee slowly placed the bouquet of lily flowers on it, they were his favorite. "Hi, Max" Renee began smiling. Her eyes watered just by staring at his grave. "Rex is so handsome, he has all your looks but my eyes" she sobbed. "He''s already walking but has to hold on to something, if you were here then he would hold onto you and lean on you" she cried. Chase slowly walked towards her placing his hands on her shoulder. "It''s only been a year, I know I should move on but I don''t think I can Max, it''s hard not being able to see you and to hold you anymore". She tried cleaning the tears on her cheeks but it just kept coming. "I miss you so much" she broke crying hardly, Chase wrapped his hands around her as she cried her heart out. "I want him back" she cried. "I know," Chase said softly. "Me too" he adds. But who were they to cheat death, Max was gone and the news kept bringing more pain. *** Section Five Riley slowly walked along the streets to her apartment, lost in thought. Only the sound of her shoes could be heard in the lonely streets, cars passing by. Riley was unaware of the world around her. She turned to the next street, walking upstairs to her apartment. Clicking the door open, she walked in locking her door. Riley just dropped her bag sitting on her bed, she took off her shoes bumping to her bed, she pulled the covers around her in a tight hold, her eyes fixed on the window in endless thought. The tears fell on their own silently, she sobbed burying her face in her pillow, silently crying herself to sleep. This normal life was just a glass mask for her, when the glass is broken there are no pieces to pick up. *** Morning *Loud Buzzing Sound* Riley groaned opening her eyes, she sat up holding her head, the buzzing sound came again, she blinked, her eyes landed on her clock it was past ten. "Shit" she cursed, she already missed lectures, she must have slept in again. The buzzing sound came again. She growled heading towards it, she opened the door and met with a worried Cindy. "I called so many times, no text and most importantly you missed classes" Cindy blabbed as she walked in. "Well nice to see you too," Riley said shutting the door. Cindy faced her. "Look Riley, if there''s something bothering you then you can tell me am all ears, okay?" Cindy said firmly, Riley smiled nodding. "So" Cindy began smirking. "I heard you got invited to a frat party" she add with a wink, Riley just rolled her eyes, walking past her heading for the fridge. "Oh my God it''s true, please tell me you have something to wear," Cindy said excitedly. Riley drank a whole can of water before turning to her. "Check for yourself," Riley said bored. Cindy opened Riley''s wardrobe going through the clothes. "l will take it you don''t have any" Cindy said nodding her head. Riley walked in fully freshen up. "Or I could just wear anything" she shrugs. "Oh no we are totally going shopping," Cindy said. "Really?" Riley made a face. She knew Cindy wasn''t gonna let this go. *** Riley and Cindy walked out of a boutique with one bag each. "This is so not me," Riley said sighing. "Oh I think I forgot something," Cindy said rushing back in. Riley sighed again, she turned to look down but instantly bumped into someone, her bag on the floor. "Sorry," Riley said squatting to get her bag but another hand came in their hand''s touch for a moment. "I should be the one who sorry". The moment Riley heard those voices she froze raising her head, her eyes slowly widen in shock, she could recognize that face anywhere. "No no it''s fine," Riley said taking the bag from him seating up straight. Chase blinked wondering why she was startled, he rose to his feet, there was something about her eyes like he had seen them before but he couldn''t place them where. "Riley" Cindy rushed to her side. Her eyes landed on Chase. "Well who is this handsome gentleman," she said sneaky. Chase was about to say something. "Cindy let''s go we''re gonna be late," Riley said taking Cindy''s arm as they walked out. "Riley what''s with you" Cindy protests. "Not now Cindy let''s go" Riley whispered to her as they walked away. Chase''s eyes were fixed on them until he turned rubbing his neck still trying to remember where he saw those eyes from. In a distance Riley turned a bit and spotted Chase walking away, she faced front, her looks darken. She and Cindy walking down to the train station. Chase halted when he saw Seth a few distances in front of him, he smirked walking towards Chase. He brought out a black queen pawn from his pocket and handled it to Chase. Chase blinked confused, Seth smiled. "What is this suppose to mean?" Chase asked puzzled. "Let the game begin," Seth said amused. "And this time am gonna win" he added darkly. *** Section Four Hilton College Riley was unease after that day, her fingers tapping on her desk, the professor''s words were like faint sounds to her ear. She knew Chase should recognize her but she figured he didn''t but still, it was a big risk for just meeting him, her identity could have been exposed in a split second but it was like fate was on her side but for how long, she just hoped she could keep up this normal life, it was the only thing she had, she had no family, no friends that knew her for what she really was, sometimes she wondered if this normal life was a good idea. . . "What would your father want after all this?" "He would want you to put all this behind and live a normal life". . . She could still remember Liam''s words clearly like it was only yesterday, would her father really want that, she knew he would, it has always been her father''s idea but she chose to ignore it but right now she was slowly bending to it and it scared her. "Riley?". "Earth to earth Riley!". Riley gasped getting herself, she turned to Cindy who had a worried expression. Riley figured she should just act normal, she didn''t want her friend to worry. "What?" Riley shrugged. "The bell rang ages ago," Cindy said referring to the almost empty classroom. "Oh" Riley just made a sound. "Don''t oh me Riley, something is definitely up with you. Ever since that guy at the boutique" Cindy said sternly. Riley looked away. "I will head out first," Riley said gathering her books, leaving. Cindy blew a hair strand off her face, she rushed after her. "I hope you haven''t forgotten about our party this weekend," Cindy said. Riley halted turning to face Cindy, she smirked folding her arms. Riley sighed. *** Section Five Riley walked to her mirror, her heels sounding, her hair was down, she wore a dark blue short gown that reaches her knees, along with black heels. Cindy came behind her, dressed also. "You marvelous," she said amused. "Really?, Cause this was your choice of clothing, not mine" Riley reasoned, Cindy rolled her eyes. "Well I have good choice of clothing just cheer up," Cindy said. "And just make sure you don''t leave the party before it''s even started," Cindy said walking to grab her bag. Riley sighed looking back at the mirror, she pulled some hair close to her face behind her ear. "Just consider this night where you have no worries," Cindy said from her room. "Yeah I wish I could," Riley said softly, she really wished she could, it would be a relief but her mind was constantly glued to the past like a magnet. *** Section Four Fraternity House A rock song played outside the house faintly but inside was roaring. A taxi pulled up, Riley and Cindy stepped out, the taxi man was paid and he drove off. "Well it''s crowdy," Riley said looking around. "We should go" she adds turning to leave. "No no no, Riley you promised Edward you will come, don''t back down now," Cindy said firmly, Riley sighed in defeat, her eyes drifting to the building. "Okay then, what''s the worst that could happen". Inside The music bang loudly, everyone on the dance floor dancing in styles with their partners or by themselves. Color lights reflecting everywhere. Riley and Cindy made their way through the dance floor ignoring the dancing people around them. "Riley there''s Edward". Cindy pointed upstairs, they took the stairs. "You made it," Edward said amused. "Yeah she wouldn''t have come if it weren''t for me," Cindy said winking. "Ok then," he said his eyes fixed on Riley. "Drinks! I will go get drinks" Cindy said rushing out. "She''s doing that again," Edward said, Riley smiled. "You look-". Edward was lost for words, she was quite the beauty. "-Gorgeous" he adds mesmerize. "Thank you," Riley said blushing slightly. She looked around hoping to see Cindy back by now. "I don''t think Cindy will be back anytime soon," Edward said his eyes fixed on the dance floor, Riley looked, Cindy was enjoying herself on the dance floor like a wild cat. They giggled at her antics. "You have a pretty good friend" he commented. "Yeah she''s one of a kind," Riley said smiling warmly. Edward''s eyes drifted to her, he was lost in her beauty. Riley noticed his stare and turned and their eyes met. "Wanna dance?" he asked softly. Riley swallowed. "I would love to," she said. He brought out his hand, Riley''s eyes drifted to it, it took a moment before she took it. He leads her downstairs slowly. A slow beat song started playing, everyone danced to the slow cool beat. They got to the dance floor. "May I?" Edward said referring to holding her waist. "Yeah sure," Riley said, he took it bringing her close slowly, she placed her hands on his shoulder as they danced to the beat, their eyes locked. "You know when you avoided me I thought maybe you had a boyfriend," he said amused, Riley chuckled. "Well I don''t, the truth is I have never been with a guy before," Riley said firmly. "Seriously?" he raised an eyebrow. "Seriously," she said smiling, he stopped their dance, Riley stared at him puzzled. "Well I guess am a lucky guy," he said smiling, Riley blinked, he slowly leaned towards her, Riley froze when his lips came for her, their lips met in wonder, circling and consuming but Riley was having a hard time feeling a connection, it was odd and weird, but Edward seemed to be in the moment. Edward broke the kiss noticing Riley wasn''t kissing him back. "Is everything okay?" he asked worried. Riley was about to say something, but it was like time stopped when Riley''s eyes only, drifted behind him. Only the sound of her heartbeat could be heard. Her eyes widen when she saw a paled man with blond hair smirking, what frightened her was his ghoul''s eyes. Riley gasped when his Claw came out unnoticed about roaring. "LOOK OUT!" Riley shouted but it was too late, chaos broke as the Claw devoured a student coming for more, screams and shouts could be heard everywhere. "Riley we have to get out now," Edward said panicking, others rushed out in panic bumping into them. "Cindy! I have to get Cindy" Riley said worried, she ran to the scene. "RILEY WAIT!" Edward shouted following behind her. Riley got to the almost empty dance floor, the place cleared, and then she saw Cindy on the floor struggling to get up. "Cindy" Riley said worried about going to get her but she froze when the paled man stepped forward along with his Claw. "V-Ghoul" Riley said without a doubt, they were some ghouls who resorted to the rage thereby losing their sanity, she has never seen one before except now. The man smirked as his Claw came for Cindy who was frozen in absolute fear. "CINDY!" Riley shouted as her eyes changed, the white part went all black, her eyes changed to beaming gold and her Claw roared out in speed. The man''s Claw grabbed Cindy as she screamed flinging her to the wall causing a crash. Riley''s Claw kicked the other making a loud thud sound, the Claw''s were thrust to the next building crashing in--in a heated battle. The man snaps to Riley in surprise that she was a ghoul. "Protecting a human? Don''t you have any shame?" the man hissed. "They are innocent, not all of them are a danger to us," Riley said darkly. "Pity". The man said. "I thought you''re one of us". The moment he said that he threw a dagger at her, Riley saw this coming as she shifted, the dagger passing her, her eyes traveled fast as she caught it. Before the man could blink it penetrated in his chest deeply. The man coughed out blood holding the dagger that duck in his chest. "You''re no different from the agents who hunt us," Riley said as the man dropped to the floor in the pool of his own blood, his Claw vanished on dust. Her Claw stepped forward reversing back inside her, she sighed turning to Cindy but froze when she saw Edward holding a passed-out Cindy with wounds. Edward''s eyes shaking. He couldn''t believe this. "Edward," Riley said knowing he saw everything, he didn''t answer he was still in shock. "Edward," she said coming to him. "Don''t!" he hissed, she halted instantly. *Loud Wailing Sirens* Riley knew the authorities were here as well as agents, she turned to Edward. "Am sorry" she said walking away, her so-called normal life was all over now. Chapter 18 - Black Pain Section Twelve New York General Hospital "This evening at a college party a ghoul attacked happened, only a few were injured but some killed, the agents are still trying to discover the cause of this attack and how the ghoul who attacked the party was killed, we will be back for more news about the ghoul attack". The newscaster said. Edward''s gaze was fixed on the screen, his body trembled slightly, the doctor walked in. "How is she?" he asked haste. "A few broken bones but with treatment, she will push through," the doctor said walking past him. Edward just nodded, he turned but jolted when he saw a boy on a red hood. The boy smiled. "Who are you?" Edward demanded. "Am Seth Judson from the G.I agency," Seth said flashing his badge. "So what now the agency is hiring kids of 16 now," Edward said sternly. "18 actually," Seth said amused. "Am here consigning the ghoul attack at your party, care to elaborate?" he added. "Well the ghoul was there, panic rising and then he dropped dead didn''t know what took him out" Edward shrugged. Seth''s smile widens, his head tilting to the side as if studying Edward. "Interesting," he said amused. Edward blinked. "I didn''t picture you as a liar," Seth said. "Why would I lie, my friends died too," Edward said sternly. "So if that''s all the question then you should leave, I have a friend to worry about" he adds turning, about leaving. "Do you mind telling me who Riley Leah is then?". The moment he heard those words he halts and turns gulping hard, knowing that the agency did their digging. "A colleague of mine why?" Edward said. "She was at the party wasn''t she, but soon after the attack, she was nowhere to be seen" Seth stated. "I-". "I will take my leave now" Seth cut in walking away leaving a terrified Edward. *** Section Five Riley''s fingers felt the picture of she and Cindy, she sobbed drawing the tears back in, she didn''t realize how this normal life meant to her until now, she didn''t want to drown in sorrow. Her eyes drifted to her packed bags, she sighed. There was no way a ghoul could have a normal life, Liam was wrong when he said those words and she blamed him for it, she blamed everything on him if he had just stayed none of this would have happened but then she pushed him away, she was always angry at him for no reason at all, back then he was human, she envied the normal life he had before being thrust into the dark world, and then he was a ghoul and she was afraid of him and yet cared for him for a reason she didn''t understand, if she saw him right now she was sure she would thrust all her anger at him. She smiled at the thought. ''If I ever see him again. She thought but she knew that was a dream that was unlikely to happen, she knew that all too well. *Loud Knock* Riley''s head jolted up at the sound of it, hope-filled her chest, maybe it was Liam, he must have seen the news and came to her. "Liam!" Riley said his name for the first time in a year, cleaning her tears she rushed to the door opening it but her smile faded when she saw Chase and worst pointed his gun at her forehead before she could react. "I should have known it was you," Chase said, he clicked his gun, her eyes widen. *Loud Gunshot* *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) Riley gasped out for breath like she was drowning, she took harsh breaths, her body trembling, she felt a sharp pain coming from her forehead where Chase shot her, she was sure he shot her but how come she was alive, she tried to reach for it but she felt her hand tired. She groaned as her vision cleared she was in some sought of a white room, everything was spotless white, seated on a white chair also, her hands were tied to her back, she tried to move her neck but felt a metal collar around it in steel. She knew it kept her Claw at bay they must have improved it. The door slide open and Barbra walked in a smile present on her lips. "Hello Riley," she said amused, Riley watch as she took her seat in front of her. "Barbra Jones, Captain of the G.I agency, a pleasure," Riley said sternly. "You have done your homework" she smirked. Riley''s look darken. "It was you who gave the order to destroy the ghoul underground how could I forget," Riley said darkly but then she groaned feeling the pain from her forehead. "You may be wondering why you''re not dead after that gunshot" she smirked. Riley swallowed. "Well it is a sedative just for ghouls, newly improved" she adds. "More tools against us huh?" Riley raised an eyebrow. Barbra smiled leaning on her chair, she crossed her leg. "Let''s talk Riley. About the black ghoul" she began, Riley looked away. "We both know during the raid he was protecting you and I believe you know something. I mean his whereabouts right now. For a year we haven''t caught sight of him" she said firmly. "I don''t know where he is either" Riley hissed facing her. "He left, no turning back" she adds. "You look hurt by that, perhaps he left you or something and you''re angry at him," Barbra said amused. "It''s none of your business," Riley said with clenched teeth. "Well for the warning I want you to know that your answer doesn''t mean anything to me, I will use any means for information then I will decide what to do with you". The moment she said that the doors slide open, a woman in white walked in drawing a table towards them, a syringe on it. "What is that?" Riley demanded. "A syringe to make you talk of course," Barbra said amused. "No! No! Stop" Riley panicked, the woman in white took the syringe and brought it close to Riley. "STOP!" Riley shouts but it was too late, the needle came for her neck, she felt extreme pain, she shouted as the liquid went through. The woman in white redrew. Everything was fuzzy in Riley''s vision like she was collapsing. "Let''s start again shall we". *** A few Hours Later Barbra walked out of the room frustrated, Seth seated in front noticed this. "What''s with the face Barbra," Seth said. "She''s useless," Barbra said sternly. "She doesn''t have information on the black ghoul at all" she adds. "Well, that unfortunate. Should I kill her for you?" Seth said amused. "It would be a waste, just put her in Steel and make sure she gets it tough," Barbra said walking away. *** Section Thirteen Riley''s whole body ached, she slowly opened her eyes. She groaned sitting up, resting on something. She looked at her surrounding, there were others in the small space, the steel thing around their neck and on white clothes, Riley wore the same thing also, it was a white short-sleeve shirt, white material trousers, and white sneakers. There was a number on her shirt in code. She swallowed knowing they were being transported to Steel, she had no memory of the interrogation, it must be the syringe they gave her. The ship stopped, Riley looked around as a soldier came in. "Alright move!" he hissed as other soldiers came and dragged them out. Riley closed her eyes groaning when the sunlight hit her face, she adjusted to it, her eyes widen at the view of Steel. it was wide looking like they were on a boat but more like a building around water made of steel. They assembled them as a soldier probably the commander stepped forward, Riley figured. "Welcome to Steel ghouls," he said the ghoul word in disgust. "My name is Sergeant Roman Clearwater, but you call me Sergeant" Roman said sternly. He smirked as his eyes went through all of them. "Welcome to hell". Riley growled as they pushed her inside her cell shutting the door, everywhere was dark until a wall light came up, the cell had no window it was like a container but there was ventilation and probably a surveillance camera she couldn''t see. A bed and toilet were present. Riley slowly walked close to the wall, she sat on the floor leaning on it, she pulled her knees to her chest burying her face on her knees. ''How did I end up like this. She thought lost. Her fist tightens. ''I saved a friend and it cost me everything. Her body trembled. ''And then I ended up here, in this hell hole, with nobody to hear my screams or pain. They should have just killed me, it would be better than this. She slowly raised her head. ''I wish I died with the others''. She thought as a tear fell from her eye. ''Who was I thinking that Liam will come for me when I needed him. She remembered when he turned his back and left, that was one memory she will never forget maybe she didn''t realize it then but now she knew how much pain she felt and she was lost. ''He''s never coming back. Her teeth clenched. ''Never. Chapter 19 - Black Steel Section Twelve New York General Hospital "Recently we discovered that the attack at the college was a ghoul from the same college Riley Leah, a shocking realization that keeps us in fear that ghouls are amongst us, they may be your friend or family". The newscaster said. Cindy''s eyes shake as she heard the news, she couldn''t believe her ears. Edward walked into her room and found her watching the news, he took the remote offing the TV. "You knew?" Cindy asked facing him. "Not until the accident" Edward said taking his seat near her bed. Tears filled Cindy''s eyes, she sobbed. "You can''t trust anyone these days can you?" she said sternly. "We thought we knew Riley but we didn''t," Edward said sighing. "Just concentrate on getting better, your parents will be here soon," Edward said. She nodded cleaning her tears. She was still at a shocking realization her best friend is a ghoul, people can surprise you, even when you don''t expect it. *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) Nicole heels sounded in the hall, she walked hastily to Chase''s office barging in. Chase blinked as his eyes landed on her. "Nicole," he said confused. "You caught the ghoul and I wasn''t even informed," Nicole said placing her hands on his desk, Chase sighed leaning on his chair. "You weren''t part of the operation" he reasoned. "Oh really? So what you and the Captain, along with the Ghoul killer are buddies now" she said with a stern look, Chase looked away. "Is there something you''re not telling me, cause I need to know why the ghoul was immediately transferred to Steel without proper interrogation about the black ghoul''s whereabouts" she demands. His eyes met hers. "She was interrogated but it was classified, if you need more information, something I cannot give then you should meet the Captain," Chase said his hands typing on the keyboard, Nicole let out a gasp of frustration, she lean up, folding her arms. "Fine then, since you decided in being a total jerk," Nicole said. Chase''s head shot up at the sound of that but she was already leaving. Nicole made sure she slam the door hard, she sighed leaning on the wall. ''That ghoul was the one who helped Liam when he was tortured, the same one Liam saved''. Nicole thought without a doubt. ''Riley Leah''. *** Barbra''s hands went swiftly on her keyboard, a woman walked in placing a file on her desk. "This is all the information on Riley Leah you requested," she said. Barbra just nodded signaling her to leave. The agent did so. Her eyes land on the file, she took it opening it, there was nothing much about her, she was a student and all, and most importantly she was part of the ghoul underground. "A survivor" she commented turning to the next page that said relation, it showed just her father. Barbra froze the moment she saw Allen''s picture, her hands trembling, she removed the picture from the file bringing it close to her face just to be sure and she wasn''t imagining things. "Allen". *** Section Thirteen Steel Prison Riley''s eyes landed on the blue light that shined in her cell, she blinked as her doors automatically open. Other prisoners walked past by like they were headed somewhere. Riley slowly forced her body up, the collar around her neck gave her itches. She walked out of her cell following others to where ever they were headed. Riley silently fixed herself in the line as they walked along the halls. "You must be new here," a young woman said beside her, Riley''s eyes drifted to her. "Am Sid, just Sid" she smiled. "Riley" Riley said looking away. "Do you have any idea where we are going?" Riley asked stern. "Well it''s lunchtime" she shrugged. They walked into a wide hall with several tables and chairs other prisoners on it. Foods being served. "Why aren''t there any guards?" Riley asked looking around suspiciously. "Well nowadays we don''t need guards stationed everywhere, they have special hidden cameras everywhere, it''s even harder to sneak or do anything suspicious, they watch our every move like a hawk," Sid said not liking the idea one bit. They both walked to the server''s taking a tray and walked by others to take their food. "What? Trying to escape?" Riley said facing her, she smiled. "Who doesn''t have that thought around here," Sid said referring to the other gloomy faces that Riley saw, nothing like humor it was dead silent and slow-moving like a graveyard. Riley swallowed hard. "Every single person around here wants out. Except you have someone in mind that will come for you" Sid raised an eyebrow. A picture of Liam appeared in Riley''s mind. Her look darken. "There''s no one," Riley said darkly walking to a table, Sid blinked knowing she wasn''t being truthful, she grabbed her tray walking towards Riley. Riley''s eyes were fixed on her food that could make her throw up any second, it was like it has been out for days and cold like a goofy mess, she shifts the food from her side not wanting to look. "You should eat, nothing like special treatment around here," Sid said digging in her food. Riley swallowed, yeah she had to adjust that was the only way, she would have to get used to it, this was her life now, she brought her food back in front of her, shaky grabbing her spoon and dig in almost throwing up but she held herself back. "You know when I asked you that question, about if someone was coming for you, I saw a light in your eyes a bit" Sid begin, Riley, halted her action facing her. "You''re right to doubt, no one is foolish or worst crazy enough to break in here, death of the highest order," Sid said. "Yeah you''re right" Riley nodded in agreement. "So boy or girl?" Sid said raising her eyebrow. "Excuse me? " Riley blinked. "The person you are not hopefully and dreamily waiting on" she smiled. "It doesn''t matter, no one is coming," Riley said without a doubt. Sid just smiled. *** A Loud siren blew loudly as everyone step outside. Riley''s eyes gaze upon the wide veranda, her eyes caught the ocean in a distance. "It''s like we are on a boat but more like a building," Riley said puzzled. Sid just shrugged. "Well you are right about that, technology is rapid these days. Things are not what they seem" Sid said walking ahead, leaving Riley behind. Riley sighed as she watches the gloomy crowd patrol around. The cold breeze blow unexpectedly, she shivered rubbing her arms on both sides. This may be their free period but this was more like torture. Her eyes scanned for where she could seat, she felt weak, her fingers constantly going to her neck where her steel device was, it gave her inches, she just wishes the damn thing would just come off. Riley groaned walking further but she halted when she heard sobbing, she slowly turns, as her eyes widen. "Hey what are you doing?" Riley said in panic gaining the attention of everyone, a man was standing at the edge of the pillar not far from her, ready to end his life. "Am sick of this place, constant torture, I can''t bear it anymore" he sobbed turning to face her with his bloodshot eyes. "I rather die than stay here any longer" he cried. "No no you don''t want that," Riley said shakily. "You don''t know that," he said. Riley panic she could see it in his eyes that he was gonna do it, he was lost no hope of living or moving forward, his life was already over as it is. "Someone help him" Riley motioned to the guards in a few distances. But they just laughed and mocked like they were watching a movie. ''How could they. Riley thought this was always the painful truth ghouls had to constantly see. "Funny isn''t it," the man said. Riley faced him. "We are so alike but different in so many ways" he laughed. Riley swallowed hard. "We are monster''s" he spat never taking his bloodshot eyes off Riley. "They don''t give a damn about us" he adds. "Then jump then," a man said walking towards them, Riley froze, it was the sergeant, a smirk plastered on his lips. His hands at his back as he stood upright. "We don''t give a damn, jump," Roman said darkly. "No" Riley gasped facing the man back. The man laughed like a psycho, but then it seized. "Monsters don''t deserve to live" the moment he said that he jumped. "NO!" Riley shouts about going after him but Sid came from nowhere and held her down. They both landed on the ground hard. Riley was frustrated at this but all that died when blood splashed everywhere, she froze as she caught a glimpse of invisible lasers like small lights, her eyes could now see them, they were at every edge in the veranda. "You don''t wanna be slaughtered to pieces do you?" Sid hissed. Riley trembled as tears formed in her eyes, the man''s remains were nothing but pieces. They heard claps, it was coming from Roman. "Well done ghouls, that was an awesome performance," he said amused. "You should have let her jump after him though" he shrugged. Riley saw red, she growled coming at him in speed. "RILEY DON''T" Sid shouted. Riley punched Roman hard enough to spill blood, this causes an intense panic, Riley had no idea want she has just done. Roman slowly cleaned the blood off his lips and face Riley furious. "You have no idea what you just did," Roman said darkly, in a second guards came at Riley holding her down, Riley tried to fight them off but it was futile. Roman held Riley at her throat to keep her still, she shot bullets at him with her eyes. "You just offended a High-rank officer" the moment he said them, he hit Riley hard on the face causing her to blank out. *** Riley groaned, she could see nothing but darkness, until she opened her eyes and met with a bright light. It took some time before her eyes adjust to it. She tried to move but she couldn''t, her hands and legs were pinned tightly, she panicked seeing the situation she was in, She couldn''t turn her head both sides caused of the metal around her head, only her eyeballs moved and saw two long needles pointing to her neck steel and two to her head on both sides. "What''s going on?" Riley said shaky, she was in a wide room with nothing but experimental equipment, no one was in the room, there was a wide glass in a few distances in front of her, she was sure they were watching her. "Prisoner 163, prepare for your punishment". Someone said through the speaker. The machine started and the needles came closer. "STOP IT PLEASE, STOP!" she screamed but there was no stopping It as it pierced her steel to her skin, and the other two at her head, she felt like her brain was tearing apart, an intense pain that lasted for hours, with only her cries and screams that echoed in all the halls. Chapter 20 - Black Torment Somewhere In Section Ten An SUV pulled up in front of a mansion gate, a man in a black suit stepped down opening the door for Barbra as she stepped down. Her eyes scanned the mansion, memories she was hoping to forget flood in. It was faint, of her when she was little running around with another girl she was older than, their childlike laughter sounding through her head like a plague, she swallowed hard taking a deep breath as she made her way through the gates. Inside was wide and big majestically, decorated with several, more memories flood in, her fist tighten. A woman approached her. "Miss Barbra it has been years," the elderly woman said smiling warmly at her. "Yes June it has been years," Barbra said taking the woman''s hand. "You have grown so much my dear" June said smiling. Barbra just nodded. "Where is she June? I will like to see her" Barbra said sternly. June nodded. "Right this way, you will be the first person she has seen ever since the accident," June said leading her upstairs. They got to a room door only Barbra walked in, the door shutting behind, the room was wide with enough space. At the window a woman was seated on a relaxing chair watching the skies, she was lost in them. The wind was slowly caressing her long light red hair. Barbra slowly walked towards her silently. "Hello Rose," Barbra said darkly. The familiar voice made Rose turn in shock, her green eyes landed on her. "Sister," Rose said in shock gazing at her elder sister. "Still waiting and dreaming of your long-lost love?" Barbra said amused. "You never did like him" Rose said sternly. "After all these years you still don''t" she adds tearing her eyes away from her. Barbra walked close to her and squat in her front opening the document she held. "He was a ghoul Rose, your betrayer caused you a lot of things," Barbra said darkly, Rose eyes landed on the papers she opened, her heart nearly stopped when she saw Allen''s picture and on it was a stamp of ''killed''. "Allen" she hissed as her body trembled, tears filled her eyes. "Even though he killed your daughter you still love him," Barbra said with a stern look, Rose''s eyes landed on her furious. "He would never kill our baby, I know in mine heart he would never do such a thing," Rose said certainly. "But you would" she adds without a doubt. "My daughter died because of you" she hissed at her. Barbra smiled. "And what if I told you she never died but rather was brought up by Allen, your lover ghoul," she said smirking. Rose''s eyes widened as she once more stared at the page she turned. The moment she saw Riley''s picture, she broke into tears of joy. Her name at the side. "Riley?" "My daughter is alive" she adds in tears running her hands on the picture. "Allen protected her as he promised. I knew I shouldn''t have listened to you when you said he killed our daughter, you are filled with nothing but lies and hatred just like our father" Rose said bravely, placing the picture close to her chest. Barbra just smiled rising to her feet. "You are right, I am filled with nothing but lies and hatred" she turned to Rose. "Ever since my sister fell in love with a ghoul and bore a child for him that was a disgrace to the Jones family" Barbra hissed. "I found love Barbra, something you will never find," Rose said smiling. Barbra''s look darken. "And my daughter is a product of that love. You are just too jealous to realize that" she adds. Barbra''s fist tightens. "Your Allen is gone Rose" she began. "And so will your precious daughter, I will make sure of that" she add walking away. "No Barbra" Rose panicked, she moved. "BARBRA" Rose shouts as she forced her body up but she landed on the ground, clashing with her wheelchair at the corner. Barbra halted. "Please Barbra, I have lost a lot already please don''t take my daughter away from me too" Rose said as her hands tightened on the picture. "Please Barbra" she cried as she tried to crawl to her, forcing her body but her legs didn''t move a muscle. "The day you gave birth to that child was the day you stopped being my sister and you paid the price with your legs," Barbra said darkly. "Barbra" Rose cried. "Live with it", with that Barbra walked out shutting the door hard. "NO!" Rose sobbed painfully as she cried, she rested her head on the ground staring at the picture. "My Riley" she cried. *** Section Thirteen Steel Prison The guards dragged Riley''s body back to the cell and threw her inside. Riley''s whole body was numb and trembling at the same time. She managed to cough, she kept coughing as blood spill from her mouth, she shaky crawled on the floor trying to reach for the wall, her neck and head in extreme pain as it bleed slowly. She cried in pain as she collapses to the floor paralyze, she curved in a ball on the cold floor shivering in pain. ''I want it to stop, I want the pain to stop''. She thought in pain as tears formed in her eyes. Her trembling hands tighten in a fist as her teeth clenched, she kept shivering in pain in her cold cell. *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) Barbra sat on her chair lost in thought, her mind replaying what happened today, who would have known the truth was closer more than ever. Her secretary walked in. "The ghoul sent to Steel" Barbra began her eyes not reaching her. "Yes ma''am do you want to order something," her secretary said. Barbra was about to say something but she sighed leaning on her chair. "The Steel is the worst for ghouls, I want her to suffer and cry in pain until she begs for death and I may just give it to her" Barbra said darkly. *** One Month Later Section thirteen Steel Prison The hall was quiet as usual, as the prisoners walked like the dead in a graveyard. No sound of humor from anywhere. Riley was seated leaning on the wall her knees to her chest. Her hands were wrapped in a bandage, blood visible from the white cloth. "Your torment keeps going on doesn''t it," Sid said sitting beside her. Riley was silent, her eyes fixed on the floor like she was lost. "You only just offended the sergeant and yet your punishment is still going on, they will break you Riley, something you will never recover from," Sid said with sad eyes. "They must be punishing you for a different reason, am sure of it" she adds certainly. "Does it matter?" Riley finally said, her voice dull with no life. Sid watch her with shaky eyes, she knew it all too well she was going through a lot of pain. "I could lessen the pain for you" she offered, Riley turned to her. "I could snap your neck for you and make you die a peaceful death than a painful one, trust me you won''t regenerate because of the steel around your neck," she said. Riley forced a smile that didn''t reach her eyes. "Thank you, Sid," Riley said. "But every death is painful and besides am already dead" She adds as a tear fell from her eye. She faced front. This was a realization Riley had come to have, she was just too blind to see it. "Ever since he left" Riley murmured to herself but Sid caught that. Riley slowly forced her body to stand as she limped away, Sid watching with sad eyes. Riley slowly walked to the veranda, others were there too but she felt like she was the only one. The harsh wind blew around her, she looked up to the skies. ''Maybe this is my fate, as a ghoul''. She thought in lost hope. ''To die running, running because of what I am'' Riley''s eyes landed on the ground. ''I just want a place where humans and ghouls can live together. She remembered Jenna''s words before she died, it was a faint hope, Riley knew in her heart that was impossible, there was no freaking way two different species could exist as one. The guards came behind her and grab her, Riley turned and saw Roman smirking. "It''s time for your punishment Riley, let''s have some fun shall we," he said amused. "Do whatever the fuck you want" Riley spat bravely. "Nothing you do will break me completely". "We will see about that," he said amused. *** A few Hours Later The guards threw Riley in her cell and shut the door, Riley was left paralyzed after the intense pain from the machine, she just laid on the cold floor, her long red hair spread on the floor all messy, marks on both sides of her head and her neck, her hands wounded and bleeding. On the cold floor already giving up on her own life, she hummed a tune, a melody her father taught her that belonged to her mother she never knew and missed a lot. She kept humming until darkness came to her. ''Am I dying?''. She thought as she faded away. ''Maybe it''s time''. At night Steel was kept at a high patrol, soldiers in every entrance and exit, in every spot detecting even the slightest object. *** Camera Control Room "Ha come on Sam, no eating on duty do you want the sergeant shouting at you," a soldier said to the fat man. "Man, am on night patrol allow me to have my fill," Sam said with a shrug. His colleague just rolled his eyes as the soldier murmured something and walked out of the room. "What James," Sam said to his colleague. "Such a glutton," James said facing the wall computers that showed every footage in Steel from the inside to the outside, he yawned as he swaps different footage, he swaps and swap until he caught something, he blinked as he went back to the other ones. "That''s weird," he said puzzled. Sam slides his chair towards him. "What?" Sam asked. "I thought I saw something there" James pointed, Sam followed his trail, he was pointing at the skies. "What could be there dude, maybe it was a bird or something, there are searchlights everywhere am sure our surveillance would have caught something," Sam said certain. "Yeah right," James said. Suddenly all their camera went offline as something came up like it was downloading, it went red. "Shit! That''s impossible we have been hacked" James said going through the computers in speed. "We have a code red, I repeat we have a code red," Sam said to his comm. *** Riley found herself in nothing but darkness, her body slowly fading away. ''Maybe this is it''. She thought. ''I have no reason to live again, they did break me, I should have just listened to Sid and end my life quickly. I have no one I have no family, am a ghoul who can''t be accepted by the world maybe we are better off left extinct from the face of this world''. She closed her eyes as she allowed death to take her. ''Am sorry Liam I don''t think I can go on anymore. Only death will free me''. Riley It was a faint sound she couldn''t quite recognize but she knew her name was being called but she chooses to ignore it, what was the point of answering when she has already given up on life. Riley That voice sounded familiar, she knew it in her heart, could it be... RILEY Riley gasped for breath as she flashed her eyes open in panic. "Liam!" Riley said looking around her cell, there was no one, she felt vibration everywhere, like explosions. She forced her body up, she gasped in pain as she slowly moved to the wall and leaned on it. *Loud Sounds of Gunshots* Riley wondered what was happening out there, this was night time and it was lock-down, their cell doors were locked. The sounds of gunshots sounded everywhere, screams, shouts, slashing sounds, Riley knew blood was being spilled out there, lots of it. The sounds haunted her, it was chaos out there, and something was attacking them. Everywhere shakes once more, explosions could be heard, clashing sounds lots of it. Suddenly the alarms went off, it sounded loud, beeping red lights. "What is out there?" Riley said trembling, her body in pain, whatever was out there was pissed off to cause so much havoc in less than a minute, who would be crazy enough to raid Steel. *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) Seth played battleships in a wide tab, his eyes constantly drifted to Barbra who was using her laptop as an excuse to be lost in thought. Her hands going through the keyboard swiftly. "You haven''t been the same ever since last month, it''s like you are brought back to a past you are trying so hard to run away from," Seth said. Barbra halted her action instantly. "Seems like you have done your homework" Barbra comments, Seth was always too smart for her liking, it was always hard to keep secrets from him since day one. "I always do my homework. So that Riley ghoul is your niece, interesting, your sister must have a thing for ghouls despite she came from the line of people who resent them" he struggled. Barbra shot him a death glare, he smirked widely knowing he hit a nerve. The door suddenly barges open as Chase rushed in, this caught their attention. "What is it, Chase?!" Barbra demands, she wasn''t in the mood to deal with anyone. "Steel is under attack by a ghoul we haven''t identified yet," Chase said taking a harsh breath. "Who is crazy enough to attack Steel," Barbra said sternly. Seth rubbed his chin. "I think we should head there first and deal with the situation before we have loose prisoner ghouls all over the city cause as of now, Steel is in chaos!" Chase said dead serious. A loud alarm went off in the agency as agents prepared to depart through their chopper. Nicole rushed to get ready, the news was still shocking to her, a ghoul has raided steel but why?. And it was just one ghoul. *** Section Thirteen The chopper on the air headed for Steel, Seth eyes watch Steel in a distance caught up in chaos, Rath was stirring up in rage inside him. ''Rath is unsettled''. Seth thought his eyes fixed on Steel. ''Something''. He swallowed hard, he could feel it in his bones, and something dark was there, something deadly. Barbra comm sounded. "Sergeant Report, what the fuck is going on there" Barbra hissed, the static was much. "Ma''am something-". It sounded, this caught Seth''s attention along with Chase, they waited in anticipation. "This isn''t just a normal ghoul, it''s fucking pissed off, it''s unlike anything". It sounded. "It''s-" he added but the signal went off. "The black ghoul," Seth said certainly. They froze. Chapter 21 - Black Lotus One Year Ago Former Ghoul Underground Liam took harsh breaths going on his knees holding his chest, Ghost against Rath took a toll on him. "Things like that shouldn''t weaken you" he heard a voice, Liam rose his head, a man stood in front of him, the woman walked toward him. "You haven''t reached the full length of your powers" he adds. "Who are you?" Liam asked puzzled. "My name is Rory Lake and this is my twin sister Iris," Rory said. "We are from the Black Lotus and we are here for you," Iris said. Liam''s eyes traveled back and forth. ''The black lotus''. Liam thought puzzled. *** A few Minutes Later Outside Liam watches Riley with sad eyes, she was sound asleep after the impact on her head, she has lost a lot today, she lost her whole family all in one day, and she was suffering the same pain like he was. He knew how it felt, there was only one thing he could do to make her forget the pain and ease it for her. Riley slowly opened her eyes, her head resting on a wall she gasped as the memories flood in she looks around the agents was retreating in a distance. The building burnt to ruins but the fire was still on. Liam stood in front, watching the building. "No," Riley said in tears, she cried remembering her father''s death, others were gone too, everything was gone. "What would your father want after all this" Liam began. Her teary eyes drifted to him, he turned to her. "He would want you to put all this behind and live a normal life" he adds. Riley blinked. "What do you mean Liam," Riley said slowly standing to her feet. It took some minutes of silence. "Am leaving Riley" Liam said. Riley''s eyes slowly widen, everything was slow around them like time stopped. Liam walked towards her, everything went slow as he walked past her. Riley was stiff, her chest was in pain as she turned. "Liam!" He halts. She didn''t know what to say or do, it was all too confusing. "I will make everything right. Everyone''s death will not be in vain. I promise" those were his words as he walked away. "Liam!" Riley said but he didn''t turn he kept walking further and further away from her. His body screamed at him to turn back but he didn''t, this was the right thing to do, he was sure she wanted it too. He left. *** "Wow, that was sad to watch," Iris said tilting her head to the side. Liam looked away. "You should have brought her with us you know," Rory said folding his arms. "I don''t want her to be part of this anymore, she has been through enough" Liam said sternly. ''I did the right thing''. Liam thought he kept telling himself that. An SUV pulled up in front of them, the door open. "Get in," Rory said. "Where are you taking me?" Liam demanded. "We are not just taking you, Liam, we are offering you a better choice, to create a better world," Rory said. "A world for what?" Liam asked puzzled. "A world where humans and ghouls can live as one" Iris said. *** Section Eleven Black Lotus Mansion The SUV drove through the gates, the mansion was a long distance away from the city, and it was in a forest covered with trees. The compound was wide looking like a civilization of its` own. Liam stared at the sight in wonder, he didn''t know a place like this existed. The SUV stopped. "Welcome Liam, to the Black Lotus," Iris said as she leads him to the door. There was a symbol of a lotus there, Liam blinked as the doors slide open. Inside looked like it was an agency, people walking to and fro, some showing ghoul eyes, Liam knew without a doubt that everyone here was a ghoul. There were stares at him, seeing the new face, Liam just ignored them. Rory and iris lead Liam upstairs to a private office, the door slide open, a view of a wide office came in, at the edge wall computers were lined with different footage of New York City, this amazed Liam of how they kept surveillance of everything. "Uncle," Rory said. This caught Liam''s attention, finally noticing a man in a wheelchair in front of the wall computer. The man chair turned to face them at just a press of a button. "Hello Liam," Jarvis said a smile against his lips. Liam blinked. "It''s an honor to meet the black ghoul" he adds amused. "You''re not a ghoul" Liam sensed, this surprised Rory and Iris of how he knew. "Your powers must be growing," Jarvis said. But Liam wasn''t bothered about that. "You''re human and yet you harbor ghouls, why?" Liam demands, if he was gonna join this organization, he sure as hell wanna know everything. "Rory, Iris" Jarvis motioned to them, they nodded leaving, shutting the door behind. Jarvis''s wheelchair slide to where Liam was. "Am sure you have a lot of questions, why we brought you in and why you''re the black ghoul, am sure you have a lot in your mind as of now, you have lost so much, I understand" Jarvis said stern. "You seem to know a lot about me," Liam said. "Yes as a matter of fact I do, I know everything ever since my brother fell for a ghoul, I had to step up and think of a solution to make humans and ghouls coexist," Jarvis said. "That''s impossible" Liam scoffed. "No it''s not, cause your ancestor Lucas Carter and his wife Vanessa Carter was the founder of the black lotus, they fought for a way for ghouls and humans to coexist as one and that will surely happen now that we have you," Jarvis said certain. Liam broke in a burst of dark laughter that didn''t reach his heart. "You can''t be serious, am the last person you want, what''s inside me is a demon I want to tame but it seems like it''s eating me up inside and I don''t know why, why the fuck am a ghoul and why my sister has to die because of me or why I have to abandon a friend or why I have to run away from the world. And now you tell am a hope to a world that''s already at the brink of tearing itself apart" Liam hissed as his eyes changed, his body vibrated. He froze when he saw this, Liam stared at his vibrating hand it was a fading of his and Ghost''s hand in shadow. "You have always been the black ghoul right from the start, Liam, your father sealed your ghoul genes with the serums he created, he upgraded it, and then Jenna was born for the sole purpose of wielding half of your ghoul genes so that you won''t be devoured by your Claw," Jarvis said as the wall computer brought out a file. "What?" Liam said shocked at the sudden discovery. His ghoul''s eyes drifted to the file. He trembled as he walked closer to it like he would break down anything minute. His eyes watered with tears as he realized the truth. "We hacked the secret database of your father''s research and found out. That''s why I ordered for you to be brought in so that you can see for yourself" Jarvis said as his wheelchair turned to face Liam. "I don''t understand," Liam said in tears. "I thought he was destroying the ghoul genes. Then why?" he broke. "Why did he improve it? And made me the monster I am. And risk Jenna''s life" he cried. "You are not a monster Liam," Jarvis said. "LOOK AT ME!" Liam shouts facing Jarvis. His body still vibrating. Jarvis swallowed hard. "Here" Liam pointed to a screen. "Even after his fucking research, after everything, after Jenna''s death, am still gonna be devoured by the monster inside me" Liam hissed as his ghoul eyes beamed. The vibration of dark shadow becoming more and more constant. "Calm down Liam" Jarvis began. "Yes, you will still be devoured by Ghost despite everything. But you are not a child anymore when Ghost first manifested. We can prevent it now, let me help you Liam" Jarvis said with pleading eyes. Liam looked away. He held his head in pain. "You are our hope, Liam. The hope for your species" he adds. Liam turned at the sound of that. "Together we can save all ghouls, together we can make the world a place where both species can coexist as one" Jarvis said. "To stop all these killings, no one will ever have to lose a family again, no will ever have to die a painful death like Jenna" he adds. Liam''s body vibrations lessen. "Join me, Liam, join us, join the black lotus and lead it into a new age, an age of ghouls and humans, together we will stop the agents". The moment he said that the door slide open, Iris and Rory walked in, two others followed behind. Liam froze when he saw the two, his vibrations stopped instantly. "Sean, Evan" Liam said in shock. "How?". "The black lotus saved us Liam, the remaining survivors, they brought them in," Sean said. "Paige?" Liam said hoping to see her. "She''s gone Liam, killed by the agents," Sean said sternly. "Sean," Liam said worriedly. "I might be here but I don''t support this coexistence you guys are talking about, the humans took Paige away from me, I won''t live side by side with them, I will help you Liam but not for peace," Sean said stern as he walked away. "He hasn''t been the same" Evan said worried as he faced Liam. He swallowed hard. "If we don''t do something Liam, ghouls will be filled with nothing but the hatred that will tear them apart," Jarvis said. "The choice is yours Liam" he adds. "He isn''t ready uncle," Iris said, their eyes landed on her. "If you want to achieve peace then you must master Ghost before you get devoured" she added. Liam gulps hard. "What must I do," Liam said determinedly. *** One Week Later "Is this necessary?" Liam said as Sean connected wires with of white pieces cotton on the tip of Liam''s forehead at both sides. "The black lotus has amazing equipment, this particular one will help you make contact with Ghost within your mind, then the rest is up to you," Sean said. "One wrong move and you will be consumed from the Inside out" he adds seriously. Liam looked away. "I have to do this" Liam said. "Am only helping you out Liam, but am not supporting your role to achieve this fantasy peace, humans will always hunt ghouls, that''s the reality" Sean said. "It was the agent''s Sean, not humans. Not all humans are bad, I was human once, I know that" Liam said. Sean just gave him a weak smile, he just shakes his head going through some more wires. "Why did you leave Riley, you should have brought her with you," Sean said. Liam stiffens at his question. "She has never had a normal life before, she has always been kept in the dark, and I wanted her to have something different for a change," Liam said. ''I did the right thing''. He thought with shaky eyes. "I thought you never liked Riley not to talk more of knowing how she feels or what she wants," Sean said. Liam smiled. "Some feelings change I guess," Liam said, Sean nodded. "I hope you''re right," Sean said walking out the room, the door slide close. Liam''s eyes gazed upon the white room. "Okay, Liam we are starting" Iris''s voice sounded from the speakers. "Begin". Liam took a deep breath, as the light went on, the machine above him made his body levitate, the gravity turned him slightly, like he was lying, Liam felt his body light in the air, he felt like he was on the water, the wires on his head powered, Liam growled as the current pass through to his brain, he felt light-headed as he eyes closed and darkness found him. At the other end of the room, Sean''s hands went through the computers. A warning came up. "Something is wrong," Sean said seeing his brain function. "What? What''s wrong" Iris said in haste. Sean brought up the picture of Liam''s brain. "His brain is supposed to be functioning but it''s like he''s--". "Brain dead" Evan finished for him. "This means Liam won''t be able to wake up again" he adds as his body trembled, they froze. "I don''t know how long," Sean said rubbing his forehead. "Liam is gone?" Iris said as her eyes drift to the room, where Liam was levitating stiff. Chapter 22 - Black Slumber "What do you mean, he''s brain dead? How''s that possible?" Jarvis asked furiously. They were all present in Jarvis''s office. "Uncle we have no idea what happened, none of his brain cells are functioning again," Rory said. Jarvis rubbed his forehead confused. "His brain is inactive, we could only hope if he will ever wake up again" he adds. "What if he doesn''t?" Evan said with a horrifying look in his eyes. "We can only hope he can," Sean said. "We can''t do anything from the outside, we should all depend on Liam, his consciousness is locked inside his brain if we try anything from the outside, and it could lead to more complications if we do" he adds. "You mean we should leave him in there like that?" Iris said sternly. "It''s our best chance in getting him back, do you have any other way," Sean said. Iris looked away. The silence grew every knowing Sean was right, it was up to Liam to wake up. * Liam Consciousness . . . . . Heart Beats Slowly . . . . . Solemn Silence . . . . . Faint Whispers Liam slowly opened his eyes, the world around him was spinning like he took a bullet to his head. He tried moving his body but he couldn''t, he gasped when he saw the position he was in, he was seated on a chair, and his hands tied at the handle, Liam looked around in panic. He was in a dark hall with not a single glimpse of light, at his front a mirror was present, and he turned to it but it wasn''t his reflection but that of Ghost in the same position he was in. Ghost smirked, as its elongated tongue came out, sliding to and fro in amusement. Liam''s look darken. "What''s your deal Ghost? You wanna devour your own master?" Liam asked sternly. Ghost tilts its head to the side. "Well, here I am, what you will do. Go ahead, eat me!" Liam said. Ghost growled releasing himself from the chair and walked out of the mirror clashing it in an instance, Liam was immobile as Ghost stood in front of him and leaned face to face with Liam. "What are you waiting for," Liam said sternly. "Eat me!" Ghost chuckled lightly, it was deep and dark, it always found everything amusing. *Sounds of Childlike Laughter* Liam froze when he heard the laughter. He turned and saw an image in a distance. His eyes widen, when he saw himself, he was 3 then, in his room, smiling at the shadow of Ghost. In the image Ghost shadow hand reach for Liam, it pointed to his forehead. "What is this?!" Liam asked pissed turning to face Ghost but his eyes widened in shock when he saw Jenna instead. "Jenna?" Liam said as his eyes watered. "You promised we will always be together," Jenna said. "Stop this Ghost, stop using Jenna''s face," Liam said in anger. "I would never devour you, I just want you to reach the full extent of your powers. Together you and I will reshape the world as we please" Jenna said amused. "I SAID STOP IT!" Liam shouted in tears. "She''s gone, Jenna''s gone, so please stop" Liam cried. "You devoured me, Liam, therefore I will always be with you forever¡­ am a part of you," Jenna said hugging Liam tightly. "Forever," she said faintly. ''Why?'' Liam thought. Everything went in white light, as they reappeared in a place that looked like the skies like they were levitating. The tears just fell from Liam''s eyes, Jenna embracing him tightly. The cool wind blew around them. "You have to accept us, Liam," Jenna said close to his ear. "We are the darkness that drives away other darkness, we are more than that, and we are one," she said. Liam''s eyes shake. "We are stronger together". She broke the hug placing her forehead together with his, her eyes closed. In that minute of silence, Liam replayed his past life in his head. His mom and dad, his sister, everything they went through together, the harsh cruel fate they had to endure, the point at which they lost everything dear to them, it was all gone, nothing to hold on to. The tears gushed out his eyes endlessly. ''Now I understand. Liam thought closing his eyes. He sniffs rising to his feet, the chains breaking as he did. He stood high and tall, feeling the wind around his body, Jenna stood beside him. Liam opened his eyes staring at the skies. ''The world is messed up, we don''t see eye to eye, what is left of a world drifting into darkness, a world on the brink of extinction. Liam looked down at both of his hands. Jenna walked and stood in front of him smiling. ''A world where humans and ghouls can coexist as one, but to achieve that, blood will be spilled at both sides, it''s a common truth, a truth so hard to admit. Jenna reaches out her hand for him to take. ''It''s all clear now. Liam thought as he reaches for her hand and took it, he closes his eyes and opened it, and it was no longer Jenna but Ghost, smirking at him. "It''s just you and I Ghost," Liam said. Liam looked behind him, in a far distance, Riley stood there, her back facing him, and she turned, her sad eyes facing him as she slowly disappeared. ''Are there any greater bond than siblings, is blood stronger to fight against all odds bestowed upon us or is there a greater threat that we can''t fight. Does our bond weaken us in dark situations?'' ''Could there be a world where ghouls and humans could coexist or a world where one species will rule the world?'' ''What would become of the world that is driven by pain and revenge, a twisted fate that is unleashed on both sides like a raging fire that can never be quenched?'' ''When your Achilles'' heel is taken away from you, what is left of a man, a man consumed by hatred or a man with a new resolution?'' Liam closed his eyes as everything faded away, it was only him in black standing amid white. ''I will neither be a man consumed by hatred or filled with a resolution. I shall become a plague that drives out darkness. A hero doesn''t exist, only the strong ones able to fight for a possible reason''. Liam''s body vibrated in black shadow, he flashed his dangerous beaming ghoul eyes open, veins at both sides. ''In this black world, I shall become a plague driving out the darkness where ghouls and humans can coexist as one. Everything went blank. * Two Months Later Sean was asleep in the lab, his head against the keyboard. Evan walked in, his eyes drifted to the other side of the room, Liam''s immobile body, still levitating. "You can''t just go like that Liam," Evan said with sad eyes. "You are our only hope, Riley is waiting for you¡­ to make things better" he adds, looking away, dropping a drink on the table for Sean when he wakes up. He turner about exiting the lab, but suddenly the computer went off in a beeping sound, as the light shake with a spark of electricity. Evan looked around puzzled. Sean jolt awake, his eyes landed on the computer. "Holy shit!" Sean exclaimed as fingers went through the keyboard. "What''s happening?!" Evan asked panicking as the lights kept sparking. "His brain function is back on full drive". "What? does it mean he''s waking up?" Evan asked with hope. "Shit! Get down!" Sean hissed as they duck. The moment he said that the room went on full spark as a small electricity explosion happened. "What the fuck just happened?" Evan said taking harsh breaths as he raised his head, his eyes fixed on the destroyed room, glass is broken everywhere, steams around. Iris and Rory rushed in, Jarvis came behind. "What happened?" Jarvis demanded. "His brain function came back up on full drive," Sean said. "Wait you mean Liam''s brain did this?" Iris asked staring at Sean like he had two heads. "It sounds crazy if you make it sound that way," Sean said. "He has been connected with his claw ever since, waking up on full drive must have shocked the system" he adds. Jarvis''s wheelchair moved to the front. "He''s awake!" he said certainly. They turned to the view as they waited in anticipation, the steams in the room cleared, their hearts slamming loudly in their chest. Their eyes widened, when they saw Liam standing, Ghost high and tall beside him with a wide smirk. Liam cracking his neck, earning a sound. His eyes landed on their intense gaze. "What?" Liam referred to their shocked faces. "You were brain dead Liam... for 2 months," Sean said clearly. "We thought you were dead," Evan said. A dark smirk pursed up his lips slightly. "Well am a dead man walking," he said amused. Ghost chuckled deeply in a haunting manner. "Did that Claw just laugh?" Iris said with a shiver. "I think it did," Rory said gulping hard. Chapter 23 - Black News One Year Later Section Eleven Black Lotus Mansion "Alright let''s do this one more time, and do¡­ not drop me" Liam warned deadly. Ghost just chuckle deeply They were both in the training hall, practicing their new move. In a zap of vibration, Ghost was at the top of the ceiling, the claws pinning against the ceiling. "Please work," Liam said as his body vibrated, so did Ghost''s, instantly he was covered in black shadow. "Switch! The moment Liam said that he switch places with Ghost, he was now hanging at the ceiling and Ghost down on the ground. Liam smiled at his progress. "Switch". They swap again, he was on the ground in a vibration, Ghost back at the ceiling. "Well, at least Ghost didn''t drop you this time," Iris said walking into the hall. Ghost came down in a flash and stood behind Liam. Liam turned to face Iris. "Tell me, is she okay?" Liam asked. "Easy there, at least ask how am doing first" she rolled her eyes. Ghost snarled at her. Iris shot Ghost a death glare who returned the favor. "Relax, Riley is fine, she''s in college, seem pretty well" she shrugs. Liam took a sigh of relief. "Good," Liam said walking past her as Ghost reversed back inside him. "You care for her don''t you," Iris said. Liam halts his steps as his eyes grew wistful, he didn''t say anything as he walked away. *** "Wait you and Iris share the same Claw? That''s unique" Evan said as he played a card. Evan and Rory were playing a card game in the garden. "Yeah that''s why ghoul twins are hard to come by, it''s very rare," Rory said playing a card. "So do you guys like, do the mind control thing, able to hear each other thoughts?" Evan asked smirking. "Hell, no dude that will be a pain in the ass, for me to hear her nasty thoughts?" Rory shivered at the idea. "Really Rory? Nasty thoughts?" Rory froze as he turns seeing his sister shot him a death glare. "Oh sis I didn''t see you there," Rory said chuckling nervously. Evan just laughed seeing the two go at it. *** Liam stared at the skies, he was at the veranda all by himself. It has been a year now, the whole year he has been training with Ghost, a year after the incident, a year since he last saw Riley, over the past year he kept thinking about her nonstop, he asked Iris to constantly check up on her but for some reason he wasn''t pleased with just that news, he wanted to see her. Funny he hated being around her because of her behavior towards him but now his mind wasn''t there but about how she was and how she was doing, he misses Riley. "Riley," Liam said softly. ''Did I do the right thing by leaving her?'' He thought, he wasn''t sure of himself anymore. *** One Month Later Evan hummed as he walks along the hall while eating a donut, he was asked to relay a message to Jarvis, so he headed for his office, he got to the door and knock but no answer. "Sir?" he called but no answer so he steps into the wide office, he shrugs seeing that he wasn''t around, he was about leaving when his eyes caught the several footages of New York City, he blinked when he saw the news. He walked towards it and swap the footage out. He froze. "Oh no". Evan ran as fast as he could, he bumps into others, they shout at him but he ignored them. "LIAM!" he shouted, he ran further looking for Liam, and found him in the training session, Sean was there too checking his vitals. "Liam" he hissed walking in. They faced him. "What is it, Evan?" Sean asked. Evan''s eyes landed on Liam who had a puzzled look. "Riley has been sentenced to Steel". "Riley has been captured and you never told me any damn thing" Liam hiss furious. "Well it is, it damn right is" Liam hiss at her. "Calm down Liam, we had our reasons," Jarvis said. "What fucking reason could you possibly have," Liam said pissed. "Because you will raid Steel without a second thought, no ghoul has ever penetrated that prison," Jarvis said. "Well you underestimated me, Jarvis," Liam said turning to leave. Jarvis sighed knowing this would happen. "Stop Liam, you will jeopardize all our operations" Iris hissed. Liam halts facing her. "I don''t give a damn about the operation, all I want is Riley". He left. Liam walked out of the office, Sean and Evan waiting outside. "Evan I need you to hack Steel prison security system now," Liam said sternly. "Anything, for Riley," Evan said. Liam hated himself for this, this was all his fault, Riley was captured, and he couldn''t imagine what she was passing through right now. ''I shouldn''t have left her all alone. Liam thought his teeth clenching. Am coming for you Riley, no matter what. *** Before the break-in Section Thirteen A mini chopper looking like a jet approached Steel in a distance. Inside Sean was the one piloting. At a space, Evan''s hands went through the keyboard in speed. "Their surveillance system is damn hard encrypted" Evan cursed as his hands moved on the wall computer. "Well you better hack it fast, we are almost at Steel," Liam said putting on his black leather jacket, putting on the hood. "Even if I tap into the security system it won''t be long before they find out," Evan said. "Just do it" Liam hissed losing his patience. "Okay," Evan said haste, rushing the process. "We are here. Setting on invisibility mode" Sean said through the speaker as the whole chopper went invisible. "Got it," Evan said as both present and past footage appeared on the screen. He hacked into another system for Riley''s information. "Oh my God!" Evan said in shock. "What?!" Liam demanded standing up. Evan swallowed as he turned the wall screen to face him. Liam''s body went stiff when he saw the footage. It was footage of Riley behind tortured in the past month. "Liam" Evan said worried he might lose it. Liam''s eyes changed instantly beaming dangerously. "It''s all my fault," he said darkly as he walked to the edge. "Liam!" Evan called but it was futile. The center of the chopper opened. Steel came in view below. Liam covered his mouth and nose. With one jump he was down as his body vibrated. *** Camera Control Room "Ha come on Sam, no eating on duty do you want the sergeant shouting at you," a soldier said to the fat man. "Man, am on night patrol allow me to have my fill," Sam said with a shrug. His colleague just rolled his eyes as the soldier murmur something and walked out of the room. "What James?" Sam said to his colleague. "Such a glutton," James said facing the wall computers that showed every footage in Steel from the inside to the outside. He yawned as he swaps different footage, he swaps and swaps until he caught something, he blinked as he went back to the other ones. "That''s weird," he said puzzled. Sam slides his chair towards him. "What?" Sam asked. "I thought I saw something there" James pointed, Sam followed his trail, he was pointing at the skies. "What could be there dude, maybe it was a bird or something, there are searchlights everywhere am sure our surveillance would have caught something," Sam said certain. "Yeah you''re right," James said. Suddenly all their camera went offline as something came up like it was downloading, it went red. "Shit! That''s impossible we have been hacked" James said going through the computers in speed. "We have a code red, I repeat we have a code red," Sam said to his comm. *** Liam lands on the ground like it was nothing, this gained the attention of the guards present. "What the hell" one said, they pointed their guns at him. Liam flashed his ghoul eyes at them. "It''s a fucking ghoul!". "FIRE" a guard shouted as they opened fire. Screams, gunshots, explosions were everywhere. Liam brought death to everything he touched. *** Blood flowed like water everywhere, a splash of it on the walls. Every soldier coming after him, dropping dead like there was a plague. Liam got to Riley''s cell, at the lobby, guards coming at him, their shouts could be heard, as blood splash everywhere. "Evan the door," Liam said to his comm. "Roger that," Evan said with a shaky voice. The door slide open. Heart Beats Loudly . . . . . Inside Riley''s heart slammed in her chest with anticipation. She heard her door unlocked and then it slides open. She gasped. It was like in slow motion as the door open and the light came in, her eyes slowly widen as she met with glowing ghoul eyes that had black veins at the side, she could see only his eyes, his nose, and mouth covered with a light black material, he was on a hood, all black, his hair dropped slightly on his forehead, a bit of bloodstain on his face that was intriguing to her. Riley couldn''t believe this, it was like she was in a dream, he was here, he was here, right here standing at the door like he was saving her from death. It was like time stopped around them as they stared at each other eyes lost. "Liam," Riley said with so much longing and hope as the tears fell on their own accord. She forces her body up not minding the pain she was in, she limped towards him as the tears fell. Liam slowly unveiled the cloth covering his face as she came towards him, she came to him standing right in front of him, her body trembling. "Riley," he said. To hear his voice was more than enough for her, the way he called her name made her knew he was lost this past year without her. Riley''s body gave out but he held her still with a hand around her waist and then he did the unthinkable, he kissed her passionately that left her breathless. Riley''s eyes widen at the sudden action, it was all much for her to handle as his lips roamed hers never-ending in a sensual way that left her shivering, she closed her eyes kissing him back with the strength she could muster. Liam''s hand cupped her cheeks as he deepened the kiss not wanting to let go, he didn''t know what came over him, all the feeling building up for not seeing her and now he was crossing a line with her, a line he didn''t know he could cross, but her kissing him back made him knew she responded. Riley''s body shook in extreme pain as her body weakened instantly breaking the kiss, Liam held her in his arms steady, her hands tighten on his jacket. "Riley," Liam said worriedly. "Liam you have to get the hell outta there, Steel is swamping with agents and worst the ghoul killer is here" His comm sounded. Liam''s eyes landed on the Steel collar around her neck, just seeing it made his ghoul''s eyes beam dangerously, the rage building inside him once more. "Liam," Riley said weakly. That moment a group of agents came behind him and pointed their gun at him. "Don''t move!" one hissed. Liam covered his face as he slowly rose to his feet carrying Riley in his arms, his back facing them. Riley froze when his body vibrated in a fading black shadow. ''What''s happening?'' She thought. "Switch," Liam said, she gasped as she closed her eyes, it was like their body left gravity as everything went blank. Chapter 24 - Black Secrets Riley gasps as she opened her eyes. She had no idea what happened, but she was still in Liam''s arms, he was walking towards a long lobby, they were no longer in the cell. ''What happened? One minute we are in the cell and the next we are someplace else. Riley thought she heard gunshots in a distance. ''Did he?'' Her eyes shake. ''Switch place with Ghost? Is that possible?'' Riley thought, her eyes slowly drift to Liam''s face. ''Yes, it is, for the black ghoul''. Riley thought in realization. She wrapped her arms around Liam''s neck holding him close, her face buried in his neck, his scent filled her nose that gave her ease. She felt safe for the first time. "Liam agents are everywhere they are keen at finding you, you have to use another turn" his comm sounded. "Shit" Liam cursed. "What other turn?" he asked. "There''s one hall but it''s down below, I think it''s called subject 24," Evan said. Liam heard agents in a distance coming, Liam looked down from where he was, the stairs were a long way down like it was underground, the only way faster was to jump. "Hold on," Liam said moving backward. Riley held firm. His body vibrated as in a flash of speed, he jumped down. Riley gasped in the distance. But Liam landed perfectly, he looked up seeing the agents at the edge pointing their gun at him but in a zap, Ghost took care of them, above, blood splashing. Ghost got down too and landed beside Liam, smirking, Ghost tilts its head to the side facing Riley. It chuckled darkly, Riley swallowed hard seeing Ghost. "Let''s just hope this path leads somewhere," Liam said with a stern look, he couldn''t wait to get Riley out of here. He walked further at the path, it was like a whole new prison down here. "I can walk you know, put me down," Riley said weakly. "Your voice isn''t convincing," he said. Riley rolled her eyes. "You left me, that was convincing," she said as the pain built up in her chest. "I didn''t mean to," Liam said softly. "Am sorry" he adds staring into her eyes. "I should have taken you with me, I won''t ever leave you again" he assured her. ''You never cared for me, why all of the sudden'' Riley thought. Her mind drifts back to the kiss, what it meant, she wanted to ask him but she figured this wasn''t the right time. Ghost growled darkly as it stood in front of a tall iron wall. Liam turned to Ghost. "What is it Ghost?" Liam asked he froze when he saw Ghost''s lips in a frown, that was a first, Ghost never stopped smiling no matter what but right now Ghost was frowning at something and it was coming from what was inside that wall. Liam''s eyes drifted to it, above said a plate. ''Subject 24'' *** Chase walked around ordering as many agents as he could, he got to where Barbra was standing. "We have lost contact, we don''t know where the black ghoul is," Chase said. Barbra was lost in thought. ''What is he doing here?'' She thought as her eyes shake. ''Perhaps he has found out his father is still alive, he''s here for him. She swallowed hard, she just hopes that wasn''t the case here or else. "We got a report," an agent said approaching them. "The black ghoul is down below at a place called subject 24," the agent said confused at the place. ''No''. Barbra thought shaky. "What''s subject 24?" Chase demanded seeing her surprised look. "And one more thing" the agent adds. "The prisoner Riley Leah isn''t in her cell, a lot of ghouls aren''t in their cell, at this rate, all ghouls will be loose". "Seth I want you to do everything in your power to get that black ghoul," Barbra said to her comm. She turns, walking away from the others. "And make sure he doesn''t make contact with subject 24" she added darkly. Upon the tower, Seth listened carefully to the instructions. He smirked. "Roger that," he said jumping downwards. *** "Ghost" Liam hissed as Ghost destroyed the control panel. The wall opened with force, it kept opening showing a long path like a long lobby. "What is it?" Liam fired. Ghost snarled at him pointing at the lobby like something was inside. Ghost growled out steams from its mouth, with a frowning face. "I think he wants you to follow," Riley said puzzled as her eyes drift to the place. "What''s in there..." Liam said puzzled, he turned to Ghost. "That got Ghost pissed" he added. Without any more words, Liam walked in, Ghost following behind. They walked further inside. "It''s like there''s another cell in here, but what are they keeping in here," Riley said groaning as her body shook in pain, she held Liam tightly as she shivered, Liam held her close. "Riley," Liam said worriedly. "Am fine" she said weakly, but her body said otherwise. "That''s it, Ghost I don''t have time for this, we have to get out of here now" Liam hissed getting impatient. "Who''s there?". They turned when they heard the voice, It sounded faint. Riley and Liam looked at each other confused. "There''s a prisoner there" Riley said certainly. Ghost snarled walking further inside to the cell. "Ghost" Liam hissed. Suddenly like a zap of electricity, Rath came in front of Ghost, blocking it. "Well if it isn''t the black ghoul". They turned at the sound of the voice. Seth smirking at them. "It''s been a year, where have you been?" Seth said amused. Liam''s look darkens, Riley swallowed hard at the sudden change of mood, it was like he was no longer the same Liam she was just talking to two seconds ago. "You came for her" Seth said slowly walking toward them. "Just for her, you raid the most impenetrable prison," he said, as he halts. "She must be one lucky babe," he said smirking but suddenly his smile faded as his eyes slowly widen. It was just like a blow of breeze. ''How did he''. Seth thought in shock. In less than a second, before he could blink Liam was behind him, Seth had no idea how he could move so fast. Riley was also shocked at this too. "Ghost". It was just like a trigger word as Ghost vibrated in speed, and turned ripping Rath''s head off. Seth went on his knees holding his chest coughing blood, Rath reversed back inside him. Seth laughed like a maniac, as he faces Liam with bloodshot eyes. Liam''s back facing him. Seth gasped as Ghost grab his head up, ready to slit his throat. But then agents came, pointing their guns at them. Nicole was among them. She froze when she saw Liam, Riley in his arms. "Liam," she said faintly as he brought her gun down. Ghost growled deeply, dropping Seth down. Ghost body vibrated in black shadow, the thorns at the back vibrated like a receptor, like a zap Ghost was nowhere to be seen. "FIRE" one agent shouted. In slow motion, Liam''s body vibrated. "Switch," Liam said as his body vanished and Ghost took his place attacking the agents. Nicole redrew in fear as the massacre began. She ran out of the hall. ''Liam''. she thought running out, she got out of the lobby and sighted Liam walking away. "LIAM!" she shouted. He halted turning slightly, his cold eyes found hers. She wanted to point her gun at him but she just couldn''t. She squealed when Ghost bloody claw hand wrapped around her neck from behind ready to slit it. "I told you our next meeting won''t be pleasant," Liam said darkly. Nicole was shocked, this wasn''t the same Liam she knew, he was cold and distant, she believed Liam will never hurt her but right now staring into his cold eyes she thought otherwise. "Liam can you hear me, Liam" his comm sounded. "You have to move now," Evan said through the comm. "We have already taken too much time, lots of ghouls are escaping already, everywhere is messed up, you can follow through the tunnels out unseen, we will get you there" he adds. "Liam" Riley whispered to him, Liam turned his to her. "Just let her go," she said softly. Instantly Ghost released his hand from her neck. Nicole gasped for breath as she coughed. Liam walked away, Ghost zapped out. Nicole''s body trembled as tears filled her eyes. She cried as she sobbed. She could only have one regret and that was joining the agency. "Strange isn''t it," Seth said limping towards her. Nicole turned her teary eyes to him, she blinked, a wide smile was plaster on his lips. "This is the biggest threat ever," Seth said amused. "So am I" he turned to Nicole. She froze when she saw his beaming eyes. "You''re a-" she couldn''t find the right words. His smile faded. Only Oath''s hands came out of his chest and grab Nicole''s neck. She struggled for breath. Her look darken. "I should have known, the agency is the real enemy here. You will tear the world apart" she said sternly. "I would have let you live Nicole but I must remain a secret".. With those words, he snaps her neck, her lifeless body dropping to the ground. Chapter 25 - Black Desire A few Minutes Later The agency picked up what was remaining of Steel, the black ghoul gone, about 30 ghouls escaped. Bodies of agents are packed in a black body bag. Chase stood in front of a body bag. Nicole''s dead body was in it, an agent zipping the bag close. "He''s unlike anything we have ever seen, stronger and faster," Seth said standing beside him. "Before I could blink he broke her neck," Seth said. Chase''s teeth clench, his fist tighten. "We have to stop the black ghoul Chase before he kills more innocent people," Seth said. Chase just walks away in anger. ''Black ghoul''. Chase thought darkly, he just couldn''t wait to get his hands on him, he will pay for what he did, he vouched for that with his life. Seth just smiles faintly, folding his arms, he walks toward Barbra standing close to a chopper. "You don''t need to worry too much, the black ghoul had no idea what was in subject 24, rest assured," Seth said amuse. "You killed her didn''t you," Barbra said without a doubt. Seth just shrug. "She was a liability". Barbra huff. "And one thing Barbra I think it''s time to resume project Z". The moment Seth said those words, she faces him. "I thought you hated being a ghoul and now you want to enhance your abilities," Barbra said amuse. "We are close to a breakthrough Barbra, with this we can make more ghouls of our own, more like me," Seth said darkly. "And I have just the right next candidates for it," Seth said turning to face the agents. "Humanoid ghouls, it''s revolutionary isn''t it" he smirks. *** Subject 24 Barbra heels sound around the hall, the cell doors open as she stood watching the other end of the glass. Steve walking to and fro inside. He halts when he seeing Barbra through the glass. "That was Liam wasn''t it, he was here," Steve said certainly. She shrug. "Who knows," she said amused. Steve chuckle slightly. "He doesn''t know I am alive, he came for someone else," he said in realization. "Smart as always" she comments. Steve took his seat. "He shouldn''t know am alive," he said. Suddenly his cell door slide open, Barbra personal agents came in and grab him out of his cell. "What is this Barbra" Steve demand. "Would you like to be part of something? in exchange for leaving this hellhole", she said cunningly. "In exchange for what?" Steve asked impatiently. "Project Z. I need your expertise," she said. "What do you say, Steve O''Brien, wanna reshape the world?". *** New York Central "It has been three days since the attack at Steel prison, the citizens of New York are scared now, more ghouls are set out on the street''s, at our earlier information, it was discovered that one ghoul single-handedly penetrated Steel without being caught, the ghoul known as The Black Ghoul. This recent information has caused more panic than we have ever experienced before. Barbra Jones the captain of the G.I agency has assured us that there is nothing to be worried about, but still, we are left with a question. How can one ghoul be able to penetrate the most stronghold prison for ghouls without being caught?" the newscaster said. This was on all screens of New York City, the big wall computers on each buildings showing the same news, it was the reigning topic throughout the city, nationwide, that left the people with questions and more reason to panic. *** Section Eleven Black Lotus "It has been three days since the attack at Steel prison, the citizens of New York are scared now, more ghouls are set out on the street''s, at our earlier information, it was discovered that one ghoul single-handedly penetrated Steel without being caught, the ghoul known as The Black Ghoul. This recent information has caused more panic than we have ever experienced before. Barbra Jones the captain of the G.I agency has assured us that there is nothing to be worried about, but still, we are left with a question. How can one ghoul be able to penetrate the most stronghold prison for ghouls without being caught?" the newscaster said. Jarvis showed the news to Liam in his office, Liam was silent hands in his pocket. Jarvis turns his wheelchair to face Liam. "This Liam" he pointed to the screen that showed the remaining Steel and its recovering expertise. "Is the level of destruction you caused for one ghoul?" Jarvis said sternly. "Riley isn''t just any ghoul, she''s one of us, she was part of the ghoul underground," Liam said sternly. "That isn''t enough reason for you to raid Steel without a second thought" Jarvis hissed at him. "Your decision affects everything Liam," Iris said facing him. "Who would want an alliance with ghouls at this rate, they will keep seeing us as the enemy" she fired. "I guess you wouldn''t have thought of that" Jarvis noted. Liam sighed knowing the damages he caused, but still, he didn''t regret his actions. "Okay am sorry, it won''t happen again," Liam said facing him. Jarvis rolls his wheelchair in front of him. "I know you did what you did because you felt it was the right thing at that moment but you should know one thing," Jarvis said clearly. "This isn''t just about you Liam, it''s about every ghoul who wants freedom let that thought stick in your head," he said finally. Liam nod, it was understandable, his actions caused their plan to fall apart, now it was like starting from the very beginning, and Liam knew he will have to take full responsibility for his actions. * Riley groan, she could see nothing but darkness, until she opens her eyes and met with a bright light. Once again she was in that place, that hellhole. She tried to move but she couldn''t, her hands and legs were pinned down tightly, she panics seeing the situation she was in, She couldn''t turn her head on both sides because of metal around her head, only her eyeballs move and saw two long needles pointing to her neck steel and two to her head on both sides. "What''s going on?" Riley said shaky, she was in a wide room with nothing but experimental equipment, no one was in the room, there was a wide glass at a few distances in front of her, she was sure they were watching her. "Prisoner 163, prepare for your punishment". Someone said through the speakers. The machine starts and the needles came closer. "STOP IT PLEASE DON''T, STOP!" she screamed but there was no stopping It as it pierced her steel to her skin, and the other two at her head, she felt like her brain was tearing apart, an intense pain that lasted for hours, with only her cries and screams that echo in all the halls. "MAKE IT STOP!". * Riley flash her eyes open in extreme panic, she sat up gasping for breath, she looks around in haste and took a deep breath of relief seeing she was no longer in Steel. ''It was a dream she thought sighing with relief. She felt her neck luckily the steel device wasn''t there again, they must have removed it, she felt another relief no longer feeling like a prisoner. She looks around studying her environment, the room was a bit wide, a comfortable room that has a wide window, a veranda stick to it. She sighed running her hands in her hair, she sights jeans and shirt folded neatly on the bed, she figured she needed a bath. *** A few minutes later she was done, she stood in front of the mirror, she studied her body seeing how lean she was and small, she sighed closing her eyes for a bit before walking out of her room, she was too ashamed to look more. Riley found the long lobby, she followed it curiously, the mansion was wide with enough space in every corner. She saw ghouls everywhere, this was just like the ghoul underground but only better with enough resources, she found her way to the fourth floor as she kept exploring the place. "Riley". She turned instantly, her face lit up when she saw Sean. "Sean!" Riley said tearily as she rushed and hug him tightly. "I don''t understand, I thought you guys were dead how?" she said sobbing. "Well just a few of us, with Evan," Sean said forcing a smile. "And Paige?" Riley said as her face lit up. Sean''s expression change, that was enough to tell her that she didn''t make it. "I see," Riley said cleaning her tears. "But still Liam wants peace with the humans," Sean said bittered. Riley''s eyes land on him. "Crazy right? That''s why this Black Lotus exist, to create some fantasy peace" he spat. Riley gulps hard. "You know that can''t happen right? There''s no way humans and ghouls can coexist as one right?" Sean said hoping that Riley was on the same page with him. Riley looked away. "I don''t know Sean, but-". "You think it can happen don''t you" Sean cut her off. "I didn''t say that" she faces him. "No, you don''t have to, I can see the light of hope in your eyes," Sean said nodding. "You and Liam have the same look, good for you two" he walks past her. Riley sighed. ''Is it wrong to hope?'' Riley thought, she rubbed her arms together sighing, she spent one year with the humans, not all was bad, they just had a wrong insight about ghouls. *** Riley made her way to the back of the mansion, where the garden was. She heard some noise in a space. "Hey come on stop cheating" Rory hiss at Evan. "Come on dude am not" Evan fired. "Oh yeah? Then what is this card doing under the table?" Rory hiss. "Come on it''s not like that" Evan said trying to defend himself, his eyes caught Riley who watches them quietly with a faint smile on her lips. "Riley!" Evan face lit up as he rushes and hugs Riley tightly. "Am so glad you are okay" he said breaking the hug. "Am glad you are too" Riley said smiling. "So you are the reason why Liam went berserk" Rory comment. "Am Rory Lake" he introduced. Riley was about to say something. "Don''t worry I know who you are, you''re quite a beauty" he wink. Riley rolled her eyes. ''Great a flit''. She thought. "Evan where''s Liam?" Riley demand. "Oh he''s probably at the training hall, he spends most of his time there. Just four rows up and a turn" Evan said. Riley nods walking away. "It''s like am not even in her vision, why do I have bad luck with girls," Rory said sighing in defeat. Evan tapped on his shoulder, in console. "Sorry about that dude but Riley''s already taken," Evan said, Rory turned to him puzzled. *** Riley walks along the halls, she stood in front of the wide glass seeing Liam through it. He was all by himself going through the wall computer that showed some cells. Ghost at the other side staring at the computer, tilting its head to the side before moving around. Riley watch them at the other end, her hands folded, her lips went apart when she studied Liam more, he looked more handsome since the past one year, he was taller and good looking compared to when he lost Jenna, she couldn''t help but admire his looks, a shiver runs through her spine as she remembered their kiss, the feel of his lips roaming her. She bit her lip just by the thought of it. ''Snap out of it Riley''. She mentally told herself. She sighed before walking inside. Ghost''s attention drifted to her smirking. Ghost tap a finger on Liam''s head who was buried in the computer. "What?" Liam asked turning to Ghost. "He has a mind of his own doesn''t he," Riley said, the moment Liam heard her voice he turned standing up. Riley stood in front of him, her arms folded. "He?" Liam said raising an eyebrow as he turned to Ghost, who reversed back inside him. "Yes, he," Riley said. "Ghost deserves to be called he instead of it," she said, trying her best to keep the talk going, but she couldn''t help but stare at his amazing features. They stared at each other eyes for a moment, Liam caught sight of some burnt marks on her side head, he reaches for it rubbing against it slightly, she shivered at the touch. "Am sorry" Liam began as he pulled some strand of hair behind her ear. "I shouldn''t have left you like that, I thought it was the right thing to do," Liam said moving close to her, standing few inches from her, his height towered over her. "I came to say thank you," Riley said softly as Liam''s face was inches away from hers, his hands drift to cup her cheek, gently rubbing against it sensually. A small soft moan escapes her lips faintly. "I didn''t know you had red hair," Liam said huskily, mesmerized. "Yeah it''s my natural hair color I dyed it before" Riley said unable to keep up with the talk. "This suits you better". Riley gulps, her heart slamming loudly in her chest, she wanted his lips on hers again. She groaned. "Liam" Riley gasp stepping back a bit. "About the kiss" she began taking a deep breath. "I treated you bad and questioned every decision you made in the past and yet you risked everything to save me," she said staring into his eyes. "Why?" she adds. A perfect smile form on Liam''s lips, he came closer. "What? Is my question funny?" Riley asked a bit pissed that he found this amusing. "No! No! It''s not" he said as he smiles again. "Then what?" she demands. "I never thought I would find you this attractive" Liam said softly, Riley froze at that. "You are beautiful Riley" he adds. Riley stared at him with wide eyes. ''Is he serious?''. She thought in awe. But right now staring deep into his eyes she could see it. ''He is''. She thought.. ''He really is''. Chapter 26 - Black Truth Or Dare Riley knew in her heart that Liam was dead serious, she could see it all in her eyes the longing, the desire he felt. A flash of the explosion rang in her head, her fist tighten. She is the reason for Jenna''s death still haunted her. "Liam there''s something you need to-". "The two love birds in one space," Iris said walking in, they turn to her. "Am glad you are okay Riley, am sure you know Liam risked everything to save you, don''t forget that" Iris said. "Thank you am quite aware of that and I don''t plan on forgetting," Riley said sternly. "Good" Iris nodded facing Liam. "What is it, Iris?" Liam asked hoping she wasn''t here to scold him again about breaking into Steel. "Nothing just wanna set up a small meeting where we can have some fun time," Iris said. Liam scoffs raising an eyebrow. "What kind of meeting are you talking about exactly?" he asked amused. "A bit of old school" she smirks. *** "Cheers to Liam who single-handedly broke into Steel," Rory said raising a drink. They were seated in a round form, a table of drinks in the center. "Cheers," they said in unison as they joined their beer bottles together. "Fuck we are encouraging him the more," Evan said. "Shut up Evan," Liam said playfully as he leaned on his chair drinking his beer. "I have an idea," Rory said. "Oh please, your ideas are the worst" Iris rolls her eyes. "Come on its dope, let''s play truth or dare," Rory said. "Seriously truth or dare? " Evan said making a face. "Yeah come on guys, Liam, Riley, Sean? Are you guys in?" he adds. "Play ahead I have some work to finish in the lab" Sean said standing, everyone fell silent as he left the living room. Riley watches him with sad eyes as he left. "Okay, I guess we should give him some time, he will come around," Rory said. They nodded in agreement. "So" Rory began dropping an empty bottle on the table. "Let''s do it this way, two truths and two dares each" Rory smirk darkly as he spins the bottle. "This will be fun" Iris smiled. The bottle stopped at Evan. "Oh come on why do I have to go first" Evan pouted, they laughed. "Truth or dare Evan" Rory smirk. "The hell its truth" Evan said. "Tell me Evan do you cheat?" Rory asked. "Um," he was lost in words as all eyes land on him. "Come on Rory am not a cheater only in games don''t misjudge me" Evan fired. "Ah-ha! I knew it and now you have to spill the beans" Rory said laughing, they all laughed at him. "Yeah, yeah, yeah whatever," Evan said turning the bottle. It stopped at Iris their eyes land on her. "So Iris truth or dare?" Evan asked. "Truth" she answered drinking her beer. Evan smirked. "Dear Iris, tell us what you think of Liam O''Brien, no one can pass his good looks, am tempted to know your view," Evan said tipsily. Iris scoff looking away. "Oh please Evan should I be the center of attention," Liam said amuse. Riley was silent as she took her beer, finishing it in one gulp and then taking another. "Well, Liam is the kind of guy you can lean on" Iris began as her eyes landed on him. "And he''s overly attractive" she adds. "Ooh" Rory and Evan made a sound covering their mouths. "What? You wanted the truth right" she said rolling her eyes. "Go on" Evan urge. "And if there''s anyone who would lead the ghouls to peace it would be Liam," she said. Liam smiled. "Thank you, Iris that means a lot," Liam said amuse. Riley just look away taking another drink. "Well as long as you''re not distracted that is," Iris said as her eyes land on Riley. Liam turned to her, their eyes meeting. Riley was the first to look away, but Liam''s eyes were still on her. Iris forced a smile taking her drink. She spun the bottle, it stops at Rory. "Dear brother, truth or dare?" Iris asked smirking. "You know I love challenges sis. Dare" Rory said. "Well this will be interesting," Iris said. "I dare you to walk around the whole compound with just your boxers". Rory froze. "Well that''s something," Liam said laughing. "Are you guys related?" Riley said holding a laugh. "Times ticking bro, you have 10 minutes to do that" Iris said checking her watch. "I will get you back for this" Rory said rising to his feet, drinking his beer. He began stripping. "Cheers man," Evan said laughing. Rory shot him a death glare, taking off his shirt and trousers, standing in front of him with just his boxers. "You got 10 minutes bro," Iris said amuse. Rory just rolled his eyes walking away. "He did it," Riley said stun. "Almost everyone is awake by this time," Liam said facing Iris. She shrug. 10 Minutes later Rory was back with flushed cheeks. "Dude how was it?" Evan asked cracking with laughter. "Don''t ask" Rory said stern putting back on his clothes. "It was your call for a truth or dare," Iris said raising her hands in defense. "Fuck it" Rory cursed spinning the bottle. It landed on Riley. "And you''re up Riley" Evan cheered. "Go on hit me," Riley said smirking. "Truth or dare?". "Truth" "Tell me Riley Leah, who was your first kiss," Rory asked. "Well that''s awkward," Iris said drinking. Riley''s heart slammed a deep breath as her mind traveled to her and Liam kissing. Unfortunately, Liam wasn''t her first. "A guy named Edward," Riley said nodding. "And he was a human" she adds. Liam instantly spills his drink from his mouth. They faced him. "What?" Riley asked darkly. "Nothing, just never pictured you kissing a human," Liam said as their eyes meet. "Well you were once a human," she said. Liam looked away. "So was he your boyfriend or something?" Liam said, the word boyfriend holding a hint of anger. Riley scoffs. "I never questioned you about Nicole," Riley said. "Okay Riley just spins the bottle okay, let''s not get all heated up," Rory said, feeling the heat between the two. Riley spins the bottle. It stopped at Iris, their eyes met. "Truth or dare Iris?". "Truth" "Do you think our goal to achieve peace with the human will be possible, I don''t wanna hear it base on you being part of the Black Lotus, I wanna hear it from you" Riley said sincerely. All eyes land on Iris for her answer. "It''s not gonna be easy Riley, it''s not. We are gonna need a trump card to play to get the human''s attention to hear us out. Whenever they see us, it''s always the word ghouls screaming in their heads, they forget we have a human side too" Iris answered. A minute silence filled the room. "Well I hope we get our trump card," Liam said. Iris smiled spinning the bottle, it stopped at Rory. "Seriously" Rory made a face. "When is it gonna stop at Liam" he pointed out, they all laughed at him. "Truth or dare?". "It''s fucking truth". "Tell me dear brother, were you the one who pouted lemonade on my bed and made it looked like I wet the bed when we were 5," Iris asked sternly. Rory swallowed. Everyone except Iris held in a burst of laughter. "Look sis am sorry okay, that was like ages ago" she pouted, the room rang with series of laughers. Iris poked Rory on the forehead. "Well am glad I got my revenge back," she said. Embarrassed Rory spins the bottle it stops at Liam. "Finally it''s the black ghoul''s turn," Rory said praising him. Liam just rolls his eyes. "Truth or dare?". "Dare" Liam answered fearlessly. Rory smirk. "Liam O''Brien, I dare you to do 3 minutes make-out session with Riley". Chapter 27 - Black Ecstasy WARNING: MATURE CONTENTS Everyone was tipsy at this point, the alcohol got to them faster than they thought. "Liam O''Brien, I dare you to do 3 minutes make-out session with Riley," Rory said smirking. They froze as they both stared at Rory with wide eyes. Riley''s heart slams loudly in her chest, this was not what she expected. "Come on Liam what''s the hold-up, I did mine so now it''s yours," Rory said amuse. "Great a make-out session right in the open" Iris said drinking her beer. "Rory, come on," Liam said in defense. "Nope! no no" Rory said. Liam runs his hand in his hair sighing. "And we just had to play this game," Riley said. "Come on Liam time is ticking," Rory said tapping on his watch. Riley felt like her heart was about to explode, on the couch, Liam moved closer to her. She gulps hard. "You heard them time is sticking," Liam said. Riley turns to face him, she gulps hard once more. Liam moved more close, covering the space between them, their faces inches apart. "All hail the black ghoul" Evan praised raising his bottle of beer. "You are enjoying this aren''t you," Riley said. "I have no idea what you are talking about," Liam said placing his hand on her waist pulling her close, she gasps, her fingers tighten on his shirt. Before she could protest, Liam kissed her, it wasn''t rough or demanding like the first, this was slow and sensual. Riley shivered at the newfound feeling she felt, she didn''t want him to stop as his mouth roamed with hers. She wanted more, she wanted Liam, a soft moan escaped her lips giving Liam an edge. He groaned as he deepens the kiss, assessing all areas of her mouth, cupping her cheek with one hand. "Um, should we stop them?" Evan asked raising an eyebrow. "Nah I don''t think so, we should give them some space," Rory said tapping Evan on his shoulder. "Iris?" "Already leaving," Iris said rising to her feet tipsy, she walked out of the room, followed by Rory and Evan, shutting the door behind. Liam and Riley were still lost in their sensual kiss. "The others are leaving," Riley said between the kiss. "Let them leave" Liam groaned pushing her down to lay on her back. Riley gasp at his action, she didn''t know Liam could be so dominating. Liam trailed kisses on her neck, earning a soft moan from Riley''s lips. "Liam" she moaned wrapping her legs around his waist, she felt him, she knew he wanted her too as much as she did, that feeling was like sparks around her body. Liam came for her lips once more but this time it was eager and hot. Riley kept up with the same eager action, she wanted to feel everything, not just his lips but his body too. Liam broke the kiss taking off her shirt in one swift move. "I want to see all of you," Liam said as his eyes darken with desire to see her wonderful skin, Riley was a beauty he couldn''t resist and it gave his body an arousing feeling he couldn''t contain. Riley was unable to form the right words to use at this moment, she just nodded her head as she bit her lip, her cheeks flushed. He unhooks her bra taking it off, revealing her body for him to explore, he trailed kisses on her neck downwards, sucking and nibbling every inch of her body. Riley moaned in ecstasy as Liam did wonders to her body, she couldn''t think straight, all she could do was moan, the extreme feeling building up in her body like wildfire. "Hmm..." she made a sound as Liam went down below, his hands roaming her body, her jeans were off in less than a second before she could make an account for him, he was good at what he does. His fingers explored the rest of her body, Riley saw stars as his fingers moved in a perfect rhythm in between her legs nonstop. Her head spun, she couldn''t tell if it was the alcohol or Liam''s fingers there that made her felt hot and tipsy, but she knows one thing, she wanted him to keep going. She gasps loudly reaching climax coming with relief, the feeling wash through her like a wave. "Liam" she gasp taking harsh breaths. "Should I keep going?" Liam said huskily. "Your moans are like music to me, I want to hear more". A few of her senses were back, was this Liam speaking or the alcohol, she wanted to know. "Wait" she gasps. Liam came back to face her, his lips finding hers once one. She just said wait, didn''t she?. Riley groaned pushing him up slightly, breaking the kiss. "I want you, Riley," Liam said mesmerize. "We are both drunk," she said, hating she had to stop their section. Liam groaned. "Come on Riley, am still aware of my senses," Liam said, but Riley didn''t buy that, she thought of something else. "This is a general room, anyone can walk in," she said. "Then let''s go to my room, I could make you scream all night," Liam said deviously. Riley''s body reacted instantly to what he said, the thought of him doing that to her made her blush. A knock came at the door. "Um, guys I left my room key in there" Evan''s voice came in. "Shit" Liam cursed. Riley''s eyes widen as she pushed Liam off her quickly wearing her jean. "You just have to take off my clothes only," Riley said in haste. "Well, I love what am seeing," Liam said staring at her half-naked body, a smirk plastered on his lips. She put on her shirt. The door opened as Evan walked, he went around in circles drunk. "Ha there it is," he said picking up the keys from the table. "Go back to whatever you were doing, I didn''t see anything" he motioned walking away. Riley took a sigh of relief. "The kid''s out of the way, now where were we?" Liam said smirking rising to his feet. Riley gasps as Liam swaps her off her feet. "Aren''t you drunk?" Riley asked wrapping her arms around his neck amazed. "Once again no. I plan on finishing what I started" he said walking away heading for his room. Liam walked into his room, using his leg to shut the door behind. He dropped Riley down on the bed climbing on her, their lips jamming in a hot passionate kiss, Riley wrapped her arms around his neck as their mouth roamed in a mouth-watering kiss. Riley''s hands roamed his back in possessively, tempting to rip his black shirt off. Liam broke the kiss. "Easy there love," Liam said smirking seductively knowing what she was thinking. Riley bit her lips gazing upon his features, faint sweats were against his features, his brown hair that fell on his forehead damp with it. Staring at him right now with that irresistible smirk plastered on his lips made him look like a god. "The shirt will come off on his own accord" he teases her, his hand gripping the down. His brown eyes not leaving the beauty beneath him. Riley''s long red hair was spread across the pillow in waves, her features had bits of sweat against it, her white shirt clench to her body, her nipples peeking out. "Just take it off," Riley said in haste, she couldn''t wait to explore his body as he did hers. Smirking Liam took it off. Riley gasp seeing his broad chest, and his smooth skin but froze when she saw some faded marks, her hands ran through each of them as her expression changed. "When they tortured you," Riley said. Liam moaned softly at the feel of her hands against his bare chest. "You love your sister" she adds softly. Her mind traveled to the explosion, her eyes went teary. "Riley, what''s wrong?" Liam asked worried seeing her tears. "It''s all my fault, am so sorry Liam" she cried. "What?" Liam was confused. "What are you talking about? Why are you crying?" he asked getting more worried, cleaning her tears but it kept coming. Riley sobbed as her green eyes landed on his brown ones, she knew there was no turning back after she says this, but they have both cross too many lines to go back now, it was now or never. "It was me, it was me who brought down the chopper that causes the explosion, Jenna''s death". Chapter 28 - Black Paradise WARNING: MATURE CONTENTS "It was me, I brought down the chopper that causes the explosion, Jenna''s death". Liam went stiff. "It was me, Liam, it was all me, am sorry, I was meaning to tell you but I-" she broke. "Am sorry, if it wasn''t for me, you and Jenna would have got out and the agent wouldn''t have-" "Just stop Riley! Stop!" Liam hissed rising her body up to sit, she held her arms. She couldn''t face him, she was too ashamed to do so. "Look at me" he ordered. Riley''s eyes slowly drift to his. "None of it was your fault, none of it was" he began. "It doesn''t matter if you brought the chopper down or not, at that point they would have still caught us" his teeth clench as he looked away. Riley stared at him with shaky eyes. "I should be the one who''s guilty, I devoured her, my sister," he said facing her as a tear fell from one of his eyes. "Don''t blame yourself, Riley, I should be the one suffering the guilt not you" he said. "I love her but I couldn''t protect her". Riley placed her hand on his cheek, wiping the tear with her thumb. "We all lost something dear to us," Riley said with shaky eyes as her dad''s death played in her head along with every ghoul at the underground. "I don''t wanna lose you too Liam" she adds her eyes almost teary again. Liam cupped her cheeks with both his hands. "You won''t," he said unwavering moving his face closer to hers. Riley kissed Liam passionately digging her fingers in his full hair loving the feel of it. A small smile formed on Liam''s lips returning the kiss, he grabs her ass lifting her on his lap, Riley gasp at the action giggling. "You''re beautiful," Liam said. Riley smiled. "And you''re beautiful too," she said huskily kissing him once more. Liam groaned loving the feel of her lips, her tight grip against his hair, her chest rubbing with his gave him a wonderful feeling. "Fuck" he cursed pushing her down on the bed, taking her shirt off instantly. "I don''t plan on stopping," he said. "Then don''t". Liam groaned taking off her jeans and the rest. He took off his too climbing back to the bed claiming her lips in a possessive kiss. Riley''s hands roamed his body in heat, feeling his hard muscles and smooth skin, touching every part like it was made for it. Liam returned the favor, marking her body with his hands, lips, and teeth. The heat between them rising like wildfire. Riley wrapped her legs around him urging him on, Liam obeyed without any hesitation with eagerness. But Riley hiss in pain as Liam entered, she shut her eyes close as her fist clench his back tightly, her nails duck in his skin but that was nothing to Liam. "What''s wrong?" Liam asked worried seeing her frown, but then his eyes widen in realization. "Are you a virgin?" Her cheeks flush. "Yes," she answered softly. "Well seems Edward wasn''t the lucky guy after all," Liam said amuse. "Liam" Riley warned. Liam pushed through, Riley moaned loudly in both pain and pleasure. The pain shock through her body and then it washes away with a wave. "You''re mine now," Liam said as his eyes darken with lust. Riley gulp hard at Liam''s aggressive nature, but she couldn''t think straight as Liam moved in an amazing rhythm, Riley''s lips went apart as he did, her body flowed with the most amazing feeling she has ever felt. She held unto him tightly as the pleasure kept building and building. Liam''s body vibrated in black shadow, Riley gasp at this. A smile plastered on Liam''s lips seeing her features of amazement. "I intend on keeping my word, of making you scream all night," Liam said increasing his pace as his body kept vibrating. "Liam!" she gasped loudly as a newfound pleasure found her body. Riley kept moaning his name, the only word that lasted on her lips throughout the night of passion. * Riley groaned facing sideways, her hands tighten against the pillow, she yawned a bit opening her eyes slowly, a smile, present on her lips. She rolled to face the other side hoping to see Liam but he wasn''t there, she sat up covering her naked body with the blanket. She looks around the wide room but he was nowhere to be seen. "Great" she sighed. ''He just left like that. She thought darkly. ''Jerk''. She got off to freshen up. When she was done, she walked straight to the kitchen that wasn''t too far from their rooms. The third row had five rooms and one kitchen it was the same for other rows. Riley''s eyes found the clock, it was just 6:50 am she figured nobody was awake cause everywhere was silent. She got to the kitchen and surprisingly she saw Liam. Her lips went apart as she watches him drinking water from the can, drips of it falling on his chest. Riley bit her lip admiring his amazing torn muscles, down to his six-packs. Liam stopped, turning seeing the lust in her eyes. "Morning beautiful," Liam said huskily snapping Riley out of her trance. She frowns. "Why did you leave me all alone in the bed?" she asked folding her arms. He raised the bottle of water. "Well I was thirsty" he motioned. She scoffs walking to the fridge where Liam stood. "I see" she murmured opening the fridge. Liam assess her behind. "You realized you are on my shirt," Liam said amused. She shut the fridge holding a can of water facing him. "So?" she shrugs drinking. "It looks good on you, black brings out your beautiful green eyes". Riley drops her can of water, her eyes not leaving his. All she could think of was their adventure last night that made her kept screaming his name, luckily the rooms were soundproof. "What are you thinking this time?" Liam asked yanking her close, her body brushing against his. "How much I want you right now," Riley said softly as the heat between them rise. "So damn cute and those fucking beautiful eyes of yours," he said mesmerize. Riley swallowed hard. Their eyes fixed on each other, Riley could see the need in his eyes. "When will others be awake," Riley said her eyes not leaving his. "One hour from now," Liam said. "Good," she said. Their lips smash together. "I just need 30 minutes with you," Liam said between their mouth-watering kiss. Riley moaned as Liam trailed kisses on her neck. "I need you, Liam," Riley said in passion. Liam groaned grabbing her ass with a lift, settling it on the table by the side, they kissed with eagerness. Riley quickly unzips his pants. "What the fuck are you guy''s doing?!" Sean hiss as his mouth drops. "Fuck Sean don''t you knock" Liam hiss at him, zipping up his jeans. "Well it''s the kitchen... and it''s general," Sean said clearly. "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!" Riley said, her face all red, she covered it. Evan walked in along with Rory and Iris, all had sleepy looks. "Oh come on guys we eat from here, you wanna kill us?" Evan said sleepily. Rory covered Evan''s face. "Evan you are too young for this" Rory said like a father. "Quit it dude am 19, not 5," Evan said removing Rory''s hand. Riley groaned placing her head on Liam''s chest embarrassed. "Get a room, not in the open" Iris said walking away as she groaned. "Seriously, you two are grown adults not animals," Sean said walking away totally losing his need to eat. Others did too expect Evan who had a mischievous smirk. "You may continue, I will make sure no one walks in again" he winked walking out shutting the door behind. "Well that was awkward," Liam said. "I thought you said it''s still an hour before they will be awake" Riley faced Liam. He raised his hands in defense. "I didn''t know they will wake up so soon" Liam reasoned. She rolled her eyes coming down from the table, moving away from him. "Come on Riley," Liam said. Riley raised a finger at him. "So what now you wanna torture me now?!" Liam said. Riley looked down at his jeans seeing his excitement and smiled, she bit her lips. "Who said we were stopping," she said walking away while moving her hips at him seductively. Liam smirks. Chapter 29 - Black Project Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) Beneath The Agency (Project Z) In a wide space looking like a basement, with several types of equipment filled inside. Steve went through the rows of wall computers showing different genes combine of humans and ghouls, he mixes some samples studying it through the microscope, he brought an injection close to it, injecting it carefully, the red liquid flowing inside. "You are good at your work Dr. O''Brien" Seth comment taking off his red sweater and then his shirt. Steve stood straight walking toward Seth seating on a table bed. Steve adjust his glasses. "You were experimented on against your will and yet you want more" Steve said sternly. Seth smirk. "I need to be stronger than your son Dr. O''Brien and if this works, other agents will undergo the same process," he said amused. "Just think of me as your lab rat" he adds. Steve tick his tongue. "You poor child" Steve said taking his arm looking for a vein. "No matter what you do, you can never surpass Liam not to talk more of Ghost," Steve said. Seth''s smile fade. "You speak of Ghost so highly, you spent years studying him. What do you know?" Seth asked puzzled. Steve just smiled injecting Seth, the red liquid creeping through his arm like a vein, Seth shiver from an unknown cold, he felt the serum inside him moving everywhere. "There are a lot of things we are yet to understand about ghouls" Steve began, dropping the injection to take more. Seth faced him, the white part of his eyes was embodied with red veins. "We don''t know about our origins, only the fact that Jonathan Jones was able to discover what we are capable of, it''s still a mystery what came to be at the very beginning," Steve said injecting Seth''s arm again. Seth growl in pain. "Were ghouls created by something we are yet to discover? Or two types of beings created at the very beginning". "So you think-" Seth began gulping hard in pain, yet he still forces a smile. "-The black ghoul has all the answers to your kind" he adds to amuse. "Is it wrong for an old man like me to believe that?" Steve said. "I say you''re crazy," Seth said laughing like a maniac in pain. Steve just nod. "It''s only a matter of time," he said. "Just pray I won''t kill the black ghoul before your fantasy ideas come through. Cause I will kill him" Seth said the last part darkly. Steve looks dark. "Shall we continue?" Seth said amuse. Steve ready another serum. "This one goes through your eye," Steve said pointing the sharp needle close to Seth''s eye. "I have a feeling you will enjoy this" Seth said sternly. Steve grin. * Seth roars in extreme pain like a maniac, his ghoul red eyes beaming dangerously. He was tied to the bed in the lab as he kept roaring, his body vibrating like he was being shocked, a phasing of him and Rath both roaring. "How long will he be like this?!" Barbra hiss at Steve, they watch the scene from the other end of the glass. Steve just went through the results from the computers. "As long as his body reacts to the serum," he said firmly. "If for one minute you try anything funny Dr. O''Brien, I will rip you to pieces," Barbra said darkly. Steve faces her. "You want to upgrade his genes right? Who said he wouldn''t have to pass through pain for it. Even if he has tons of ghoul genes inside him, he''s still human, so expect the worst" Steve hiss. He faces the scene. "This is only stage one," Steve said darkly, he turns to a pissed-off Barbra. "You want a powerful humanoid ghoul, well you will get just that". *** Up Floor Chase was seated in his office lost in thought, the Black ghoul was back, that thought kept running in his mind for weeks now. A memory of Ghost biting Max''s head and Nicole''s dead body rang in his head, his fist clench hard at the memory. He rises to his feet walking out of his office heading for the surveillance control room. He walks in. "I want all eyes on every inch of the city, leave no tables unturned, I want the Black ghoul found" Chase order pissed. "Yes sir!" they said in unison. *** A few Minutes Later Chase walk out of the office along the long hall, an elevator sounded as the door slide open, and Barbra walkout. Chase halt his steps when he saw her. He blinks seeing how worried and stressed she was, it was unlike her. "Coming from somewhere?" Chase asked puzzled approaching her. Barbra raised her head seeing Chase. "Nothing that concerns you," she said composing herself. "Okay then, so where''s Seth, I need his expertise on something, I haven''t seen him for a week now," Chase said. "I sent him out on a secret mission, that will benefit our capture on the Black ghoul, you don''t need to worry," Barbra said walking past him, her heels sounding. Chase blink as his eyes drift to the elevator, he waited until she was out of sight before walking toward it. He pushes the button and the elevator doors slide open with a ding sound. He walked in, seeing the glowing button she last push of the last floor. ''The last floor is where we keep our weaponry, I guess she went to check them out''. He thought. ''Maybe am just overreacting, since when do I monitor the Captain''s step''. He thought again, he figures this was no use, he walks away. ''What''s the point, the Black Ghoul is the only enemy here, I should concentrate on that. *** Barbra walks into her office, she took her seat, lost in thought, she ran her fingers in her golden locks as she sighs. Was she getting worried over Seth? Maybe Rose was wrong, maybe she did care, but she didn''t wanna admit the feeling. ''Feelings make humans weak''. She thought. And she couldn''t afford to have that but who was she to cheat nature, her mind traveled. *** Seven Years ago The year 2014 USA Secret Research Facility Gunshots could be heard in the building. Barbra agents raided the facility after a tip was set off of a ghoul experiment. She was furious when she heard the news and it was coming from the Order, one who got the nerves to go behind her back. She made sure she left no survivors. They got to the lab. "Burn everything down" she ordered as she walked around, her heels sounding, the agents nod as they did as they were told. She walked closer to the cages seeing dead bodies. No one survived the experiment, she figured it was all a waste of time, she turned about leaving but then she heard muffled sounds, she turned puzzled, the sound came again. She brought out her gun shooting the lock open, she walked through, inside was dark, she gasped when she saw red eyes, she pointed her gun. "I suggest you step forward or else I will pull the trigger" she warn deadly. Footsteps could be heard as a boy around the age of 11 emerge from the darkness while holding onto the wall for support. His lab clothes consisting of dirt, he was shivering from an unknown cold, his red ghoul eyes beaming. Barbra clicked on the trigger ready to shot him. "You should kill me," he said. Barbra blink. "They turned me into a monster, they turned me into one of those things that killed my parents," he said as the tears fell uncontrollably. "Don''t think your self-pity will make me let you go, cause it won''t" Barbra said darkly. Surprisingly to her, he smiled. "Is something funny boy?!" Barbra hiss. "You are very amusing to me, I think everything is. The look in your eyes says otherwise" he said. Barbra froze, she slowly leveled her gun. "But am serious about you killing me, it''s for the best, I don''t know what I will become after turning to this," he said staring at his hand while trembling. "You are right to think that way" Barbra began. He faces her. "This world is black for things like you" she adds firmly. "Tell me, boy, do you want your life to end right here right now in my hands," she said pointing the gun to his head, really to pull the trigger. His eyes shake at her action. "You were made into this against your will, you were turned to a monster and now you have to live this way and most likely die," she said darkly. He gulps hard. "I will be happy to end your miserable life," she said amused. ''Am a monster against my will''. He thought trembling. ''And yet I want my life to end for something I didn''t choose to become, I am afraid of what I am now. He thought again. His look darken. "Why?" the tears streamed down his cheeks. "Why does it have to be this way, why?" he said going on his knees. He raises his head at Barbra as he cried. "You''re a monster" he hisses. She smiled. "So are you," she said amused. "I guess we have one thing in common" she adds squatting down to him. "We are both monsters in our way," she said placing her hand on his cheek, her hands were cold just like her eyes and this was intriguing to him at the kind of woman she was. "What''s your name boy,". "Seth," he said shakily. She rose to her feet giving him her hand for him to take. "Join me, Seth, as monsters, we shall both cleanse the world of ghouls," she said. "Let us bend the world to our will" she added. Seth stares at her with shaky eyes. ''Is this my path?'' he thought his eyes glued to her hand. "I shall make you my weapon" Barbra said darkly. Seth reaches for her hand. "A weapon that will change the world". He took it and that was the beginning of two great minds of work. *** Present Day New York Seth slowly opens his eyes, a breathing tube connected to his nose and mouth. He removed it sitting up with a dull expression, he turns and found Barbra seated a little bit close to him. Her legs crossed, busy with the laptop on her lap. "Worried about me?" Seth asked amused despite the pain he was in. "Don''t get excited just yet, that''s just stage one of the experiment" she said with a stern look, her eyes not meeting him. Seth''s eyes drift to his arm embodied with red veins on it. "Anything for you Barbra," Seth said softly as he smiled. Her hands instantly stop typing as her eyes shake with emotion for once. "You gave me a life, I live for you, I will surely make your dreams come true," he said turning to her as he smiled brightly at her, a genuine smile for one, all for her, like a son staring at his mother. Barbra froze at this. "I don''t care what pain I have to go through, I will bring down the black ghoul for you and make a world where only humans exist," he said softly. Barbra held herself, hiding any bit of emotion she showed. She cleared her throat rising to her feet shutting her laptop. "You better do, or you won''t be a useful weapon to me," she said sternly. Seth laugh. "If I live through the procedure, I surely will," Seth said resting back on the bed. Barbra smiled faintly as she walks away from the room. A memory flash in her head when she first played chess with him and she won him but ever since that day Seth made sure he wasn''t defeated by her and she was impressed. That smile was plastered on her lips until she got inside the elevator, the door sliding close with a ding sound. Chapter 30 - Black Feeling Section Eleven The Black Lotus Jarvis was in his office going through series of footage of Steel during the break-in, his eyes caught one of when Liam got down to subject 24 carrying Riley in his arms, Ghost beside them. Jarvis fast forwards the footage to when Ghost stop and then destroyed the wall. Jarvis knew Ghost must have sensed something because he wasn''t listening to Liam. He fast forward again and then the scene showed the ghoul killer stopping them. ''Why did the Ghoul killer stop Liam from going further?'' He thought he needed a hacker to get more information. He pressed a call button on his desk. "Get me, Evan". *** Evan''s hands went swiftly on the keyboard, as he typed some code on the wall screen consisting of numbers and alphabets. Jarvis waited in anticipation of what he might find. ''What is the agency hiding? What''s in subject 24?'' Jarvis thought deeply. ''What are you hiding Barbra Jones'' "Got it!" Evan said as a closed folder came up, it snaps Jarvis out of his trance. "All this encryption for one file?" Evan said unbelievably. "Open it!" Jarvis command. Evan did as he was told and what was unveiled nearly stopped Jarvis''s heart, Evan''s mouth dropped in extreme shock. A photo and background information came up. "Liam''s dad is alive?!". *** Along with the long lobby down to a room door, faint moans could be heard. Liam stared at the beauty on top of him, moving in a slow rhythm, her face upward at the extreme pleasure. Liam could only be mesmerized by her naked body and her long red hair clinging to her body due to the heat of their sessions. He couldn''t stop staring. Riley meets his heated gaze, she smiled leaning forward for a passionate kiss. Liam placed his hand against her waist as she kept moving up and down, guiding her to ecstasy as they both came with loud moans. Riley took a harsh breath as she collapses beside him. Liam turned to pull her close to his body. He couldn''t take his hands off her, she was like a magnet that kept attracting him nonstop. "You were amazing," Liam said tucking some strand of her hair behind her ear. "So were you," She said breathlessly, unable to contain the new feeling in his chest he kissed her hungrily. "When will we ever stop," Riley said between the kisses. "I don''t plan on stopping". Riley moaned at his reply, she broke the kiss pushing him a bit further away. "Let''s try something different" she began. Liam raises an eyebrow. Riley smirk resting her head against his chest, Liam followed wrapping an arm around her, the other rested at the back of his head. "So tell me, Liam, what was your dad like?" Liam took a deep breath before answering. "I don''t remember much about him, he was mostly buried in his research," he said firmly. "And your mum?" she asked again. Liam sighed a bit tense. "Am sorry I shouldn''t have asked" Riley said guiltily. "It''s okay it''s just" he sighed again. Riley raised her head facing him, she leaned towards him. "Then what," she said. "I don''t think my mum was ever happy with my dad," Liam said puzzled. "She knew he was a ghoul," she said. "Yeah," he said sternly. "It''s okay, we don''t have to talk about it". "If I could see him right now, I would have a lot of questions to ask, I need answers from him, Riley," he said firmly. Riley wraps her arms around his neck placing her forehead on his. "If my mom was alive too, I would have some questions," she said her eyes dropping. Liam features frown. "You have me, we both have each other," she said softly, facing him. Liam''s eyes shake. "That day at the cafe" he began. "I was captivated by you and when your eyes found mine, it had this dark emotion on it but right now, it''s no longer there". "It''s no longer there, because of you," she said softly. "We both discovered something from each other, something that completed us" she adds. She leaned down and kissed him, it was slow as their mouth felt every emotion they could think of, a tear fell from Liam''s eyes as he closed his eyes. This newfound feeling deep inside his chest made him feel warm inside, he couldn''t explain it, it was warm and tender with just one thought that set his body ablaze. ''Am in love with you Riley''. But why, why didn''t he say it to her that moment, why did he keep it, he didn''t know how she would feel if he said those words, they both knew they were important to each other and needed each other. But he didn''t know how to tell her that, maybe keeping this to himself was the right thing for now. He broke the kiss. "Shall we do something else?" Liam said smirking. Riley gave him a look. "What?" Liam made an innocent face. "Like what?" she asked rolling her eyes. *** "So Ghost responds this fast" Riley said staring at the black cells through the wall screens. "Yes very fast that''s why we can switch at a certain distance," Liam said placing some wires on Ghost''s chest, who stood like a statue to be examined, a smile plastered on his lips as he watches Liam and Riley movement through his covered bandage eyes. Liam was busy with the microscope, Riley walks behind Ghost to cheek out the sharp-pointed rod-like thorns at his back. "Real deadly," Riley said feeling her hands on them. "Ghost is very unique, I tested some samples from other Claws and none compares to Ghost," Liam said. "Because your dad upgrades him" Riley reasoned. "Yeah according to him, he did it to save me from being devoured by my so-called partner" Liam fired at Ghost, Ghost raised an eyebrow at him, with a smirk. "And yet you told me you wouldn''t devour me then why did my dad go through the stress to upgrade you, you convinced him didn''t you," Liam said firmly. Ghost shook his head negatively. "Liam, did he just shake his head?" Riley asked unbelievably. "Yeah it''s how we communicate, sometimes when am unconscious, he visits me with my sister''s face and talks to me, but recently he''s been a mute ever since we broke into Steel, ever since subject 24," Liam said clearly. Ghost''s smile faded, he turned the other way. Riley looked between the two, it was like two brothers having a small-time quarrel. ''This...is...weird''. Riley thought. "Okay you two should work out whatever is going on" she turned to Liam. "Claws are like a part of us, without them we are incomplete" she reasons. Liam sighed. "We good buddy?!" Liam asked. Ghost smirks his elongated tongue came out in amusement. "All settle," Riley said folding her arms as she smiled. Ghost placed his hand on Riley''s head like she was a child getting a pat on the head. Riley turned her head to face him, her eyes staring at his covered eyes. "Liam, have you ever wondered why Ghost keeps his eyes covered?" Riley asked curiously. Liam blinked. "No," Liam said, he never had that thought. "Maybe it''s because he sees through your eyes or something" Riley reasoned. "Yeah maybe," Liam said not too sure as he stared at Ghost. He was seriously a mystery he is yet to uncover. He knew he couldn''t just walk up to Ghost and take it off, he figured he couldn''t just do that. Evan walked along the hall trembling. ''Dr. Steve O''Brien is alive''. That thought kept ringing in his head. He looked everywhere for Liam, he had to find him. He got to the training hall and found him and Riley laughing. He walked in gulping hard. "Liam" he called shakily. They turned. Riley blinked. "Are you okay Evan?" Riley asked worriedly. Liam nod in agreement noticing how tense he was. "Jarvis wants to see you" he began shakily. "It''s about your dad". Chapter 31 - Black Trump Card Heart Beats Slowly . . . . . Liam''s eyes widen in pure shock as he stared at the screen. He stood like a statue at what he just uncovered, could this be? "We found out subject 24 was the name of the prison he was kept," Jarvis said. "I hacked deeper and we found out he has been transferred to the agency but we don''t know why," Evan said his eyes grew wistful, he knew this news was too much for Liam to bear after everything he has been through. "Allen said he was dead," Sean said. "They must have kept him alive for some reason," Iris said certainly. "The agency is always up to something. Dr. Steve O''Brien has been alive this whole time, we have been kept in the dark" Rory said pissed. "Liam" Riley said worried, taking Liam''s stiff hand in a tight hold. He hasn''t moved or said anything since. ''He''s alive''. Liam said stun. ''That''s why''. He gulps hard. ''That''s what Ghost was trying to tell me''. His teeth clenched as his fist tighten with Riley''s hand unaware. She watches him with sad eyes. "He''s the key Liam" Jarvis began gaining their attention, he turned his wheelchair to face Liam. Liam''s eyes drifted to him. "He''s the first key to achieving peace. He is proof that the agency isn''t all they seem, we get the humans to see the agency''s secretive nature, we gain their attention, they will hear us out" he said certainly. "That means we have to get Liam''s dad out," Riley said. "We are gonna infiltrate the agency?" Evan said in shock. "That is nearly impossible," Rory said. "Not if we plan, carefully" Iris reasons. "It could take months to hack into their whole database," Evan said. "A chance we will be willing to take," Iris said firmly. "This is our first step, we have to do this right and we need you Liam" Jarvis pleaded. Liam was still silent, all eyes on him, his eyes drift to the screen, seeing his dad''s picture. A long-lost memory floods in. *** Seventeen Years Ago The year 2004 New York City Park "Come on Liam you can do it" Steve encourage his son. Six years old Liam struggle with his bike. "Come on Liam" Steve kept cheering despite his small efforts. Liam misses a wheel, he fell on the crying. "LIAM!" Steve shouted rushing to his son. "Are you okay?" he asked worriedly checking his body for injury, he found his swollen knee, it bleeds slightly. "It''s alright kiddo" Steve assured him. "I don''t think I will be able to ride it, I always fall," Liam said cleaning his tears with the back of his hand. Steve smiled at the kid''s protest. "Oh, Liam! Who told you to give up that easily" Steve said amused. "Cause there''s no way I can do it," Liam said certainly. "Without trying harder?" Steve reasoned. Liam looked away making a face. Steve raised to his feet raising his bike. "Sometimes we face challenges, we all have tough times," Steve said. "But what matters is how you get back up every time you fall, it shows how determined you are to face what''s ahead of you," Steve said smiling. Liam''s eyes turn to his dad. "So son" Steve said holding his hand for Liam to grab. "Wanna surge further?" Liam smiled as he nods taking it. Steve growled jocularly like he was heavy, Liam giggled at his antics. Steve playfully scattered his hair like he always does. "Dad" Liam pouted moving his hand away. Steve chuckle. "Steve, Liam" a voice came in. They turned. Liam features lit up seeing his mom. "Mom!" *** Present Day ''You were alive all this time''. Liam thought his eyes shaky. ''Locked away all these years''. His teeth clenched in a tight hold. All the while lost in his head, voices around him erupted. "He just found out his dad is alive after all these years, you should give him some time to process this" Riley said pissed. "Look Riley, we know how hard it is for Liam, but this is the first chance we have ever got. We get him out then he can testify against the agents" Iris said. Riley faces her. "Just give him a moment to process this" Riley snap. "There isn''t a moment Riley, this is the trump card we have been waiting for, we must grab it". "This isn''t just a trump card, it''s about his dad!" "Enough you two!" Jarvis hissed. "This is not the time to argue" he adds his eyes going back and forth between the two. "I will do it". This gained their attention, they all turned facing Liam. "Are you sure?" Riley asked worriedly. "Don''t you need time to-" He shakes his head negatively. "I have had all the time I need, I want answers Riley" Liam said softly giving her hand locked with his a reassuring gentle squeeze. He faces the others. "This is the chance to make up for what I did at Steel, we have to let the humans know that the agency isn''t truthful with them and that starts by saving my dad". *** A few Hours Later Liam and Riley were both seated at the edge of the veranda, staring at the skies, the stars brighten it, the moon bright and reflecting. "I never thought you would agree to it," Riley said facing him. "No matter what he has done, he''s still my dad," Liam said softly. "I wonder how he has been living in that hell hole" he adds sadly. Riley placed her hand on his. He turned to her. "We will get him out, he''s gonna be okay" she assured him. "I have so many questions I wanna ask him, so many things I never got to tell him before he was captured," Liam said. "You will get that chance, you definitely will," she said without a doubt. "It''s gonna be hard, like Evan said it''s gonna take months, it''s the agency we are talking about, the ghouls will have to put their life on the line," he said certainly. "We are fighting for the right cause, a chance to be free, a life no longer in hiding, we will get the chance to be who we are, of course, it''s worth fighting for," she said without a doubt. "And that starts by saving your dad" she adds. Liam nods not taking his eyes off her. Riley faces the skies humming a tone. Liam was familiar with it. He remembered when he first heard it back at the former ghoul underground when she was alone staring at the skies. "That tone" Liam began. "It belonged to my mum, my dad taught me, I don''t remember her or have anything of hers, only this tone in my head. You see Liam this is why we have to fight so that other ghouls in the future won''t have to pass through what we did, we will make the world a better place for them" Riley said. The wind blew harshly around them, her dark red hair flapping with the wind in waves. Liam couldn''t take his eyes off her for a sec. Riley completed him, she was there for him, defended him, he may have just realized it now but Riley has always been like that, been there for him and Jenna, rescue him from being tortured. Liam couldn''t begin how he would make up for leaving her when he thought it was the best thing to do, to keep her safe. To make up for all that he will make everything right, not just a better world for ghouls but a better world for her, he was willing to create it just for her, she was everything to him. "I love you, Riley," Liam said sincerely, his heart slamming loudly, waiting for what she might say. Riley slowly turn to him, they stare at each other, no words said, and then Riley leaned forward and kissed him gently on the lips, she pulled away. "I love you too Liam O''Brien," she said, a smile curved up Liam''s lips, she smiled too, as they went in for another kiss, they both roamed their lips nonstop, under the moonlight that reflected at both of them. *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) Beneath The Agency (Project Z) Several wires were connected on Seth''s bareback, like a spinal cord, some on his head, he closes his eyes taking a deep breath as his body slowly levitate through the help of the wires. His mind traveled. * Seth Consciousness . . . . . Heart Beats Slowly Seth slowly open his eyes, he stood amid raging flames that burnt nonstop, at the other end was Rath staring at him with beaming red eyes. Seth looks dark as he gazes upon the monster living inside him. He walked through to it, the flames not burning him, he stood in front of Rath, Rath looked down on him. Seth placed his forehead on its chest. "I don''t need to ask for your permission, I am the master here," Seth said closing his eyes. Rath growled deeply. Seth pulled away. "I am the master, you obey me only," He said darkly, the flames instantly surround them in a circle. "You answer to me" he adds smirking. A wide smile formed on Rath''s lips like a mischievous Chester, just like the one Seth had on his lips, it was like looking at a mirror when it came to their amusement. Seth turned. "Together we will make Barbra''s dreams come true," he said determined raising his tighten fist. "Reshape the world" he adds darkly. * Steve watches the action of Seth''s brain function through the screens, he was improving rapidly. ''He''s responding to the treatment''. Steve thought going through the computers. He drew two screens together forming a cell that moved in a spiral form. Steve paused for a moment rubbing his chin. Seth opens his eyes as his body dropped down, He raised his head, staring at Steve through the glass. He walked towards it placing his hand on the glass. Steve''s eyes drift to him. "Whats next Dr. O''Brien?" Seth asked amused. Steve frowns. "Starting final procedure". Seth grins widely. Chapter 32 - Black Gamble Two Months Later Section Eleven The Black Lotus "This plan has been on for two months, we can''t afford to make any mistake," Evan said his fingers going through the keyboard fast. Liam stood at a corner drawing a plan out, he rubbed his chin in deep thought, on the whiteboard was the blueprint of the agency, there were so many floors. "Even if our Claws do most of the job, we have to be able to defend ourselves" Iris hisses as she handed Rory the gun. "I don''t do guns sis" Rory clarified. "Well in case you have forgotten, we both share one Claw, so grow up and learn how to handle a gun!". Rory growled at her. "Evan please back me up here," Rory said facing Evan. "Not now dude, am trying to concentrate here" he hissed. "Just take it," Iris said deadly. Rory sighed in defeat taking it. "We have abilities what''s with the gun" Rory murmur to himself as he walked out. Iris shake her head in pity at her brother, she turned to Liam, he was buried in the plan. She walked toward him. "How''s it coming up?" Iris asked. "The agency is big, even bigger than Steel," Liam said pointing to a place. "And here according to Evan resource, it''s the weaponry, last of the floor" he adds. "So?" she shrugs. "I think there might be another floor, my guess is that''s where they are keeping my dad cause there are no cells in the agency," Liam said sternly. "What''s down below?" Iris asked puzzled. "I don''t know, Evan is still trying to hack it for months now but no luck," Liam said. "What happens now?". "I think we will have to take our chances," Liam said, this was a gamble and it was only what they had after months of hacking the agency unnoticed, it wasn''t an easy task. *** In the mansion all areas were busy. Ghouls preparing for the mission. Nothing like rest for two months. Sean was busy in the lab, not minding what others were doing, he was just busy with the equipment. Riley walked in. "Hey," she said. Sean was busy looking at the microscope before he faced her. "Hey," he said knowing why she was here, she was about to say something. "No need Riley, no matter how many times you come here I will not take part in this so-called fantasy peace," Sean said finally. "We can achieve it, Sean, it''s only a matter of time, this plan will-". "If the plan works" he cut her off. "You''re all in a gamble here how sure are you that it''s gonna work, what if this plan backfires" he reasoned. "It won''t," she said certainly. "Am sure of this Sean, with Liam''s dad out we can have a fighting chance against the agency and the humans will hear us out for once. I don''t get why you don''t want this to work, you can''t blame Paige''s death for everything, you have to move on" Riley reasoned. "I know I should move on Riley, but I can''t" he hissed. "Every time, am still haunted by the way she died like she was garbage to them, they don''t care about us Riley, what makes you so sure they will hear us out if this plan succeeds. But we don''t know that Riley, we don''t, we are just clinging to a lost hope here" Sean said. "Sean" Riley began. "Well, I hope you are right, cause I don''t wanna be there when everything goes down. Cause it just might" he said walking away. *** Riley sighed. Section Four Cody''s Resident "Am sorry about Nicole, she was a really good friend" Renee said handling Chase a cup of coffee. Renee was still haunted after her death, she and Chase were pretty close and she came here on occasions to visit and play with Rex, her death was a shock to her. "Yeah, she was. Thanks" he said taking it. "She doesn''t have any other family, so I performed her burial," he said. "That''s nice of you Chase," Renee said softly. He just nods. "Where''s Rex?" Chase asked. "Well after hours of almost bringing the house down, he''s finally asleep," Renee said taking her seat. "That''s good to hear" Chase forcing a smile, he took a sip of his coffee. Renee stares at him for a minute, knowing something was off, it showed in his features. "Come on spill it out, I know something is bothering you," she said certainly. Chase dropped the cup on the table. "I have no one to talk to now, only you," he said facing her. "Hell I shouldn''t even be bothering you with the agency matters" he adds running his fingers n his hair. "No no no it''s alright, you can tell me anything, am all hears, whether it''s agency matter or not, am here" she assured him with a smile. Chase nod. "It''s about Barbra" he began. "The Captain of the agency?" she asked puzzled. "Yeah! This past two months her movement has been odd and I can''t stop wondering what the fuck is going on" he said. "So are you saying you are spying on your boss, that could get you fired you know?" she said amused. "I know, It''s just" he sighed. "Something is not right, I can feel it," he said certainly. Renee places a hand on his shoulder. "Then go ahead and set things right, you always do the right thing as long you don''t get yourself fired or killed" she rolled her eyes, Chase laughed slightly at her antics. "Am serious" she said with a stern face. "Don''t get yourself killed". "I won''t" Chase assured her. *Baby Cries* "Oh no he''s awake, duty calls," Renee said rushing upstairs. "I will be off," Chase said. "Okay see you later," Renee said in a high-pitched voice rushing upstairs. *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) Chase walks through the agency doors, some agent greeting him, Chase just nods at them, he heads toward his office on the up floor, getting in the elevator an agent approached him before he could press the button he was aiming for. "The Captain wants to see you," the agent said. *** Chase slide the door open as he walks into her office, he halts close to her table when he saw Seth. "Well hello Chase it''s been a while," Seth said walking up to Chase, shaking his hand. "You miss me?" he grins. "Not a chance," Chase said sternly. "Awww! That''s too bad" Seth pout. "You have been asking of him, here he is," Barbra said. "Yeah I can see that, so I take it your so call mission was successful" Chase said still not buying the idea that Seth went on a mission. "Fortunately yes, why? You don''t believe me?" Seth asked raising an eyebrow. Chase took a long stare at him. ''He looks like Seth like he has always been, maybe am just overreacting''. He thought. "Yeah, I believe you," Chase said forcing a smile. "Then why don''t you buy me a drink". *** Section Two Caf¨¦ The waiter drops a cappuccino for Seth and coffee for Chase. "Extra calories now?" Chase asked. Seth just winks taking his drink. Chase''s eyes caught a light red vein mark on his hand. He blinks puzzled. "You okay?" Chase asked. "Yeah! Why?" Seth shrug dropping his cup. "Nothing just asking," Chase said taking his coffee. "So while I was away any news on the black ghoul?" Seth asked. "No nothing at all, once again he''s off the radar," Chase said. "Where could he be? There aren''t any ghouls underground anymore, where could he be hiding?" he adds confused. "The black ghoul broke into Steel single-handedly just to recuse the ghoul we caught," Seth said. "Riley Leah," Chase said. Seth nod. "All that trouble for one ghoul, she must be really important to him," Seth said. "And then after that, he and the ghoul just disappear just like that" he adds sighing. "Or maybe there is another underground" Chase reasoned. "No I don''t think so, maybe something different," Seth said certainly. Chase looked away facing the window. "I hope we find them, and then we can make him pay for everything," Chase said darkly. Seth sips his cappuccino, his eyes never leaving him. ''You Chase''. Seth thought. ''Your willpower is all I need because you might just make the next perfect vessel for project Z''. Seth smirked darkly.. ''All agents will, all of them''. Chapter 33 - Black Wish "Thanks for the brief discussion, at least now two heads are at work," Seth said. Seth and Chase walk out of the caf¨¦ into the streets. "Well you got your drink now we can go our separate ways" Chase shrug increasing his pace. Seth halts at his action. "You don''t seem to like me do you". "Yes Seth" Chase sighs stopping, he turns to face him with a stern look. "I don''t like you! Because you are like those things". "You know I never chose to become this way, I explained that to you," Seth said amused. "Yeah, you did! I think you have already accepted the monster inside of you, that was a big mistake" Chase said. Seth''s smile fade. "It''s a part of me, what do you expect me to do," Seth said pissed. It was rare to see a pissed Seth, Chase knew he hit a nerve so he continued. "I expect you to reflect on yourself, you would have gone through procedure or treatment to reverse the ghoul gene, If you rated being a ghoul, you would have done that from the very beginning". Seth looks away. "But no you didn''t, you chose to become this way because you were afraid". "Stop!" Seth said with clenched teeth. But that didn''t stop Chase. "You hated yourself, to the point you accepted that dark part instead of locking it away, you are human Seth, f you tried you would have stopped the process. But I guess you were too afraid to admit the truth". "I SAID STOP!" Seth shouts on top of his voice, he took harsh breaths. Luckily they were in a quiet area, no much crowd. Chase froze when he saw tears coming down hotly from Seth''s eyes. Chase watched him with pity for how he turned out. "No matter how you try to hide it Seth" Chase began again. "You will still be your age, a scared boy who had no choice but to accept the darkness. You may be smiley on the outside but deep down you''re a goner" Chase said finally as he turns walking away. Everything was slow around Seth, he was lost in deep thought. Seth knew very well he had every chance to kill Chase since the day he found out about him, but he didn''t, Chase was a man who didn''t hide his thoughts about people, he was always upfront with it, which made Seth like him more. He smiled as he laughed. The laughter halt Chase in his steps, he turned at the laughing boy. "Really?" Chase said unbelievingly "You find this amusing?". Seth shakes his head. "Oh Chase I just like the kind of man you are", he said cleaning his tears. "Self-righteous" he smiled. "You''re sick," Chase said sternly. "Maybe I am," Seth said slowly walking up to him. "You see Chase, accepting the monster is the only way, there is no turning back" he stated clearly. Seth walks past him. "You''re not like me, you won''t understand" he walks away. *** With dark looks, Seth walks the streets of New York alone, the night light reflecting everywhere. He walks past people like he wasn''t even there, he walks down to the subway, to take a train. Inside he was seated all by himself, he heard laughter as he turned. He saw a group of school kids his age as they laughed about a joke, watching something on their smartphone. Seth looked way putting on his red hood, blocking his ear with his earplugs. Their sounds were annoying to him because that was the life he would have had if he didn''t turn out like this but all that was gone now, he was a ghoul killer and he had only one goal and reason for living, he stops being human the moment he took Barbra''s hand. *** Section Five Jones Mansion Seth walks through the gates, heading toward the large mansion. He walks alone along the long lobby heading upstairs. In a wide parlor, Barbra was seated there going through some files. "You and Chase''s evening out took some time," Barbra said, her eyes not meeting his. Seth halt. "Did it go well?" she asked. But Seth was silent, his eyes sad as his mind traveled. *** Six years ago The Year 2015 Los Angeles G.I Agency (Training Center) Seth took harsh breaths, after several rounds of training he was left breathless, beads of sweat against his features. Barbra and a military man watch the scene from a distance. "His vitals are stable but just like we discussed, he will have to be off the medication to summon his Claw," The man said sternly. Barbra nod. A few Minutes Later Seth was seated in the agency cafeteria, he was all by himself, a bottle of water in his front empty. Barbra walks into the hall seeing his gloomy expression. She walks toward him. "Your improvement is good and soon you will be out to hunt ghouls, I hope you are up for it," she said. "Yes," Seth said. "You''re are my weapon Seth, don''t let me down," she said sternly about walking away. "Can I call you mum?" Seth asked gulping hard. It was a silly request but Seth wanted it, he had no one. Barbra froze in shock, her look darken as she turns to him. "No Seth you cannot call me mum, I am not your mum, only your boss, personal feelings are not part of our agreement, never forget that" she walks away. *** Present Day Seth smiled. Barbra''s eyes land on him wondering why he was silent. ''I never knew what it meant to have a family'' Seth thought. ''Until I met you''. "Won''t you grant me a wish, Barbra?" Seth said amused. She blinked. "When I get the black ghoul for you" he adds. "What is it you want?" Barbra asked puzzled. "To call you mum," Seth said smirking. Barbra raised an eyebrow. "Think about it, I will get your answer when you are ready," he said walking away to the other lobby. Barbra''s eyes drift to the fire chamber. She smiled. *** Section Eleven The Black Lotus Riley walk into the room sighing, she didn''t know how she could convince Sean to move on. "What? It didn''t go well again" Liam said taking off his shirt, he was exhausted from today after all the work. "Yes it didn''t, Paige''s death took a toll on him," Riley said sitting on the bed. She turns to him. "How was your day?" she asked. Liam smiled sitting beside her. "The plan is still ongoing. Evan is trying all his best, he''s a tough kid" Liam said. "Yeah, he is," Riley said amused. "But soon, soon Riley the mission will start," he said facing her. "I know and we will do it together" she assured him. Liam nodded in agreement, she took his hand in hers and brought it close to her chest. "Together," Riley said. "Together". "So" she rises to her feet. "We are both tired and I think we need a break," she said amused, sitting on his lap. "You are a walking temptation" Liam comment. "I know" she giggled, suddenly she felt a sharp pain in her head, she groaned rubbing her forehead. "Babe are you okay?" Liam asked worriedly. "Yeah, just a little headache" Riley said rubbing her forehead wondering where it was coming from. "Are you sure you are okay?" Liam asked again. She nods forcing a smile. "Yeah am sure," she said going in for a kiss. Chapter 34 - Black Plan Riley took deep slow breaths, eyes shut tightly her hands against the sink as the pump spill water, She took slow hard breaths, and then she opens her ghoul eyes staring at her reflection. Her eyes changed to her normal green ones, she rinses her face, taking a deep breath walking out. *** Little bits of snow fell on all parts of New York City, everywhere cold and the wind cool. Liam stood close to the window watching the snow, a smile on his lips, in his vision he saw him and Jenna throwing snowballs at each other while laughing, it was an old memory nothing to do besides playing around in the snow, it was a good memory. "Come on Liam, I will show whose boss" Jenna said as her laugher rang, throwing the snowballs at Liam. ''Jenna''. Liam thought as his eyes grew wistful of memories with Jenna if only, he yearns as tears threaten to fall from his eyes. Riley walks in about saying his name but it hangs seeing his sad features and his weak stance. She gulps worried, thinking, sacred. "Liam," she said standing beside him. "We have come a long way," Liam said his eyes still at the window. "Loved ones are gone, we are New York most wanted" he scoffs but the amusement didn''t reach his eyes. He faces her. That moment seeing his eyes, Riley saw how much weight he was carrying, Every ghoul in the black lotus depended on him, Their dreams and hope lies on him. Then Riley knew, this wasn''t easy for Liam, he was carrying all that weight by himself. "This plan has to work," he said softly. "Or we lose everything". "And now we have a plan," Evan said walking in. They turn to him. "I finally cracked it". *** They all gathered in a room, Evan stood at the front holding a transparent iPad, he drags the screen to display it in the air. Picture of the agency Skyscraper and another one close to it came up. "This is the plan?" Rory asked raising an eyebrow. "Yeah, Liam you are up, you are the key to getting inside that building, and then we unleash hell, the humans need to know we attack the agency to get one of our own, that will raise their suspicion," Evan said. "So no sneaking? We are going direct?" Liam asked like Evan had two heads. Well, he kind of did, Evan was like a walking computer and everyone admired him for his brains and humor. "Exactly and you Liam are gonna jump from that building to the agency skyscraper, you will be our way in from the inside," Evan said. Everyone nod. "We have a plan," Iris said amused. "Good work Evan, am proud of you," Liam said. Evan smiled nervously. "It''s what I do" he blushes. "We attack tomorrow," Liam said to all of them. "We get all the ghouls ready, tomorrow we will fight against the agency, we may have to lose our lives in the process, but this is the one chance we got against them". They nodded in agreement. "We fight to get our freedom back, we fight to bring justice and strive towards peace". *** A few Hours Later Ghost walked to and fro in the lab, Liam checking his vital points. "You''re up for tomorrow big guy?" Liam asked. Ghost smirk in agreement. "You piece of shit, you are only worried about getting something in your stomach," Liam said without a doubt. Ghost chuckled deeply. "You two at it again?" Riley said walking in. "Nope, not at all. I just keep asking myself this question. Can our Claws choose not to eat humans?" Liam said puzzled. "I don''t know, we are ghouls Liam, it''s our nature" Riley shrug. "I think when the time comes we will have to work on that, If we want to live in peace with the humans" Liam closing the space between them. "I know we will figure it together," Riley said taking his hands in a tight hold. Liam smiled. "Oh shit! I Forgot, I need to see Jarvis, I will be right back just give me a minute" Liam said. "Okay," she shrugs as Liam rushes out. She sighed rubbing her arms in deep thought. ''After the mission''. She thought. Ghost''s dark chuckle broke her out of her trance, she turned to him. Ghost tilts his head to the side in amusement. * Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) ''Are there any greater bond than siblings, is blood stronger to fight against all odds bestowed upon us or is there a greater threat that we can''t fight. Does our bond weaken us in dark situations'' Liam''s dark brown eyes scanned the wide city of New York, the lights around brighten the city of sin and crime, he watches closely from the rooftop, gazing upon the agency skyscraper. ''Could there be a world where ghouls and humans could coexist or a world where one species will rule the world'' He squad placing his fingers on the roof, the wind blew harshly around him, flapping his clothes. ''What would become of the world that is driven by pain and revenge, a twisted fate that is unleashed on both sides like a raging fire that can never be quench''. He closed his eyes and flash open his ghoul ones, the white part pitch black, the center bright gold beaming in darkness. His body vibrated with black shadow. He rises to his feet, putting on the thick material that covered his mouth and nose, he flaps on his black hood. Ghost beside him wearing a dark smirk, waiting. ''I will neither be a man consumed by hatred or filled with a resolution. I shall become a plague that drives out darkness. A hero does not exist, only the strong ones able to fight for a possible reason''. "Ghost!" he said, the being''s head snap turning to him. "In this black world, I shall become a plague driving out the darkness where ghouls and humans can coexist as one. "Liam it''s the time!" his comm sound. Ghost reversed back inside him. "On my signal," Liam said as he jumps downwards. The wind carrying his body weightlessly, Liam closed his eyes taking a deep breath as he fell 100 feet, his whole body vibrated in dark shadow. He flashes open his eyes gaining his stance, in position as he rotates on air, like a black shadow of speed he crashes into the agency. Chapter 35 - Black Mission (Part 1) Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) "On my signal," Liam said jumping downwards. The wind carrying his body weightlessly, Liam closed his eyes taking a deep breath as he fell 100 feet, his whole body vibrated in dark shadow. He flashes open his eyes gaining his stance, in position as he rotates on air, like a black shadow of speed he crashes into the agency. *** He dashes in through the window landing perfectly. The agents alarmed at the sudden entry, their features frighten to the core. Liam rises to his feet, the glass dusting off as he did. Liam beaming ghoul eyes land on them. Panicking the agents brought out their guns firing at him, Ghost dash out of Liam attacking the agents in a bloody battle, the sounds loud and haunting. *** "Switch" Liam was on the last floor, he rotated the asses card he held. He walks straight to the entrance glass door and opens it, sliding open Claws and ghouls walk in. "Okay, to get beneath there''s an elevator on the highest floor. It''s the only assess" Evan said walking to the control room, along with Liam and Riley, other ghouls fought the agents that came after them. "I will be here, to direct you," Evan said setting his things. He turns to Liam. "The up floor is up to you Liam" he adds. Liam nods turning to Riley. "You stay here and handle the first and second floor," Liam said cupping her cheek with one hand. She stares into his eyes. "If you need me, you call," Riley said. Their gaze on each other like seconds. Liam brought down the material covering his nose and mouth, kissing her passionately. Riley shut her eyes tightly, kissing him back, their mouths roaming with longing. He didn''t want to leave her side but he had to, with every strength he had he pulled away, covering his face coming backward slowly. "Be safe" Riley said softly. "I will," he said finally turning to walk away. Riley stares for a moment before tearing her eyes away, she covered her face. Loud gunshots, roaring sounds could be heard throughout the agency, this caught the attention of the whole city. *** "This is New York news giving you the latest trend, as of now the ghouls have stormed the agency for a reason we are yet to know. What''s the reason behind this hostile and wild sudden behavior of the ghouls, could there be more?" the newscaster said. The news playing everywhere in the whole city, questions arising. *** Section Four Cody''s Resident Renee carried Rex in her arms when she saw the news, her eyes widen when she quickly increases the volume. "This is New York news giving you the latest trend, as of now the ghouls have stormed the agency for a reason we are yet to know. What''s the reason behind this hostile and wild sudden behavior of the ghouls, could there be more?". Renee sat down as she listens, she then quickly dialed Chase''s line with her phone, it rang. "Come on Chase pick up," she said worried, she needed to know he was okay. *** Hilton College Study Hall "This is New York news giving you the latest trend, as of now the ghouls have stormed the agency for a reason we are yet to know. What''s the reason behind this hostile and wild sudden behavior of the ghouls, could there be more?". Whispers and murmurs filled the study hall as they all gathered a student who watches the news on her smartphone, Edward and Cindy looked at each other in surprise before staring back at the screen. "The ghouls are attacking the agency?". "I thought they are always in hiding". "This is crazy" "What''s their reason behind this?". The murmurs flood the halls like a plague. "Do you think Riley is among them?" Cindy asks softly. Edward gulp. "She could be," he said certainly. "Why attacking the agency, ghouls have never done that before," she said. "Maybe" Edward''s eyes shake. "There''s something the agency isn''t telling us" he adds gulping hard. "The agency keeping secrets?" Cindy said with wide eyes facing the screen. *** Section Two Streets Of New York Trent Mckell heads home when he halts seeing a group of people gathered watching the big screen up the building, he stops. "This is New York news giving you the latest trend, as of now the ghouls have stormed the agency for a reason we are yet to know. What''s the reason behind this hostile and wild sudden behavior of the ghouls, could there be more?". He froze in shock. "What the hell is happening?" he said shakily. In a distance Sid watches the crowd, she curiously walks toward them making sure her face was covered with her cap. She stood beside Trent unknowingly as she watches the news with shaky eyes. *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) Ghost was on all fours climbing on the wall charging toward the agents releasing fire. He attacks them in a bloody battle as he devours them whole leaving only bloody remains everywhere. *** "Liam as of now there''s no sign of the Ghoul killer or the Captain, our plan is working before they get alerted we would have already got Dr. Steve out," Evan said through his comm. "Roger that," Liam said walking along the bloody halls, he was on the top floor. He stood in front of the elevator, it made a ding sound, and then it opened. The ghost inside smirking. *** Beneath The Agency (Project Z) The red emergency lights beep In the white long hall, the elevator doors slide open. Liam gazes upon the long lobby. Liam and Ghost studied it. "Let''s see where this ends shall we," Liam said. Ghost growl in agreement as they strolled along the halls, the more they got further and deeper inside, something wasn''t right. "This doesn''t look like a prison Ghost," Liam said sternly. They walked further, studying the place. They got to a place with glass at the other end showing a lab. "This looks like a research facility" Liam blink puzzled, something was odd, wasn''t this supposed to be a prison, but rather it looked like a research facility. They walk into the wide hall filled with several experimenting types of equipment. Liam''s eyes found his dad, his back facing him. "Dad" Liam said removing his hood, unveiling his face. Chapter 36 - Black Mission (Part 2) Steve turns to Liam, he removed the cigar from his lips quenching the bottom on the table. "You still haven''t changed your habit" Liam said seeing the cigar. Steve forced a smile. "You have grown Liam" Steve comments as he rises to his feet. "So did you Ghost" he add facing Ghost who rose an eyebrow at his comment. Liam froze when he noticed something. ''There''s no steel around his neck''. Liam thought in realization. ''What the fuck is going on?'' He needed answers, something was definitely off. "Aren''t you a prisoner here?" Liam asked puzzled. Steve smiles again. "Why, are you here to rescue me?" amusement in his tone. "Yes dad, I thought you were dead, I came for you the moment I heard you were in the agency" he said as his eyes shakes. Steve smirks. "You shouldn''t have come here Liam, you made a big mistake coming here". Liam blinks puzzled. "Why would yo-". "What did you think Liam, that you would come here and save me?" he cuts in. "I don''t understand, what are you talking about dad, what do you mean?" Liam demands. Steve sighs closing his eyes for a brief second and then opened them, their eyes met, Steve''s own void of emotion as his dark looks burns in Liam''s confused one''s. Liam didn''t expect what he said next. "Am here on a special project Liam, am not a prisoner, am a worker here on my own free will". Liam paled, his eyes widen in shock. His dad was working for the agency, that realization struck him hard, all their effort to get him out of here was going down the drain?. Liam body weaken. "I thought you were kept here against your will". Steve was silent, that only meant it was true. "How could you do this dad, after everything the agency did to our family, to Jenna". "Jenna death was a result of your carelessness" Steve hissed. Liam froze. "She shouldn''t have died, now you have to carry the burden of being black ghoul, she was created to subdue Ghost". "Created? Subdue ghost?" Liam couldn''t believe the words he heard. "Ghost will eventually be too much for you ro handle" Steve said facing a smirking Ghost. "Jenna was created to share that power" he faces Liam. "Tell me Liam, you wield the most anicent Claw anyone have ever seen, can you handle it or will you let him consume you". "I came here to rescue you dad, I did not come here to get lecture about my Claw" Liam said stern. "I don''t need rescue Liam, your purpose for coming here is futile, tell me Liam what are planing on achieving when you get me out of here? Peace? To be heard? Prove to the world that the agency keeps secrets? Do you really think saving me will accomplish that". "You can testify dad, that will gain the attention of the humans, it was them who created the agency due to fear, once they see their own creation turns back on them they wi-". Steve laughs, that stops Liam right in his tracks. "Do you really think that will change the mindset of the humans after years of conflicts?". "That''s a first step to peace, who was the one who always said I shouldn''t give up after falling" Liam snaps. "I admire your courage Liam. We ghouls are mostly ruled by fear from the very beginning, our instinct was always hiding instead of fighting back, the humans are at mercy''s peak at our hand, tell me Liam what happens when ghoul decides to fight back rather than fight for peace, there''s a big different" Steve said sternly. Liam gulps hard. "The main war hasn''t began you see, as long as we are being hunted, the instinct to hide away from the world and that fear will slowly begin to turn to not just hate but thirst for revenge, it will keep growing and growing until it becomes unquenchable". "There...is...no...peace" he adds sternly. He checks his watch. "The agency already knows you''re here your plan failed, I have done my part". Liam froze. Don''t tell me. His looks horrified. ''It''s a trap''. *** Above The Agency The chaos still ongoing as the battle between ghouls and agents continued. Suddenly several choppers surrounds the agency with bright lights, some agents crashed into through the windows all geared up as they attacked the ghouls with full power gaining the upper hand, taking down the ghoul''s one by one. *** Evans hands went fast on the keyboard, downloading some files that might help them later. A red beeping light shine on his laptop. "What''s that?" Evan said scanning through the structure. "Oh shit!" he exclaimed seeing the footage of the agents storming in. "No no no, this shouldn''t be happening, the agents shouldn''t have been alerted" Evan said frighten of what might happen next, this could jeopardise their own plan. "You shouldn''t be here, hacker". Evan froze when he heard a dark voice. He gulps hard slowly turning to the direction of the voice in a dark corner, a figure present. "Gho...ghou...ghoul killer". Seth smirks darkly, his ghoul red eyes beaming in the dark. "You shouldn''t be here" Evan said panicking as he step backwards. "Tell me hacker do you really think you can come in here without my knowledge" Evan said amused. "No no tables were left unturned I was sure of it, I covered every tracks of being caught, it can''t be a mistake" Evan said shaky as his eyes widen in realization. ''Someone tipped us off, but who''. He thought certain. Seth tilts his head to the side. "Smart guy seems like you found out" he said amused but then he frown as his eyes beams more. "Too late for that" Seth steps into the light. His body was embodied with series of red veins. "GET AWAY" Evan shouts as his Claw roars out of him. Something like a bone came out of Seth''s back, it was fast unseen as it came for Evan blood splashing against the keyboard and the controls. Chapter 37 - Black Mission (Part 3) Above The Agency Riley was amidst the chaos, they were fighting and gaining the upper hand until from nowhere another set of agents attacked. Riley took harsh breaths hiding behind a wall, loud gunshots raging behind her. "Riley we don''t know what happened, the agency knows we are here" Riley''s comm sounds. It was Rory "We have to think of something, Liam needs more time to get his dad out," Riley said but the comm went off due to poor connection. "Shit" she curses, she looks behind the wall, the agents covered most of the areas heading in another direction. She had to contact Liam, she was worried, she tries reaching him but the stupid comm won''t work, their connection was jamming, she knew it had to be the work of the agents. She had no choice but to go beneath the agency, it was the only way. She steps out but caught the attention of five agents, they halt pointing their guns at her. "You should just walk away," Riley said sternly as her eyes changes to her ghoul ones. They stood their grounds ready to open fire. "I guess not," she said. The bullets came as Riley charges towards them in a bloody battle. *** Rory hid behind a wall as the agent''s fires at them. "Shit! What the fuck is happening?" Rory hissed. "I don''t know," Iris said. "I can''t get through to Riley or Liam," he said pissed. "Evan, can you hear me? Evan!" Iris said to her comm. But no answer. "I can''t get through to Evan, he should be able to restore connections," Iris said in a high pitch voice because of the intense gunfire. "I will go" Rory offered. Iris nods. "Be careful okay" "I will, others are here, and besides" she raised her gun. Rory rolled his eyes. "Now go" she hissed. Rory rushes out. *** Rory got to the control room about opening the door but he froze as he steps on something wet. Puzzled his eyes trail down, his heart slamming a loud beat when he saw blood flowing out. "EVAN!" he shouts rushing in, his whole body paralyzed when he saw Evan seating on the floor, his back against the wall as he struggles for breath, blood gushing out his lips, a hole in his chest, he shivers in pain. His bloody eyes drifted to Rory, tears streamed down his cheeks. "NO!" Rory rushed to him. "Come on buddy," Rory said holding him steady as he laid him on the ground gently. Rory put both his hands on his open chest to stop the bleeding, but it kept coming out. "Come on kid" Rory in tears. Evan grabs his hand while struggling for breath, his words came out in chocks and blood. "The..the..the gho..ul..killer. Th..ey k..know we are he..re, am sorry my pl..an didn''t work" "No no kid it''s not your fault you did your best, you did well okay, I just need you to stay alive, stay with me Evan please," Rory said sobbing Evan forced a smile staring into Rory''s teary eyes. He held his hand tightly. "I ne...nev.. never ha..d...a bro...ther be..fore but am proud..d to...o..to call you...on..one," Evan said weakly a smile against his lips, his tears stain in blood. Rory broke in tears more, he held Evan tightly. "I promise I won''t scold you any more, we could do fun things together anything you want...and...and you can cheat as much as you want I will look away...so...please...please" Rory cries. "I would lo..ove th..at" Evan smiles more, he was about to say something but then the words didn''t come out, his vision fading, his eyes sadden, he still wanted to stay he still wants to hear Rory''s voice, he wanted to know if Liam finally got to his dad, he didn''t want to die now but death was impartial. Rory said something but it was inaudible. Rory paused as in slow motion Evan eyes closed, his hand releasing from his, he gave out-breath. "No!". More tears filled Rory''s eyes. He cried as he held Evan''s lifeless body. Iris rushed in and saw the scene. She was paralyzed. *** Riley was about to reach the last floor when a group of agents came at her. Chase was the one leading them. Riley''s eyes widen when they fired at her, her Claw dashed out of her, taking the bullet as she ran to the other hall away from them. There was no way she could get to the last floor now. "Liam," she said worried, now the agents knew they were here, they will surely be after him. "Come in come in" her comm sounded, she halts, she thought their comms were down. She heard sobbing sounds. "Rory?" she said to it worried. "Evan he''s---". "Evan is dead, it was the Ghoul killer, I repeat it was the Ghoul killer, he''s here". Riley''s eyes widen at the news. *** Beneath The Agency (Project Z) Liam''s comm sounded, distracting him. Static sounds could be heard. "Come in come in". "Rory," Liam said to it. "Evan''s dead, it was the Ghoul killer, the agency has stormed the place, they knew we were coming". Liam froze hearing the news. "Evan," Liam said as his eyes shake in horror. This was a shock to him. "I told you. You shouldn''t have come here, it''s too late now" Steve said. Liam''s furious eyes land on Steve. "How could you do this dad". Steve was silent, no words said between the two. Instantly Ghost sense something so did Liam as their brain waved correspondingly but it was too late, in a flash of speed Ghost was sent flying at the wall as he crashes into it with force, the broken blocks buried him. Liam turned but it was too late also. Something like a long extended bone looking like a spider leg but it was flesh-less. It came at Liam, ducking in his shoulder, Liam shouts in pure pain, another came ducking at his other shoulder, pushing him high up in the wall, pinning him to it. Liam struggled to break free but it was futile. He growled in pain, his blood dripping. "It''s nice to see you black ghoul or should I call you Liam," Seth said amused. Liam''s eyes widen when he saw Seth, the bones were coming out of his back. Liam watched in horror as Rath came out, it now carrying the bones, four others came out of Rath''s back. Liam''s eyes widen in realization. "You upgraded him," Liam said as blood trailed from his lips. Steve just kept his laptop in his bag and zip it. "Thank you, Dr. O''Brien, the chopper is waiting for you at the top" Seth said amused. Steve ignored him with a dark expression as he walked past him. "DAD!" Liam shouts. Steve halts instantly. "Why are you doing this?" he adds with shaky eyes. He didn''t understand, why would his dad do this to him, betray him, betray his kind for what possible reason. "For a better future Liam". For a better future? It didn''t make any sense, how would betraying him be for a Better Future, this kept stabbing at the back of his head like a drum. There was only one true explanation for this, Steve was working for the agency now. Steve began walking away nit turning his back. "DAD!" Liam shouts again but he didn''t turn. Liam kept shouting, kept calling him but he didn''t respond. A tear fell from Steve''s eyes as his teeth clench. ''Forgive me, Liam''.. He walked away until he was nowhere to be seen. Chapter 38 - Black Ghoul Vs Ghoul Killer Right before his eyes, Liam''s dad walks away, his shouts and calls didn''t get to him. Steve walks without turning back. The sound of his shoes fading as he did. Liam watching with trembling eyes unable to comprehend what just happen. His own dad left him, betrayed him, absolutely everything was down the drain, their plans their hopes, Liam''s chance of getting back with his dad, after years of thinking he was dead only to find out he was alive and worse working for the agency. That was too much, he would have just stayed dead. Liam''s head hung down in anger as his teeth clench, nothing will ever make up for what his dad did, nothing, it was clear as it could be. Seth ticks his tongue. "Such a pity isn''t it?" Seth''s humor is present in his tone like he was enjoying the scenario. "Your own dad turning me into a weapon that can destroy you, exciting isn''t it?" he adds, the halls echoing with his series of laughter. "Dr. O''Brien is really a cunning man," he said between amusements. Liam''s fist clench hard, hard enough to draw blood, but that didn''t bother Liam, the pain was coming mostly from his chest, the pain of betrayer. "This is the best I have ever seen," he said the amusement dying in his tone and now turns to disgust. "And you said ghouls has heart, turns out you aren''t even worthy to be called human''s, peace? Don''t make me laugh, there''s no way that will ever happen, I will make sure of that". Liam snaps roaring intensely. Seth froze at the intense sudden sound tainting the hall in an extremely deadly sound. Ghost roars too at where he was buried in the blocks, getting the signal. Rath hisses like a snake and Ghost dashes out and came at Rath pushing him off in speed like he was pushing a rock. Liam was released. In a zap of speed, Liam came at Seth before he could blink Liam grabbed his neck, Seth''s eyes widen in the process, with force Liam hit him to the ground, it cracks due to the impact. Liam stared at him with furious ghoul eyes. "I will make you pay for what you did to Evan" Liam hissed. Seth smirks. "I hope you can," Seth said darkly as he kicks Liam off him with force. Liam holds his ground steady, as he slides back. Ghost flashes beside him, dark shadow evaporating from their body. Rath stood beside Seth, Rath dangerous long bones behind pointing at them. "May the best player win," Seth said coming at Liam in full speed, so did Rath. Ghost roars coming at Rath also as they clawed at each other like animals, Seth sent a punch at Liam but he dodges it, twisting his arm and pushing him against the wall causing a wild loud crack. Seth was pissed off by the impact as he grabs a fat bend iron using his inhuman strength to swing it at Liam, he was sent flying crashing into two walls at once. Rath pins Ghost to the wall with its long extended bones. Ghost roars biting down hard on one of the bones, breaking it with his sharp fangs. Ghost grabs the bones all at once, swinging Rath clockwise on the air and then upwards, crashing above. Liam growls in pain as he struggles to stand. Blood dripping from his forehead, his vision around him hazy and blur but he shock it off. His body was like a hammer at a nail but still, he ignored the intense pain, he tries to lift his right arm but it wasn''t in the right position, turning to it and meeting a sight that was nearly impossible for him to comprehend, the arm was turned at the wrong position, like it was twisted, the bone sticking out. The pain was so intense that he wanted to roar, gathering his mind and willpower he cracks it back in place hoping that it will heal, this earned a loud growl from Liam, the pain unbearable, the arm healed. "BLACK GHOUL!" Seth shouts gaining his attention. Seth pointed the gun at him from a distance. Liam''s eyes widen as he fires, the bullet coming for him in speed but Liam could see it coming and he had an alternative. "SWITCH!" Liam shouts as he zaps away in black shadow to where Ghost was, Ghost appeared in his place and caught the bullet like a pitcher as he smirks. Seeing no effort, Seth threw the gun one side turning to Liam who was on one knee on the ground as he breathes fast, the rest of his wounds healing. "RATH!" Seth shouts pissed as Rath lands beside him causing a loud bang sound. Rath sent his bones at Liam. Liam quickly crossed his two arms together in defense, one crashed with it and drew him back but Liam held his ground painfully as blood splashes from the bone penetration. He rotated the bone to grab it. "SWITCH!" Liam shouts as he zaps out in place of Ghost who smirks raising his head to face Seth, he held the bones steady. Seth''s eyes widen as Ghost swings Rath at him with force, flinging them above and crashing them on the first floor at a wide hall. Electric sparks could be heard, irons and blocks dropping down from the amount of destruction. Liam stood fully, his ghoul eyes beaming dangerously with rage, black veins present against his features, and he picked the gun putting it in his back pocket. With one jump Liam came to the first floor along with Ghost. *** Above The Agency Seth''s body switches, forcing his body up, blood gushing from all sides. Rath stood up slowly as it growled in pain, all bones were broken, only one remained but it was cracked. Seth chuckles deeply as he coughed blood from his mouth. "Liam," he said with clenched teeth. He fully stood up as his body trembled in pain. Liam cracked his knuckles and his neck. "Seth," Liam said darkly as they shot daggers at each other with their eyes. Chapter 39 - Black Alarming Front Entrance of the Agency Loads of choppers, SUV, the news van. They all piled up in front. A doctor attended to Chase wrapping a bandage around his head and an armed supporter hanging his injured arm. A lot of agents were injured, dead and some fatal, the fight was still on inside but it wasn''t as tense as before. Barbra stood watching the building, the agents around her getting ready to penetrate the building. ''Seth''. Barbra thought, she walks towards it. Agents, following behind her. *** Inside Riley kept running along the halls, her body stained with blood but some mostly not her own, she got to the elevator and walks inside, it took her down to the last floor. ''What''s going on? Has Liam got his dad out?'' She thought hoping so, she was beyond worried not hearing from him, his comm was dead all communication lost, the death of Evan still made her mind race and her blood boil, several ghouls were dead more losses than they intended, no one needed to tell her that their plan was out the window. The elevator doors slide open, she rushed out but freeze when she saw the extreme destruction. She walks further in awe the lab destroyed to nothing, piles of blocks everywhere, several cracks like a giant walked the area, she wondered what could have caused this, she looks up and her eyes widen in realization seeing the open ceiling that leads to the up floor and the scene unfolding before her eyes. *** Liam was sent flying on the wall jamming hard with it making a loud sound that echoed throughout the halls, along with crashing glass. He struggles to stand but his body gave out, he tried again, blood dripping from all sides, one knee on the ground as he raised his head up. Ghost was kept busy with Rath at the other end. "I will destroy you Liam" Seth growls as he limp, he was in a pure mess just as Liam was. "Your Rath is pretty preoccupied right now, you can''t do that" Liam said taking harsh breaths, knowing he could still have the upper hand. Seth smirks darkly. "Do you think Liam?" Seth began cracking his back. "That Rath is the only one with the bones". Liam''s eyes widen, and he couldn''t move at that point. ''Dammit''. He mentally cursed knowing he was screwed and there wasn''t about enough time to switch with Ghost because the bone already came for him at lightning speed. On getting to him Riley''s Claw came forth but it passed through it and came at Riley, the force pushed her at Liam, they both drew back at the force, Liam''s back jamming at the wall but that wasn''t his concern. "Riley," Liam said holding her still. "Am fine" she assures him. Liam furious as Ghost sensed this, with rage he grabs Rath''s head and tears it into two from the head to the rest of the body while roaring loudly, Rath faded away into dust. Seth shouts in extreme pain coughing tons of blood out of his mouth. ''Rath is supposed to go back inside me but why?'' He thought in pain. He heard gun clicks. He froze raising his head. Liam pointing his gun at him from the distance he was. "For Evan," Liam said firing the bullet, it came with speed and duck deeply in his chest, the force pulled him backward. In slow motion his body slowly fell, landing on the ground in the pool of his own blood, he choked as his body went stiff, his eyes shaking unable to comprehend his own death playing right before him. ''Am I dying?'' it was a silly thought knowing very well he was. His eyes shake, his vision blurry as everything fades away. Riley forced her body up, so did Liam. He walks further to where Seth''s body was, blood everywhere. Riley groaned silently as she leans on the wall, blood drip from her lips, she cleans it. Ghost growls weaken, reversing back inside Liam. *** Barbra and the agents walk inside, the agents scattered to search the hall. Everywhere silent, dead bodies on the floor of both ghouls and agents. She walks to the other side of the hall but froze when the destruction came in view but that wasn''t her concern but Seth''s body in the pool of his own blood. She was paralyzed, her eyes shaking like she could break down any minute. She slowly walks to his body as she would faint, her heels stepping on the blood, her breaths deep and harsh, she was silent, speechless as she watches his body. * "Anything for you Barbra" "You gave me a life, I live for you, and I will surely make your dreams come true" "I don''t care what pain I have to go through, I will bring down the black ghoul for you and make a world where only humans exist" "Won''t you grant me a favor Barbra?" "When I get the black ghoul for you" "To call you mum". * His words kept ringing in her head, her fist tightens as her teeth clench, her body trembled, her eyes filled with tears. "You promised". The tears fell. "You promised me, then why?" Chase walks in at that moment and saw the scene, Seth''s body on the ground, he froze when he saw Barbra silent tears. Who knew that an iron lady like her could cry? *** Outside The snow-filled the ground, silently descending from the skies. Liam and Riley used the back entrance to leave the agency. Liam was ahead of her as he limps forward with eagerness hoping he would see the others. "Anyone," he said to his comm. "Anyone please, any survivors," he said again but it only gave him static noise. He removed the tiny earplug from his ear flinging it far away in anger and pain. "Shit" Liam curses. "The plan failed, it fucking failed, my dad is working with the agency, how could he, I had hope Riley, I had hoped" Liam broke, the weight of what happened dropping on him. "I don''t think I can do this Riley, it''s too much," Liam said trembling. "I have no one only you" he adds in pain. "Liam" her voice was slow and weak like it was fading. Liam halts as his looks frown on hearing her weak voice, puzzled he slowly turned to face her. Liam''s body went stiff, it was like time stops around him, blood was trailing from her lips, and behind her was her blood trail all the way to the building. Liam was stiff his body couldn''t move, his eyes wide with shock, fear, and confusion. He shakes his head negatively not wanting to believe his eyes, this must be some kind of nightmare, all this must be a nightmare and he just had to wake up. "No!" it was more like a faint whisper as he panicked his muscles tensing. "Liam," Riley said softly again, she felt gravity leave her body. "NO!". Chapter 40 - Black Sorrow "Liam," Riley said softly, the pain in her chest becoming unbearable, she felt gravity leave her body. "NO!" Liam shouts rushing to her side, quickly holding her in his arms. "No please," Liam said as the tears forms at the corner of his eyes threatening to fall, it drifts to her bleeding chest, realization struck him that the bone got to her chest. "You told me you were fine," he said the tears falling out of control. Riley''s hands tighten on his jacket as she struggled to push the pain aside. "Please don''t leave me¡­please¡­you promised we would do this together please, please I can''t lose you too" Liam cried like he was losing it. "Am sorry Liam" Riley said as her hand slowly reach for his cheek, she placed her bloody hand on it. "Riley" he cried. "Everything will be okay," she said as a tear trailed from the corner of her eye. "No it won''t, without you it won''t," he said sobbing, Liam took her hand on his cheek and held it tightly not wanting to let go. "Why do they keep hurting us like this, why, why. There''s no way ghouls and humans can coexist as one". "At least we tried it was worth trying, at least we did something," Riley said weakly. Trying to assure him wasn''t working, Liam was breaking and that broke her heart seeing him this way. ''Why does fate have to be so cruel'' "All those times I spent with you, those past few months meant everything to me," she said sincerely, Liam meant the world to her in every way. "I love you, Liam". "Riley" he cried. He couldn''t bring himself to say the words back to her, knowing she meant goodbye, he held on crying endlessly like a child. "I want to hear you say it," she said weakly with pleading eyes. Liam shakes his head negatively as he cried and sobs having no control over the way he was feeling. "Please", her voice fading. "You know I love you so damn much Riley, so¡­" he broke more. "Don''t...leave" Riley watches him with sad eyes, she closed her eyes and cried silently, the tears trailing at the corner of her eyes. ''It''s best you know you''re only losing me, I can''t bear to make you feel hurt more, am sorry Liam'' she thought. Her hand slip from his and dropped to the ground onto the puddle of the snow stained by her blood, her lips went apart slightly as she gave out-breath. "No!" Liam broke holding her body closer to his in a tight grip. That moment the snow started again, the flakes dropping on her crimson blood. "Babe, babe please don''t go please, please" he cried. But no answer. This can''t be happening to him, it was all too much to handle, she was the only person that mattered and now she was gone, forever. "RILEY!" he shouts in pain and despair, his voice echoing. The patrolling chopper came forth shining a surveillance light at them, more came. The loud blades of the choppers sounding in the area. "The black ghoul have been located, I repeat the black ghoul have been located" a mic sounds as more choppers came along with SUV that drove in, surrounding them, agents came out pointing their guns at Liam. They clicked their gun. "FIRE" an agent shouts, they release to fire the bullets, as they came. Liam flashed his beaming ghoul eyes, he raised his head roaring out loudly as his whole body vibrated, and something dashes out of his back that stops the bullets instantly. The agents froze in pure shock. Ghost was out, the thorns at his back were no longer there but rather two dangerous black wings that spread out largely. Ghost roars out in pain, it sounded loudly like a speaker in the whole city. The agents closed their ears to the intense sound, some managed to fire at Ghost, the raging bullets coming nonstop. Ghost quickly grabs Liam and jumps out, flying, his wings flapping as he did. *** *Loud Wailing Sirens* Ghost flew to the top of a building far away from the scene, making sure they were out of sight from the pursuing agents, he lands on a rooftop dropping Liam in front of him, Liam stood like a lifeless being as the tears kept falling. "Don''t¡­cry¡­Liam". A deep dark rough voice sounds Liam raised his head in shock, his bloodshot eyes widen. He raised his head to face Ghost stun. "Ghost¡­is¡­sorry¡­for¡­Riley''s¡­death, Ghost¡­couldn''t¡­protect her¡­Ghost¡­is¡­sorry" Ghost said his words carefully his smile fading. Liam was bewildered by this. Ghost could speak, Ghost could form words but Liam wasn''t bothering about that, right now he was broken. "It''s my fault Ghost," Liam said placing his head on Ghost''s stomach that''s was sink inside because Ghost was hunching. "I have no one, only you," Liam said. "Ghost here," Ghost said as his wings wrap around Liam in a tight embrace. "Forever". * Three Days Later It was a dull day in New York City, with gloomy faces everywhere. That day tons of agents were buried, families of their lost one''s crying and sobbing. Guns shot for the dead. The agency was broken, many losses that could take years to recover from. In the falling snow, Chase stood in front of the graves of his colleagues. A bandage around his hand, his one hand hanging with it. He stood there watching the grave until everyone left, his eyes never leaving it until someone came behind him. *** Section Two Caf¨¦ "It''s a dull day at New York City, after the attack on the agency we have been left with nothing but undeniable silence knowing that the ghouls have attempted an attack on us humans. Will we be safe? Will the agency be able to get rid of the ghouls? How long we will be facing such death and sorrow throughout the whole nation. Will there be peace?" Sid''s eyes were glued at the TV, her hands tighten on the cup of coffee, and she turned to face it with sad eyes. "Here''s the latest news feed we got of the black ghoul last seen three nights ago". She turns hearing it, the footage wasn''t clear but she was sure she saw wings as something flew out, she was about to see more when someone took a seat in front of her. She turned and saw Trent. She blinks puzzled. "Hey!" he said. *** Section Thirteen The Black Lotus The back of the mansion was a separate land now filled with graves, their cemetery. Inside the building was dead silent, few ghouls were around, all had sad faces. "It''s a dull day at New York City, after the attack on the agency we have been left with nothing but undeniable silence knowing that the ghouls have attempted an attack on us humans. Will we be safe? Will the agency be able to get rid of the ghouls? How long we will be facing such death and sorrow throughout the whole nation. Will there be peace?" "Any news from Liam," Jarvis asked watching the news. "No," Iris said sadly. "Nothing at all" she adds. "I see," he said, knowing the gravity of everything. "I don''t think he''s coming back" he adds. "Why do you think so uncle," Iris asked with wide eyes. "Because after what happened, no ghouls will want to achieve peace," Jarvis said turning his wheelchair to face her. "But we can still fight right?" Iris said with hope. "Only time will tell, for now, we grief for our love ones, the people we lost, we lost a lot of good people," Jarvis said with sad eyes remembering Evan. Chapter 41 - Epilogue Iris walks along the hall lost in thought, after everything that has happened hope was a limit to them. Sean walks towards her, but he didn''t stop. "Sean" she called, he halts not turning to face her. "I lost more of my family, Evan and Riley are dead, more innocent ghouls are dead just because of this so-called peace you wanna achieve," he said turning to face her with bloodshot eyes from crying. Tears fill Iris''s eyes as she sobs. "I can''t take it anymore," he said cleaning the tears that fell. "Which is why am leaving," he said. "Am leaving this city for good, even though ghouls are haunted in every country, I don''t care, and I will take my chances. It''s better than staying in this city that is a reminder of a lot of painful memories" he said with clenched teeth, showing his anger as he walks away for good. "Sean" Iris said but he didn''t turn. *** Rory was seated in the garden as he drank from a bottle, he cried silently as he kept drinking. The memory of Evans''s death kept playing in his head that will forever haunt him. Iris slowly walked up to him, she took a seat beside her brother. "Rory," Iris said worriedly. "He was a very bright kid, so innocent, so smart and funny, and just like that he-" he broke drinking more. "He died in my arms...I wish I was there for him" he cried and sobbed. Iris held him steady as he cried. "It''s okay," she said softly to him. Rory buried his face in her shoulder. "It''s okay" Saying it was okay wasn''t the case, she knew in her heart that it wasn''t, they were lost and broken, picking the broken pieces was a long journey, nothing broken can be placed back to its original state, it was a hard realization they had to face, the black lotus was indeed in a state of beyond recovery, only time would tell. Back Of the Mansion Cemetery The graves were arranged in rows of five. Showing to where Riley''s grave was, they built it for her, her name crested on it, Evan''s own close to hers. A shadow covered it, showing someone was there. It was Liam as he stood hands in his pocket, his dull lifeless eyes glued to the two graves, but then focused on just Riley. Her laughter, a picture of her smile rang in his head. Her words, the breaths she took, her worried looks, her tears, the first time they met, her enticing green eyes he was always lost in. "I love you, Liam O''Brien" It rang in his head, he would do anything to hear her voice again, and her feel her body and share her happiness and sadness but that is all gone now. The cold wind blew around him and Ghost as they stood watching the graves. Ghost turned to Liam who stood silent. Liam had an unreadable expression, his brown eyes cold, his stare icy, his features plain. He turns and walks away slowly, Ghost didn''t move as he watches Liam''s back. Liam halts, the wind flapping his clothes. ''Could there be a world where ghouls and humans could coexist or a world where one species will rule the world?'' He raised his head watching the skies, Jenna and Riley''s dead face reflected in his head, a forever imprinted memory. ''What would become of a world that is driven by pain and revenge, a twisted fate that is unleashed on both sides like a raging fire that can never be quenched?'' He remembered when his own father turned away from him and betrayed him. ''When your Achilles'' heel is taken away from you what is left of a man, a man consumed by hatred or a man with a new resolution'' Ghost walks towards Liam and stood beside him. Liam looked down and closed his eyes. ''I will neither be a man consumed by hatred or filled with a resolution. I shall become a plague that drives out darkness. A hero does not exist, only the strong ones are able to fight for a possible reason, only the strong survive'' "I will destroy all of them" his voice was dark and cold. Ghost turns to him. "I will bring the agency down, piece by piece until there''s nothing left" he adds, he opens his beaming ghoul eyes. ''In this black world, I shall become a plague driving out the darkness where ghouls will have the right to live'' "Ghost will follow," Ghost said reversing back inside Liam. Liam walks away leaving the black lotus. * Two Weeks Later Section Six Secret Agency Base Chase''s car pulled up in front of the base, he got down staring at the place. Barbra stood at the entrance. He walks towards her. "Why did you call me here at this time of the night," Chase said puzzled. Barbra didn''t give him an answer, she just turned and walked in. Chase sighs, she hasn''t been herself since Seth. Chase just followed her behind, into the base. Inside looked like a military base but Chase knew there was more to it. They both took the stairs to get downstairs like they were going underground. "I want you to join me Chase" Barbra finally said. "I am working on something big, this will surely get rid of the Black ghoul once and for all" she adds the last part with a dark tone. "What exactly is this big thing," Chase said puzzled. "The future Chase, the future," She said as they got to a long hall, they stopped. The wall slowly opened as it made a noise. Chase turned to Barbra, sadness and rage flushing on her features. "Am sorry about Seth" Chase said, Barbra''s looks darken. The place came in view, it was a medium lab. Chase gazed upon the place as the glass slide open, they walked in. "This is the Doctor and scientist involved," Barbra said introducing Steve. He turned to them holding a file. "Dr. Steve," he said as they shake hands. "Just Steve?" Chase said puzzled. "Yes, just Steve" Steve said as they turned to face an iron oval tube connected with several wires. It opened showing inside in a transparent form. Chase''s eyes widen when he saw what''s inside. "This is the future Chase" Barbra began. Chase gulps his eyes never leaving the oval tube. "May the best player win" To Be Continued.... Chapter 42 - Prologue ''Heart Beats Slowly'' ''In the year 1514 in England. April 25th, the first sightings of ghouls were discovered. An expedition to a lost nation was all it took for a dark history to resurface.'' ''They live amongst us in hiding, they look like us but they are different from us. Beings said to possess supernatural abilities and worse of all... their taste for human flesh.'' ''Meeting one will most likely be unfortunate for any of us, but am afraid that won''t be the only thing we will be worried about, for an even greater power amongst the ghouls will come to light, I pray what I have discovered will not come to pass, for we will be facing an era of extinction if war emerges from both sides.'' ''What I have discovered maybe the words of a delusional man, but I tell you, the things we think that are not seen are what is closer to us, the discovery of this lost species is only the beginning of a world of ghouls and humans.'' Jonathan Jonas * New York City The Year 1809 It was a cold night in New York City. Carriage passing by, the skies having bits of lightning that appeared constantly, the black clouds shifting like it was about to rain, the weather cold, people walking to and fro either walking to their homes or someplace, as they undergo their various activities. Lucas Carter walks out of a dark alley. He checks his surrounding for any soldiers before walking into the street making sure his hat covered his face from prying eyes, it travels back and forth for any unwanted attention, and he walks the streets until he stops sighting a building a little distance away from him. Slow upbeat instrumentalist songs playing from there. He heads for it. *** Tavern Lucas walks through the doors, the bell above it making a ding sound. Inside men were mostly in, some drinking, some drunk, and some wooing the maidens. Lucas''s eyes scan the tavern for who he came for. A man quickly pauses laughing as he drank, his eyes landed on Lucas for a second, he resumed what he was doing. Lucas sights a black man at the end, His eyes drifting to Lucas. Lucas walks towards him and took a seat in front of him. "Tell me, John, what have found?" Lucas began straight to business. John looks around making sure no one paid attention to them but they were all busy drinking, or so he thought. He turns back to Lucas. "A new organization has been formed. Money, power, wits. They have everything". "A New organization?" Lucas said puzzled. "Yes, and they are strictly after the law of wiping ghouls off the face of the earth. But first, they are after you Lucas" John said. Lucas leans on his wooden chair at the shocking discovery. "They are the same people who Charles Brown the politician, bought the weapons that can kill ghouls from" he adds looking around once more. "They are after you because you''re the black ghoul, you possess a rare Claw that is different from ours. The black Claw. They believe you are the one Jonathan Jones talked about in his journal, the greater power". "They will be after me and the black lotus since am the leader," Lucas said with a stern look. "My family will be in danger, I can''t have that" he adds pissed. "Which is why we must spread our organization across the world" John reasons. "No!" "I can''t handle that, I can''t put other ghouls at risk if I do that. There will only be one station and that''s here in New York" he said finally. "Lucas". "You understand why I can''t. Not all ghouls share the same belief as us". John nods in agreement, knowing not all ghouls share their ideology of peace with the humans. "The rebels," John said swallowing hard, those were by far their greater challenge, and they kept getting in their way of achieving peace with the humans. "Yes, the rebels, ghouls who are not after peace like us but after the beliefs of one species ruling," Lucas said leaning forward. His arms rest on the table. "Seems like humans won''t be the only threat we face," John said certainly. The threats and risk kept becoming wider and wider, it was only a matter of time and they would be fighting with their kind if they decided to resort against them. "It''s getting more and harder to keep this up, we have to be vigilant and stick to our course," Lucas said. John sighs looking away he knew it would be hard to convince him to expand their organization, he knew Lucas already puts himself before others, considering their safety. He had a heart of a leader, that''s why he had to stick with him this far. "Tell me John" Lucas began. John''s shaky eyes drift to him. "What''s the name of this organization that''s after me?". "The Order". The moment John mouths those words, Lucas senses something, in slow motion, he turned his head a bit, his eyes land on a man about bringing out his gun so did some other men too. Lucas''s eyes widen seeing this. He heard the gun click with his super hearing. "GET DOWN!" Lucas shouts as guns were fired at them, they duck quickly as Lucas bends the table to block the bullets. It penetrated in making loud noises. "This was the safest place I could think of," John said in a high pitch voice because of the loud shots. "Nowhere is safe John," Lucas said as his eyes changed to ghoul''s eyes. So did John''s. The white part of their eyes turning black, the center part beaming bright gold. "They must be from the Order," John said certainly. "Then they will regret the day they came after me," Lucas said pissed as his black Claw slowly unfold out of him, like a long extended thread line it formed a being beside him, not just any being, it was tall and long, skinny, extended arms and legs, bald head, pointy ears, pointy jaw, the same eyes like the Lucas as it beamed dangerously, the being was covered in black bandages that were faded out. It roars outgaining the attention of the shooters. Black shadows evaporating from it like black flames. The men halt their shoots, they stared at the Claw bewildered, and it was rampage than any other Claw they had faced. The others who had no idea what was happening, watching the scene from where they hid. The Claw growls deeply. Lucas stood up, standing beside his Claw. "So you guys are from the Order," Lucas said darkly. "Nice meeting ya" he adds smirking as his Claw roars revealing sharp fangs from its hollow mouth, it came at the men in a deadly massacre. Shots were fired at it until there was none. *** Few Minute Later Lucas opened the door with force as he walks out, John following behind. The remaining people inside the tavern came out of hiding seeing the bloody scene, the women were present there were screaming at the bloody remains that were once men. The thunder strikes, the rain pouring heavily. John tried to keep up with Lucas. "They will keep coming Lucas, they will," John said. But Lucas didn''t turn, he was pissed. "The leader of the Order is a descendant of Jonathan Jones" John hissed. Lucas halts turning, his looks darken. They both stood in the pouring rain. "We have to fight back!". "We want peace John, if we fight back then the humans will see us as enemies, just like what happened back there at the tavern, we were only defending ourselves but they will see us as enemies, as the flesh-eaters, we are" Lucas hissed. John sighs. "Right now I want my family to be safe, I want my wife and child safe. Rather the black lotus will be a sanctuary for ghouls" Lucas said finally. John looks away with a frown. "Let''s pray our children or the other ghouls won''t be crazy enough to go against the Order. Cause it might not end well" he adds. The thunder striking loudly. Chapter 43 - Black Arrival The Future ''Who are we to cheat fate? We are different, we are stronger, we are faster, and we are flesh eaters. We host a being inside us to bend to our will. Positively and negatively'' His eyes close, he felt the cool wind around his body. He stood at the top of the highest building, at the edge. ''They have every right to fear us, they have every right to be against us. But what about us ghouls?'' His eyes slowly open revealing his beaming ghoul eyes. The wind flapping his clothes. ''We live on this earth, we should have a say, but our instinct to survive is clashed with the human''s instinct for a right and just world. What about us? Don''t we get the right to live? Don''t we get justice? He squad, one arm resting on his knee up. His long jacket spread out because of the wind, swirling behind him. His eyes gazing upon the city lights of New York. ''Our lives are constantly put aside just because we are different. We didn''t ask to be created this way or born the way we are He closed his eyes. ''Coming back to this city is a constant reminder of the past'' His mind drifts to the past, seeing his sister''s death, his lover. Their last moments replayed in his head constantly. His father betrayer, walking away from him. ''My name is Liam O''Brien'' He flashes opens his eyes. Sounds of wings flapping on the air as it passed by heading towards a distance. ''And am the plague that will drive out the darkness where ghouls will have the right to live. ''It''s a silver lining'' * The Past New York City The Year 2024 City Airlines "Welcome to New York city, kindly head to the luggage center for your belongings" a woman in form of a computer come out boldly in the air as she repeats her words with a smile against her lips. A young woman with back long dark hair walks through the long wide halls filled with a crowd, the heels of her boots sounding against the tiled floor. Her bag rolling behind her, one hand at the handle. She had a handbag also. She was wearing a brown leather jacket folded at the arms, a white shirt beneath, black trousers along with boots that had small heel under. She almost got to the out entrance when she sights some men on the black inner with ash coat jackets, holding a transparent iPad that had her name on it. She adjusts the black sunglasses she had on as she raised her eyebrow. She looked around for another way to get out of the airport, she sights another route. She smirks walking towards there. She was out, she knew they didn''t see her, she waved for a taxi, one stopping for her, and she placed her luggage in the boot, before entering. "Where to miss?" the driver said watching her through the review mirror. "Um just a minute, she said searching for something, she broke out a small wrist band and pressed a button, a mini air computer came up and showed an address. "Here please," she said showing him. He nods starting the car with a press of a button, it drove off. She watches the city of New York through the car window. She removes her glasses, her green eyes landing on the statue of liberty, a far distance away. She blinks. *** Section Six The car pulled up, she paid the driver off dropping her luggage. She turned to her street. She rolling her luggage behind her, as she ventures to the building she knew was hers. Without much stress, she carried her luggage upstairs, she looked for her door and found it. She put on her wrist black band and positioned it at the wall close to it, it beeps a blue light. "Welcome home Lorna Hart," a computer said, the door opened. "It may be my house but not my city," Lorna said walking in while placing her luggage inside using her boot to shut the door behind. Inside was wide, more like a medium-sized apartment but had all the furniture she needed and other stuff. "Thanks, aunt" she comments seeing the expensive things. *** A few Minutes Later Lorna put on her jacket after she was done unpacking, before heading to the door she paused a minute. She turned and walked to her fridge and opened it. "Damn it" she curses seeing nothing in it. She growls shutting it. "At least put something in there" she murmurs walking out, her door locking instantly as it closed. She walks downstairs and heads for the garage. She pressed a button, the iron door opening, inside there was a dark blue portable car, she smiles putting on her sunglasses, and she got in. She pressed the button and the car drove off, the iron door closing behind. She turned to the next block, she pressed on her wrist band. "Nearest store," she said to it. "Locating nearest grocery store, turn left," the computers said. She did. *** Section Seven Grocery Shopping Mall Lorna walks in, the door sliding behind her. She walked to the display line, quickly getting what she needed. She rolled the trolley checking for products, put some inside. She turned to the other line but her trolley clashed slightly with another. "Oops! Sorry" she exclaims as she removed her glasses. "No it''s nothing, I didn''t see where I was going," Trent Mckell said raising his head, he blinked when his eyes landed on her green ones. "Have a nice day" Lorna said rolling her trolley away. Trent''s eyes were fixed on her as she walks away. "Um, excuse me," Trent said. She halts turning. "Yes?" Lorna said. "Have we met before?" he asked certain like he has seen her before but he couldn''t place when or where. "I don''t think so, am new in the city," She said smiling. "Oh!" he just made a sound nodding his head. Lorna nods too as she turns and walking away. Trent just shrugs the feeling off as he resumes what he was doing, he walks to where baby things were sold. Lorna paid for her stuff to the cashier, the computer blinking as she did. They placed her things in bags. Trent walks to where she was to pay for his stuff. Lorna''s eyes drifting to the baby stuff he had. "Expecting?" Lorna asked raising an eyebrow. Trent turned to her smiling. "Yeah," he said amused. "Can''t wait" he adds. Lorna nods as her eyes drift to the stuff once more. The cashier handled her bags to her. "Congrats Mr.?" "Oh! Am Trent. Trent Mckell". "Lorna Hart," She said shaking his hand. "I hope you have a wonderful stay in New York Lorna," Trent said with a welcoming smile. "Thanks, Trent," she said turning to leave. ''Hope''. She thought. ''Yes, we just have to hope we live every day. Lorna walked to her car placing the bags at the back of her car. Her phone vibrated in her pocket, she quickly brought it out. "Shit!" she cursed when she saw it was her aunt calling. She figured she can''t answer right now because she had to head back home before going to the agency.. She declined the call. Chapter 44 - Black Newbie Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarter (GIH) Lorna''s car parked in front of the agency skyscraper, she got down walking towards the building. The doors slid open as she walks in. Inside was wider and bigger, many places were made of glass. Lorna looks around a bit admiring the place, before heading towards the attendant center, a bold sign of ''Ghoul Investigators Headquarter'' above the wall, an air computer showing different branches and agency staffs. The attendant raised her head when she saw the young woman walking up to her. She clears her throat. "What can I help you with miss?" she asked smiling. Lorna smiled at her as she brought out her ID which was like a transparent card, she slides it to the woman. "Sorry I know am late," Lorna said amused. "Oh!" she made a sound as she saw the identification, she raised her head. "Indeed you are, the conference has already started, on the tenth floor," she said. "Thank you," Lorna said taking her ID, walking to the elevator by the side. Some parts were in form of glass, transparent to see the floors up. Lorna watches the view as the elevator took her to the tenth floor. *** Tenth Floor The elevator stops as the glass slide open in a curve, Lorna steps out walking straight to the hall. She got to the door, she stood taking a deep breath before walking through it. This gained the attention of the other agents listening to Barbra who was at the stance, a wide air computer behind her. ''Shit! Am so late''. Lorna mentally cursed while keeping a smiley face on the surface. "Lorna Hart, you are finally here," Barbra said amused, she looked smart as always, with her red wine suit and short skirt, money reading over her. "After 15 calls" she adds raising an eyebrow. "Um...I was¡­Um...I was settling in" Lorna said. "Now you are done, seat down. For your sake I will have to start from the very beginning". "Yes, Captain," Lorna said knowing she pissed off her aunt. ''Great''. She thought as she made her way to the front, where a seat was reversed for her. Unknowingly to her, next to Chase, who didn''t pay any sought of attention. "Okay then shall we? As we were brief earlier Lorna Hart is from the Los Angeles branch, a trainee for four years, now an official member of the agency" Barbra began. "Chase, make sure you will brief her in, she''s now part of the special team against the black ghoul. The Fox team" she adds turning to Chase. Lorna blinks as she faces Chase, he had dark moist hair and dark blue eyes, wearing a smart suit. Lorna turns away shrugging. "Speaking of the black ghoul" Barbra began again. Some images showing behind her. "Last sighted in England" The moment she said that several pictures of the black ghoul sightings came up, but were not clear. "And this is what remains of our branch there". Another image shows up, it was nothing but destruction, everything desecrated. "None survived". Lorna gulps hard as her eyes shake. A clear image of the black ghoul came up, but his face could not be seen, he stood on a rooftop, something beside him having black wings. Seeing the image Lorna''s eyes trembled more. ''The black ghoul''. She thought, during her training years she only heard stories about the black ghoul, any agent''s who as much as stood up against him ended up dead, he was like a bringer of death itself, he was destruction, everything he touches fades away, he was a monster. Lorna''s fist tightens. "He''s the most powerful ghoul we have ever encounter, he possesses a very strong Claw known as Ghost, rumors have it, and it has a mind of his own, capable of thinking and understanding us". Whispers filled the hall, tension rising. "And he''s not alone. He''s the leader of an organization called the Silver-lining, they are untraceable, they are good and they are smart if possible a foundation that can meet up to ours" Barbra said darkly as she pointed to the picture. "We are at a needlepoint here. For three years now the Silver-lining has brought down half our branches, this is our greatest threat, we will have to stop the black ghoul even if it means our lives cause that''s the only way we will ever survive this nightmare". "The black ghoul is what''s standing between us from achieving peace," she said facing them. "Peace where we humans get to decide the fate of our world, not this flesh-eaters". *** A few Hours Later "Aunt!" Lorna called following behind Barbra. "You are more than late Lorna, you are a recruit on the field, you should have considered that," Barbra said as she and Lorna walked the halls. "I know Aunt am sorry" Lorna pleaded, Barbra halts turning to her. "This is a new city, everything is new I can''t just settle in like that, it needs processing," Lorna said sighing. "Then you process fast, you are part of the Fox team hunting down the Black ghoul, I can''t have you slacking because you are processing this city," Barbra said firmly. Lorna looks away. "I don''t know Aunt this place is kinda off" she faces her. "New York is the highest crime city with thousands of ghouls, this is like their center". "And you are afraid?" Barbra asked taking a step closer to her. "Am not afraid" Lorna said with a stern look. "They killed my family, they took them away from me. I have spent four years of my life training to become an agent, I won''t let fear get in the way of that". Barbra''s lips pressed in a smirk. "Good that''s the fire Lorna, keep that burning and focus on only that," Barbra said turning. "I suggest you adapt quickly" she adds walking away. Lorna sighs as she turned to the wide window. ''Aunt is right''. She walks to the window, gazing upon the buildings. ''I have to adapt''. "So you''re the newbie". She heard a voice as she turned. A young lady walked up to her, her brown hair packed in a high ponytail. Dim blue eyes. "Am Jesse Landon" she said smiling. They both shook hands. "Am-". "Yeah no need for that, we all know you are the transfer agent," she said. "Am part of the Fox team you''re stationed on. Follow me, you have some catching up to do" she said walking ahead of her. Lorna sighs following behind. *** Seventh Floor The elevator doors slide open, they stepped out. Lorna looks around, it was like a whole new building up there. "This floor is specifically for the fox team, all our equipment, Treatment Centre, and gadgets are all here," Jesse said pointing to a different area. "Wow!" Lorna exclaimed at the big place. "And this is our training hall," Jesse said as they walked into the wide hall. Attention drift to them. They were about five there. "Lorna this is a few of the team. This is Mia Hailey, Kyle Bell, Kris Mash, Peter Brook, and Freddy Vile" Jesse introduced. Lorna smiles as she was about to say something. "So we have a newbie," Kris said stepping forward, a mischievous smirk plastered his lips. Lorna blinks. "Trained for four years and never been on the field, are you sure you will be able to hunt ghouls, let alone stand a chance against the black ghoul" he adds amused. Lorna scoffs at his statement as her smile fades. "Kris," Jesse said rolling her eyes. But he ignores her. "What do you say guys?" he began walking to take a gun, it didn''t look like a normal gun, it was a bit bigger than the ordinary one, both sides transparent showing a red liquid like a bullet, the rest of the body was black metal. "Why don''t you show us, we don''t want a weak link in our team" he walks up to Lorna as he hands her the gun. Her eyes drift to it as she took it. Kris folds his arms waiting. "A weak link?!" Lorna said, hurt by his comment knowing the game he was playing, they wanted to taste her strength as a member. Smirking she walks to walking the target space. She set her gun, it came up with an automatic sound. "It''s a bit harsh don''t you think, Kris" she turns to him pointing her gun at the target, she fired the gun without looking at it. His smile fades when he saw the bullet hit the target at the perfect spot, the chest. "Whoa!" Kyle exclaims, others were amazed at it. Lorna clicked her gun again, she faces the target, firing the bullet multiple times at the same place not missing a single line or step. In slow motioned, the last bullet fired out and reach for the target at the same spot burning a hole in it. Lorna clicked, the gun stops, it made an offing sound. She turned to the others who still had stun looks. Lorna smiles walking toward Kris, she gave him the gun back. "Still think am a weak link?!" Lorna said amused. Kris just gulps hard. The doors slide open, they turned as Chase walks in with a stern expression. "What''s going on?!" he demands. "Um, nothing sir," Jesse said. "He''s the unit leader of the Fox team" Mia whispered to Lorna. "Chase Wyatt". Lorna blinks her eyes glued to him. "Then head back to training all of you" Chase hissed. "Yes sir!" they said in unison, leaving Lorna behind. "And you don''t you have anything to do," Chase said sternly. "Um sir am new, you haven''t given any orders to me," Lorna said raising an eyebrow. Chase scoffs at her reply, he walks up to her, standing in front of her. "Then I suggest you make yourself useful," Chase said, their eyes locked together. ''Why do I get the feeling he does not like me''. Lorna thought gulping hard. ''We only just met''. "Yes sir" she shrugs walking away.. ''I wonder why''. Chapter 45 - Black Lining Cafeteria Lorna seats all by herself, she went through some files in a mini transparent iPad. It was given to her by Jesse to help her catch up. She went through the black ghoul biography, it just stated his unique qualities of switching places with his claw, their immerse strength, and fast healing abilities unlike other ghouls nothing about any personal information. Also, the rumor of his black Claw known as ''Ghost'' has a mind of his own but no further detail. His organization called the ''Silver lining'' simply having one goal to bring down the agency. She sighs, checking the time on her phone, it read 9:54 pm it was late, tomorrow was another day, she should head home. Her eyes drift to the registered gun that was given to her as a full agent now. She took it sliding it in her gun pouch. *** Thirtieth Floor Barbra was seated facing the wide window in her office, her eyes gaze upon the night lights of New York City. A lot has changed in the past years, the agency was standing tall like never before, resources, informant, money, expansion, they had everything, everything they needed by far but they had one obstacle... Liam O''Brien. Her body tense just by the mere thought of him, as a memory of Seth''s body lying on the cold floor in the pool of his blood, haunted her. Their branches were being taken down by him, piece by piece destroying everything and anyone who stood up to him died, no one escaped his clutches, he was really onto them ever since the death of that ghoul girl. ''Riley''. Barbra thought. It was a twist of fate, she just pulled the trigger to it and it collided and now it was a constant memory. Riley was her niece, it was a secret only she knew about and it must remain buried now that Riley was gone. ''Now''. She thought. ''Everything will be set right''. She closed her eyes, hoping and believing. The door slide open as Chase walks in. Barbra smiles turning her chair to face him. *** Outside The Agency Lorna drove out of the agency, turning to the next block into the busy road, stunning of why it was busy by this time of the night. It would take her hours before she gets home. "Oh God, why" Lorna groans placing her head on the steering wheel, it was enough she hasn''t had any rest since her arrival to this city and now this. Could it be any worse? she just hoped it won''t. *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarter (GIH) "You''re amused as ever Barbra," Chase said with a stern look, an amusement that always reminded him of Seth. "You seem uncomfortable Chase," she said without a doubt. "It''s nothing". He looks away. She smiles getting his point. "I understand Chase" she leans close to her table, resting her arms on it. "After three years everything has changed, blood being spilled more than we can handle, it''s like we pulled a trigger on something that unleashed the very monster we were trying to contain". "If only the ghoul killer was here," Chase said facing her. even though he wanted to forget a person like Seth, there was still some reason he still hoped for him being here right now, he would have thought of some sort of strategy to stop the attack on their branches all over the world. Seth''s intelligence was what Chase acknowledged. Barbra looks dark. "As you said, we are at needlepoint, only time will tell if we will be able to get rid of the black ghoul" he adds. "You''re sounding like it''s impossible, don''t tell me you now see the black ghoul having the upper hand now". Chase forces a smile that didn''t reach his eyes. Was there any reason not to, the guy was like a grim reaper himself, he was chaotic and wild than he has been ever since the attack on the agency three years ago. "Is there any other way to see it?" he said. *** Section Four "Come on" Lorna blew her horn but it was pointless, the cars weren''t moving from the very beginning, it was probably some slight jamming incident that causes it, what was the road police doing? "Dammit!" she cursed. She will get home late at this point. "Fuck this city" she cursed again. Ever since her aunt told her about the transfer, she was sad about it, she thought she would serve in Los Angeles after her training but rather there was an immediate transfer for her to this city to join the Fox team, personally signed by her aunt. She placed her head on the steering once more. She looks down, her eyes shaky, her first thought on this city since her arrival was, she Hated it!. The hairs at the back of her neck stood up in alert. She gasps raising her head instantly, suddenly something fell hard and fast on a car two lines away from hers, causing a loud crash sound. Lorna froze where she was as her eyes widen. It was a Claw as it stood fully covered in dark green bandage faded out, it growls deeply, the ghoul wielder beside it, squatting on the car he landed on, he smiles darkly like a maniac, his skin paled, and his ghoul eyes visible. He turns to face the frozen crowd, grinning more at the feast before him. Lorna was shocked at this, she stares into the ghoul''s eyes from the distance she was at. "ATTACK!" he shouts in amusement. His Claw roars out deadly. *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarter (GIH) "Come in, come in, sir". Chase comm sounds, catching his and Barbra''s attention. Chase pressed the small earplug in his ear. "Yes!" he answers. "Sir we just got footage of section four, a hostile ghoul is attacking civilians" Chase''s expression darkens. "It just came out of nowhere". "What is it?!" Barbra demands. "A ghoul attack out in the open" Chase said. Barbra blinks puzzled. "Ghouls don''t attack randomly," she said certain, they only attacked either they were chased or haunted, aside from the black ghoul organization there wasn''t any attacking out of the blue. "Well, this one seems to" Chase said. "Get agents there now," Barbra said. "I want that ghoul killed or detained". Chapter 46 - Black V-ghoul Section Four *Wailing Screams* Panic rising everywhere, as the man''s Claw attacks randomly at anyone it saw, devouring them instantly. Lorna quickly got out of her car clicking her gun, it made an automatic sound coming up, others running past her. She faces the target shooting at the Claw. The bullets penetrating eagerly in it. The man senses this and turned to a distance where his Claw was being fired at. The Claw roars jumping at Lorna, its sharp claws reaching for her, she slides down below as she shot at it, she stood up turning to the Claw but it reversed. ''I find the ghoul, the Claw is as good as dead. Lorna thought following the moment with her eyes as it went back inside the man. Their eyes meeting. "Got ya," Lorna said sternly. The man''s eyes widen as he made a run for it. Lorna ran after him, she wanted to shoot at him but she couldn''t because of the running civilians, she just had to chase after the ghoul. The ghoul ran to the other side of the road, making the cars stop as they blew their horns at him. He just growls running further. Lorna was far behind as she kept trying to reach for him. She heard crashing sounds of glass along with panic screams, she halts looking up, gasping when she saw a Claw on all fours climbing on the buildings, chasing after the ghoul too. ''What''s happening? Do ghouls chase each other?'' She thought puzzled. "Come in, agent Hart, do you copy?" she heard her comm with static noise in the background, she pressed the earplug. "A Claw is chasing after the ghoul. I need backup" Lorna said as she continued her chase. *** Lorna got to a dark alley, she points her gun on all sides while walking further in haste, she sights the ghoul she was after and found him running. "Stop right there!" Lorna hissed. He halts as he turned. She clicks her gun ready to fire. The man''s Claw roars out of him in speed, before she could blink, the Claw swings its hand at her, connecting with her arm flinging her to the ground hard, her gun shifting away from her. Lorna groans trying to reach for the gun as the Claw came for her but another Claw pushed it away, Lorna turned at this in shock. ''A Claw fighting a Claw'' she thought seeing the fight. Another ghoul jumps in from above, they were two, face covered. The man saw this as his Claw reversed back, he made a run for it. "After the V-ghoul," one of the ghouls said, it sounds like a woman as the other ghoul ran out Lorna''s body was stiff when the ghoul turned. Iris Lake''s eyes drift to the agent on the ground, it was dark, making it a bit hard to see. Lorna instantly reach for her gun and fired at her. Iris jumps out in speed. She didn''t have time to waste, she had to assist her brother, and she rushed out. Lorna watch as she ran out all of a sudden. Lorna forced her body up, as she held her wounded arm, watching the path they passed through. ''Ghouls attacking ghouls''. Lorna thought strangely, something was off with this. And more they called the hostile ghoul a V-ghoul? *Wailing Sirens* *** Somewhere In Section Four Iris removes the material covering her face, she walked up to Rory who was watching the dead ghoul on the ground, in the pool of his blood. Their Claw reversed back inside them. "Another V-ghoul this month, they are getting more and more hostile," Rory Lake said sternly as he turns to his sister. "Rumors have it that they now have a new leader stirring them up," Iris said. "This is bad we have to report back to uncle," Rory said, she nods in agreement. *** Section Eleven The Black Lotus The SUV pulled up in front of the mansion, nothing has changed much, the mansion in a secluded area off the radar, the environment quiet and peaceful. Iris and Rory got down from the SUV walking inside the mansion heading upstairs. Upstairs Jarvis on his wheelchair as he watches the footage of the V-ghoul attack. His office door slide open as Iris and Rory walks in. "The V-ghoul''s are coming in our way of achieving peace if they keep attacking humans like this" Jarvis said turning his wheelchair to face his niece and nephew. "Ever since the incident three years ago, they are becoming more hostile. The humans will just think it''s the ghoul attacking again" Iris said sternly. "They are stronger unlike before, they have a leader now and resources," Rory said. Jarvis sighs rubbing his forehead in deep thought. "At this rate what we have worked to achieve all these years will be gone". "Which is why we need the black ghoul uncle" Iris reasons "Again? Iris" Rory faces her. "He left the black lotus, he''s after the agency and that''s all in his head. Why do you think he will help us. It has been three years, no word from him. None" he adds firmly. "But still Rory, we need Liam" she urges facing her uncle. "He has an organization now, the Silver-lining, if we join forces am sure we will be able to get rid of the V-ghoul and focus on peace," she said. "We need him, he''s our only chance" she adds. "Rory is right Iris" Jarvis began. "We haven''t heard a word from him since, he''s keen on achieving whatever he''s after, and besides he''s not even in this city anymore, and do you think it''s the peace he wants right now after everything he has done". Iris sighs knowing it was true. "He''s gone isn''t he," she said with shaky eyes. "Yes Iris he is, you need to start seeing that now, we have only each other" Rory said. Iris''s fist tightens. "Then what''s the point in all this" Iris said walking away. Jarvis sighs. "She still thinks Liam will come back," Jarvis said. "All was lost ever since he left us". Rory''s expression changed. "We all lost something," Rory said darkly, as Evan''s dead face flashes in his head. In his last moments as he struggled for life still he gave out. "Three years ago, Evan made a plan but somehow the agency was alerted by it too fast and it ruins everything thus the mess we are in right now". "Look, Rory, we have discussed this before, stop lingering in the past" Jarvis said knowing where he was going with this again. "I have a reason to believe that information was leaked to the agency, I don''t know how but am dying to find out and I will," Rory said with a stern look. "So what now, you don''t trust your organization?" Jarvis hissed. "Maybe I don''t," Rory said with a high pitch voice anger present in it. "Not after what happened" he adds walking away. Jarvis sighs running his hand in his hair.. What has the black lotus become? It was falling apart at the rate. Chapter 47 - Black Questions Section Four *Wailing Sirens* Agents and police swarm the area, everywhere noisy, news reporters awaiting new info about the sudden attack. Lorna sat at the back of the ambulance as she got her arm treated. "The first day in this city and there''s a ghoul attack, great" Lorna said sarcastically. The medic bandaging her arm turns to her. "Welcome to New York," the medic said as he was done, he left. Somehow that wasn''t a welcome for her but more like welcome to the city of hell. Chase walks toward her along with other agents behind. "Lorna," Jesse said worriedly. Lorna stood up. "You should have reported this incident before jumping out there on your own" Chase hissed. "Am sorry si-" "I don''t want you sorry I want you to understand a simple protocol!" "Even if I did that, civilians will still be in danger even before the agency gets here, so acting on my own was better than making a distress call that would take hours to return" Lorna snap, the pent up frustration visible in her tone and she just had to release it at her superior. They froze at her outburst. Chase was stunned by this. Lorna took harsh breaths looking away, she took a deep breath realizing her mistake, but she wasn''t backing down by what she did. "Am sorry sir, I know am new here and am not use to the system of how the agency works but when I see civilians in danger nothing else matters than their safety," she said again sighing. Her eyes drifting to his. Chase could see it in her eyes, the determination, and the fire. "You guys check the scene," Chase said his eyes not leaving Lorna''s. "Yes sir," the team said in unison as they walked away leaving the two. "I want a full report of what you saw" Chase began. Lorna gulps hard. "I went after the ghoul that started the attack but another ghoul meddled in, they were after the ghoul for some reason, ghouls can''t fight themselves right? It''s a straight war of us humans and ghoul, there shouldn''t be any twist" Lorna said. Chase blinks. "And they called the hostile ghoul V-ghoul like they were different from them, ghouls are just ghouls, right? They can''t be different" she adds certain. "V-ghoul," Chase said puzzled. He turned to face the scene before turning back to her. "Are you sure they called the hostile ghoul a V-ghoul?" "Yes am sure and they went after him like the enemy," Lorna said firmly. "I see, good report, I will verify it, and then we can find out more about this attack. You can go home now" Chase said turning to leave. "If there''s another type of ghouls, the agency would have picked it up right?" Lorna''s question halts Chase right in his tracks, he didn''t turn to her. "Why did they show up now?". "Go home agent Hart, more info will be gotten with time, that''s why we are investigators". With that Chase walks away. Lorna blinks, she held her bandaged arm, the cut wasn''t serious, she was lucky that was only the case here, she was glad it wasn''t her head instead, she shivered at the thought. *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarter (GIH) "V-ghoul?" Barbra said rubbing her chin, she just got the information from Chase. She knew something was off, ghouls don''t attack randomly, except they are being attacked or after something. A memory flood in. *** Three Years Ago The Year 2021 Section Four Hilton College (After the Attack) Cameras flashing lights, yellow caution line around the dead ghoul who had a dagger to his chest in the pool of his blood. Chase assess the place with other agents. They still haven''t gotten the killer of the ghoul. But Chase knew they will soon, they will have to start by questioning the students. He paused for a minute studying the ghoul''s dead body. Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarter (GIH) "These are the photos from the scene," Chase said placing pictures of the dead ghoul on Barbra''s table. She took it. "The ghoul looks different," Seth said standing up from his chair, a smirk plastered on his lips. He sat on Barbra''s table as he watches the photo. "This one is paler and those strange green veins on his face, different from the other ghouls," he said studying the picture. "Still they are just ghouls" Chase shrugs. "Or maybe a different one," Seth said amused. "Yeah right," Chase scoffs. "Chase is right Seth, ghouls are just ghouls I don''t see why you should worry about their differences," Barbra said firmly. "If you say so Barbra, it''s just my instinct speaking," he said amused, he tapped the picture in front of her. "And my instincts are always right" he adds smiling. *** Present Day Barbra blinks as she recalled that day. ''Seth was right as always''. She thought with shaky eyes. ''Maybe there is a different ghoul, this V-ghouls''. She turns her chair to face the wide window. ''The black ghoul will not be the only threat we face?'' *** Section Six Lorna''s Resident "Welcome home Lorna Hart," the computer said as Lorna place her wristband close to the doorknob. It made a click sound opening, she is exhausted, the door closing behind her. She collapses on her bed first before anything. Today was one hell of a day for her, the first day in this city there was already an attack, she could see why New York was the number one crime city. She held her head with both her hands. "Be strong Lorna" she said seating up. She got up to freshen up. *** When she was done she sat on her bed leaning on the pillow, she placed her laptop on her lap. She types in the search for crime info in New York, she figured she should know, thousands came in. Her mouth dropping. "This city is so fuck up," she said, scrolling seeing more and more, she sighs shutting her laptop. She figured she should just have her rest, she needed it after what happened. * Lorna gasps as her alarm buzz loudly, she groans holding her head. "Fucking alarm" she cursed yawning slightly, she got off bed walking into her bathroom, she stood in front of the mirror her hair messy from the sleep, she just opened the cupboard next to it and brought out her meds, she took two pills in one go, she chewed on it sighing. "Time for work," she said getting ready. *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarter (GIH) Lorna drove her car into the parking lot. She got down walking towards the building, the doors sliding open, she removed her glasses as she walked to the elevator, and it took her to the tenth floor. *** Tenth Floor Lorna sips on the coffee she held, she just needed it, she had a little headache, and she groaned again holding her head. Suddenly she bumps into someone spilling the coffee on his shit, Lorna gasps at her clumsy action. "Oh shit! Am sorry, I didn''t know where I was going" Lorna said in haste. "It''s alright, it''s okay," the man said. She raised her head meeting with light brown eyes, he was around his late forties, and dark hair had bits of white and his bears too. The man adjusted his glasses forcing a smile. Her eyes drift to the ID he had clicked to his shirt. "Dr. Steve?" "Yes am Steve" "Just Steve?" she raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, just Steve" he smiled. "So you''re new around here am not sure I have seen your face before," Steve said blinking. "Oh yeah am a recruit, Lorna hart, I just joined the Fox team yesterday," she said smiling. "The agent who got caught up in the attack between ghouls, I heard there''s a different ghoul now called the V-ghoul. It''s all over the agency maybe soon the media will pick it up too, nothing stays hidden in New York" Steve said amused. "This is some city," Lorna said sighing. "Why do I get the feeling you don''t like the city," he said raising an eyebrow. Lorna rubs her arms together. "I will adjust" she stated firmly. "Okay then, it was nice knowing you, Lorna. I work at the medic unit, am the one in charge, so if you need anything" he stated as his eyes drift to her bandage. "I could check your wound for you," Steve said with a welcoming smile. "Thanks, Dr. Steve, it''s just a scratch I will live," Lorna said. "See you around Dr. Steve," Lorna said. Steve nods as she walks past him. He turns watching as she exits the hall.. He adjusts his glasses before walking away. Chapter 48 - Black Signal Training Hall Lorna walks in, others were inside doing various things. She spotted Peter Brook doing some tech stuff at a corner, she walks toward him. "Hey," Lorna said smiling. "Hey Lorna I didn''t think you would come in today, are you feeling okay?" he asked as concern flushed his features. "Am fine Peter, really it was just a scratch" Lorna said taking a seat next to him. "So V-ghouls huh?!" Peter said putting some metals together with a screwdriver. "Yeah at least now we know ghouls aren''t just ghouls," Lorna said rolling her eyes. Peter chuckles at her antics. "So what are you working on," Lorna said interested in what he was doing. "What I specialize on, making gadgets, I think of an upgrade to hunt ghouls and then I ask permission for production," he said firmly. "That''s cool Peter" she comments. "Well you should also have what you are good at," he said. "I think am good in the field with combat references" she shrugs. "Well everyone in the agency is good at that, I meant what makes you unique," he said facing her. Lorna''s smile slowly faded at the question. "I guess I haven''t found that out yet," she said puzzled. That thought hasn''t occurred to her yet. She wondered what makes her unique. "You see this" Peter said handling her a bullet, it had a gold substance inside like it was moving. "Wow! It''s different from the rest" Lorna said assessing it. "It''s a prototype am working on not fully developed, if it does, it will be a great weapon against the black ghoul," he said. She faces him with shaky eyes. Peter got her message. "Yes Lorna our bullets don''t have much effect on the black ghoul, maybe this one will," Peter said certainly. Lorna''s eyes drift to the bullet. "Is he that powerful?!" "It''s been three years since the attack on the agency, we had an agent, the ghoul killer, and he also didn''t stand a chance against him. And after that he''s been bringing down our branches throughout the country, of course, he''s powerful" he said. "Then there must be a weakness right?" Lorna said with hope. "Someone like that doesn''t have a weakness," he said certainly. Lorna gulps hard. "The Captain is your aunt, isn''t she? You should know the ghoul killer, I was a fan of his, and it''s too bad he''s dead" he said. "I was adopted by the captain years ago when my parents died. I lived in New Orleans before coming to Los Angeles for my agency training. I never met the ghoul killer just heard about him" she said firmly. Peter blinks about asking something. "Lorna, the captain wants to see you," Mia said walking towards them. "See you later Peter," Lorna said standing up. Peter smiles nodding. *** Thirtieth Floor Lorna walks into Barbra''s office, heading toward her table taking a seat. Barbra faced the window standing, her arms folded. "How are you feeling dear, I heard about the incident," Barbra asked facing her. "Am fine Aunt, it was nothing much, just a scratch" Lorna said. "You were lucky it was just a scratch, you would have ended up dead" she reasons. "Well, I didn''t" Lorna shrugs. Barbra sighs sitting down, she shifts a file to Lorna. "Welcome to the Fox team, I guess I should have said that earlier. This is your partner''s details" Barbra said. Lorna opened the file. "Jesse Landon" Lorna said smiling knowing they will get along just fine. It was a start she was looking forward to. *** Tenth Floor Lorna walks into the medium hall, with the office table in rows and lines, this was the Fox team office. The upstairs was Chase''s office secluded just for him. As the unit leader. "Hey, partner," Jesse said in a high pitch voice dramatically as she waved at her. Lorna laughs at her antics as she walks toward their work table, she took a seat. "You''re officially a member," Jesse said. Lorna smiles. "Thanks, Jesse," Lorna said feeling lively. Jesse just brightens her mood ever since she came to this city, she was grateful. "Well go ahead set up your table, agent Lorna," Jesse said handling her a medium size box. *** Section Eleven The Black Lotus Late at night, Iris walks along the hall, she heads towards her uncle''s office, knowing he won''t be there by this hour. She looks around making sure no one was around, she walks Inside shutting the door reaching for the transparent air computers, taking her seat in front of the operating system, the plugin a headset, her eyes scanning through the computers as she moved her hand on the transparent operator. "Checking signal, trace beginning for Liam O''Brien," the computer said. ''For two years now, I have been searching for you, Liam''. She thought. ''Please, please let there be a match''. She thought with hope. Liam was untraceable like he didn''t exist but yet on the radar. It was strange. For two years she has been tracing him secretly, hoping one day she will get through. But only met with failure, but she won''t give up that easily. "Signal found". Iris froze when she heard the computer, she finally did it. Iris smiles as tears forms in her eyes. "Liam". The tears fell, she cleaned it as she listened carefully to the comm. His location wasn''t found but maybe she could contact his organization, it was nearly impossible but she had to try, everything depended on it. She heard static sounds. "Come in?" she said but nothing only static. "Please come in, do anyone copy?" Still nothing. Iris sighs. "This is Iris Lake from the black lotus" she began. "I know this is the Silver-lining contact line. Please if there''s anyone there" the tears fell as she sobs. "Liam!" she cried. "Please if you''re there, we need you, Liam, I have been trying to track you for years now and I finally got through so please answer me" she sobs, only static sounds. "Please come back, the city is in more danger as it is, the V-ghoul''s they are destroying everything, only you can stop them Liam so please" she cleans her tears with trembling hands. "We need you, Liam. I need you" she buried her hands in her face. It was like she was talking to herself, she felt lost, confused. She sighs leaning on her chair. "Please just answer". She waited but nothing, the static sound dying down. ''It''s no use''. She thought with shaky eyes. She reaches for her headset about to take it off. "Iris". She froze as her eyes widen when she heard her name. The voice, it was his, it was him. "Liam". Chapter 49 - Black Result "Liam!" Iris said breathlessly, tears whelming up instantly, after three long years she finally heard his voice. She was stunned and happy, her efforts for tracking him did pay off after all and she was glad it did because it was worth hearing his voice again. She sobs, taking a deep breath about saying something but then the connection went off. She froze, her eyes widening. "No!" Iris panicked, she checks the transparent air computer, the trace signal was suddenly offline. "No, no, no," Iris said as her hands went through the keyboard, trying to restore the signal but it kept cracking and cracking until there was nothing left. Her eyes shake, she leans on her chair running her fingers in her hair, she broke into tears removing the headset and flinging it away in anger. Just a few seconds ago she heard from him and then nothing. "Why" she cried. *** One week Later Section Eleven The Black Lotus Rory heads towards the garden at the back of the mansion. He searches everywhere in the mansion but he couldn''t find her, the garden was the last stop, he knew this was the place she always comes to when something was bothering her. Rory found Iris watering the plants lost in deep thought. "Iris," Rory said softly. She turns facing him, her eyes were heavy from lack of sleep, Rory knew she didn''t have any and he was worried. "What is it Rory?!" she said turning back to what she was doing. Rory sighed knowing he had to ask her. "I know you contacted Liam a week ago" he began sternly. "What do you care?!" she scoffs facing him. "It''s not like you want him back, but I do. So why bother" she adds. "Of course I care, Iris, I don''t you hurting yourself thinking he''s gonna come back just because you ask him to". "Why, because am not his Riley?" she said sarcastic rolling her eyes. But Rory knew she was hurt by this. "I know if she was the one who made the call, he wouldn''t have hesitated". Rory gulps hard. "Not even for a second" she adds. "Iris," Rory said worriedly. She took a deep breath trying to hold the tears back of how hurt she was, she hated showing she was weak not right now they were in this tight situation. "He answered me, Rory, he answered me but then the stupid connection went off" she hissed. She throws the water pipe aside. "Iris" Rory began. "What you did was risky, what if the agency picks up the signal you made, it could be bad for us". "I know, I know and am sorry but just face it, Rory, we need him, we can''t do this all by ourselves," she said. "We need the black ghoul whether we wanna admit it or not" she adds pissed, walking away making sure she bumps his shoulder. Rory sighs as he turning, watching her walk away. *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarter (GIH) Lorna''s hands went through the transparent air computer, checking some reports. "Fuck! It''s been a week and we haven''t been sent on an assignment" Jesse said leaning on her chair as she groans. "At least we have office hours," Lorna said minimizing the air computer. "Office are lame, working on the field is cooler" she comments. "We both know how dangerous an assignment can be, our lives on the line at every minute, we are lucky we see it through the way things are," Lorna said as she smiled. For the past one week now her stay in New York was a bit peaceful, no many ghouls attack that got them stirred up. "And I want the same thing too, wish we could get an assignment to shake things up a little. We are agents it''s what our life is all about" Lorna adds with a thoughtful face. "Now we''re talking," Jesse said. Lorna''s eyes drift upstairs, Chase office was closed down today. "Where''s our unit leader, it''s a bit odd he''s not in today," Lorna said puzzled. "Oh yeah it''s Thursday, he out," Jesse said. Lorna blinks. "You see I heard one of his best friends who was part of the agency was killed leaving his wife and child," Jesse said. "So what now he''s the dad now?" Lorna said with widened eyes. "Jesus sister no, he more like watching out for them, like any friend would do even though he''s taking the responsibility on too much. So don''t get the wrong idea, Lorna, he''s single" she adds the last part grinning. "Seems like you have a thing for him," Lorna said raising an eyebrow. "Yeah a little but he doesn''t give anyone much attention so I guess it''s zero with him" she rolls her eyes. "Who knows maybe he''s waiting or doesn''t have time for it" Jesse shrugs. "I guess so," Lorna said. *** Section Nine New York City Park "Mummy I want ice cream," Rex said pulling on his mom''s hand. "Okay, okay," Renee said as her son pouts for the third time since they came to the park. She wanted to call Chase but Rex kept pulling her to the ice-cream truck. Renee was still a beauty in her age, her hair short and curly, she wore a slender black gown with a white jacket and shoes. "Just one" Renee said to the ice-cream man, he nods preparing one for Rex as he jumped happily. "Renee, am so sorry am late," Chase said rushing towards them. "Well not to me but Rex, you promised you would take him out," Renee said. "I know I know, I just had to check up one or two things before coming," Chase said. Rex turned to them, the ice cream in his hand. "Hey buddy," Chase said sweetly to Rex. Rex smiled. "Can I go play now?" Rex said. "Go on," Renee said, Rex rushed to the playground happily. "He''s growing so fast," Chase said amazed. "Yeah they all do," Renee said amused. "We visited the cemetery before coming here" she adds as her face drops a little. "Rex was happy just seating there, not a worry in the world". Chase smiled. "He''s just a kid, there''s a lot he doesn''t understand, that''s why I wanna make the world a better place for him," Chase said. "You should focus more on your life Chase" she began, he turned to her puzzled. "Yeah you heard me. It''s been four years since Max, you don''t have to feel guilty anytime you see us, we are better now because of you, and am thankful but Chase you need to start building a life for yourself". "Renee not this again" Chase grumbles. "Yeah this again, you''re still young and in your early thirties Chase, don''t tell me you wanna take care of Rex till you die without having a family of your own," she said slightly punching his arm lightly. "Come on Renee, I don''t have time for that, not right now when the black ghoul is causing more trouble for us" he shrugs. Renee was always the upfront type, they have been close friends since way before she met Max. Renee rolls her eyes. "Chase, that''s literally what you say each time, I get it okay, the black ghoul killed Max, and am angry. But that doesn''t mean you should evolve your life around it like a circle without moving forward" she hissed. Chase froze at her sudden outburst. "I care for you Chase you will always be like a brother and friend to me and I love you" she took a deep breath closing her eyes and then opened them. "That''s why I keep urging you to go have a life. I feel like am the one holding you back. You are making me feel guilty and I don''t want that". Chase''s eyes shake at her words. She looks away sighing. "You should go back to work, I and Rex will be fine," she said walking away adjusting her handbag. "Renee" Chase calls but she didn''t turn. *** A few Hours Later Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarter (GIH) Chase walks inside the agency, towards the elevator stepping in, his mind lingering on what Renee told him about him focusing on his life. ''Am I too focused on work?'' He thought. He saw how to hurt Renee was telling him about it, she was guilty because he was focusing too much on them. He never put much thought into it. He steps out of the elevator walking along the long hall. His life was more of being an agent and that''s who he is. ''Love''. He never experienced such a thing before, he just wants nothing more. ''The black ghoul''. He thought darkly, that was all he wanted. He turned to the next hall but bump into someone. Lorna gasp raising her head, she saw Chase who had a stern expression. ''Oops! This is not good''. She thought in her head, the last thing she wanted was his stern expression that was always present on his face. "Am sorry sir, I should have seen where I was going" Lorna said forcing smile. He smiled at her back but it didn''t reach his eyes as he walks past her. Lorna sighs frustrated. "Sir did I do something to piss you off, cause I will like to know," she said turning to him. Chase halt in his steps. "Did I do something wrong?" she asked again. He slowly turned to her. "Focus on your duty agent Hart," he said firmly. The way he said her name made her shiver slightly, she gulps hard. He walks away. "I will make sure you find me in high regard," she said in high pitch voice but he ignored her. *** Chase sighs taking his seat, he ran his hands in his head. He took a deep breath in thought. "You have to endure," he told himself. He had to no matter how hard it was. Kris walks into Chase''s office, a file in his hand. "Sir, we found the V-ghoul body but he was already killed," he said, Chase''s eyes drift to him. "Who killed him?" he demands. "We believe it must have been the ghoul after him that agent Hart reported about," Kris said handling a file to him. "This is the autopsy report, we have done several on ghouls but this one proves different" Kris said. Chase went through it. "Their genes are more aggressive and out of control, something must have triggered those qualities, making them different from the other ghouls" he adds. "They must have given in to hate and anger just like us humans when we give in to violence but theirs reacts differently because they are ghouls," Chase said in realization. He smirks but it didn''t reach his eyes. "Fucking ghouls" he cursed. ''They just keep coming. Is there an end to all this?''. He thought. "This could be bad, we never notice this, not once. But why, why now, why would they chose to come out now, there must be a reason, a purpose" Chase said in deep thought. "They must have a leader" he adds darkly. Suddenly the alarm went off. Mia rushed in. "Sir there a ghoul attack at section seven," she said haste. "And the ghouls are identified as a V-ghouls by our surveillance" she adds. Chapter 50 - Black Panic *Loud Emergency Siren* Lorna halts in her step hearing the siren. "A ghoul attack," she said in realization. She rushed back to the office in a hurry. On getting there everyone prepared to move out. "Lorna we have to go now, this isn''t just one V-ghoul but 10 of them or more," Jesse said in haste. "The V-ghoul''s are attacking," Lorna said stun. "Let''s go," Jesse said. Lorna nodded as they rushed to the weapons hall to be armed. Thirtieth Floor "Get all agents ready," Barbra said to the comm. "Let us sent a message to this V-ghoul''s and their leader that they don''t mess with this city the way they want," she said darkly, the connection went off with a sound. ''I was right, This V-ghoul''s will cause more trouble for us, we have to get rid of them quickly and focus on the black ghoul''. She thought. *** Section Eleven The Black Lotus Iris and Rory rushed to Jarvis''s office in haste after they were called by him all of a sudden. "Uncle," Rory said as they rushed in. Jarvis turned to them in his wheelchair. "There''s an attack at section seven, it''s the V-ghoul''s". "Out of the blue?" Iris said not wanting to believe. "I don''t know why but a wide attack like this, am sure their leader is with them, you have to find him and then we get him and put an end to this" Jarvis said sternly. "We only have five ghouls good at combat right now" Rory reasoned. "We are weak at defense," Iris said folding her arms. "We will make do with what we have, we have to try, it''s the only way," Jarvis said. Iris walks towards the air transparent computers, a footage was shown on section three, agents in cars driving out. "It will be swamp with agents, they must know about the V-ghoul''s now, it was only a matter of time," Iris said turning to them. "We will go, along with ghouls that wanna come along," Iris said walking out of the office. "Protect your sister," Jarvis said. Rory nods walking away. *** Section Seven New York Mall *Wailing Sirens* "We are here this evening at the building attacked by ghouls all of a sudden. The agent are here trying their best to handle the situation, right now questions are left on the air to be answered, why are ghouls attacking randomly?!. It is just like the sudden attack on the agency three years ago but this time the black ghoul is not involved. Rather from our previous findings, this is an attack by a particular type of ghouls known as V-ghoul''s". The newscaster said. Lorna''s car parked at the parking line, she and Jesse step out heading towards the other agents as they got ready to penetrate the building. "Let''s hope we don''t die today," Jesse said setting her gun, Lorna did too. They were armed and ready. "Don''t worry, we will come out of this alive" Lorna said certainly. Jesse smiled. "Fox team your station, we will be the first to enter the building be ready," Chase said. "Yes sir," they said in unison, awaiting orders. Lorna''s eyes drift to the building. "Are there civilians?!" Lorna asked. "Most likely, not all would have been able to escape, let''s pray they are still alive," Jesse said with hope. *** Inside The Mall Fourth Floor Small cries and muffled sounds could be heard, The civilians now hostages were all gathered at the center, on the ground sitting. The V-ghoul''s around. One of them walked up to one standing a bit close to the window watching the agents down below. "Wayne, the agents are here, we can make our demands but am not sure they will comply easily," the man said. Wayne turned to him, he was paled just like the others, his ghoul eyes present, he had dark hair. Where the hostages were, Renee''s body trembles, she held her son in her arms who cried silently as he sobs. "It''s okay Rex," Renee said shakily. "Mummy''s here," she said again as her mind drifts to how she and her son got in this mess. *** One Hour Ago New York Mall "Okay, yeah I will aunt, yeah sure, I just want to get some few things and then I will head home" Renee made a call as she and her son walked into the mall. "Okay bye," she ends the call. "Mummy I want to go home" Rex pouts. "We will dear mummy just need to pick up something," Renee said walking to the clothes center. Rex stood behind her as Renee check out some clothes. His face was in a scrawl, he was tired and wants to go home. With a pouting face, he turns slowly, his eyes drift to a group of men who walked in through the doors. They seem off in the crowd, out of instinct he held Renee''s hand tightly but she was too engrossed in what she was doing. Wayne''s eyes changed as they met with Rex, he smiled. Rex''s breath caught. Their Claws came out of them. Someone noticed this and screamed. This caught Renee''s attention as she turned and gasps, she held her son tightly. Everywhere went in an uproar as the Claw''s attacked randomly, blood slashing everywhere. Renee screamed as she held Rex who cried. "Don''t kill all of them, we need hostages!" Wayne hissed darkly. There were about 20 remaining, they gathered them to the fourth floor. Renee looked around making sure she hid her phone while holding onto a terrified Rex. *** Present Renee slowly brought out her phone, she couldn''t use it before because they kept a close eye on them since. She quickly dialed Chase''s number. "Please pick up" she whispered. But it kept ringing, no answer. ''Dammit Chase'' she cursed in her head dialing it again. "Hey! What the fuck are you doing?!" a V-ghoul hissed as he grabs Renee with one hand. She squealed as he pulled her away from Rex. "Mummy" he cried. The man held her throat ready to snap it. "Enough!" Wayne hissed walking towards them. He took the phone from Renee. Seeing the name. "Who''s Chase?!" Wayne asked darkly, Renee didn''t say anything as she shot daggers at him. "You won''t talk huh?!" he said amused, his eyes drift to Rex. "Too bad" the moment he said that his Claw surged out and came at Rex. "NO! PLEASE STOP DON''T" Renee shouts in horror, the Claw halted. "Please, please don''t, not my child" she pleads with tears. "Then you will talk," Wayne said darkly. "Or your son dies". Chapter 51 - Black Demand "I want everyone ready, we are going in soon," Chase said as they got ready. "We got some info, there are hostages," Jesse said. Chase pause. "Hostages?! Ghouls don''t keep hostages" Chase said puzzled. "But these are V-ghoul''s sir," she said. "Sir". They turned, Lorna walks toward them. "What is it agent Hart" he demands. "There''s a call for you, from inside," she said. Chase blinks. They walked towards the van that held computers and comm. They handed Chase a comm. "Yes," Chase said darkly. "Hello, agent Wyatt or should I call you Chase," Wayne said through the comm. "I believe I have been calling your cell but you''re not responding," he said. "What?!" Chase said puzzled as he reaches for his phone, he froze when saw the missed calls from Renee. "I guess you understand now," he said amused. Chase''s eyes widen. "No" he trembles. "Yes agent, I believe her name is Renee and her son Rex, such handsome young boy," he said. "If you touch them I will kill you," Chase said pissed. Wayne laughed, it sounds from the comm. "We are ghouls Chase, what do you expect and beside my Claw is hungry," he said amused. Chase paled. Lorna watches him with shaky eyes. "Hear my demands and they live, it''s as simple as that" he added. Chase gulps hard. "Chase, Chase" he heard her voice from the speaker. "Renee!" "I want your Captain, you have two hours to comply with my demand, or else she and her son will be nothing but pieces for you to pick up along with every man, woman, and child in here" he warned darkly. "Am sure you don''t wanna bear that kind of burden Chase". The call cut. Chase leaned on the car for balance as his fist tightened in anger. "Chase" Lorna said worriedly. *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarter (GIH) "I see," Barbra said as the call cut, she just heard the news from an agent, she rises to her feet grabbing her jacket. She had a stern expression as she walked out of her office. "Get the car ready," she said to her agent who nodded, she was accompanied by others. ''So the V-ghoul''s are now making demands''. She thought darkly. ''Then they will get exactly what they want''. She smirks darkly. Section Seven New York Mall Iris and Rory were in the crowd as they watch the scene, about three ghouls with them. They stayed within unnoticed, they couldn''t be spotted because of the uproar going around. "The V-ghoul''s are now taking hostages, they must be after something," Iris said certainly. "I believe we will find out very soon," Rory said. Iris''s eyes drift to the building. "They got all the place surrounded, it would be hard to get in". "We will find a way," Rory said looking around. He hoped they would, they had to get inside that building. *** Section Seven New York Mall Lorna''s body trembles from an unknown cold, she quickly reaches for her jacket pocket bringing out her meds, she swallowed some pills. She took deep breaths calming a bit. "Calm down Lorna," she told herself, sighing. "Are you okay?!" Jesse asked worriedly seeing how paled she was. "Yeah, am fine," Lorna said forcing a smile. "I didn''t know you take meds," Jesse said raising an eyebrow. "Oh, this?" Lorna said shaking the small container. "It''s for my anxiety issues, it keeps my nerves down" she adds. Jesse just nodded. "I wonder how agent Wyatt is doing, his family is caught up in this mess," Lorna said. "Not good I guess. It''s unbelievable, V-ghouls keeping hostages and making demands?" Jesse said stunned. "There''s something always off about this city" she adds shaking her head. Lorna gulps hard her eyes drifting to the building. About three SUVs pulled up at the scene. Barbra got down along with her agents. Lorna and Jesse turned. "I wonder why they want my aunt," Lorna said worriedly. "She''s the Captain of the agency and the Order, your aunt is the biggest figure, why won''t they hunt her," Jesse said facing her. Lorna knew this was true, her aunt was a very important figure that''s why she chose in the first place to live her life differently and work her future herself. She didn''t want to be part of this hunting parade. "I will be right back," Lorna said walking towards her aunt. Chase walked towards Barbra his expression was unreadable. "You''re an hour late," Chase said impatiently. "I understand how you''re feeling right now Chase" she began placing a hand on his shoulder. "I assure you I will do everything in my power to help Renee and her son, trust me" she assured him. Chase just nods. "The V-ghoul''s want me, we will give them just that" she adds smirking. Chase blinked there must be something up her sleeves but Chase choose to ignore it, he was more worried about Renee and Rex. "Aunt" Lorna rushed to her side. "I will be fine Lorna just stay with the rest of the agents until I make my call," Barbra said knowing what she was about to say. "I have everything under control now stick to your post" she adds. "Yes, Aunt" Lorna''s eyes slowly drift to Chase who paid no attention to her. "Shall we?" Barbra said walking towards the other agents. Chase was about leaving but Lorna held his jacket slightly. "Everything will be okay sir" Lorna assured him. Chase gave her a look like she was in no position to say that. He walked away not saying a word. "Are you are willing to do this, who knows what they will do when they get their hands on you?" Chase said following Barbra behind. Barbra took off her suit jacket, taking two mini-guns from an agent. "Really?!" Chase scoffs. "Going in armed?" he adds. "I can''t take that risk Chase, we have never dealt with this kind of ghouls before, precautions must be taken. It''s okay I will be the only one going in armed, you don''t have to" she stated firmly as she hid the gun at her back, putting back on her suit jacket. "Let''s just hope they keep their end of the bargain. I will try my best to get them out" Barbra said sternly. "Let''s go," she said turning to the building. Chase followed behind. ''Just wait Renee, Rex, am coming''. He thought. *** Rory walks back to Iris. Iris was busy studying the scene, she watches as Barbra and Chase walked into the building alone. ''The V-ghoul''s wants the Captain of the agency, uncle was right they must be after something, let''s hope their leader is in there too''. She thought. "I checked for any means to get into that building, there''s no way in," Rory said. Iris''s eyes drift to the other building beside the mall. "Then we will have to use another means," Iris said. Rory''s eyes averted to where her gaze was. "Not only are we going in outnumbered and now we are gonna have to jump to the building," Rory said sarcastically. "Great just great" he adds. "It''s the only way Rory we have to get inside and end this" she turns to him. "Fine" he groans turning to the others. "Let''s go," Rory said to the other three ghouls they nodded heading out. "It''s your call," Rory said, Iris nods as they walked out. Inside The Mall Chase and Barbra took the elevator to the fourth floor. "Do whatever I say" Barbra said. "Seems like you have a plan," Chase said certainly. She smirks. "Not a plan Chase, but a way we will both survive in this," she said amused. "Let''s hope this your not a plan theory doesn''t get anyone killed". Chapter 52 - Black Hostage (Part 1) Fourth Floor The elevator made a ding sound as the doors slide open. They froze when they saw two Claws. A V-ghoul walked up to them. "Get them out" the V-ghoul hissed as the other V-ghouls beside him grab them. They lead them to the hall where the hostages were. Not just men and women were held captive but also children. "Chase!" Renee said with tears in her eyes, a V-ghoul held her steady. Rex''s arms were around her waist scared. "Renee, Rex" Chase said worriedly. "Well, well, well" a dark voice came in. They turned as Wayne steps forward. "I finally got to meet the almighty Captain of the agency," he said amused. Barbra''s look darken. "You now have the Captain now let the hostages go" Chase hissed. Wayne ticks his tongue. "Am afraid we have a little misunderstanding here. You see I said I wanted the Captain and then only the mother and son leave" Wayne said firmly, the other hostages panicked. "You piece of shit" Chase growls coming at him but the V-ghoul holding him brought Chase to his knees. Chase tried to break free but the V-ghoul overpowered him. "Don''t make a move" Wayne warns darkly. "Ward, escort them out," Wayne said to a V-ghoul. The man called Ward nodded as he grabs Renee and Rex out. "Chase!" Renee said worried as they took them away. "You see I kept my end of the bargain" Wayne said. "What about the other hostages," Barbra said darkly. "I have my use for them" the moment he said that Claws surged out of the V-ghouls attacking them as they screamed, blood slashing everywhere. Chase watch in horror as women, men, and children were devoured before his eyes. Barbra looked away sighing at the awful sight. Chase''s eyes shake as he saw nothing but human pieces, he looked away feeling the urge to throw up but he held it in. "Am sure you have gotten the message. We are nothing like other ghouls, we don''t kill to defend ourselves but we kill for our pleasure" Wayne said amused. "You''re all the same" Chase hissed pissed. "No we are not, you should have caught that now," he said. Chase blinks puzzled but then his eyes widen in realization. "No," Chase said with shaky eyes. "Do you think I would let them go?" Wayne said darkly "NO!" Chase shouts coming at Wayne but the V-ghoul with one hand fling him to the wall hard. Chase fainted due to the impact as blood trailed from his head. "What do you want?!" Barbra hissed. Wayne walked towards her and stood in front. "You very well know what I want". *** Third Floor The elevator made a ding sound as the doors slide open. "Why here?! We are supposed to be on the last floor," Renee said. Ward smiled pushing Renee to the ground, Rex fell to the ground crying due to the impact. "REX!" Renee shouts in horror about going to her son but Ward backed her down to the ground, climbing on top of her. "Get away from me" Renee hissed trying to push him away but he overpowered her. "Hush now, you''re making your son cry," ward said amused as his ghoul''s eyes shine in amusement. "Now just stay still," he said grabbing a feast full of her hair, Renee cries out in pain, he raised her off her feet, throwing her at the table, her front pushed against the table, hard. "Mummy!" Rex cried. "Please don''t do this" She cried. Ward chuckled grabbing her from behind. "Please stop please". Ignoring her protest, he raised her gown from behind almost ripping the fabric to shreds, Renee instantly reacted as she turned and gave him a good kick to the shin. He growls loudly in pain facing Renee with angry eyes, a hard impact came from her face it was the back of his hand, Renee saw stars as blood trailed from her lips, she stumbles beside Rex who held her tightly as he cried. "You''re dead bitch" Ward hissed, his Claw surging out. Tears filled eyes as the Claw came after them, roaring. Suddenly through the glass, Iris and Rory along with other ghouls came in. Ward noticed this as he halts his action. Renee quickly carried her son and ran towards the other hall in fear, seeing it as an opportunity. "Ghouls" Ward hissed as his Claw came after them. *** Fourth Floor "We got an intruder, it''s the ghouls from the black lotus" a V-ghoul whispered to Wayne. "Round up the other V-ghoul''s," he said. "And kill them" he adds without hesitation. The V-ghoul nods walking out. Wayne turns back to Barbra who kept a stern expression. "Where were we?!" Wayne said amused. "The part you want me dead" Barbra with a smirk reaching for her pocket unnoticed as she pressed a button from a device there. "Before that I want you to tell me about the black ghoul, you have been keeping tabs on him for years, I want to know" Wayne demands. *** Outside The agents got the alert. "Alright we are going in," Kris said to all the agents. "What about the hostages we can''t risk an open fire," Lorna said. "We have a direct order and we must follow," Kris said firmly, Lorna just nodded. She knew something was off but Kris was right, they have to follow orders. "Let''s do this" Jesse said clicking her gun, it started automatically. Lorna did also as they charge towards the building in full storm. *** Inside "You should know I haven''t seen the black ghoul for three years now," Barbra said sternly. "Oh yeah?! Then what''s his father doing in the agency" he said pissed. Barbra froze. "We know everything, Barbra" he adds. She gulps hard. Chase slowly got himself, he regains consciousness. He slowly opened his eyes. "Renee, Rex" he murmurs worried. "I know the reason why the black ghoul attacked the agency three years ago," Wayne said. Chase caught this as his eyes drift to them. "Because he was trying to get his father out" he adds. Chase froze at the sudden discovery. ''What?!''. Chase thought with shaky eyes. *** Third Floor Renee ran as fast as she could with Rex in her arms, she halts when she heard gunshots. ''The agents must be here''. Renee thought. ''I have to find a way to the last floor''. "Mummy, am scared," Rex said crying. "It''s alright dear, we will get out soon, mummy just have to find the stairs," Renee said groaning, her cheeks still sting from the hard slap but she ignored it, she had to find a way out. She got to the other side of the corridor but froze when she saw a V-ghoul. He turns to her, his Claw roared at them. Renee panicked running as fast as she could. The Claw dash after her in speed, it got to a corner, looking around but couldn''t find her. Renee was able to hide at the clothing line. Her body trembling, she knew they couldn''t make it at this state, She feared for her son''s sake, she knew the Claw won''t hesitate to kill him, she had to think of a way to protect her son even if it meant taking a risk. ''I have to draw the Claw away''. She thought she spots a corner. She stood up a little to check if the Claw was here yet but it wasn''t, she used that opportunity to move to the corner, she placed Rex there. "Listen, sweetie, mummy will try and draw the Claw out, to do that I have to be fast, I can''t risk carrying you with me," Renee said shakily. Knowing if she did, they will both die, she had to take this risk and find an agent that can help her. "Mummy," Rex said crying as he sobs. "You will have to be quiet and wait for me, okay?" she said. Rex nods, she slowly wipes his tears away with her thumb. "My brave boy," Renee said tearily as she closed the hangers that had clothes in them making sure he was hidden. "I will be right back," Renee said rushing out. She got out of the clothing line, the Claw came in view and roared in a distance. Renee gasps as she rushed towards the other side of the stairs, she shut the door as the Claw hammered on it almost breaking the door down.. Renee rushed downstairs knowing the Claw will follow. Chapter 53 - Black Hostage (Part 2) Iris took harsh breaths as she leans on the wall, she turned to the dead ghouls in nothing but pieces and V-ghoul''s on the ground in the pool of their blood. "Rory," Iris said worriedly. They got separated during the fight, she forced her body up as she walks further to the other side of the hall, she heard gunshots, and she knew the agents were in already. "Rory" Iris said through the comm. "Rory, Rory. Do you copy, where are you?!" she hissed but no answer only static noises. She halts her action seeing a V-ghoul a bit injured, she raised her head seeing Iris, Iris froze. Rory had to be beside her brother before she could summon their Claw. The V-ghoul smiles darkly as her Claw surged out and growls. Iris groans limping towards the other side of the hall the Claw coming at her as it climbed on all fours on the wall. Iris took harsh breaths as she tried her best to move, she missed her step and fell on the ground. She spots a rod. The Claw roars and jumped at her, Iris growls as she pulled the rod up, the Claw bounced on her, the long rod sliding deeply in the chest. The action made the V-ghoul cough blood, the Claw revered back. Iris forced her body up as she shouts flinging the rod at the V-ghoul, it came after her in speed, her eyes widen as the rod penetrated her chest, the force hanging her to the wall, blood slashing everywhere. Iris took harsh breaths. "Iris" her comm sounds. "Rory! Rory where are you? Are you okay?" she asked worried. *** Fourth Floor "Yes I am," Rory said as he leaned on a wall, blood trailing from his head but it wasn''t serious. "When the V-ghoul''s attacked us" Rory began taking harsh breaths. "You saw it right, they eat ghouls" he adds. "Yes I saw it," Iris said through the comm. "Both of us are the only ones left, the agents have swamped the place, am afraid we have to abort the mission," Rory said sternly. "This is the only chance we got Rory, we have to do this" Iris urged. "Dammit Iris can''t you see, we are fighting for a lost cause, we are lucky we even made it alive" Rory hissed. He heard sounds. "Rory are you there?" Iris asked. "Just hold on a minute," Rory said offing the comm. Rory quietly walks towards the place the sound was coming from. He got to a door opening a bit, he peeks through a tiny space, about three V-ghoul''s were inside. He blinks when he saw a man and the captain of the agency. ''That''s the captain of the agency, but who''s that man?'' Rory thought puzzled. ''Is that the leader of the V-ghoul''s?'' "Yes, Barbra Jones I know the black ghoul father is working with the agency," Wayne said. Rory froze as his eyes widen. "What''s he talking about?!" Chase demands, he was leaning against the wall for support, his body still ached from the harsh impact. "Seems like your most trusted man doesn''t know what you keep in the dark" Wayne said amused. "You''re a woman of secrets" he adds. "Don''t listen to him Chase he''s lying" Barbra said darkly. Wayne chuckled deeply. "You still have the nerves to lie, you''re one hell of a woman". Rory''s eyes shake. ''What is this?'' He thought as he moved back slowly. ''That''s why''. He gulps hard. ''That''s why Evan''s plan didn''t work because Liam''s father is working with the agency''. He leaned on the wall. ''That''s the reason why Liam is after the agency not just because of Riley''s death but because his father betrayed him''. Rory ran his hands in his hair frustrated. ''The traitor is Dr. Steve? But he wasn''t aware of our plan, then who? Who tipped us off?'' Suddenly Rory heard someone coming, he quickly rushes out. Chase slowly forced his body up, what he just heard left his body in shock but he couldn''t tell if the V-ghoul was saying the truth. A V-ghoul rushed in, their attention turned to him. "Sir the agents have stormed the place," he said. Wayne turned to Barbra in a flash he held her throat, she chocks. "You brought them in?" he hissed. Barbra smiles despite the pain she was in. "Tic¡­tick-tock," she said darkly. *** Second Floor The agents came at the V-ghoul''s with raging gunfire. Lorna shot at a V-ghoul''s chest multiple times as he drops dead. "Spread out," Kris said as they did. Lorna and Jesse moved to the other side of the hall. They pointed their gun at all sides in the empty corridor. "No V-ghoul''s here," Jesse said. But then they heard a sound, they turned, almost shooting but it was Renee who ran towards them terrified. "Please, please, please help me, my son," she said holding Lorna''s hands in panic. "You''re Renee," Lorna said puzzled, remembering when their profile came up when they were identifying the hostages, she nods sobbing. "I had to draw the Claw away, I had to hide Rex please help me," she said, they heard a noise in a distance. "Where is he?!" Lorna demands. "At the clothing line, the end row," she said. "Am coming with you" she adds. "No, I promise I will get him," Lorna said. "No, no". "Trust me," Lorna said looking deep into her eyes. She nods as she cried. "Jesse you take her out," Lorna said. "No am not leaving you," Jesse said. "You need to take her out, it''s risky if she goes down herself" Lorna reasoned. Jesse sighs in defeat. "Don''t get yourself killed" Jesse said holding Renee steady. "It''s okay," Jesse said in a console as she took Renee out. Renee turned as they left, she gave Lorna pleading eyes. "Don''t worry I will find him" Lorna said. She turns to the corridor clicking her gun as she walks further, she turns to the other side seeing the Claw coming from a distance. Lorna fires at it as it came for her in speed, it sent its sharp claws at her, she turned as she took her foot to the wall, in slow motion she spins on it as she somersaulted on the air, the Claw turning, she fired at the Claw chest landing on the floor perfectly squatting down. The Claw revered as it moved in green bandages. Lorna quickly followed it in speed knowing it will lead her to the V-ghoul. *** Third Floor Rex cleaned his tears as his crying reduced, he heard a noise that echoed. "Mummy?" he said with shaky eyes. He crawls out of the space getting on his feet, he looked around. "Mummy!" he called again as he walks out of the clothing line. He stood watching both sides of the hall wondering which one he should follow, he turned right. *** Lorna kept following the reversed Claw, she halts as she hid behind a wall when she saw the V-ghoul, and the Claw reversed back inside him. He coughs blood holding his chest. Lorna took a deep breath as she came out of hiding shooting at the V-ghoul multiple times on the chest, he drops dead instantly. Lorna quickly went to the clothing line, going to the exact row Renee described. She zaps the hangers open, she froze seeing nothing. "Shit" she cursed, this was bad. "Rex!" she called but no answer, Lorna panicked as she searches for him hoping and praying he was okay. She took a left turn. *** Fourth Floor Barbra snap as she quickly brought out her gun and shot at Wayne''s shoulder, he growls in pain releasing her. "Chase" Barbra hissed as she threw him another gun. He caught it as he fired at three V-ghoul''s randomly. Chase used that opportunity as he grabs Barbra and made a run for it. Wayne growls holding his bleeding shoulder as it healed. "KILL THEM!" Wayne roars in rage. Chapter 54 - Black Incoming Chase and Barbra rushed to an elevator, they got in as Chase quickly pressed the button, and the doors closed taking them to the last floor. Chase clicked his gun, pointing it to Barbra''s head. She turned at the action unwavering. "You better start talking," Chase began darkly. "I hope you''re aware that you are pointing a gun at your Captain,". "I don''t fucking care just tell me, tell me the truth, what the V-ghoul said, is it true?!" he demands pissed. Barbra smiled. "I always admire your courage Chase, it''s what makes you exceptional from the others," she said amused, but then her features turns serious. "No Chase, it''s all a lie. Tell me, why would I harbor the father of the black ghoul who was responsible for Seth''s death" She made a point, why would Barbra do such a thing? She hated the black ghoul more than anything, it didn''t make any sense that she would do such a thing. He had to rethink the situation and beside why was he gonna listen to the words of a ghoul. Chase slowly lower his gun. "You have to start trusting me, Chase. If you want the world to be a better place" she adds sternly. The moment she said that the elevator made a ding sound as the doors slide open. "I will forget what you just did, consider it a favor," she said stepping out, Chase slowly stepped too. "Chase" Barbra said at the out entrance. "It''s Renee" she adds. Chase''s eyes widen as he rushes towards where Barbra stood, his eyes land on Renee at where the other few agents were, she was in a panic as Jesse tried to calm her down. "Renee," Chase said relieved as he rushed to her side, Renee turned to Chase. "Chase," she said trembling. "Rex, Rex is still in there my baby boy is still inside that building" she cried. Chase froze in shock. "I told an agent to get him but I still haven''t heard from her, Chase what if something bad happens to him," she said sobbing. "Lorna went after him, it''s been an hour now," Jesse said worriedly. Chase turns to the building. *Loud Flapping Sound* This caught everyone''s attention, all actions halt as they heard the sound. They all look up one after the other. Chase looked up. Barbra came to where they were as she looked up too. In a distance, something came for the building. The civilians at the other end gasp as they saw what was coming. "What''s that," Chase said with wide eyes. In a speed of black shadow, something came further and further like a plague. *** Few Minutes Ago Five buildings away from the mall where the chaos was raging. A hooded figure stood at the top of a building, at the edge watching the scene from the distance he was, the lights there bright, with wailing sirens. "Boss it''s getting more intense in there" a female voice sounds from the comm, it was small and black, clicked to his ear. "Agents, ghouls. The current status in there is still unknown, I will have to hack into the surveillance cameras" she said again. He squats on the edge as the wind careless around him, his long black jacket flapping behind him. His body vibrates in intense black shadow like he was phasing. "You have five minutes to hack" his voice was deep and dark. "Boss" she began. "The distance to the building is too much, when you merge with Ghost the amount of speed per second will be too intense" she adds. "I will take that risk," Liam O''Brien said darkly as he jumps off the edge of the building falling fast. He was upside down falling, he slowly closed his eyes, the wild wind flapping around his body, his body still vibrating. He flashes his ghoul eyes open as his whole body went up in dark shadow, black wings spread widely flying direct to the mall like a plague, it moved in extreme speed. *** The Mall *Loud Flapping Sound* This caught everyone''s attention, all actions halt as they heard the sound. They all look up one after the other. Chase looks up. Barbra came to where they were as she looks up too. In a distance, something came for the building. The civilians at the other end gasp as they saw what was coming. "What that?" Chase said with wide eyes. In a speed of black shadow, something came further and further like a plague. *Loud Panic Screams* "It''s the black ghoul!" Barbra hissed. The black shadow flew into the building with force, it causes a loud noise as pieces of glass from the building splashed everywhere, from all the windows. The crowd had to duck at the sudden splash. Chase covered Renee as she shouts. "ALL AGENTS THE BLACK GHOUL IS IN THERE" Barbra shouts at her comm due to the loud noise. "EVERYONE IN THERE NOW!" *** Inside Sixth Floor In a wide hall, there was a large wave of destruction due to the force, the destruction shows down to a hole that leads to the second floor, spoiled wires gave sparks of electricity. *** Second Floor Kris''s hands trembled as he points the gun at the black shadow that barge in from nowhere, from above. About six agents were with him who trembles also. The intense dark shadow slowly stood up about fifteen feet tall, the wings spread out. The agents watch with shaky eyes as the shadow slowly lessen bit by bit until it revealed Liam, he cracked his head, sighing as he slowly opened his ghoul eyes that lands on the agents. Bits of his front hair fell on his forehead out from his hood, he didn''t cover his face, it was exposed to them. He wore a long knee-length leather jacket, beneath was a white long sleeve shirt tucked in, the button down a bit, black pants, and shoes. A dark smirk pressed against his lips in a sick twisted manner, smelling their fear, his ghoul''s eyes beams dangerously. Chapter 55 - Black Ghoul (Part 1) Third Floor Lorna''s body shock in pain, it was arching and it sore thoroughly due to the hard impact with to ground, she slowly opens her eyes groaning, her vision was hazy as she shocks her head to regain composure and it did help, she forced her body up dusting the glass pieces from her body. She was close to the window and then suddenly the glass went off like a bomb all of a sudden. ''Something must have got in with a huge amount of force, but what?'' she thought certain, that couldn''t have happened at random. She leans against the wall slightly weak, but she pushed it aside, she had to fulfill her promise to a desperate mother, she had to move, whatever caused that shake, she wasn''t gonna stick around to find out, but that was about to change. "All agents the black ghoul is in there" her comm sounds, she froze as her eyes widen. "What?! " she said in shock. "Oh no!" she said again, completely petrified, this was not what she was expecting, the shake was indeed caused by the black ghoul. Of all worst-case scenarios to happen, it was this, this was beyond bad, no this was seating at the edge of the mountain, this was terror. "This is bad, I have to get Rex out" she panics looking around. She turns right heading for another lobby, she had to be fast and get Rex out. She turned to the next hall spotting an elevator, she rushes toward it, ignoring the pile of bodies. *** Outside The whole crowd was in more disrupt knowing now the black ghoul was involved, panic, protests, newscasters airing live about the current situation. Chase quickly grab the guns he needed in haste, refilled the bullet, he included some other weapons he rendered useful, when done he was about to rush to the building but Barbra grabs his arm stopping him. "I have to go in there, Rex is still in there," he said sternly. "I know" she began. "What we saw just now, the shadows, it can only mean one thing," she said darkly. "The black ghoul is on full power". "That doesn''t stop me from going in there," Chase said releasing her grip. "I will get Rex out no matter," He said finally. Barbra nods. "I will send you back up when the rest of the team gets ready," she said. No answer, Chase rushes toward the entrance. Barbra watch as he disappeared into the building. *** Jesse and Peter got ready to storm the building along with the rest of the agents, they hurried as fast as they could. "Lorna, Mia, Kris, and other fox members are in there right now," Peter said, his hands shaking as he inserts the bullet in his gun, fear gripping his whole body, knowing what they were going in to face. "You saw it right? That black shadow, it''s unlike anything we have ever seen", the bullets slipping from his hand to the ground. "Hey," Jesse said placing her hand on his, he turns to her. "They are gonna be okay" she gave him hope. He gulps hard, he wasn''t too sure about that. "I hope so" Jesse paled at his reply, knowing he was right, her partner was in there too and she feared for the worst but she had to stay strong and face this, this is what they were made for. "We are agents" she began sternly. Peter''s shaky eyes fixed on her. "We are the stronghold of everyone in this city, we have to face whatever is in there", she places a hand on his shoulder. "And we have each other backs" Peter nods a bit relieved. "Good now let''s go in there and save our team". *** Inside Second Floor Kris, wide eyes, his dead body in the pool of his blood along with other agents, some in pieces while some were missing some parts, was a goofy sight. Liam''s shoes march the pool of blood leaving trails as he slowly walks to the other hall, hands in his pocket, only his footsteps could be heard in the wide lobby. "Kayla are you in? Your times up," Liam said clicking on the small earplug he wore. "Yes boss, just give me a minute," Kayla said through the comm. "I did give you a minute and it was five," Liam said impatiently. "Sorry boss,". Liam just growls, he hated time-wasting, he wanted to be done with this as soon as possible. He observed the area, blood splashes against the walls, bodies of both agents and ghouls scattered on the cold floor. He turns to the other hall but halts when he saw a V-ghoul struggling to get up, his leg wounded, the shifted bone could be seen, sticking out, but he healed slowly. The V-ghoul spots Lia. ''A ghoul?'' he thought as his expression changes. He growls as his Claw surge out of him in rage. "Green Claw?" Liam said raising an eyebrow, staring at the Claw and how bizarre it looked, the rage erupting from it was off the charts different from the normal type of ghoul. "Am in" his comm sounds. "Kayla, are you seeing this?" "Is that-" before she could say more, the Claw roars coming at him. Liam tilted his head to the side still assessing. "Unusual and different" Liam comments. The Claw roars as it flings his sharp claws at Liam. Liam just took a step back, hands still in his pocket dodging it with a swift move. In slow motion, Liam watched as the Claw''s hand missed him. ''This must be the V-ghoul Iris was talking about''. He thought as the Claw passed him. The V-ghoul froze at how Liam dodge the attack in one move. "Kill him!" the V-ghoul hissed. The Claw roars turning, it came at Liam from behind. The sharp Claws coming again but Liam yet again dodges it, he grabs the Claw''s arm with one hand ripping it off, the Claw roaring in pain, bizarre. The V-ghoul held his chest feeling it. Liam flings the arm away. "Ghost!" the moment he said his name. Something came out of his back, in a zap of speed Ghost bit the Claw''s head off. The head rolling on the ground as it reversed back inside the V-ghoul who coughs out blood, going down on his knees. Ghost''s long extended tongue tastes his lips up and down in an amusing manner. "This one tastes different" Ghost said raising an eyebrow, his voice deep and dark. The V-ghoul froze in complete shock when he heard Ghost speak. ''His Claw talks?'' "What the hell?" he said as his shaky ghoul eyes lands on Ghost who stood taller than any other Claw he has ever seen, and then it hit him, who he just faced was none other than the black ghoul, that thought sent shivers to his spine. Ghost walks towards the V-ghoul hunching, his steps haunting and deadly, the man''s body trembles more knowing he was a goner, no one ever encounters the black ghoul and lived, that was his tale they had heard all these years and it was true. He gulps hard at the thought. Ghost smirks smelling his fear, he points one of his long extended fingers on his forehead, drawing blood from the light touch, the V-ghoul could only watch in horror, knowing he was already doomed for. "What should Ghost do with the V-ghoul" Ghost said as his tongue came out swapping to and fro. Liam just walks past them not minding anything. "Whatever you want Ghost," he said in a bored tone. Ghost chuckles deeply, the man shouts as Ghost duck his longhand in his chest, blood splashing everywhere, he retreats it, the V-ghoul dropping on the ground dead. "Boss, I got all the surveillance," Kayla said through the comm. "The message we received was clear, the V-ghoul''s are different from us, they eat ghoul" she adds a bit shaky. "Ghouls eating ghouls," Liam said amused. "This is what you don''t see every day" he adds standing in front of the elevator, he pushed the button as the door slide open, Ghost stood behind him. "I found out another thing, their leader is on the fourth floor," Kayla said. Ghost elf''s ear twitched. "Leader?" Ghost asks puzzled. "Who would lead a group of raging ghouls? Ghost don''t understand". "Only a maniac would. Kayla, are there any ghouls from the black lotus?" he adds then reaching his pocket for something. "Two, boss, I ran a facial recognition. Iris and Rory Lake" she said. Liam handled Ghost a comm, Ghost took it with just two fingers. He brought it close to his bandaged eyes like he was seeing it. "You know what to do Ghost," Liam said stepping into the elevator. "I have a V-ghoul leader to catch," Liam said darkly. "Race you there" he adds checking his watch, flashing Ghost a smirk as the doors slide shut. Ghost chuckles deeply. "This will be fun". Chapter 56 - Black Ghoul (Part 2) Third Floor Rory opens a door leading to a hall, he looks around for V-ghoul''s or agents before stepping out, quietly walking further. He was on the fourth floor when he heard the loud crash a few minutes ago. ''I wonder what caused that sound''. Rory thought puzzled, he just hoped it wasn''t some bomb by the agency because something like that was bound to happen again if the agency was involved. he just hoped it was something else that caused it. He heard static noises from his comm. "Iris! Iris is that you? Where are you?" Rory asked hastily hoping to get a word from his sister, he prayed she was okay. The static cleared. "Rory Lake, this is Kayla Gibbs from the Silver-lining". Rory froze when he heard the tiny voice. He was confused. "Your sister is at the next turn, she''s seriously injured," Kayla said. "What?" Rory said in shock. He panicked hoping it wasn''t serious. "There''s no time to explain now, you have to get to your sister. Ghost will be coming to get you guys". The comm went off. "Ghost?" Isn''t that Liam''s Claw?" he said in realization. "That means the crash, it was Liam," he said again. ''Liam''s here?''. He thought, he came after all and in a big way. His eyes drift to the hall, he rushed further as he was told where he would find Iris. *** Iris was seated on the floor against a wall, her body shocking in pain but worse it was coming from her knee, she held her injured knee hissing in pain. "Dammit" she cursed looking around, hoping no agent would come at this state she was in, it could end badly for her. "Rory where are you?" she said worried, her comm had no signal, she couldn''t get to him, their mission was in jeopardy, there was no use going on with it, she knew that now, she silently prayed her brother was okay, there was nothing more important than that. "Iris!" She gasps when she heard Rory''s voice, she turned as he rushed to her side. Iris wounded knee slowly healed now that Rory was here. "The window glass just broke all of a sudden" Iris said. "I know it," Rory said, giving her a look that he experienced it too. "Rory what was that? it couldn''t be a bomb right?". "Yes, I thought it was a bomb too but it wasn''t" he took a deep breath. "It was Liam. Liam is here" Rory said sighing this time. Iris''s eyes slowly widen in shock. "He...he...he''s here?" she said trembling at the mere thought of it. She couldn''t believe it, Liam was here, he was here, he came for them, her call reached him when she thought it didn''t, the thought of him coming because of her call made her smile faintly. ''Liam is finally here'' she thought as her insides bobbled with joy. Suddenly about five agents came into the hall. They froze as the agents point their guns at them, they were about to shoot when something zaps in their mist, the next thing was, blood splashed everywhere as the agent drops dead on the ground. Rory and Iris watch with shaky eyes as Ghost stood in their presence, he stared at his bloody claws, he waved it as the blood on it splashed on the wall. He growls turning to them. "Ghost," Iris said shakily. He smirks. "Ghoul twins" Ghost said amused. They paled at the sound of his voice. "Holy shit! Ghost can talk?" Rory said astonished, Ghost throws the comm to Rory, he caught it clumsy still stunned. "Rory, Iris" Liam''s voice came through the comm. "Liam!" Rory and Iris said in unison. "Liam, is that you?" Iris said as tears filled her eyes, hearing his voice right now made her heartache. "I will handle things from here, Ghost will get you guys out" the comm went off. "Liam wait!" Iris said haste as she took the comm. But only static noise could be heard. "Time to go," Ghost said coming at them. "Wait what are you doing?" Rory panics. Ghost just chuckles darkly as he grabs them In a flash, he jumps out of the window flying out in a distance. *** Two Building Away From The Mall Ghost flew to the top of a building landing hard, he drops them. Rory held his stomach as a wave of nausea hit him. "Fuck" he cursed as he rushed to hurl at a corner. Iris felt like her head was spinning, she held her ground before she would fall. Ghost turned about leaving, Iris rushed to him. "Ghost," she said. He halts turning slightly. "Liam, what''s he gonna do?" Iris asked with shaky eyes. "Finish your mission" Ghost said as his black wings spread out waving and then flying out. Rory groans walking towards Iris, his stomach practically empties from the hurling, but that wasn''t his concern, but rather the impossible thing that happened right in front of him. "Ghost can talk and more importantly understand us," Rory said still finding it hard to believe, they never knew Claws could do that, Claws were only their predatory organs, a part of them but talking? something like that has never happened. "He said Liam will finish the mission," Iris said still staring at the building a distance away. "You mean like-" "Kill the leader of the V-ghouls" she cut him off facing him. "That will lessen some load right?" he shrugs. "I hope so," Iris said, she wasn''t so sure that just killing their leader would stop the V-ghouls from striking again. They heard the roof door open, they turned at the sound, as an average height lady walks towards them. "Who are you?" Iris demands seeing the strange face. She smiled as the wind careless her dark red long hair packed in a high ponytail, she adjusts her glasses. "Kayla Gibbs at your service," she said smiling, clicking on her earplug. Rory and Iris looked at each other briefly before facing her. *** The Mall Fourth Floor Wayne walks into the long lobby, about three V-ghouls behind him. "That crash was caused by the black ghoul sir," a V-ghoul said certainly. A dark smile pressed against his lips broadly. "He has come to us," Wayne said amused. He halts his step, turning to the V-ghoul''s. "Evacuate with the others, I will meet with the black ghoul alone," he said sternly, they nod heading back. Wayne walks to the other side of the lobby where the elevator was, it made a ding sound as the door slide open. Wayne halts his steps at the sudden ding sound. Liam steps out, he turns to Wayne. "Liam O''Brien" Wayne said amazed like he was staring at an out worldly creature. "We finally meet,". Liam''s look darken. "My name is Wayne Sanford, leader of the V-ghoul''s, I believe we have much to discuss". "Discuss?" Liam raised an eyebrow, wondering what he was getting at. Wayne took a step closer as he explained. "Yes Liam, you see I have been looking for you for years now, I believe we share the same ideals". Liam just made a Hmm sound at his words. "We both want to get rid of the agents once and for all and create a better world where ghouls can have the right to live," he said sincerely. "The humans will pay for treating us like garbage" he spat grimacing. "We may have the same ideology Wayne" Liam motioned with his hands pointing to them both "But our choices make us different" he adds sternly. Wayne smiles but it didn''t reach his eyes. "Even ghouls should pay, ghouls like your father" Wayne said darkly. Liam''s fist tightens just by the sound of that, although it was impulse yet he felt his blood boil, his ghoul''s eyes beam dangerously. "Yes Liam, I know what your father did, I know everything," he said, knowing he had an edge to Liam''s pain and anger, he just had to pull the trigger, why else would Liam come after the agency, he knew Liam resented them as much as he did too. "Join me, Liam, join me and we can set this world right, we will rule the world together," Wayne said stretching out his hand for Liam to take. It was inevitable that Liam would agree to this, the agency took everything from him, Liam was like a ticking bomb wherever he went and Wayne needed the button so he could push it as much as he wants, as far as he was concerned Liam wasn''t pushing his limit as hard as he wanted him to, which is why Wayne needed him and why Liam needed him, all he just had to do was say yes and the world would be theirs. Wayne smirks as he notices Liam''s eyes drifted to his hand, he knew he would take it because he could give Liam what he wants.... Total destruction of the agency. Chapter 57 - Black Voice Wayne smirks as he notices Liam''s eyes drifted to his hand, he knew he would take it because he could give Liam what he wants... Total destruction of the agency. "You are very unique Liam" Wayne surge further knowing he was reaching Liam in no time, he just had to keep the conservation going. "You are different from other ghouls, you possess a greater power over ghouls. You, Liam, will rule the world" he was certain because he knows it, Liam and his Claw were unlike anything they have ever seen over the years, he was their piece to every puzzle waiting to be solved. "We ghouls live by an ancient monarchy" he began knowing this would catch Liam''s attention and he alone had the answer. "Ancient monarchy?" Liam scoffs at the mere sound of it. ''An ancient monarchy for flesh-eating monster, sick''. He thought grimacing. "Yes, and you have every right to become the next ghoul king, join me and all that will be realized" Liam scoffs out loud. "Am not seeking for power" Liam began his ghoul eyes burning in his. Wayne''s smile slowly fades. "I want only Justice for ghouls and the end of the agency". Wayne''s stretch-out hand dropped to his side, giving Liam a stern look, seeing no interest in his eyes, it was only hatred. "And you V-ghouls" Liam said the name in disgust. "Your hunger for ghouls and your hostile rage is posing a threat to my kind". "Am I... a threat to you Liam?" Wayne asked. A moment of silence between them, Wayne knew, he could see it in his eyes, Liam would make his greatest enemy and not his ally, that was not on his agenda. "Yes! You are" the moment Liam mouths those words, through the window Ghost bust in, Wayne turns in shock as Ghost grabs him by the neck, lifting him and then slamming him against the wall, hard. "Do you think I will join your silly parade that is nothing but a bunch of maniacs roaming free and for what... ghoul king?" Liam said the word in distaste like it was foreign to him, he never wanted any freaking monarchy, he didn''t know stuff like that existed in the ghoul world but that wasn''t his concern. Ghost elf ears twitches when he heard the word ''Ghoul king'' his smile faded slowly as he fidgets a bit. Wayne chuckles despite the pain he was in. "There''s a lot you don''t know and understand..." Wayne said though clenched teethes the pain building in his throat, the air almost leaving his lungs. "...about ghoul''s traditions," Liam blinks, the what now? "And... not all ghouls are the same" the moment he said that Ghost growls deeply as green bandages came out of Wayne''s body and wrap around him. Liam watches the action with widening eyes, the gradual fast process as the bandages forms around Wayne''s body and that of his Claw merging as one, going up to the same height as Ghost, ghoul eyes flashing open. "You are not the only one with the cool stuff," Wayne said, his voice sounding double of him and his Claw. Wayne stood before them, merged with his Claw, it was just like any Claw wrapped in a green bandage but it was taller like Ghost and deadlier. Before Ghost could make a move, Wayne grabs Ghost by the throat and fling him out the window with force. On the building edge, Ghost held his ground, holding onto something to keep him from falling, one of his wings bent out of shape down to the impact. Wayne''s head snaps to Liam. ''He can merge bodies with his Claw?'' Liam thought puzzled, it was unlike anything he has ever seen, he and Ghost could only merge for flight and it was limited but this right now standing in front of him was what he rendered impossible. "You can''t wield your responsibility, I will gladly take that title from you by killing you" Wayne growls coming at Liam in speed with loud feet steps and thud sounds, His sharp claws aimed for Liam''s head but he dodges it swiftly in simple moves but Wayne was faster, and his hostile behavior only made it worse, Liam found it hard to keep up with his reflex, simple dodge and mostly combat attack wasn''t gonna make much effect. Roaring Wayne grabs Liam by the throat flinging him against the wall, Liam''s body made a hard impact with it, causing cracks, but that didn''t affect Liam as much as Wayne anticipated, he snarled in response. Liam rises to his feet, blood trailing from his lips, their ghoul eyes burning into each other for what seems like seconds. Wayne cracks his head coming at Liam at full speed, his footsteps loud and banging, he roars. "Switch!" Liam hissed as he zaps out in place of Ghost who grabs Wayne''s hand. Ghost growls clawing at Wayne aggressively, pissed, as they both clashed to the up floor in an intense battle. *** Liam was outside holding onto something, he quickly crashed into the third floor in force through the window. His body slides to the ground hard, he rises to his feet his hood coming off in the process, he leans his shoulder against the wall, a glass sticking out his leg, spilling a mouth full of blood he grabs the glass taking it out, blood gushing but his wounds healed, he grunts in pain. Liam turns, growling in a pissed mood, his eyes beaming dangerously, he was surely gonna dig his head deep in Wayne''s chest and that was a promise but all that thought crash when his ghoul''s eyes spot a frightened little boy seated against the wall, his knees to his chest as he trembles in fear of seeing Liam. Rex shakes more on seeing his ghoul eyes, as terror rakes his body. "Aren''t you far from home kid?" Liam said standing fully with a groan, he could see the fear in his eyes, the poor kid was properly on the verge of fainting with his intense breath, it was too much for him to process, Liam could only figure he has been here long and most likely seen scenes he shouldn''t have. "You could get killed out here". Rex sobs as he cried, he stared deep into Liam''s ghoul eyes but that wasn''t the only thing that brought more fear to his body but the cold glamour his features held. "REX!". A voice in a distance came in and it sounded familiar, he didn''t remember bringing anyone to the mission aside from Kayla who was faraway but more importantly it called for this frightened boy. ''Could be the mom''. That was his thought but the voice came in again. "Rex where are you?!" this time it was close and Liam got the better sound of the voice, a shiver ran down his spine, his heart slams in his chest. ''That voice'' he thought. Lorna rushes to the lobby pointing her gun, she saw a frightened Rex in a few distances leaning against the wall staring at a dark figure close to him, her eyes drift to Liam. "Get away from him!" she hissed pissed pointing her gun at him, sure as ready to pull the trigger. Liam slowly turns, It was like slow motion as their eyes locked, the world around them disappearing instantly. Lorna''s breath caught seeing it was the black ghoul, she saw footage of him when she was still in Los Angeles, and right now she could tell that this is the black ghoul, there was no doubt about it. Her hand''s trembles, why did she have to be so unlucky, could fate be any crueler? Face to face to the bringer of death and the agency''s biggest foe. Liam''s eyes widened in pure shock, he stood frozen where he was, his eyes changed to his brown ones, a light inside just by seeing her, tears threatening to come out, he couldn''t believe it, he couldn''t believe his eyes, this must be some kind of dream or something, it has to be. Lorna froze at this action, she was unable to pinpoint why he was there... stiff, not a word said or any move to kill her, he should be making a move to kill her right? She was fucking pointing a gun at him! All her body and mind were screaming danger, alert, fear, and confusion but still, he was just... lost staring deep into her eyes, Lorna felt like he could see inside her soul and unravel the secrets within, maybe he could, which was weird and strange. ''No''. Liam thought, he just couldn''t help it, the void in his heart widens the more. ''It can''t be''. His lips went apart, the tears rolling down his cheeks, leaving him vulnerable but he didn''t care, he couldn''t think and it was hard to breathe because after all this time a name he hasn''t called for years finally found his lips. "Riley!" Chapter 58 - Black Name *Heart Beats Slowly* . . . . . "Riley!" . . . . . *Slow Breaths* . . . . . Lorna froze at the name he called her, It was like time stops around them when he called her that name, everything went slow and spins, she could only hear her heartbeat at this moment. She blinks confused, more importantly, were those tears she saw? It rolled from his eyes unto his cheeks softly, it wasn''t what she expected of the black ghoul, to let his guard down the moment he called her that name or more even right before it. Her body still trembles just by the mere sight of him, his presence alone made it hard for her to breathe properly, she was standing right in front of the black ghoul, the world''s deadliest ghoul, helpless right before her eyes. "What did you call me?" she manages to form the words even though it sounded shaky and faint, she couldn''t help but ask, the curiosity bobbling inside her was too much to handle or maybe she heard wrong or something, it had to be right? Making sure she still pointed her gun at him, this was the agency biggest threat, she shouldn''t be slacking right now, she had to make a move he was at his most vulnerable but, her eyes were glued to his, in those chocolate eyes that showed so much life just by looking at her and more, something raw and possessive. Right this moment she would have believed he wasn''t the killer they say he was, the bringer of death. There was something about him she couldn''t pinpoint, and the way he called her that name, he said it with longing and...love. ''Who is Riley?'' Lorna thought puzzled, that name and that person must mean a lot to him, perhaps a sister or a lover? "Riley," Liam said again, he couldn''t believe his eyes, this must be some kind of dream to him, he could still remember how she died in his arms, her last words, her last smile, and her last breath, it all replayed in his head, how lost he was without her all these years, how broken he was, lonely he was, but right now she was standing right in front of him, alive and well like nothing ever happened and worse an agent, he couldn''t even begin to place the situation right now, seeing her face was too convincing. "Am not, Riley!" Lorna said gulping hard, calling the name right now made her feel uptight, it made her feel strange, it was odd and annoying. "I don''t understand" Liam began lost, he was just as confused just as she was. ''What''s going on?'' that was the thought in his head, They looked just the same, the same green eyes he fell in love with, the sweet sound of her voice that did wonders to his body, except the red hair but Riley dyed it once right? It still could be her, and everything was just the same, was this a blessing or a curse? There had to be a possible explanation to this or else he was losing his mind. ''Riley is alive?'' He thought with shaky eyes. ''No''. He held his head shaking it negatively for a brief second, his fingers ducking in his thick hair lost, of both grief, confusion, and pain. Lorna''s eyes drift to Rex, he was still sobbing frighten. ''I have to get to Rex''. She thought her eyes drifting back to Liam. ''Why isn''t he making any move to kill me?'' She was confused. ''Get it together Lorna, just get to Rex, the black ghoul is off guard right now''. She had to think of something or Rex life would be endangered more or worse, she had to use this opportunity to at least make a move at the black ghoul, but watching him, it was like he wasn''t part of this world anymore or wants to kill her, he was still stuck up with the name he calls so it was a perfect opportunity, her actions were slow as she was about pulling the trigger. ''Aim for the two legs, that will be easier'' she thought to herself sternly, clicking on her gun and ready to fire, the gun coming up in an automatic sound. But suddenly the hairs at the back of her neck stood up, and instinct kicked in. ''Something''s coming''. She thought certain looking up. Liam sensed it too looking up, the up floor vibrates and vibrates, the block above cracked, in less than a second, before they could blink, the up in between them broke in force as a raging Ghost and Wayne drops down, Wayne held his claws hands around Ghost''s neck, Ghost own, clawing his face. Lorna gasps at the sight of the two monstrous Claws, unlike anything she has ever come across. Complete fear grip her body as she lowers her gun slowly, thinking if she would have the chance to shoot that thing. Wayne looks up seeing Liam, he roars coming at him. Liam stood his ground as he held the arms fling at him with his inhuman strength, Liam groans at the harsh impact. "You''re mine, Liam!" Wayne growls out in his double voice, rage bobbling his insides. "REX!" Lorna shouts which gain their attention, Lorna''s eyes were glued to the boy. "An agent?" Wayne hissed, Liam used that opportunity. "Switch!" Liam hissed as Ghost took his place holding Wayne steady. Liam was instantly beside Rex grabbing his jacket, lifting him with no much strength, Rex struggles to break free. Wayne growls pushing Ghost towards them, Rex screams as he ducks his head at the loud crash against the wall. Wayne''s head snaps to the boy he licked his lips in hunger "Ghost!" Liam hissed. "Roger" Ghost said smirking. Wayne froze utterly in shock when he heard Ghost speak. ''His Claw can speak?''. There was no way that was possible, nothing like this has ever happened. Ghost quickly grabs Rex holding his sweater, placing Rex behind him. His wings were all healed up now. Lorna froze at this action, Ghost roars out as his wings spread out, he zaps out through the window to another floor. "NO!" Lorna shouts rushing forward in both panic and fear, she feared for Rex''s safety and now the Claw has him. Wayne growls coming at Liam in speed, Liam saw this coming. Lorna fires her gun at Wayne who came eagerly despite the bullet, she gasps when his sharp claws aim for her head. *Loud Penetrating Sound* *** Third Floor Chase points his gun in all areas, he had been in the mall ever since killing any ghouls he came across and looking for Rex but couldn''t find him, he just prayed and hoped he was alive, he could never forgive himself if something happened to Rex, he was Renee''s stronghold and everything, he had to save Rex no matter what. He turns to a lobby but froze when he saw a Claw he couldn''t make of leaning down and then dropping something on the ground. Chase gasps when he saw he realized it was Rex, panic and fear grip in insides "GET AWAY FROM HIM!" Chase shouts pointing his gun at Ghost, he couldn''t shoot at him because he was close to Rex, he was scared it might hit Rex. Ghost zaps out in speed, nowhere to be seen. Chase rushes to Rex, lying on the floor. "Rex Come on buddy," Chase said holding an unconscious Rex, he checked his pulse, he took a deep breath of relief knowing he was alive but just unconscious, he was glad he made it on time, he quickly carried Rex rushing out. *** Fourth Floor Lorna slowly opens her eyes, she could only hear her heartbeat as she slowly raised her head. She froze, her eyes widen in pure shock at the scene before her. Liam stood in front of her taking slow breaths, Wayne''s claw hand sticking out in front at his up shoulder close to his chest also getting to it, blood gushing out, staining the white shirt he wore beneath. Her shaky eyes drift to his face, he slowly raised his head, blood trailing from his lips. Lorna couldn''t make out what was happening before her, this was rendered impossible and crazy to her, why would he do such a thing, why would he risk it, but she knew, it was clear as day, the black ghoul saved her, it was a shocking realization that left her paralyzed. ''I don''t understand'' this was too much for her to process all in one go. ''Why?'', there had to be a reason or an explanation or something she could make an account for. ''Why would he risk his life?'' to that extend and more ''Why would the black ghoul risk his life for an agent?'' Lorna couldn''t wrap her head around it, it was all too much of a shock to reason, the only question was why would the very black ghoul who has done nothing but kill any agents he has come across and now save her life? Chapter 59 - Black Reason ''I don''t understand'' . . . . . *Heart Beats Slowly* . . . ''Why?'' . . . ''Why would he risk his life?'' . . . ''Why would the black ghoul risk his life for an agent?'' Lorna couldn''t wrap her head around it, it was all too much of a shock to process, the only question was why. "Wh...wh...Why?" she trembles staring deep into his chocolate brown eyes that got her sink in, a feeling from it she couldn''t explain, the intense gaze burn into her own, her green eyes searched his for answers, for any kind of explanation of why he would go this far, the more she stares the more she got sink in. Liam''s hand slowly reaches for her, his blood-stained fingers reach for her cheeks, even though it was just a light touch that trailed blood on her cheeks, she shivered just by that light contact, her body reacting to his touch in all sought of way she couldn''t explain. Wayne drew him back, Lorna gasps terrified as her butt lands on the floor, she went back in panic. Wayne growling out deadly as he abruptly smashes Liam to the wall cracks visible from the impact, his claws dug in his shoulder more deeply. Liam groans in extreme pain, he could hear his shoulder born cracking and cracking, and then it snapped. "Liam O''Brien, your life is in my hands," Wayne said amused, Liam''s answer wasn''t what he expected, he thought Liam pursued power just as he did, but turns out Liam was the weak one, he was the strong one, he was the only one that can wield the responsible, all he had to do was consume Liam and then he can become the ghoul king and more wield the black Claw, it was power at his very own disposal and no one could stop him. Lorna watches the scene petrified to the core knowing that was the end of the black ghoul, this could change everything but still, her body didn''t exactly go well with her mind, she felt a slight pain in her chest for him, for the black ghoul. ''What the fuck is wrong with me?'' She mentally slaps herself, why would she feel such a thing, she must be going nuts, but Liam''s faint chuckle broke her out of that trance, he broke out in a burst of intense laughter that was cold and rang in the hallways. This caught them off guard. Lorna stares at him with wide eyes like he had two heads. Wayne''s smile fading. His dark laughter died down but is still evident in his tone. "Do you think a wound like this can kill me?" Lorna paled as Liam''s features turned cold and dark, it rose a large amount of killing intent, that got them shaking. "Think again," he adds, his eyes changed instantly to his ghoul ones, his body vibrating in dark shadow. Wayne roars in response deepening his claws in his shoulder. Liam growls out as he plunges further despite his wound, he places the back of his foot on the wall pushing his body further at Wayne. He was petrified by Liam''s bizarre move as he spins around and twisted his arm tearing it off. Wayne roars in pain, circling on his feet. Liam got to the ground turning to Wayne holding his cut-off arm as blood spill out. His broken arm spins back to the socket, healing gradually. Lorna watches in horror at this, what he just did was insane, her body was left paralyzed where she was. Wayne''s body slowly went back to its normal human form. He coughs out blood due to his Claw within him injured. Liam walks towards Wayne in a haunting footstep. Wayne knew Liam was coming for him and he was good as dead, he imagined all the horrifying ways he could die in his hand and it wasn''t pleasant, he had to think of a way to get out of this and survive for another day, his Claw within him was deeply injured and there was no way it could come out in that state, his only option was for him to survive on his own. Wayne''s eyes spot the gun on the floor, it was a saving grace for him as he quickly took it in speed and fired at Liam but he dodges it with simple moves, Wayne paled as Liam kept coming despite his advances, there was only one other option and he hated it to the core but that was all the chance he got. He made a run for it, cursing at his retreat. Liam wanted so bad to go after him but he felt a sharp pain in his shoulder, he held it groaning, yes it was healing but it still hurt like hell, it ached and was sore. "Dammit," he cursed pissed, he just missed his chance of completing the mission. He stood upright, his eyes drifting to Lorna, their gaze pins each other down once one. She stared deep into his ghoul eyes unable to say anything, whenever their eyes met it was like time stops around them because of the way he looks at her. She gulps. Lights flashes into the lobby through the window, it was from choppers circling outside. Liam slowly walks towards Lorna, she panics at his action but her body didn''t respond. ''Get up dammit!''. She cursed herself but her body didn''t make any move, pure fear clung to her at that moment. He stood in front of her and squats, leaning close, her breath caught, their faces inches apart from each other, she could now see his handsome features, bits of his brown hair fell on his forehead perfectly, and it intrigued her. His hand reaches for her, tears fell from Lorna''s eyes. ''Am gonna die''. Lorna thought closing her eyes and trembling, hoping for the worst but then it was just a gentle cold touch on her flushed cheek, she opens her eyes surprised at the touch against her cheek. Her eyes searched his ghoul ones for answers of ''why'' but it was unreadable and cold, all this dark faint affection started when he called her that name and it scared her and chilled her insides, his palm moved slightly against her cheeks, she shivers at the action never taking her eyes off his, their face was so close, so close that she thought he might kiss her. "I will be back for you" the moment he mouths those words she felt like her heart would give out any second, and he was dead serious when he said those words, she could see it in his eyes. "I will" he adds sternly, she gulps hard wondering what he was getting at. Liam needed to be sure, he needed to dig and find out why the fuck this agent looks like his Riley, he would have preferred to swamp her off her feet and carried her in his arms and away, far away until he got his answers, but still, he couldn''t take that risk, it would raise suspicions, which he didn''t want right now. Being this up close to her he could see his Riley, every little detail about her, her smooth skin he would love to run his hands through, those pump pink lips he would love to devour. "AGENT HART" a voice came in, breaking Liam out of his trance, he stiffens a bit realizing that maybe her name, it made him unease as doubt cloud his thoughts and all possible reason of this agent being his Riley all gone, sternly Liam rise to his feet and backs away from her without turning, he halts. Ghost zaps in through the broken wall that leads to the other lobby, he stood behind Liam as he growls. He turned to Lorna. "Riley" Ghost said. Lorna gasps at the sound of the dark double voice. This discovery gave her more shock. ''His Claw can talk?'' she was petrified, but that wasn''t her main concern but the shocking thing the black ghoul just told her, he will be coming for her. "HART!" the voice came in again but this time closer. Liam''s body vibrated in black shadow so did Ghost as their body phase. Lorna watches the action with shaky eyes as their body merges into something like a black tall shadow in the shape of Ghost''s Claw form, black wings spreading out. "Agent hart!" Chase calls again as he rushes into the lobby, he froze when he saw the shadow but it was too late as it flew out of the window into the distance far ahead, in a wave of speed. "The black ghoul," he said certain, he cursed knowing he missed the chance to face him, his eyes drifts to Lorna who was paralyzed where she was, unable to move from her position. Chase watches Lorna with curious eyes like he was waiting for something. Lorna was lost in her head replaying everything she experienced at the hand of the black ghoul, her eyes lingering at where Liam once stood, her mind was unable to process what just happened, she had only one question that haunted her. "Who''s Riley?!" Chapter 60 - Black Haunting *Loud Wailing Sirens* "Here we are at the mall where the incident happened, a lot of losses, deaths of agents and hostages we thought might make it out alive but yet again the ghouls are rendered a big threat to humanity. And more importantly, we are stuck with an unexpected return of-" the newscaster paused for a minute gulping hard, her hand tightens around her mic. "The black ghoul" she adds shaky. * Renee was inside the ambulance close to a sleeping Rex, on the emergency bed, she taps on his chest lightly, his breaths slow and calm. "You okay?" Chase asked at the entrance, concern flushed his features, she hasn''t said a word since. She shakes her head negatively as the tears gushed out uncontrollably. "How could I be Chase," she said sobbing, her body shaking. "I almost lost my son today and-", she bit her lip remembering when the ghoul tried to touch her in front of her son, how scared she was knowing her son will see such awful sight at a young age. She sighs and sobs facing Chase with bloodshot eyes. "Thank you, Chase, without you Rex would be dead or worse," she said sincerely. "You and Rex will be taken to the hospital now," Chase said gently. She nods cleaning her tears. "I just pray Rex won''t be haunted by what happened today, I mean I can''t even begin to imagine what he saw or-". "Hey, hey, it''s over okay, everything will be fine, get some rest I will check up on you guys when am done" Chase assured her. "Thank you" she sobs. "It''s alright Renee, he''s gonna be alright". She forced a smile nodding as the ambulance doors close ready to move out. Chase moved away as the car drove off. He wouldn''t blame her right now, what she went through was a huge pain for her, he was glad they both made it alive, just like Renee said he hoped and prayed Rex wasn''t traumatized by what happened, he went through a lot in there and he couldn''t even begin to imagine it. He remembered the Claw with Rex, his heart nearly stopped when he saw that sight, but there was something that bugs him, normally the Claw would have attacked him or worse eaten Rex but it didn''t, it just vanishes like that, he couldn''t begin to comprehend the situation. Chase sighs rubbing his forehead, he turns, and his attention drift to Lorna who sat at the back of the ambulance covered in a blanket, his mind replayed her question over and over again. ''Who''s Riley?'' she was bound to ask that question because she undoubtedly resembled a dangerous ghoul. He watches as Barbra walks up to her. Lorna was lost in her head, her mind replaying what happened over and over again, his words, his touch, and him saving her life. "Chase told me what you said" Barbra began, Lorna slowly raised her head to face her. "About the black ghoul" she adds. Lorna gulps hard just by the sound of the name, it triggered a lot of unpleasing vibes she couldn''t begin to reckon with. "Liam O''Brien," Lorna said the name softly, she shivers just by saying his name. "We lost the leader of the V-ghoul''s and the black ghoul is back," Barbra said sternly. "Like you reported this Wayne can merge bodies with his Claw, and Ghost can understand human language. That''s all right?" Lorna''s eyes drift back to her. "Is there any other thing that happened?" Lorna gulps hard once more, she didn''t tell her that Liam saved her and said he was coming back for her. "No," Lorna said with a stern look. Why? She thought. ''Why am I keeping it to myself? What is wrong with me?'' She thought again, trembling slightly. ''Is it because he saved me?'' She questions herself as confusion flush her features. "Lorna!" "Only that he called me a name the moment he saw me" she faced her, maybe her aunt might have answers to this, and there was no one else to ask. "He called me Riley". The moment she mouths those words, she saw her aunt fidget a bit, that must be a good sign right? So she surges on. "Who is Riley?" Lorna asked firmly, hoping to get anything that would at least lift her confusion a bit. It took a moment of silence but then Barbra just sighs folding her arms. "We believe this Riley was a close partner of the black ghoul, it was years ago but she''s dead, you can check the records later". ''She dead? It must be why he was so lost when he called me that name, she must be very important to him, maybe a sister?'' Lorna couldn''t wrap her head around but she could still remember the look in his eyes, it was that of a man staring at the one thing he loves and yarns for with every heartbeat. ''She was his lover''. "I must look like this Riley because that''s what he called me," Lorna said certain, there was no other explanation for it, she just happens to look like the black ghoul lover, great. "And what if you look like her, that''s just it, you are not her" Barbra said sternly, her eyes burning in Lorna''s own. "That will be all, you have been through a lot today go home and get some rest" she ordered, walking away her heels sounding. Lorna huffs rising to her feet. "All these years you want nothing more than to catch the black ghoul ever since Seth died. And I just happened to look like his partner, such a coincidence isn''t it?" Lorna said sarcastically. Barbra halts her steps, turning to face her. "You just happened to transfer me to New York and by my guess, because I look like this Riley, you set me up to trap the black ghoul, didn''t you" she adds without a doubt, and by her theory, her aunt fucking plan didn''t work, Liam was sane after everything and no doubt a cold-hearted killer, she could still remember the twisted smirk he had when he ripped out Wayne''s Claw arm away. "All this is for the greater good Lorna, it''s not your fault you look like some ghoul" she stated knowing that Lorna caught up to her little plan, it was a test and the black ghoul overcame it apparently. "Now I know why agent Chase hates me" Lorna scoffs. "Take one week," Barbra said walking away. "Thanks, aunt" Lorna said rolling her eyes. Her aunt was right, it''s not her fault she looks like some ghoul that ended up being someone close to the black ghoul, it was really highly a coincidence, there was no other explanation, she was just caught up in all this. "Fuck this city!" Lorna cursed as she walks back to her car. On her way she saw Chase but didn''t make any attempt to stop, she just walks past him like he was invisible. Chase froze at her action as he turns and raised an eyebrow. "Oh Lorna, am glad you are okay," Jesse said hugging her tightly so did Peter. "Kris didn''t make it, with the rest of fox team, few survived" Peter said sternly. Lorna froze at the sudden news. "How come you survived, no agent has ever encountered the black ghoul and live before, not until you," Jesse said still finding it hard to believe she was right here standing unscratched. "I guess am just lucky," Lorna said faintly, not so sure she was lucky. "Lorna," Jesse said worriedly. "I got a week off, so I will see you guys later," Lorna said running her fingers in her hair. They nodded. Lorna walks out, they watch as she headed to her car. "Do you think she''s gonna be okay?" Peter asked worriedly. "I don''t know," Jesse said sincerely. "Should she? I mean she just survived a black ghoul attack, the rest will talk" Peter said certainly. "Well let them am just glad my partner is alive, we should be glad we made it out of this, we might not be so lucky next time" Jesse faced him. He gulps, knowing she was right. *** Lorna entered her car shutting the door, she just sat there her hands on the wheel. The tears fell as she placed her head against the wheel. "Get it together Lorna," she said to herself as she cried silently. What she had been through today was traumatizing for her. ''Riley!'' The name and his voice still haunt her, it gave her the chills. She raised her head cleaning her tears. She knew what she had to do to stop all the drama. ''He''s the enemy''. She thought sternly and she wants nothing more than to put a bullet in his chest. ''Am an agent!''. And there was no freaking way she was getting light-headed about this, she sticks her head on her career which was hunting down ghouls and the black ghoul was no exception!. Chapter 61 - Black Visit One Week Later Lorna''s Residence Lorna opened her fridge reaching for a bottle of wine, she took the bottle out, sighing. "Yeah Jesse, am fine and I will surely be at work on Monday, no need to worry," Lorna said on a call. It has been a week and she was a bit okay now, but her partner was always worried about her, and it was Jesse who kept telling her to get a check-up in the agency medical center and of course, she didn''t agree to it because she knew she was perfectly fine, the only hurt was her head from constantly thinking about the encounter with the black ghoul, it still hurts!. "I know Lorna, it''s good you''re okay now, what you just need is an assignment to get your head back in the game," Jesse said through the small earplugs Lorna had in her ears. Lorna pours the wine into her glass. "Exactly what I need," Lorna said drinking. "And about those files" she adds. "Yeah, I have uploaded them to your laptop, all footage of the city, possible info''s I could find about the black ghoul, and remind me why you wanna look into it again?". "I will tell you once we see," Lorna said. "Okay, bye and see you on Monday". "Bye". The call cut. Lorna sighs, staring at her wine in the glass, she took a moment before, she pulled out her earplugs and walked to her bedroom, she quickly changes to her light lavender short nightwear gown, with tiny hand strings, she was most comfortable around this, wearing nothing beneath, it was just her in the apartment, it wasn''t like she was expecting a visitor or anything, she was new to New York she had fewer friends at the moment, although she had Jesse they weren''t exactly close, yet. She walks towards the mini dining set, placing her iPhone laptop on the table, taking a sit. She opened it, seeing notification of the file uploaded to her. She smiled knowing that Jesse wouldn''t disappoint her. She clicked on it, series of footage was shown and some information about the black ghoul. She opens the footage as several came up, she scans through it, and then she got to footage of 2019. "First sightings of the black ghoul, after all these years thinking there wasn''t a greater threat. The black ghoul Jenna O''Brien" Lorna read the contents as she clicked on the footage during a train attack as her black Claw surge out and attacked the agents. "Liam O''Brien''s sister was the black ghoul?" she said puzzled as she clicked on the profile and saw Jenna''s picture. ''They look alike''. She thought, at the bottom, she saw ''Parents deceased, no further information''. Lorna clicked on another footage. "We thought we had the black ghoul but we just found out we are still far away from the threat and then it became known to us that Liam O''Brien was the black ghoul from the start and not his sister," Lorna said as she watched the footage. She watches how Jenna died, the footage wasn''t clear but she could make it out. Liam crying as then suddenly he screamed and something came out of him and attack the agent leaving none alive. "Ghost," Lorna said in realization as she gulps hard, seeing the horrifying massacre of the agents, and what struck her the most was when he devoured his sister, she closed her mouth with her hand at the scene, she was petrified to the core at this, The black ghoul was a dangerous man, she started to rethink the faint dark affection she shown her, who would ever love such a guy as sick and twisted as he was, what was in that Riley girl''s head to love such a man? She clicked on another one unable to watch further. "The Black ghoul single-handedly stormed the most impenetrable prison ''Steel'' for just one ghoul," Lorna said as her eyes widen when she watches the footage of killings at Steel. ''For just one ghoul?'' she thought stunned, he was nuts. "Riley Leah" Lorna said clicking on the profile, she paled when she saw Riley''s picture. She gulps hard, it was like staring at a mirror seeing her very own reflection, the difference was Riley was a natural red hair and she wasn''t, the rest was identical, was this even possible? She did believe in doppelganger existing but this was breathtaking. "I do look like her" Lorna said unbelievably. She shakily clicks on another footage. "The black ghoul attacks the agency, killing our best agent, the ghoul killer", it was just writing and then her eyes caught small footage to it, she clicked on it and watch the death of Riley Leah and Liam flying out with Ghost. She replayed it once more. "She died in his arms," Lorna said as her eyes lingered on the video. "So did his sister" she shut her laptop. "And now he''s after the agency" she adds on her chair, one of her knees up against her chest, she stares at the white ceiling. "What a broken guy," she said with a thoughtful face, yes a broken guy and a sick twisted killer at that, that was she certain about there was no two ways about that. But still, though Rex survived at the hands of the black ghoul, which was still a mystery according to Chase report, he was there just in time before Ghost devoured him, But Lorna knew deep down that wasn''t the case here, because the black ghoul would have just asked his Claw to devour the boy right there, but instead, he sent him out, what could explain such a thing, was he protecting Rex or asked Ghost to devour him for the latter. She sighs facing downwards, she didn''t wanna bore her head in thinking about the black ghoul''s actions, reaching for her wine but a noise came in. She automatically turned to the glass doors with the white curtains swirling around due to the wind, because the doors were slightly open, and worse the noise came from there, from the balcony. She mentally cursed herself for leaving the doors open, she had forgotten that this was New York and anything can happen, anything. Quickly reaching for the gun she kept a few distances away from her on the table out of instinct, her eyes still fixed on the doors as the cool breeze made the curtains dance, was it just her or that everything was just so quiet right now, like literary no sound at all just her heartbeat and it freaked her out. Grabbing the gun she quickly rises to her feet, pointing at the window as she approached it slowly, careful not to draw attention to herself that she was coming. She peeks just her head, turning sideways, her eyes observing the medium space, but nothing just the dark space, she looked up at the ceiling the lights were busted. "Great," she said sternly, now she had to get a new one. Stepping out fully and observing the space more, the cool breeze blew against her skin, she shivered, rubbing her arms, making a shivering noise. She steps further to the edge of the pillar line and looked down, the neighborhood was just calm as usual, with city night lights everywhere. "Am just overreacting" she said sighing as she turned. She rubs her eyes walking back to the glass doors, she felt sleepy and that was the number one thing she would do once she''s back inside, to crash on her bed. Suddenly the hairs at the back of her neck stood up in alert, her eyes slowly widen as she gasps in realization, she felt something like a black shadow behind her, in a panic she turns pointing her gun but like a blink of an eye, the shadow came at her pushing her body against the wall, hard. She gasps at the impact as he held both her wrist, locked together in his tight grip above her head, her gun falling to the ground from the impact, his height towered over her, she was but a small doll in his presence. Lorna couldn''t scream that moment, it was like she lost her voice all of a sudden, the scream she wanted so badly was hung in her throat as she stared at his chocolate brown eyes like she was lost again in them, curse those eyes. One of his hands was on the wall keeping a space between them, but she wondered for how long. "I told you I will come back for you," Liam said darkly, his deep dark husky voice sent a shiver down Lorna''s spine, it wasn''t just the cold anymore, Lorna''s heart slammed loudly in her chest, she stared into his chocolate eyes, trembling. The black ghoul came for her like he said he would. ''What now?'' Lorna thought in extreme fear that held her voice. ''He''s here for me'' Chapter 62 - Black Ride One Week Earlier Two Building''s Away From the Mall "Ghost," she said. He halts turning slightly. "Liam, what''s he gonna do?" Iris asked with shaky eyes. "Finish your mission" Ghost said as his black wings spread out waving and then flying out. Rory groans walking towards Iris, his stomach practically empties from the hurling, but that wasn''t his concern, but rather the impossible thing that happened right in front of him. "Ghost can talk and more importantly understand us," Rory said still finding it hard to believe, they never knew Claws could do that, Claws were only their predatory organs, a part of them but talking? Something like that has never happened. "He said Liam will finish the mission," Iris said still staring at the building a distance away. "You mean like-" "Kill the leader of the V-ghouls" she cut him off facing him. "That will lessen some load right?" he shrugs. "I hope so," Iris said, she wasn''t so sure that just killing their leader would stop the V-ghouls from striking again. They heard the roof door open, they turned at the sound, as an average height lady walks towards them. "Who are you?" Iris demands seeing the strange face. She smiled as the wind careless her dark red long hair packed in a high ponytail, she adjusts her glasses. "Kayla Gibbs at your service," she said smiling, clicking on her earplug. Rory and Iris looked at each other briefly before facing her. *** A Few Hours Later A black car drove along the long road with nothing but bushes beside it, even further ahead. Iris looked out the window, seeing the sun almost setting up, watching the trees moving fast in her vision, but that wasn''t her concern. ''I hope Liam is okay, it''s been hours now''. Iris thought worried for his sake. Kayla clicks on a button as a mini-computer came up in-between the driver seat and the other, a news video came up. "Here we are at the mall where the incident happened, a lot of losses, deaths of agents and hostages we thought might make it out alive but yet again the ghouls are rendered a big threat to humanity. And more importantly, we are stuck with an unexpected return of-" the newscaster paused for a minute gulping hard, her hand tightens around her mic. "The black ghoul" she adds shaky. "Now they are pinning everything on boss and the V-ghouls, why are humans such dummies," Kayla said frustrated, offing the news. She didn''t wanna hear more about false news of her boss, it was the v-ghouls that started the ruckus, not Liam. "Hey, you said your name was Kayla right?" Rory asked the red-haired young lady. Rory was seated in the front, Iris in the back. Kayla turned the wheel to the next lane. "Where are you taking us?" Rory demands, bored and tired from the long ride, they have left the city outpost for hours now, he was beginning to feel worried. "To the Silver-lining manor, boss orders," she said blowing a gum she chewed on. "The Silver-lining? Aren''t you taking us back to the black lotus," Rory asked puzzled. She rolled her eyes unnoticed but then turns to him smiling cutely. "It was boss orders to take you to the Silver-lining and not the black lotus, am pretty sure I heard him right," she said with a thought as she faced the road, hoping he wouldn''t ask any more questions, she preferred her drive to be peaceful, which is why she loved riding with boss every chance she got. "Unbelievable" Rory said groaning, rubbing his forehead. It was either boss said this or boss didn''t do this from her mouth ever since, he couldn''t help but wonder what Liam was to her, the weird girl held him up in pretty much high regard, he could tell from her actions. "Why would Liam take us to his organization?" Iris asked puzzled at why Liam would do that. "I have no idea and more funny Liam is called boss, it''s all I have been hearing from this red-haired chick," Rory said rolling his eyes, he simply called her a chick, which she was, she was endowed in all areas, which he noticed all the way. Kayla pressed on the car brakes halting the car all of a sudden, the impact made Rory hit his head on the front. "Oops! Sorry we are here" Kayla said shrugging, practically pay back for him calling her a red-haired chick, she smirks deviously. "Fuck" Rory cursed holding his forehead as he shot Kayla a death glance. "Oh really?! We are right in the middle of nowhere" Rory states looking around. Iris looked around, Rory was right, they were nowhere like they were lost deep in the upstate of New York. "I wouldn''t say that," Kayla said moving half her body out her door window to reach for a tree. That action made Rory take a good look at her round ass. ''Dammnnnn'' he mentally thought, his body reacting to the view in all sought of ways. He shook his head breaking himself out of his trance, he shouldn''t be having nasty thoughts right now, he faced front clearing his throat. Iris rolled her eyes at his action. "What are you doing?" Rory asked composing himself. Ignorant to Rory, Kayla opened the tree branch like a small mini door you wouldn''t know was there, to begin with. She typed in a password and took her seatback. "Opening the gates" she motioned. As the path beside them that showed endless bushes slide open like a camouflage. Rory and Iris''s eyes widen at the action, Kayla revised the car and then drove in "Welcome to the Silver-lining manor," she said as the car drove along a newfound road made of concrete, garden tall trees beside it. "How..." Iris was lost for words, she didn''t know a place like this existed, it was like they were in a whole new countryside. "It took three years to build this place, here is what you guys would call our headquarters, other branches are way smaller but cool, but this is our operating base" Kayla explained, amused by their shock expressions, it always gave her the thrills whenever she invited someone in. They came in view of a building in modern style, part of it made of glass, it was wide and big, small other buildings in a few distances, the area-wide with evergreen grasses. "Liam is fucking rich!" Rory said astonished, it was a whole new ghoul hideout, this was breathtaking, he couldn''t even begin to imagine the amount of money Liam spent on this site, let alone the buildings. Kayla just chuckled at his antics. "Something like that" Kayla said as she pulled up at the garage separate from the building, they got down heading towards the building. Inside was way better, few ghouls walked around doing other things, inside was massive and painted mostly in black and white. "Here is also like a sanctuary not all of us operate on missions, mostly it''s just the boss and few of us that does most of the work around here" Kayla explained. Iris and Rory just observed the inside like it was too big for them, this was nothing compared to the black lotus. "KAYLA!" they turned when they heard her name. Rory and Iris froze, as they watch a young man coming down the stairs in a hurry, wearing a white loose shirt, grey pants and white sneakers, he held a wide transparent iPad. "Where have you been I have been--" Sean Carlos said but froze when he saw them. "Sean!" Rory and Iris said in shock with shaky eyes. Sean was just as surprised to see them, here. "Kayla, why are they here?" Sean asked confused, bringing them in soon wasn''t part of what he and Liam discussed. "It was boss orders, I still have no idea why" Kayla shrugs folding her arms. Sean nods his head making a hmm sound knowing why they were here earlier than they talked about, but still he had to wait for the right time to tell them. "Rory, Iris, it''s good to see you guys again," Sean said smiling. Rory and Iris just stared at Sean in awe, he looked completely different like a new man with a new resolution, he didn''t look tacky or angry like he was before he left, he looked calm with positive vibes, he had changed over the past three years. "You left the city, you said you weren''t coming back," Iris said softly. Sean just smirks about saying something but he got a call from the Bluetooth earplug he was wearing. "Kayla, Liam is still out there, to the control room," Sean said walking back upstairs. "I hope boss is okay," Kayla said worried as she follows behind. Rory and Iris looked at each other briefly in confusion, before turning to face them, following behind, they believed the questions were for later, right now something was up. Chapter 63 - Black Silver-lining Upstairs East Wing Control Room The doors automatically opened by sensors as they walked into the wide hall having a wide window made of glasses in front, air computers widely in front at several displays. They walked towards it. "This place keeps getting better," Rory said looking around at the amazing gadgets around. "Fuck the agency," a young man said as his hands waved on the air transparent computer. "Race, any word on Liam" Sean said to him, he turned to face them, he had light brown hair and black eyes. "Nope not yet, his comm is out of range," Race said turning to face the footage back. Kayla rushed to her seat operating the system, her fingers going fast against the transparent keyboard. "It''s almost daybreak, boss can''t be out on the open on a flight," Kayla said. "I got a footage where he was last seen," Race said zooming in. Their eyes land on it. It was inside the mall at the lobby, Liam standing as he merges with Ghost flying out, a figure they couldn''t see very well was on the ground in shock, the clip went off. "And that''s it, it''s been three hours" Race said stressed, exactly the amount of hours he has been looking for him, where could he be? *Loud Flapping Sound Of Wings* "Do you guys hear that?" Rory asked. They all faced the window, they sighted a black shadow coming in speed. "Oh shit! It''s boss, give way" Race said as they moved away from the window. "Why?" Iris asked puzzled. "This" Sean motioned. Iris squeaked when the shadow crashes through the window with force like a zap inside. "His landing still needs some work" Sean adds. The shadow was against the wall in a crack, it lessens revealing Liam as he forced his body up, the black shadow going back inside him, he stood fully facing them. Iris gasps when she saw his blood-stained shirt, she rushed to him. "Liam are you okay?" Iris asked beyond worried checking him. Liam was silent with a dark expression. "Boss!" Kayla and Race said worriedly. Liam walks towards the air computer ignoring as he checked for something. "Liam are you okay?" Sean asked getting more worried. "Kayla, I want you to hack this database," Liam said shifting air of information to her, she took it. "I need the list of all the recruits or transfers of the agency, check for the name Hart," he said with a stern look. Kayla just nodded as she did as she told. "Liam!" Sean said placing a hand on his shoulder, Liam turned to him with an unreadable expression, but Sean could see it in his eyes, the pain and he lost feeling. "Talk to me, what happened" he adds, knowing something was wrong, it was rare over the past years that Liam looked as emotional as this. Liam stares into his eyes. "Riley," Liam said darkly. Sean froze so did Rory and Iris, Kayla, and Race just looking at them puzzled. "I..." Liam closed his eyes for a brief second, not knowing how he would put it. "I saw her Sean" he adds, opening his eyes. "But Liam, Riley''s dead," Iris said certainly. "Boss" they turned to Kayla as she brought out a profile of Lorna Hart. Her picture came up. "Riley," Rory said shocked, Iris and Sean froze. "Lorna Hart, she has been in the agency for four years now" Kayla read out loud. Liam read the profile too. "Riley died three years ago, this Lorna has been in the agency for four years, a trainee for four years, and now transferred here" Sean reasoned. "She looks exactly like Riley, how''s that possible?'' Rory said in wonder. Liam was silent as he stared at the picture, he saw everything for himself, her birth history and every other information was different from Riley. "Liam, she just looks like Riley, everything about her is the opposite" Sean assured him. "I don''t understand, why does sh--" Liam sighs closing her eyes, his fist clenched tightly. "Riley died in your arms Liam, you saw it yourself, this agent just happens to look like her but...this... isn''t Riley," Sean said softly. Liam waved the screen information off and walked towards the broken window, he stared into the skies. "Let''s give him some space," Sean said. Kayla and Race nodded as they walked out, along with Rory and Sean. Iris stood for a minute with shaky eyes, she could imagine how he felt right now, how lost he was when he thought about the possibility of Riley being alive. She turned to leave him to his solitude. Liam stood watching the skies as the sun came up and brighten everywhere. Ghost surge out and stood beside him. "Riley not Riley?" Ghost said. The wind blew in lightly as Liam looks dark. Ghost faced front when Liam didn''t answer him. It was complete silence between the two, but it was calm and peaceful. *** One Week Later Lorna''s Residence A noise was all it took for Lorna to be alarmed, and there she was close to her balcony with a gun at hand. Lorna peeks just her head, turning sideways, her eyes observing the medium space, but nothing just the dark space, she looked up at the ceiling the lights were busted. "Great," she said sternly, now she had to get a new one. Stepping out fully and observing the space more, the cool breeze blew against her skin, she shivered, rubbing her arms, making a shivering noise. She steps further to the edge of the pillar line and looked down, the neighborhood was just calm as usual, with city night lights everywhere. "Am just overreacting" she said sighing as she turned. She rubs her eyes walking back to the glass doors, she felt sleepy and that was the number one thing she would do once she''s back inside, to crash on her bed. Suddenly the hairs at the back of her neck stood up in alert, her eyes slowly widen as she gasps in realization, she felt something like a black shadow behind her, in a panic she turns pointing her gun but like a blink of an eye, the shadow came at her pushing her body against the wall, hard. She gasps at the impact as he held both her wrist, locked together in his tight grip above her head, her gun falling to the ground from the impact, his height towered over her, she was but a small doll in his presence. Lorna couldn''t scream that moment, it was like she lost her voice all of a sudden, the scream she wanted so badly was hung in her throat as she stared at his chocolate brown eyes like she was lost again in them, curse those eyes. One of his hands was on the wall keeping a space between them, but she wondered for how long. "I told you I will come back for you," Liam said darkly, his deep dark husky voice sent a shiver down Lorna''s spine, it wasn''t just the cold anymore, Lorna''s heart slammed loudly in her chest, she stared into his chocolate eyes, trembling. The black ghoul came for her like he said he would. ''What now?'' Lorna thought in extreme fear that held her voice. ''He''s here for me'' * Lorna gasps out of breath as she woke up, she sat up looking around in panic, no one was there and her balcony door was closed. She took a deep breath of relief as she turned to her laptop, it showed the profile of Riley Leah, she left opened before she slept off at the dining set. "Thank God! It was just a dream" she said sighing again as she rubs her eyes, she got off her bed and heads to the balcony, she slides the glass open and steps out, she rested her arm at the flat pillar edge staring at the skies, the cold wind against her body. *** One Building Away Liam squat at the edge of the roof, watching her in a distance, the harsh wind flapped his clothes, his eyes sadden as he watches her from the distance he was, the wind carrying her dark midnight hair weightlessly. ''Am not Riley!'' The words she said to him still rang in his head like a constant reminder of the truth, a bitter truth he still found hard to believe because every time he looks at Lorna he saw his Riley, her looks were too convincing to turn a blind eye to the truth. He watches as she turned and walked back inside, she turned to close the glass but paused for a minute. Liam blinks at her action, she just looked around once more like she felt someone was watching her but she just shrugs closing the glass. His eyes drift away, as his fingers tighten against his knee raised. ''She''s gone'' that was the thought in his head, what he had to believe, there was no other way to see it, he had other things to wonder about... his Riley was gone and that lady over there was just an agent, his enemy. Chapter 64 - Black Drug (Part 1) A Few Days Later Section Four Hilton college At a frat house away from campus, a dim sound of music played but Inside it was raging with loud beats of jazz. Students on the dance floor dancing to their heart content as they drank and roared on the dance floor. "Jack! Come join us!" a young man on the dance floor shouts to his friend upstairs due to the loud beat music playing. "Will be down in a sec" Jack said drinking his beer, he reaches for a table and grab three sachets with green powder inside. He rushed downstairs dancing to his friends. "Cassandra" he motioned to a light brunette haired girl with grey eyes, she turned smiling as she danced in his front, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him wildly, Jack groans, feeling her wet lips devouring his, he groaned once more breaking the fierce kiss. "First this," he said showing her one of the sachets. "Wow it''s green," Cassandra said staring at the drug as she giggles drunk. "I have a new buyer and it''s fucking good," Jack said. "Hey Greg, Mark, come let''s have some fun" he motioned to his friends as he threw the sachets at them. "And distribute to the others, let''s party!" Jack said raising his beer, they made a joyful sound as they took their beer and pour the green powder in it and drink. Jack took his groaning. "This is fucking good, best than any drugs," Jack said feeling his head spinning, the others groaned holding their head. "More to go," Cassandra said, they laughed taking another sachet. "But this time let''s go old school," she said walking to a table, pouring the powder on the table, and then using her ATM card to grind it. "What are you waiting for boys let''s go wild," she said winking, taking a sniff. The rest of the boys came too, taking a sniff from hers as they laughed and drank. Outside the music played in a dim beat until panic screams were heard and then roars. * Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarter (GIH) Lorna sips her coffee as she walks into the agency building. "Back to work," Lorna said heading towards the glass transparent elevator. Seventh Floor Lorna walks into the hall office, she removed her sunglasses, her eyes drifting to her table. She saw a welcome back note, she smirks walking towards it, she took the small card in her hand. ''Welcome back partner and remember an assignment to blow off some steam okay. And I went to the Admin office see you in a sec'' Lorna giggles when she read the letter, she took off her jacket taking her seat, she faced her working space as she got to work. ''And at the end, am starting to get used to this city, I just hope I make progress''. She thought smiling. Her mind still lingers at the dream she had of the black ghoul, coming to her, she shivered just at the thought of it, well thank God it was a dream she didn''t know how she would act if it was real, She still kept her guard up since that day, he did say he was coming for her but it was a no show. ''Jerk''. She froze at her thought, where was that coming from? Did she just called him a jerk for a no-show? She must be out of her mind. She shakes her head concentrating on the files on her desk, now she was back to work, there was enough distraction, she couldn''t ask for more. *** Outskirts Of The City The Silver-lining Manor Liam was seated on his relaxing black chair that stood out in the white environment and white painted walls. His leg crossed on top of the other, he seated in front of the wide air computers. He wore all black clothing, a black long sleeve turtle neck shirt like a sweater, that hugs his body perfectly, and black pants and shoes. "Now where to start," Liam said faintly his eyes on the wide transparent iPad he held going through some agency info they hacked recently. His coming back to New York wasn''t just because of the V-ghoul but the main objective was the agency headquarters, to tear it from the inside out and get to Barbra Jones, to do that he would need a very big trump card. "So this V-ghoul leader can merge bodies with his Claw, well that''s new" Sean said seated behind Liam, his fingers fast against the transparent, a wide transparent computer viewed on the wide table, that held several analyses. "I can only merge with Ghost on flight only for a small period, but this Wayne could extend his time limit," Liam said sternly turning his chair in a swift move to face the rest of the team, his mind still replayed the intense battle, one he hadn''t had in a while, it was rare to see someone match up to his strength ever since the ghoul killer, Seth Judson. "A particular amount of ghoul have special abilities, I guess Wayne is one of them, merging bodies with his Claw," a man called Gray Perry said, he was seated at the other end. He had black hair and blue eyes. He stood from his seat and walks to the air computer. "So far there is no information on Wayne Sanford, he''s void, he covers his tracks very well, he''s off the database and social security just like you boss" Gray adds smirking. "You are both alike but different" Sean said amused. Liam just made a Hmm sound, not pleased by that fact. "These V-ghouls will surely pose a threat than we expected," Iris said folding her arms. Rory was seated busy typing on his laptop. "Seems like boss has a new rival," Kayla said, as she and Gray giggled at the fact. "Yeah right" Liam scoffs, to Liam he was not a worthy rival, the next time they cross paths, he planned to rip his head off. "Everyone get your head in the game since this V-ghoul''s have gone radio silence, we need to figure out a way to bring down the headquarters" he adds. "V-ghoul''s, ghouls and agents," Rory said, they turned to him. "We are all ghouls and yet we differ" he adds firmly. "That''s why we will have to balance it," Liam said as his chair turned to face Rory. His eyes shakes when he recalled him and Liam''s conservation. *** Two Days Ago Rory walks up to Liam, who stood at the edge of a wide balcony watching the environment. He stood beside Liam. "Iris and I will stay" Rory began. He faced Liam. "Jarvis made us believe we could achieve peace, we believed it to a point we had hope," he said again. Liam faced him, the wild wind blowing around them. "You Liam, you''re fighting for the right of ghouls by bringing down the agency, I want justice too, for Evan''s death and all others," Rory said. "Is there something you wanna tell me, Rory?" Liam asked certain, knowing there were more to his coming here. "I know your father is working secretly with the agency, am not sure if your organization knows" he trailed off, he would be willing to keep it a secret if he had to. "They know Rory" Liam cut him off. Rory blinks. "They very well know about it and when the time comes my father will pay for what he did," Liam said darkly. "You would do that, to your father?!" it was more of a rhetorical question, Rory could see the darkness in Liam''s eyes, he could see no hesitation in his eyes. But still, he saw something deep in them he couldn''t quite place yet. "He betrayed all of us," Liam said facing front. "There''s no other way to see it". Rory nods facing the view also, he knew Liam''s mind was made up. *** Present Day "I trust you will Liam," Rory said smiling faintly. The doors slide opened as Race walks in. Their attention turned to him. "Boss you need to see this" Race said handling Liam a transparent iPad. Liam took it. "What is this?!" Liam said raising to his feet He transferred the information to the air computer, everyone saw it. "An accident at Hilton College?" Iris said puzzled. "Strange phenomenal of a green powder?" Sean said unable to wrap his head around it. "What do you mean like drugs?" Rory asked puzzled. "Green powder?" Liam said as he walks close to the information, he remembered the V-ghoul''s bizarre Claws, they were green, what was the connection? He had to find out. "Kayla". "Yes boss" "Hack into the surveillance, make sure I don''t show up on any of them," Liam said. She nodded doing as she was told. "I will go to the crime scene, we can''t get all the info we need from here," Liam said to the rest. "I have a feeling this might have something to do with the V-ghoul''s" he adds heading towards. "Liam, you''re not going alone, are you? That place will be swamped with agents" Iris said but Liam was already out. The doors sliding shut. Chapter 65 - Black Drug (Part 2) "Liam, you''re not going alone, are you? That place will be swamped with agents" Iris said but Liam was already out. The doors sliding shut. Iris sighs. ''Great he just ignored me like that'' she thought rolling her eyes, but that wasn''t gonna stop her. "That''s it, am going after him," she said facing the others. "He''s gonna need back up or something". "Boss need back up?" Race scoffs shaking his head. "Yeah right". "Liam doesn''t take partners out" Sean began. "Ever since Riley" he adds. Iris nods getting his point, but still, it didn''t sit well with her that Liam was out there on his own, she was worried. "But we can Ju-". "We will help out from here or otherwise" Sean cuts in clearly. Iris sighs in defeat. "Am lost here who''s Riley?" Gray asked speaking up puzzled. "I have the same question," Kayla said raising her hand, the curiosity was overbearing for her, especially with the mean her boss had a week ago when he asked her to look up the name Lorna Hart. "Riley is Liam''s girlfriend, they were simply more than that if you ask me," Rory said. They paled at his words. "His.. girlfriend?" Kayla said staring at Rory like he had two heads. "Boss had a girlfriend?" Gray huffs like it was impossible because Liam always putting up a cold glamour that literary scares everyone away, but when he saw Sean, Iris, and Rory''s expressions, he knew they were dead serious. ''The hell?'' he thought in his head with wide eyes. "Wait you guys are serious?!" Gray said looking back and forth between them. "She died when the agency was stormed three years ago," Sean said sternly as the memory played in his head, when he heard the news of Riley death along with Evan and the rest of the agents, Liam hasn''t said anything to the rest of his team about his personal life, Sean knew they will eventually find out. "I heard about his sister too, I never knew his lover is dead also," Kayla said sadly, knowing that her boss has been through a lot by the look of things, she was surprised he kept going forward after everything he has been through. "Boss has been through a lot" Race said as his face drops in sadness. "Yes, he has," Iris said with shaky eyes. "Okay," Sean said clapping his hands together gaining their attention. "Let''s get back to work, reliving the past won''t get us anywhere" he adds. The rest nods in agreement. *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarter (GIH) "Incident of a green powder?" Lorna asked puzzled as she read through the headlines in the transparent iPad. "Yes green powder, a bunch of students lost their lives, some went missing, and it''s all centered in this green powder stuff. I want you and Jesse to investigate it ASAP, any findings if related to a ghoul attack, inform the team immediately" Chase said sternly, leaning on his chair. "Looks like we finally got an assignment" Jesse murmurs to Lorna. She just nods, her eyes fixed on the iPad. "Hilton College," Lorna said. *** Section Four Hilton College By the time Lorna and her partner arrived, the place was flooded with the press and some civilians along with the NYPD (New York Police Department). "Nothing gets past New Yorker''s huh," Lorna said sarcastically. "Yep," Jesse said in agreement. They both got down from the car walking towards the entrance lined with a yellow caution band. A policeman stops them. "Am sorry ladies but this place is under investigation by the NYPD" the man said. Jesse smirks as they both flash their badges. "We are investigating also, this incident appears to be phenomenal, and as agents, it''s our job to check if it ghoul related this is also kind of our jurisdictions," Jesse said. The man took some time staring at their badges, before giving way. "Have it your way ladies" he said sighing in defeat. Jesse nods as she and Lorna went under the caution band line walking towards the building. "Being agent''s rocks" Jesse whispers to Lorna, she giggles at her antics. They both headed towards the fraternity hostel where the incident happens, along the way they passed several students along the way. "Students still around huh," Lorna said observing the place. "Most likely inmates, they will be kept under supervision, but as long as the government is a concern, school is closed due to the accident, word has it, it might have been a ghoul attack," Jesse said. "Relating to the strange powder?" Lorna asked puzzled, the possibility of a green powder being the cause of the ghoul attack was very slim, it was always a Claw breakout or sightings to relate it to one. "Well we are just about to find out, let''s hope we get some answers," Jesse said as they got close to the building, police were there too, but they showed off their badges, gaining entry. Inside the NYPD observed the place, forensics did their jobs also analyzing the environment. As they walked in they froze, seeing the scene, splashes of blood everywhere, Claw marks on the walls and grounds. "Are you sure this wasn''t a ghoul attack?" Lorna said gasping. "Will call in our forensics team, this is our jurisdiction," Jesse said dialing a number in her phone. A Few Minutes Later Peter used a small cleaning tool to brush off some prints on the ground. The agency swamp the area now, taking over the whole investigation. As Peter did his work, Lorna and Jesse walked around, their hands covered with white hand gloves as they observed the scene. Lorna walks around accessing the hall, searching for anything that could help make sense of the incident. "Guys over there" Peter signaled for them, they rushed to his side. "What''s it what did you find?" Lorna demands. "Well you won''t believe it if I tell you," Peter said carefully parking some green particles into a small transparent bag. "Other than two chicks being partners and worse agents, what''s crazier than that" Jesse motioned, earning a slight chuckle from Lorna and Peter. "Well I won''t say that crazy, it''s kind of hot" Peter said staring into space. "Pete!" "Alright, well just like we found everywhere, still traces of green powder everywhere along with Claw residue like we find in any ghoul attack," Peter said. "Then a ghoul was present right?" Jesse asked. Peter sighs. "Maybe, maybe not" he shrugs. "Seems like there''s more," Lorna said catching on with his expression, knowing there was something. Peter looks around unease before saying. "Well firstly I found shoe prints of the black ghoul right here and by my guess, if we clean up more, we might find more" Peter said sternly, showing them the small device he held that showed the quick analysis of Liam O''Brien DNA popping out. They froze. "Are you saying the black ghoul might have been the one that caused this accident?" Lorna asked with wide eyes. "I don''t know I mean our team checked all the surveillance cameras but no image of him came up during the party or any of the entrances so it''s still a mystery if he was involved," Peter said. "Why would the black ghoul kill a bunch of students using a green drug, it doesn''t exactly make sense," Jesse said puzzled folding her arms. "Maybe he erased all footage of him or something, I mean he''s the black ghoul, the bringer of death, he wouldn''t care less about a bunch of kids," Peter said certainly, slightly shivering at the thought. Jesse nods in agreement, knowing his theory was true, for all they know it might just be the black ghoul tricking them to thinking it was another threat to drift their attention away from him now he''s back to New York after all these years. "Guys I don''t think it''s the black ghoul" Lorna cut in remembering when he saved Rex, as far as she was concern she knew his only enemy was the agency and not just that she has looked over his records and couldn''t find any killings of random, just the agency. "Wow, agent Lorna are you taking the black ghoul side right now?" Jesse asked raising an eyebrow, a bit surprised by her words. "Oh please no am not¡­" she trailed off gulping having a second thought about her actions, maybe she was taking his side. ''Fuck''. *** "Guys I don''t think it''s the black ghoul" a video sounds showing clear images of the halls and the agents around investigating, not knowing a spy-cam watch all their moves. Liam raises an eyebrow at Lorna''s words, he was present on the rooftop out of plain sight, watching the agency moves through the spy-cam he hid when he first investigated the hall before any agent came in. "Oh please, no am not¡­". He watches as the agent pauses her words as her eyes widen in the realization of what she just said. Chapter 66 - Black Drug (Part 3) "Psst... Oh please come on guys, like what... taking the black ghoul side? I may have survived his clutches once or whatever but that doesn''t mean I was brainwashed" Lorna said like a ten-year-old denying she didn''t take the candy. Liam couldn''t help a huff that brushes off his lips in amusement, it was slight and simple, as soon as it came it was gone. This agent was gaining his attention something he didn''t like, she looked like his lover and that was confusing him the more, cause each time he stares at her, he couldn''t look back without a second thought, her presence was distracting and he hated it, his fist tighten against the transparent iPad he held in response to his raging thought in his head, he had to find a way to see that agent as any other agent other than Riley he saw. "Come in boss" Kayla''s voice sounds in the earplug he wore. "Am still alive and kicking, there''s no need to track me so soon" Liam said zooming in the video feed in the small pocket-size transparent iPad he held, his eyes observed the scene on a wide video feed, viewing the entire hall. "Sorry Boss but we were worried". "It''s okay, am sending in some samples I picked up at the crime scene, and some info. 37 dead teens, 5 missings. Am counting there are survivors but I couldn''t get any info, the agents were faster than I expected" Liam said as his eyes drift to Lorna for a brief second. "Jesus a whole house full of teens all dead?" Kayla said shocked, it was evident in her tone. "But Boss if you checked the area before the agents came in, don''t you think they would have caught your shoe prints in one of those their device thingy?" Liam smirks knowing she caught on. Kayla could easily tell from his silence. ''Shit'' "Fuck Boss, they will pin you to the case in less than a second!" "Am curious to know what the agents find out, I will tail them so no contact until I send the word" Liam said not bothered about the agents relating him the case, it wouldn''t be the first time the agency has pinned cases on him when he had just only come after the agency, besides it was fun to him, gave him the leverage to kill more agents. Kayla sighs in defeat, knowing her boss has always been reckless without a second thought. "Aye Boss" The comm went off. *** "Alright whatever" Jesse said rolling her eyes at Lorna''s childish antics, she would just pretend that Lorna wasn''t just taking the black ghoul side. "Okay before both of you started going like my twin grandma''s, I haven''t mentioned the second," Peter said sighing. They turned to him. "Well the second theory is, the black ghoul might have not been included in the attack, maybe he came to investigate" he shrugs. "Well am not the only one taking his side," Lorna said rolling her eyes. "Well it''s just a fact, but surely something like this can involve the black ghoul, he may have gone radio silence but am sure he''s trying to keep us up on our feet," Peter said certainly. "So what''s the third theory assuming there is," Jesse said. "Well there is, with what I have gathered, I found just Claw prints lying around everywhere, it''s like just the Claws attacked only," he said. "Just Claw prints?" Lorna asked puzzled, that can''t be right. "Yes and in every ghoul scene there should be prints of both the ghoul and their predatory organs" "Claws," Jesse said nodding. "So you think the ghouls ordered their Claws to attack from a far-range distance," Lorna said raising an eyebrow, it might just be the fact, maybe the ghouls didn''t wanna draw attention to themselves only their Claws. "Definitely," Peter said certain, it was the only explanation to all the Claw prints lying around. To Peter, this was a well-planned attack, because the ghouls involved made sure no trace led back to them just their Claws, since when did ghouls plan an attack this well, that was the thought he had, well except the V-ghouls attack on the mall a week ago. "My final theory, it could be the V-ghouls involved," Peter said with a stern look. "Guys!" Mia said rushing in. They turned. "Check this out," Mia said showing them her transparent iPad, the footage played. "I was able to tap into the security footage of the school," she said. That was Mia''s specialty, able to trace any hidden footage or cut out server and lead them back, this helped in most of their findings of ghouls on the run. They watch with anticipation, it showed the out entrance of this very hall the day the incident happened, it was dark in the footage but the lights lying around from the building helped them make out the visual. "Why just outside the hall why no view inside?" Lorna asked puzzled. "Trust teens these days to disable them and do their dirty works," Mia said. "Drugs!" Jesse and Lorna said in unison staring at each other for a brief second, knowing that will be their agenda because drugs were prohibited on campus, and trust teens to go against the rules. "Guys look," Peter said pointing at something in the footage. They watch as a figure rushed out in panic. Mia zoomed in, they got a clear image of a light brunette-haired girl. "A survivor?" Jesse said. "Yeah, probably the only one" Mia said using the facial recognition system to find her. Several images came up until there was a match. "Got it! Cassandra Williams, age 21, a student right here in Hilton college, major in Public Relations". "Jesse and I will go check it out, she''s definitely still in school probably lives on school grounds," Lorna said. "No one has left the school grounds since the incident, we better catch her before she bolts, she''s either a victim or the culprit," Jesse said certainly. "So she''s the culprit now, what happened to the black ghoul being the one" Lorna said raising an eyebrow. "Well we are still investigating, he''s still our prime suspect though," Jesse said rolling her eyes. "Will head back to the lab and analyze what I found here, with that I can get better insight, I need my equipment to dig deeper into this" Peter said packing his stuff. "Let''s go partner we have a suspect to catch, how about a college adventure," Lorna said in amusement. Jesse giggles at her antics. "Be serious Lorna we are working here" Jesse said in amused. "Which makes it more fun, unless we are dying," Lorna said making a face at the dying part. Jesse busts out a peal of hard laughter but quickly shut it in giggles when strange stares were on them. They gave them a look. "Seriously get to work you two" Mia hissed. They step out in amusement. Mia and Peter sigh at the same time. "Tell me why those two are partners," Mia said with clenched teeth. Peter shrugs, giggling a bit, those two were fun to be around. *** "Okay Mia just sent me info on Cassandra, we got her class and more importantly her dorm number," Jesse said as they both strolled along the tiled road of the wide compound, the rest of the areas were filled with green grasses. "She should be in her room no doubt, she can''t be in class," Lorna said certainly. "What makes you think she''s at her dorm?" "The girl just experienced a traumatic incident and bolted the minute it happened, she doesn''t wanna draw attention to herself if she wanted to she would have come clean to the police, and of course she wouldn''t cause she might just be the ghoul we''re looking for" Lorna explained, no ghoul will ever turn themselves in or wait out in the incident, so she was one. "Wow, you''re good at this" Jesse comments. Lorna just smirks. "Riley?". Lorna halts when she heard the name, Jesse stops beside her puzzled as to why she stops. Lorna couldn''t help but turn, curious as to who called the name, again. Her eyes land on a young woman about her age. Cindy was left mesmerized, she couldn''t believe her eyes, the last time she heard Riley Leah was dead during the attack on the agency three years ago, maybe she was seeing a ghost right now or something. "Riley," she said once more stunned, getting a closer look now that she was facing her, the resemblance exactly of that of Riley''s. The last time Cindy saw Riley, was three years ago at a party when a ghoul attacked and it was revealed she was a ghoul herself, which was a shocking discovery because Riley was her best friend when she was in college and she had no idea of her true identity before. Who was this woman standing before her? Chapter 67 - Black Drug (Part 4) Lorna sighed, what was with this ghoul girl that kept following her around, so now what the humans knew her too? She had to find a way to stop this confusion, but how would she? It wasn''t her fault that she looked like some ghoul, in frustration she answers. "Am sorry, you mistake me for someone else" Lorna said with gritted teeth, she might not show it but a particular problem of being mixed up with a ghoul kind of made her pissed. "No, no, am sure of it, you''re Riley, you look just like her," Cindy said stepping forward, how could her eyes deceive her, she was literary staring at Riley. "Okay what''s going on?" Jesse said lost, looking back and forth between the two, it was like they kept her in a time loop and she didn''t like it. "It nothing," Lorna said sternly. She faced the woman. "Once again lady, you mistake me for someone else. I may look like this person but am not her, now please..." Lorna said with a nod, as she grabs Jesse by her arm so that they would turn and leave. Cindy was about to protest but she shut her mouth, thinking maybe she was mistaken but that lady looks exactly like Riley except for her dark hair, Riley was naturally red-haired, a color she had always been jealous of. "Honey there you are," Edward said walking up to her, he was wearing a smart suit that fitted him perfectly, with a briefcase at hand, an ID card around his neck showing that he was a professor. The police weren''t allowing entry but with his ID he could, as long as he didn''t take much time, he needed to pick up something in his office and Cindy offered to escort him. He stops his action when he saw his fianc¨¦e stun looks. "You okay?" He asked worried, wondering why she had a shocked expression like she has just seen a ghost. Cindy faces him breaking out her trance when she felt him rub her shoulder with ease. "Honey?" "I saw Riley, Edward," she said as her eyes grew wistful of memories of the past. Edward froze with wide eyes, hearing her name gave him an unease feeling, he hasn''t heard in a while, his head was unable to process what she had just said, was she serious? that was the thought in his head. "Wha¡­What?" he said bewildered. "But that can''t be possible right, I mean she''s dead, we saw the news," Cindy said shakily, her mind going about several options she could muster to explain what she just see. "Yes it''s not possible, Riley is dead Cindy and we will never see her again" Edward grabbing her arm so that she faces him, staring deep into her eyes to give her comfort. Cindy hasn''t been so worked up like this, of course, she would have thought she had seen a dead friend that lied to both of them about her identity. Cindy nodded taking a deep breath. "Okay" she sighs, trying to convince herself that she just saw someone that just happened to look like her, she shouldn''t get herself work up at something that happened in the past, it was the past and they have moved on. She turned her eyes lingered on the two women a far distance away as they disappeared in a building up ahead. ''Maybe it''s just someone that looks like her'' she thought certain that''s was the only explanation. *** "Okay, that was weird, who was that? And why did she call you that name? Wasn''t that the name of the same file I sent you two weeks ago that you needed to scan through to get more info on the black ghoul?" Jesse said grabbing Lorna by her arm, stopping her in her tracks. She seriously needed an explanation because all the fact she just mentioned adds up to a point. Lorna sighs knowing Jesse wasn''t someone she could keep anything from. "Remember on the phone I told you I was gonna tell you as soon as I resumed" Lorna begin, figuring she should start from there, there was no use keeping it to herself since she mentioned telling her a while ago. Jesse nods saying. "Yeah you did but then the assignment came up". "Okay this ghoul Riley Leah, am identical to her" Lorna said sighing, she hated saying that she looks like a ghoul. "Okay that''s weird and such a big coincidence," Jesse said sarcastically. "Have you seen her picture, I fucking look like her" Riley hissed, but immediately stops her action when she saw some students stares at them. "I get your point Lorna but you shouldn''t be so worked up about it because you look like some ghoul, I mean it''s highly a coincidence, and it''s not your fault," Jesse said amused. She didn''t know why Lorna was upset by this, she could see in her face, or was there something else that made up her toes? Lorna sighs. "I know I shouldn''t it''s just," she said taking a deep breath because the hard part came now, one she was still trying to wrap her head around, one she was constantly having a battle with the inside of her of several mixed unwanted feeling she couldn''t explain. "I think this ghoul might have been the black ghoul''s lover" Jesse froze with widening eyes, that was not good. "Oh, shit!" she exclaims, practically staring at Lorna like she had two heads. "Oh yes!" Lorna said rolling her eyes. This explains it all. "That''s why he let you go because you look like his lover?" "Talk about a romance gone wrong" She adds with a scoff. "Yeah," Lorna said in agreement. definitely a romance gone wrong. "But I don''t wanna think about it, I may have survived once but I don''t know about the second time" she adds, knowing fully well their next encounter won''t be pleasant, but at the back of her mind the words he said to her about him coming back for her rang in her head or was it to kill her? that was her thought as her eyes widen, she shivers at the thought. "Yeah you''re right, he is a physic killer after all," Jesse said making a face at her point. Lorna nods once more, she couldn''t doubt that remembering how he dealt with the V-ghoul leader. "Let''s go, as sooner as we are done with this investigation the better" Lorna said as they continued their walk to the dorm building. She was glad she was able to talk to Jesse about it, it lifted some weight off her shoulder, it was a nice relief t be able to talk to someone who understood you with no question, she was glad had Jesse, maybe being friends with her wasn''t so bad after all, she smiled broadly at the thought, Jesse wasn''t just her partner but also her friend. *** Hilton Dorm Building Lorna and Jesse walk into the wide hall filled with doors, some students walking to and fro but they didn''t pay attention to them. "Okay, dorm 89," Jesse said checking her phone once more. Lorna nods they searched for the door, observing each one that had the number they were looking for. They got to it, it was in another part of the hall. They both stood right in front of it, Jesse reaches for the doorknob. "It''s locked," Jesse said giving her a look. Lorna nods getting her point as they brought out their gun, it made an automatic start-up sound. For all they know the girl in there was a ghoul, they had to take her in for questioning and that has to be by force cause a ghoul always had an instinct to survive and it was always brutal whether they wanted it or not. With a nod, Jesse slammed her foot at the door, it barges open, they rushed in pointing their gun in the small apartment, they walk through the thin lobby, leading to her room. "G.I agents" Lorna hissed as they both cornered to the mini bedroom, but no answer, they turned to another part of the room but froze as their eyes widen at the scene. Cassandra was struggling for her life, as she tapped her tighten fist against the large hand that grabs her throat, lifting her off her feet, her legs wagging to and fro at the height. Ghost smirking as he tightens his fist around her neck more but not enough to snap her neck. Liam seated on the chair relaxing, a leg crossed on another, he wore all black clothing, a black thick leather jacket, a black inner shirt that hugs his frame perfectly, black jeans, and black shoes. He turned to the two young ladies pointing their guns, a dark smirk that didn''t reach his eyes, forms in an irresistible way. "Took you long enough agents" his voice was dark and twisted holding slight humor that wasn''t pleasant. Chapter 68 - Black Witness Lorna''s hands were practically shaking against her gun, she could tell Jesse was too cause if not she would have pulled the trigger without hesitation. What sort of a cursed fate was this for them? That was Lorna''s thought, just a few minutes ago they were talking about the black ghoul and now here he was, staring at them with that menacing ghoul eyes of his that beams a bright gold unlike the rest of the ghouls, showing how different he was, and that smirk against his lips, it was dark and twisted, unpredictable like it was mocking them. The muffled sound of the captive broke her out of her trance. Ghost''s hand was still tightly grabbed around her neck, the poor girl was practically gasping for air, Lorna had to think of something. "You will kill her" Lorna finally found the courage to speak up, she knew she was crazy but she couldn''t help it, his presence was intimidating and deadly but she turned a blind eye to it, someone was in danger, she couldn''t just stand still. She felt Jesse beside her tense at the sound of her voice, she knew they were both in a thin line of death, that tall monstrous Claw could easily devour them before they could blink an eye. But still, Lorna surges on considering the witness, that poor girl could give out any second. "She''s the only witness we have," Lorna said once more, her eyes drifting to Liam''s ghoul ones, she trembled more meeting his gaze but she stood her ground if they were going to survive this, then when he first saw her there was a bit soft look in his eyes but right now she rethinks everything, causes right now she was staring into an emotionless face of a killer. "Well she''s mine witness now, I don''t care about what you agents think," Liam said as his deep voice boomed in the room, this agent had guts he would give it to her, any agent he has encounter practically froze up in fear just by the mere sight of him, but this particular was daring, and it made him more curious of what she might do. Jesse gulps hard eyeing Lorna a bit, thinking of what to do in this situation, knowing if they attack now, Ghost will move automatically and devour them. "Witness you say," Lorna said giving Jesse a look, she caught on as Lorna looks away. All she had to do right now was play a distraction, she was sure Jesse got her signal, she just needed a bit of time. "That means you weren''t present in the attack then, you also want to find the culprit," Lorna said sternly her eyes landing on Liam once more, Liam''s eyebrow flick together in a frown knowing what she was aiming at, she was stalling for something, trust an agent to always have something up their sleeves. "We are both after the same thing" She adds. Liam rose to his feet showing how tall he was, they were alarmed by his sudden movement but they didn''t make any move to shoot fearing the consequence if they did. Hands in his pocket he said. "Drop your guns," Liam said sternly and it wasn''t pleasant, knowing if they disobeyed they will be dead in a matter of seconds, he gave them that threatening look and he was damn serious. Lorna and Jesse stare at each other briefly, speaking with their eyes. "Now!" he said final, his voice laced with impatience. They did as they were told, Jesse gave her a look of approval that''s she had done it. Liam caught this, in a flash he was in front of Jesse grabbing her arm and twisting it backward, she screams as the gun drops to the ground, the beeping light present on the gun that she sent a distress call. "NO!" Lorna shouts but it was too late as with one swift fling Jesse was sent flying out the window in a hard crash, Lorna panicked more knowing they were on the fifth floor. Furious she attacks despise her gun on the ground, she sent punches and kicks at him, but Liam deflected them with ease, but that didn''t stop her, she fought hoping to get an opening and she did, growling she sent a kick to his face but he caught it with one hand, her leg hanging in mid-air, not letting that stop her she rotated her hips and sent a high kick to his face, it landed on his jaw hard, Liam growled at the impact straightening his jaw back in place earning a crack sound, Lorna grabs her gun and then quickly aimed at Ghost firing, but to her surprise he caught the bullet with his free hand, smirking. "You missed" Ghost growls out in amusement. "Did I?" Lorna said daring as Ghost raised an eyebrow, he realized his hand was now free and Cassandra slide down, the main aim was Ghost''s hand from the start and she smirks at her progress but instead it was a mistake. "Damn it Ghost!" Liam hissed suddenly but Lorna couldn''t tell why but as her eyes lands on Cassandra on the ground, she froze realizing her mistake. Cassandra whole body shakes as she vibrates like she was having a panic attack, her body covers in a green aura as green bandages erupt from out of her, and then she transformed to Claw a raging one at that just like that of a V-ghoul, the now female looking Claw roars out in rage and pushed Ghost hard making him slam against the wall with a crack but that didn''t stop Ghost because he was faster and stronger as he roars towards the Claw but it slides down before Ghost claws reach her. She slides down to Lorna grabbing her, she squeaks in protest but it was futile. In a flash, Liam came at them but the Claw was out the window in speed crashing into it so did Liam from behind, he landed perfectly on his feet earning screams from the students outside. Liam looks around but couldn''t find the Claw or the agent, he mentally cursed, they were nowhere to be seen like they just vanish. Ghost lands beside him. "Ghost can smell the Claw but it''s too faint to follow," Ghost said. "Boss you have to get out of there, the agent has been alerted, they will be swamping that area in less than a second" Kayla said through the comm. "Kayla I need you to hack as much surveillance as you can and find me that fucking Claw" Liam hissed pissed as Ghost surges back inside him. "Yes boss" His eyes changed to his normal chocolate ones, he flaps on his hood walking out of plain sight, he needed to track them down and fast, that human was their only witness but now a Claw on the run, holding an agent captive. *** Just as Kayla said, in less than a second the college was flooding with agents. Agents lead by Chase bust into the room, pointing their guns in all areas, they met with an empty mess up space, Chase observed the area, no sign of anyone, he walked towards the table and found a pack of drugs lying on the table, green in color. "Sir" an agent walks up to him. "There''s no one in sight," he said. Chase cursed knowing they missed them, his eyes lands on the guns on the ground. ''Were the two agents devoured?'' he thought. "Sir over here," an agent said looking out the window, Chase rushed towards it. He looked downwards seeing Jesse slowly rising to her feet holding her broken right arm, she was on top of a ceiling that budges out from one of the buildings so she didn''t take the fall. "Sir, the Claw took Lorna!" Jesse hissed due to the distance she was in. "What?!" *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarter (GIH) Barbra was seated on her chair, facing the wide window in her office, when she got the call of the incident and Lorna being kidnapped by a Claw. The call line cut as she rises to her with an unreadable expression, she folded her arm staring at the city of New York. ''something doesn''t feel right'' she thought certain, according to Jesse report there wasn''t a ghoul wielder of the Claw that took Lorna, in all her years of hunting ghouls there has never been a mystery incident like this, there was always a ghoul and a Claw and vise versa but this was different, this got her up in her toes, was the black ghoul wasn''t enough or the V-ghouls and now Claws on their own? there had to be some kind of explanation for this and she was dying to find out. Seventh Floor Lab Peter''s eyes were at the binoculars viewing a sample of the drug, he retreats his eyes tying something on the laptop beside him and then going back to testing after he was done, he went back to his laptop to finish analyzing, waiting for his report after hours of studying the drug, when the results came up he froze. "Oh my God!" he exclaimed with wide eyes. Chapter 69 - Black Hunger Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarter (GIH) Through the agency doors, Chase, Jesse, Mia, and other groups of agents walked in. "I need eyes and ears in the entire city, I want that Claw and the black ghoul located" Chase hissed to a group of agents as they nodded rushing out to their duty post assigned, Mia follows behind, she was in charge of the surveillance around the city, so it was only neutral she had to be there to track them faster. Jesse was beyond worried for Lorna, her mind kept racing, she remembered when the Claw suddenly bust out from the window carrying Lorna and then dashing out in speed. She hoped and prayed she was okay and wasn''t eaten, the thought of that made her mind race more. ''Lorna''. She thought holding her broken right arm. ''Please be okay''. "You should get your arm treated," Chase said with a hint of worry. Jesse forced a smile. "Am fine, am more worried about Lorna, I just hope she''s okay" "We will find her rest assure, the agency never abandons an agent. Now quick get to the medic and get that arm treated". Jesse nods slightly. "SIR!" Peter shouts rushing to them in haste, he stops in their front taking harsh breaths, trying to calm himself down, he just ran the whole stairs down here since the fucking elevator decided not to work. "What is it?" Chase demands. "Pete are you okay?" Jesse asks worried, the poor guy was practically drenched from the running. He took some time before his breaths calmed down, he raised the sachet green drug, standing fully. "We have a problem" he began taking a deep breath. Chase and Jesse eyed him puzzled. "This drug was made from the very same skin of a Claw". Everyone froze the moment he said that. Heels sound as Barbra walks towards them, she took the drug from Peter''s hand, assessing it. "We have a problem," Barbra said overhearing Peter''s discovery. "This is bad, this drug could have been distributed throughout the whole city," Chase said with widening eyes. "This drug is the reason humans are turning to Claw and worse we have 6 of them on the loose with no tabs on them," Peter said panicking. "Lorna was taken by one of them," Jesse said unsettled. Peter froze at the news. "Get to work everyone, I want those missing Claws found!" Barbra hissed. "Yes Ma''am!" *** Warehouse Lorna groans, her body felt cold and rough, she wondered why, her hands hurt too. Opening her eyes to find the discomfort she met with a dark environment, small light rays brighten the environment a bit from the small box windows, making it easier to see things around, she recognized her environment was a warehouse, boxes around and dirt, yes there was dirt everywhere, no wonder her skin felt rough, and her hands were tied to her back and it hurts cause the rough ropes were scratching her skin. She groans sitting upon the ground, leaning her back against the wall, trying to find any comfort and recalling how she got herself in this mess, the last thing she remembers was fighting the black ghoul, a wave of relief when she broke his jaw for what he did to Jesse, she hoped and prayed her partner survived the fall, but she knew she was wrong, sorrow and anger coursed through her bones. She remembered shooting at Ghost, setting Cassandra free which she now knew was a mistake, and then she transformed into a Claw something she never thought was possible and she grabs her, and then the rest was blank, she must hit her head or something cause she remembered when her head made an impact with the window. In response to that, she groaned, feeling the same pain coming from her head, it was bruised and had bits of blood, her whole body shook with pain too as she fell from a high building. Hearing the door creak open, she gasped in alert and Cassandra walks in murmuring to herself, her eyes had black bags beneath and she was lean almost like she was deprecating, her clothes were way too baggy for her, it was a long sleeve sweater and pants, her light brunette hair messy in all angles. "Stupid, stupid, stupid" she rants walking to and fro while rolling her sleeves and scratching her arm which was red from her constant rubbing and pinching. "Cassandra Williams," Lorna said, watching the girl that almost looks like she was losing her mind. Lorna knew very well to be vigilant, cause that girl wasn''t human but still she couldn''t wrap her head around the fact that she could turn to a Claw if she wasn''t a ghoul then what was she? Lorna needed answer''s and she had time, for all she knew she sought or believed that Cassandra wouldn''t hurt her because she was kidnapped and not devoured so she was on a safer side, for now, maybe she could at least gather as much info as she could before the agency came for her. "Cassandra" she called once more but the nuts girl kept ranting the word stupid, Lorna could see fear in her eyes like she was afraid of something, maybe of being caught because she committed a crime of kidnapping an agent, worse a crime of not being human. Lorna tried once more. "Cassan-" "JUST SHUT UP!" she roared in a voice that sounded Claw like, deep and rough, her eyes changed to that of a ghoul, the white part of her eyes black, but the center was green other than like the normal gold ghouls had. Lorna''s body shook in fear at her outburst, she instantly rethinks her situation she knew for certain now she would be eaten before the agents got here, she gulps hard at the thought, she suddenly panics when Cassandra march towards her on the verge of changing. Lorna waited for the worse but Cassandra halts her steps like she was fighting with herself. "AM NOT GONNA EAT HER!" she roars as she tightens her fist, it turned white due to the tight grip, she growls like an animal as she held her head, green veins creeping in all her skin like it was pulsing. Lorna could only watch in horror as the poor girl mentally fights the monster residing inside her, practically wanting to come out. "BLOOD!" she wailed. Lorna''s eyes widen in realization, it was her blood, dripping from her forehead that called her monster out, it was attracted to it. Not wanting to be Claw food just yet, she looks for an alternative to save both herself and the girl, Lorna spots a blanket on the ground, she forced her body up rushing to it, rubbing her head against it, hoping she would get the blood out without her hands. Good, it cleaned off, she kicks the blanket to a corner, facing Cassandra. She watches her calming down a bit, the veins retreating, her eyes back to normal. She took harsh breaths like she was coming down from a panic attack. "Are you okay now?" Lorna asked taking a step forward, she felt sorry for the girl, she wasn''t like the other ghouls who killed without hesitation. "Stay back!" she hissed. Lorna instantly halts not daring to take another step forward. "Just... Don''t... come any closer" she motioned with her hand that she stays there. "Okay, okay I won''t... Just...calm down" Lorna said taking steps backward, she sat on a box making sure there was a safe distance. "Am far away as possible, you can calm down" Lorna said softly, seeing tears rolling down her cheeks. "I can help you Cassandra" she began. "No you won''t!" she hissed, the tears rolling down her eyes. "You''re a fucking agent and hunt ghoul''s for a living". Lorna''s lips hang apart not knowing what to say because she was right. "Am not like the other ghouls, I don''t even know what I am" she broke into tears holding her head with both hands. "I know," Lorna said sincerely. "But I don''t understand why are you transforming into a Claw, it''s not possible" she adds puzzled. Cassandra sobs raising her head staring at Lorna with bloodshot eyes. "You wouldn''t believe me if I told you" her voice cracks. "Try me, I have seen a lot of things in my life, there''s nothing you will tell me that I won''t believe," Lorna said, she had to play her card right and listen to what she has to say hoping to get some clarity of what was going on. Cassandra sighs. "It''s the drugs" she began bringing a sachet of green drugs out of her loose pants. "The drugs," Lorna said puzzled, wondering what the drug had to do with turning her into a monster. "It''s called G-st," she said opening the sachet, pouring the powder in her hand, and then sniffing it, she groaned at the feeling as her eyes changed. Lorna watches with shaky eyes as the realization struck her, the drug was the reason for everything. ''This is bad''. "And I can''t stop taking it," she said cracking in a burst of manic laughter that gave Lorna goosebumps. Chapter 70 - Black Addict A black power bike drove the streets of New York, zooming past the area of the street and then got to a secluded environment with lesser people, it was a neighborhood as sounds of a dog barking could be heard. Still seated on his bike, Liam removes his black helmet, he clicked on his earplugs. "Report". "The drug has a component of a Claw skin, this is unlike anything I have ever seen" Sean''s voice sounds through the earplug. "Send me the reports," Liam said reaching out to bring out his phone, the reports instantly came in. A cell could be seen having Claw green residue. "That''s why she can transform," Liam said sternly watching the residue, like a virus moving around. "Someone is distributing drugs that can turn humans to Claw" he adds certain. "This is unlike anything we have ever face, this could end badly, every drug addict out there will be slowly turning into a monster without them knowing, we have to find the drug dealers and put a stop to this" Sean said sounding pissed. "I have a lead, I told Kayla to find me that Claw and the agent. I find the girl I find the distributor and then I end him, I don''t want a whole city going berserk" Liam said not liking the idea of living in a city filled with mindless Claws, he had bigger things to worry about which was the agency, as soon as he was done with this, the sooner he got back to work. "My guess this has something to do with the V-ghouls" he adds certain, because of the raging green Claw the girl possesses, it was off the charts just like the rest of the V-ghoul. "I have that guess too, the agents are on the move, the sooner you find the girl the sooner we get info before the agents," Sean said as the call transferred to Kayla. "Boss I have just pinpoint their location," Kayla said. "Sending you the coordinates right now" An alert came in his phone, getting that as a signal to move, he put on his black helmet, powering up his bike turning, and then zooming off in speed. *** Outskirts of the City The Silver-lining Manor "Is this how you guys support him?" Iris asked not liking the idea of not being on the field with Liam, he was practically out there on his own and she didn''t like it. "Yup," Kayla said her fingers fast against the transparent keyboard, her eyes fixed on the widescreen, not a worry in the world, knowing her boss got this. Iris sighs in frustration, feeling a bit useless and not helping Liam in any way. "A drug that can turn humans to Claw, who the fuck would want that" Rory said pissed as he went through the transparent iPad he held that showed the reports. "As soon as Boss finds the distributor the faster we put an end to this" Gray said sternly, he was pissed at this knowing that this will bring more room for innocent ghouls to be hunted. Whoever initiated this plan of creating drugs with Claw skin, was a maniac. Iris watches Gray, Kayla, and Race, they were calm and positive Liam would get the info they needed to stop the drug dealers, they had so much faith in him. ''How long have they been working with him?'' Iris thought seeing so much trust in their eyes, Iris couldn''t help but wonder what sought of bond this was, the faith, the trust, and their desire to follow Liam''s every lead, all these years Liam has built quite the team and she couldn''t be prouder, she smiled at the thought, it was time to have faith in him also. *** Warehouse "Tell me, Cassandra," Lorna said gulping hard. "What happens if you stop taking the drugs?" "I die of course," she said with a shrug like ''wasn''t it obvious?'' "That can not be the end game for you, there has to be a way to stop this or reverse it" Lorna urged knowing there was always a solution as long as you look for one. "There isn''t a way," Cassandra said sniffing the last bits of the green powder, it gave her mind ease. "If I stop I will die and then the monster inside me takes over, I won''t be sane anymore" she adds sighing. "So what be a drug addict for the rest of your life?" "Look I don''t have a choice okay... and besides am already an addict!" she hissed running her fingers in her hair. "Okay I get it, you stop taking it and then you die," Lorna said agreeing with her, she didn''t want to make her angrier than she was, fearing the consequences. "Cassandra" Lorna began softly. Her ghoul''s eyes drift to hers. "Why did you kidnap me, you know doing this is a crime," Lorna said as calmly as she could, she needed some info of why she was brought here against her will. She huffed in amusement. "I ate my roommate I guess am way past the word crime". Lorna gulps at her words. "Okay that was awful," Lorna said imagining the scene. Cassandra rolled her eyes at her words. "That''s awful, well what''s insane is that... I enjoyed it" she said with a smile that didn''t reach her eyes. "The taste of her flesh, the blood... I couldn''t stop" she said as another tear rolled down her cheeks, they fell on their own accord, but Lorna couldn''t tell if it was from regret or the way she felt. Lorna watch with shaky eyes, it was reasonable she felt that way, she was speaking to a Claw, a predatory organ that resides inside a ghoul that lived solely on eating humans, she wouldn''t be more surprised if she felt that way, was that how all the Claws felt like? Couldn''t they just stop? Were they enslaved by their taste for human flesh? But wait... She froze at a thought ''That why hasn''t she been eaten yet'' she would have easily just done that like she did her roommate. "You let me live why?" Lorna asked skeptically knowing there''s a reason for her being bough here and not to get eaten, yet. Cassandra huffed. "Isn''t it obvious?" she said pinning Lorna down with her ghoul''s eyes. "Am luring the black ghoul here". Lorna froze at her reason, was she serious? "It was a miracle when he came to my doorstep," she said giggling. "Not exactly the visit I expected" she adds remembering the encounter with him, and the interrogation. "Why use me to get to him?" Lorna asked, she was of no value to the black ghoul. "He would have killed you the moment you and your partner step into that room" she began. "He was stalling, you may have not noticed that, but you and I know he would have killed you in a split second, perhaps he was hesitating or something, so I knew if I take you, he will follow". Lorna huffed at her words, the black ghoul stalling? That as hell wasn''t possible at all, right? Her expression changed. ''Is it because I remind him of his lover?''. She thought with an unreadable expression, yes that should be it, she guesses killing an agent that looked like his lover wasn''t something he could handle so he stalls instead? "Besides there''s a bounty on his head". That snaps Lorna out of her trance. "A what?" "You asked me if there isn''t any other way," she said. Lorna nods. "Well, there is...Whoever kills the black ghoul gets to be cured, I get to be human again if I kill the black ghoul" She said as a smirk pressed against her lips broadly. *** Liam approached the warehouse, it was in a secluded area inside the woods away from buildings, practically the only building on sight miles away from the city, he eyed the building curiously. *** Lorna''s eyes widen in shock, this was crazy, distribution of drugs to humans and then a bounty on the black ghoul''s head? This was a well-crafted plan whoever thought of it, every drug addict was coming for him and then the realization struck her. The remaining survivors of the party. "You are not the only one on this are you?" Lorna said it was more like a rhetorical question because she already knew the answer. She smirks. "You''re pretty smart" Cassandra comments, her eyes shining in amusement. "Yes am not the only one, my boyfriend and a few friends," she adds with a shrug. That moment Lorna heard thudding sounds on the roof, like Claws, were gathering around on it. He was practically walking into a trap and Lorna just knew that now. She faces Cassandra back, a smirk plastered on her lips. "We get to live this way, I hope you understand". Lorna gulps on at her words. From the rooftop a young man lands beside Cassandra probably three years older than her, he was much taller than her, he had dark messy hair and his ghoul''s eyes were present just like Cassandra''s, he had dark bags under his eyes also and was slightly pale. He wraps his hand around her neck rubbing it gently. "You know what to do," Jack said softly close to her ear. He eyes Lorna a bit as his body vibrates, he transformed into a Claw, a green aura erupting around him, he growls zapping out. Cassandra faces Lorna. "Let''s have fun shall we". Chapter 71 - Black Prey The creatures around made enticing noise, the sun at its highest peak but soon be descending for the night hour. Liam approached the warehouse a few distances away from him. "Boss can...you... hear" Kayla''s voice was breaking from Liam''s comm. "Kayla I can''t hear you," Liam said. The connection got bad the moment he steps into the woods. "Boss...bos...bo" the connection died down. That moment Liam stood in front of the warehouse, eyeing the worn-out building in the middle of nowhere. Ghost surges out of him. "Ghost smell them, lots of them," Ghost said smirking. Liam huffed, his eyes holding a foul mood. "Great a trap" Liam said in a bored tone. That moment, Claws drops down from the rooftop circling them, like they were the prey and they were a predator. They roared and snarled in response as their nails grew sharper. Ghost chuckled deeply, seeing enough to kill, waiting for Liam to give the order, the excitement thrilling his inside. "Listen," Liam said practically bored. "Am only here for one thing only and then... I will kill all of you". They snarled in response. "I want the name of your distributor". "You don''t get to make demands" a voice came in. Liam''s eyes move towards the entrance, as Cassandra steps out dragging Lorna behind. Their eyes met but as quickly as they did, Liam''s eyes drift back to Cassandra. "We have something else you want," she said amused. Liam raises an eyebrow. "What makes you think I want her?" he asked sternly. "I saw what you did, don''t lie black ghoul, you were stalling when you could have easily killed her". "That doesn''t justify what am here for!" Liam snaps, his body tensing. Lorna could tell he was irritated by her words, was it true then? Or he was irritated by something else, it was impossible to read the cold expression he always holds up, it was like staring at a blank paper. "Am here for the name of your distributor, and I need answers, trust me am a very impatient man" Liam said as his body erupts with a black aura around him, it was faint but could go bizarre at any moment. Lorna gulps at the sight. "Tick tock" Ghost said in amusement, itching to get the killing started. Lorna could feel Cassandra stiffen at the sound of Ghost''s inhuman voice, she was scared good, cause so was Lorna, there was no way they had the chance against the black ghoul. But little does she know Cassandra had something up her sleeve, she smirks in a sick twisted way. "How about we play a game then," she said unable to hold the amusement, as she giggles slightly. Lorna gave her way a look. ''Did the drug mess up her head too''. Lorna thought, she shivers at the thought, because this girl was practically sounding crazy right now, they were in a life or death situation, and yet she''s suggesting they played hide and seek. Liam was silent and it was awful deadly, his need to kill made it harder to breathe, she was surprised he was still standing not making a move to snap her neck. Yes, he wouldn''t because if he did he wouldn''t get the information he needed, the only reason he hasn''t killed everyone here was that he hadn''t gotten what he came for and Lorna knew that, Cassandra was sick thinking the black ghoul came for her, it was obvious it was the opposite. "Let''s play hide and seek" she offered. "Excuse me?" Liam said as he heard wrong, this kid was crazy, he couldn''t help the rage boiling inside him the moment he saw Lorna being dragged out her hands tied behind her back but Liam knew all too well that she was an agent and not Riley, he kept telling himself that, it took everything in his power not to leash out on the nuts girl, Ghost could feel it too, he growls in response. "Yes hide and seek, this agent runs far as she can get, it''s probably miles away out here. And then we chase, I find her and then I kill her, it''s your loss cause am super hungry" Cassandra said amused. ''Bitch'' Lorna thought wondering why she felt empathy for this girl. "And then if you find her, we give you the name you so badly want, you will have to fight through us to get to her that is" she adds. The rest of the Claws snarled in response. ''He won''t agree to this, he''s so impatient'' Lorna thought remembering their previous encounters, but all that came crashing down when her eyes land on Liam and Ghost. "You have got to be fucking kidding me," Lorna said with wide eyes. Liam had a dark twisted smirk that was similar to that of Ghost, it was like staring at a mirror at their twisted amusement. The black aura retreats inside him and he said words that made Lorna''s heartbreak. "Let''s play!" Cassandra''s eyes danced in amusement at his answer, she loses Lorna''s restraint, her hands-free. "A head start," She said as her body vibrated, signaling she was transforming to her Claw. Making sure she stares daggers at Liam which he didn''t recognize, she bolts as fast as she could. Liam''s eyes never left Cassandra as her body vibrates, they waited, it was calm, the wind blowing around until an hour passed. Cassandra fully transformed roaring as she dashes out with the rest of her team to the distance Lorna ran in. Liam and Ghost stood still, he took a deep breath closing his eyes. The game has begun. *** With harsh panic breath, Lorna ran as fast as she could, her body brushing the leaves and branches, some prick her skin but she didn''t care, she didn''t care about the pain but her life which was at stake right now. She was being hunted like prey running from wide animals and the moment they find her, she was a goner, that thought alone made her mind race more. For a brief second she turned, her breath sharp and fast, no one was behind her, good, she might just be able to outrun them and get the hell out of here before she was Claw food, she turns forward but gasps as a roaring Claw was right in front of her before she could blink the Claw used the back of it''s hand to slam her chest, she was sent flying as her back came in contact with a tree branch, blood spill from her mouth as she lands on the ground hard. She held her chest in pain, it was unbearable. The claw roars coming at her in speed, she waited for the worse but Ghost zaps in clawing at the Claw ripping it to pieces roaring, the Claw fades in the dust. Lorna forced her body to sit up, her back against the branch, easing herself out of pain. Ghost growls tilting his head to the side, his body vibrates in the black aura, Lorna watch as he switches places with Liam, Liam stood right in front of her with an unreadable expression. "Get up" he hissed marching towards her and then grabbing her hand harshly, pulling her up with no much strength and then dragging her with him. "Let me go," Lorna said in pain, but he didn''t listen, pissed she snap. "GET YOUR FUCKING HANDS OFF ME!" with enough force she could muster she pulled her arm away from his touch. He faces her. "Don''t you ever touch me again" she pointed with angry eyes, ignoring the intense pain in her chest. "I just fucking saved your life" Liam snap. "I didn''t ask for it!" she hissed. She scoffs. "The black ghoul saving an agent, a taint to your reputation that is" she mocked. Liam looks away. "According to that crazy girl you have been stalling, yes you have ever since that day," she said, Lorna couldn''t hold it in anymore, she needed to confront him about his strange actions. Liam''s gaze lands back at her, his ghoul eyes burning in her green ones. "Why don''t you just go ahead and kill me, why are you hesitating? Is it because I look like that Riley Leah" she said, saying the name made her unsettled. Liam grabs her wrist tightly, pulling it up plunging her forward, her body brush against his briefly, the feeling made her shiver, her body reacting to it in all sought of ways she didn''t want. She gulps staring into his angry eyes, her head back a bit to meet his gaze because of how tall he was. "Don''t say her name" he warns. Lorna''s body tense at his harsh words that held threat, she''s rethinking the thought about him not wanting to kill her, cause right now she saw the killing intent in his eyes. "Are you going to kill me? " Lorna mentally slap herself for asking such a question, of course, he would if he wanted to, it was obvious in his eyes, right now she was just not the prey of those hungry Claws but his prey and he was the predator. Chapter 72 - Black Predator (Part 1) Liam could feel Lorna''s body tense due to how close they were, being this close Liam could see the undeniable resemblance, the same cheekbones, the same shape of face, those thick eyelashes and those green eyes he couldn''t stop staring at and those lips he loved to kiss so much. Everything he saw in this agent was everything about his Riley he just couldn''t resist, but he hid those emotions with an intent to kill her. "Are you gonna kill me?". Those words made his body tense a bit, can he? When she looks exactly like his long-lost love? He didn''t answer, what word could he say, When he didn''t trust his own body around this agent, his decision when it came to her was against his very rule against an agent, for one the only reason he agreed to this game in the first place was a way of keeping her safe away from those hungry claw''s, he didn''t wanna involve her in a close battle knowing very well their second target would be her, with this, he can keep her at a safe distance while he took out the Claw''s and gain the information he needed and then decides what he does with this agent next, she was a distraction he didn''t like, a constant reminder of someone he can''t have. His eyes still burn in hers as she waited for his answer which he wasn''t sure he could give, her looks were always catching him off guard, speaking of looks Riley had a birthmark behind her neck, maybe just maybe, that was Liams thought as he leaned close to her. Lorna''s body tense at Liam''s sudden action, she thought for a moment he would kiss her with those lips she found attractive. ''What''s he gonna do?'' she panics in her head. Liam leans close brushing his face against her soft hair, it reminds him of Riley''s, her jacket blocked the assess to her neck, he needed to see for himself, if maybe just maybe, the lady standing right in front of him was her. "What are yo-" before Lorna could finish her words a roar came in, they both turned to the position it came in, about two Claw''s came after them. Lorna panics as she intends to draw herself from his grip and run for the hills, but Liam didn''t let go, he was calm as the Claw''s came forth. "Switch!". Liam quickly zaps in place of Ghost it was now Ghost holding Lorna but his nails didn''t get to her skin, he was careful as he held her. Lorna''s eyes widen at the being now close to her, Ghost roars as a Claw jumps at him but with one wave of his hand Ghost slits its throat, the Claw dropping to the ground turning to dust. The other came but before he could even reach them, Ghost dugs his hand deeply in its chest, the Claw fading away. Lorna took harsh breaths, almost thinking for a second that Claw would rip out her head. Ghost turns to her smirking deeply. "Enjoying the fun," he said in amusement. Lorna''s eyes drift to his bandage one''s, Ghost long elongated tongue swamp out licking the blood at the corner of her lips, Lorna paled at the sudden action, unable to think or move. "Delicious" he groans leaning close. "GHOST!" Liam snaps pissed walking towards them. Ghost instantly pauses his action, Lorna quickly used that opportunity to move away from Ghost, she instinctively hid behind Liam. "That fucking Claw just lick my lips" Lorna accused not wanting to be near Ghost even for a second afraid of what he might do. "What do you expect he''s a primal being," Liam said. Ghost shrugs. "How many remaining?" Liam asked. "Five, too easy" Ghost said as his smirk disappear not liking that the Claw''s weren''t tough targets like he expected. "Yes it''s too easy" Liam agrees. Liam turns to Lorna behind him. "You are only alive because if you die I don''t get the name I want". She gulps at his words, she looks away not wanting to stare at his ghoul''s eyes any longer. "Stay close" he orders. A branch snaps, they all automatically turn in the direction. "Ghost smells them," Ghost says growling. "They must be up to something keep an eye close," Liam said on alert. "Roger" Lorna couldn''t help but acknowledge their teamwork, whatever Liam said goes, she was surprised a savage being like Ghost obeyed his every command without question like he was born to do so, this must be the undying bond between a Claw and a ghoul. Lorna couldn''t help but feel useless right now. ''I wish I had my gun'' she thought, knowing that was the only thing she could use to defend herself right, she didn''t like the idea of the black ghoul protecting her. His large frame covered her away from the sight, behind him like his body was a shield. Another branch snaps followed by a zap, but then nothing, Liam and Ghost could feel that they were surrounded, they were lying dominant waiting for who will make the first move, the area was quiet not a sound could be heard, the creatures of the woods making their enticing noise, the skies dimming showing it was almost sundown, the quietness was becoming more prominent, they knew it was a camouflage so they kept their heads on high alert. Lorna was becoming dizzy with the quietness, she was convinced no one was around them anymore. "I don''t think they are around anymore," Lorna said as quietly as she could, it was just a faint whisper. "Shh" Liam hushed. Lorna kept her mouth shut, giving him a look. She rolls her eyes at him. *Rope Snaps* At the sound of that Lorna turns but she felt Liam push her, she lands on the ground hard, sitting up, she froze as a plank hit Liam where she once stood, he was sent flying across the air, his back slamming on a tree branch and then breaking it from the harsh impact. Lorna could only watch with widening eyes. ''He saved me'' that was all she could process right now. Ghost roars pissed as the Claws dash out in the open coming at them, Lorna forced her body up as she made a run for it, Ghost charging towards the Claws in a deadly battle, the pain of Liam hurt weakening him but he ignores it. Lorna ran as fast as she could away from the scene, she ran without turning back, she took sharp breaths as she did, tears building at the corner of her eyes, she didn''t want to die yet. ''I have to get out of here'' she thought, the tears rolling down her cheeks. Suddenly her legs slowed down, so did her breath, it slowed and slowed until she stops, her body shaking like she was having a panic attack she quickly reached for her jacket pocket pulling out her meds, she opened the small container swallowing two pills at once, she leans her back on a branch as her body calms down, she then broke into tears, her sobs loud as the tears roll her cheeks nonstop. "Pull yourself together," she said between tears, using the back of her hand to clean her wet cheeks. She took a deep breath closing her eyes, her fist tighten, what she was about to do was against her every accord as an agent, but she knew standing beside the black ghoul was already certain she had broken all rules. *** Ghost roars as his body vibrates, a Claw holding his throat tightly ready to rip it to shreds, about three others pinned him down to the ground. Their main objective was to weaken Liam from the start, to get to Liam they get to Ghost. Ghost fights the pull to reverse back inside Liam, cause he needed to heal but he can''t just yet, he had to keep fighting. A Claw march forward reverting to human form showing Cassandra, she positioned her gun, it was that of the agency''s, the one she stole when she kidnapped Lorna. She faced a struggling weak Ghost overpowered by four Claws. "Tick Tock" she repeats Ghost''s words smirking. Seeing that as a signal one of the Claw slits Ghost''s throat, he turns to black shadow reversing back inside Liam who struggled to stand, the moment Ghost enters him, Liam vomits a ton of blood, he held his chest as it tightens in unbearable pain. "Ghost" he growled in pain now holding his head rising to his feet. "You let your guard down the moment you stick your neck out for that agent," Cassandra said in amusement. "No matter how strong and different you are, ghouls are always weakened when their Claw''s are hurt" Liam faces her as his eyes changed to their normal chocolate ones, Liam''s head bleeds from the hard impact he took, his angry eyes fixed on Cassandra''s ghoul ones. "Killing you now I can be human again," she said pointing her gun at Liam, the rest of the Claw''s stood behind her. "You won''t get what you came for, you should die without knowing" she adds referring to the name he wanted. She fires the gun, the bullet came fast, Liam''s body vibrates in a black aura in rage. "LOOK OUT!" *Loud Gunshot* Chapter 73 - Black Predator (Part 2) Two years ago The Year 2023 Los Angeles Agency Branch Conference Hall "As an agent, we uphold our utmost duty to keep the country safe, the government has long given us the authority to wield military to eliminate humanity greatest foe¡­ Ghouls" a man wearing a white long sleeve shirt folded to the arms, along with brown pants and black shoes said. Lorna listened carefully at what he said, they were about hundreds of them present in the hall, listening attentively. This was mandatory for every agent to attend the briefing, even though Lorna hated the classes and prefer training, she was no exception. She sighs folding her arms and leaning her back against the comfortable chair, she crosses her right leg against the other, this was boring to her but she listened, they said it was important so she had no choice in the matter. "Now we face even the greatest of all threat, the highest wanted enemy of the agency," the man said pressing a button on the small device he held, a picture came up showing the profile of Liam O''Brien on a widescreen at the center of the class. "The black ghoul" he announced as whispers filled the hall. Lorna''s eyes never left his picture it looked more like a passport taken when he was human, it was said his abilities were lying dominant until it was unleashed. She tilts her head to the side assessing the picture more, he had handsome features, too bad he was a killer, that was Lorna''s thought, she couldn''t help but think what might have driven him to be such a man, a death bringer, a plague, a killer. She figured there were no answers to her question, he was the agency''s biggest threat and she was dying to bury a bullet deep in his chest to save all of humanity. Present Day The Year 2025 Lorna stood still, her eyes shaking only, it was like the world around her fell silent all of a sudden, her breaths and everything around her was seized of all sounds, her shaky eyes fixed on Cassandra a few distances away from her, with four Claws beside her, she held a shock expression against her features the gun she held brought out steams signifying a bullet was shot, that struck Lorna as she recalled what happened, she slowly dropped her head, her eyes landing on her lower abdomen, the inner ash shirt she wore instantly stains red like a big map. Yes, she remembers, she took a bullet for the black ghoul without thinking straight. ''How silly of me''. She thought. Her body gave out that moment as she drops but strong arms caught her before she reaches the ground, she fell into the arms of Liam instead of the ground, she faces him as her body was still unable to process what she just did, the blood flowing out endlessly. Liam''s shaky hand applied pressure to her side hoping to stop the blood flow, but instead, his hand soaks with her crimson blood. Lorna could feel his body shaking, his widened eyes of shock fixed on her wound. That moment she could see all the emotion written on his face for the first time since she met him, it showed confusion, shock, sadness a whole sort of feelings played out, she wonders which were more prominent. "Why," he said faintly his body tensing, he didn''t understand why she would do such a thing, confusion flushed his features. "You saved me, I only just returned the favor," Lorna said weakly, his wistful eyes found hers, and when she saw the pain and sadness, she knew it was only directed because she looks like Riley. "So the black ghoul feels," She said in an amusement that didn''t reach her eyes, she was hurt because his emotion was directed to a ghost. Lorna groans in pain as she buries her face in his chest, she was losing a lot of blood and she became more paled every second. "That fucking agent took the bullet," Cassandra said sternly, the rest of the Claw growls in response. "Well I won''t miss next time, am getting that cure for all of us," She said clicking on the gun once more, it made an automatic sound powering up. She fired the bullet, it came at Liam but to all their surprise he caught the bullet stretching out his hand the result made his blood splash on his face as the bullet buried deeply in his palm as he clenched his fist hard, his eyes changing to his ghoul ones instantly. Lorna watches the action with weak eyes. "Don''t you ever do that again" Liam said darkly referring to Lorna but his eyes didn''t reach her but still fixed on Cassandra and the others. "Am not worth risking your life for" he adds waving his hand, his blood splashing on the ground, the bullet out, the wound healing instantly. "Ghost!". Just that word as Ghost surges out of his back, standing beside him wearing a dark smirk on his wide lips, his lips went apart exhaling steams out with a deep growl. "That''s impossible his Claw shouldn''t have healed so fast" Cassandra panics knowing very well they disabled Ghost to a point he should still be asleep but they underestimated him. Liam''s whole body erupts in a black wild aura, Lorna shivers against him, the aura was cold and bizarre, it frightens her and she could tell just by staring at the side of his face, he was pissed, for her sake? she couldn''t tell. "This can''t be happening," Cassandra said shaking her head sideways, as she moved back slowly. "Jack," she said faintly as one of the Claw snaps his head towards her in response. "Kill,". That word was the trigger, Liam didn''t care for the name he wanted anymore but blood and Ghost itching to get revenge for what they did. In a zap Ghost came at them, roars and snarls could be heard, Lorna couldn''t turn her head, the sounds and screams were all she could hear, she shakes at the horrifying sounds, Ghost was pissed and his anger was menacing. "Stop" it was a faint whisper from her, of course, those bastards deserve it for what they did but still the sounds were horrifying and she didn''t want to hear more. Her fingers grip his jacket tightly. "Please," Lorna said in pain, as her lower abdomen clutch tightly in pain. That moment choppers could be heard, Ghost paused his action as his elf ears switch at the sound. "JACK!" Cassandra screams as her boyfriend turns to dust beneath Ghost''s foot. On hearing the choppers knowing they were probably surrounded by agents, she transforms to her Claw dashing out in speed before Ghost''s attention could drift to her. Lorna''s vision slowly fades all the strength leaving her body, she felt gravity leave her body as well, she was dropped to the ground gently. She instantly realized Liam wasn''t holding her anymore, on the ground her head turns to the side he stood beside Ghost, her hand clutches her stomach tightly in pain, her vision blurry. Her weak gaze stares at Liam''s back, he didn''t make any move to turn to look at her as he merges with Ghost in black shadow increasing in height and then black wings spreading out, she watches as he flew on a low profile, deeper into the woods out of sight. Her lips apart as she turns her head to face the dark skies, series of choppers on-air circling along with their bright lights. Lorna''s eyes slowly close, she gives up trying to stay awake. "LORNA!" A voice came into her consciousness, it was familiar and sounds like... Jesse yes Jesse it was her, joy overwhelmed her body knowing her partner was still alive. "LORNA!" Everything went blank. *** Outskirts OF The City The Silver-lining Manor Sean walks out of the control room, he and all the rest of the team has been there for hours trying to locate Liam, he knew Liam had everything under control but still, he took too much time and they were beginning to worry about his well being, Kayla has long been tracking and they just found out the agency has already stormed the area, no news about the black ghoul so they were on a safer side that Liam wasn''t found on the scene, then where is he? A sound on the rooftop made Sean look up, it was loud like something or someone landed there, Sean''s eyes widen in realization, as he rushed to the rooftop. *** In haste he opened the bunker that leads to the roof, he climbed up and then saw Liam seated on the roof, a knee raised and one of his arms against it as he stares into the dark skies. "Liam," Sean said worried not able to read his mood but he knew something was up because he didn''t alert them that he was back. Tearing his eyes away from the skies, he faces downwards saying. "I found my trump card". Sean stares at him puzzled by his words. "Lorna Hart is related to Barbra Jones". Sean froze at the discovery, they didn''t see any of these when they viewed her profile, he knew Liam must have discovered it on his own. He turns to face Sean with unreadable eyes. "I know how to tear the agency from the inside out". Chapter 74 - Black Black Few Hours Earlier "Her bp is dropping fast," one of the medics said as they carried Lorna''s body with the aid of a stretcher, Jesse beside in tears as they entered through the back of the ambulance, they gently placed her inside, one of the medics quickly connected a drip t o her hand. "She''s losing so much blood," Jesse said in tears using the blue thick towel they gave her to apply pressure to the wound but it was already drenched in blood. "Fast we need to take her to doctor Steve and get her operated on," Chase said stepping inside the car sitting beside Lorna at the center. The medic nods at Chase''s words as she slammed her palm on the van signaling it to move. "She''s gonna be okay, the sooner she gets operated the better," Chase said to a sobbing Jesse, she nods as the tears kept rolling down her cheeks. Chase''s eyes drift to Lorna, her nose and mouth held oxygen, her skin was pale from her loss of blood, her dark hair drenched to her face due to the sweat against her features, when they arrived and found her unconscious the area was cleared but they got proof that a fight happened there, due to the broken branches and dust on the ground, Chase couldn''t begin to wonder what exactly happened and how did agent Hart got a bullet buried in her lower abdomen, there were tons of questions he was dying to find out but first Lorna needed saving or else it will be too late. *** Section Six Lorna''s residence The balcony glass doors of Lorna''s home were wide open, the white curtains dancing around due to the harsh wind. Inside Liam O''Brien was present, he stood assessing the apartment, it was neat and well arranged, the entire room smelt like her, a scent he was now getting used to, it smelt of lavender and rose, a unique scent it was, and he found it appealing, he made him ease, something he hasn''t felt for years ever since Riley. His eyes land on framed pictures against her dresser, one of high school when she graduated, the other was when she graduates college all taken in Los Angeles, the discovery before him was like cold water washed upon him, it was the hard truth which he now saw for himself, this girl was entirely different, a human and an agent that just happened to look like Riley, all the pictures before him, she was smiling so brightly wearing her graduation uniform not a worry in the world, she was just mixed up in all this just because she resembles a ghoul, she was an agent who brought justice to humans. What made him tensed the more was the picture of her agency nomination, Barbra Jones was present, together with Lorna as received her title as an official agent, Liam grabs the picture, bringing it up close. A small writing present by the corner. ''Thanks Aunt for always being there for me'' His grip tightens against the frame the glass cracking in the process as the realization struck him like thousand tons of bricks, she was related to Barbra Jones. *** Outskirts of the city The Silver-lining Manor Liam on the rooftop after he just landed a while ago, his wistful eyes on the dark skies that held stars, the wind blew harshly around, it was chilly but didn''t affect him, he was like a cold body right now, yes he has been dead ever since the death of Riley, he was just a cold body solely moved by the desire to bring down the agency and stop his father for everything he has done. The only thing he cared about was destruction, a flash of Lorna standing right in front rang in his head, the agent took a bullet for him when he would have just easily deflected, she knew nothing like that could stop him but yet she risk her life for his. "Lorna Hart" her name brush against his lips, her body lying on the cold ground drench in her blood flash In his head and he couldn''t help his chest tighten just by the mere thought of it, this pull was becoming unbearable, it took every bit of the strength to leave her there knowing the agents will come for her, he didn''t want to leave, he wanted to carry her in his arms and save her life, he wanted no one else to do that but him, her sacrifice awoke something in him he didn''t like. "Liam" Sean''s voice came in, but he didn''t answer. Lorna hart wasn''t just an agent that caught his attention but the piece to every puzzle, his attraction to an agent or using his trump card? He chose the latter. "I finally found my trump card," he said staring downwards. "Lorna Hart is related to Barbra Jones". To get Barbra Jones, Lorna was the key. He turns to face Sean with unreadable eyes. "I know how to tear the agency from the inside out". *** One Month Later Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarter (GIH) "Geez Jesse slows down," Peter said trying to keep up with her. "Jesse!" he said practically jogging after her now. Medic Unit Lorna carefully put on her shirt groaning, she carefully took her seat holding her side, she sighs as her eyes drift to her unpacked things. ''Great''. She thought, she just got discharged today and she hasn''t gotten anything ready yet. The doors to her room slide open, as Jesse and Peter rushed in. "Jesse, Pete what are you guys-" "Seriously Lorna you got discharge and you didn''t tell me," Jesse said hurt. "Tell us... she meant to tell us," Pete said pointing to him also that he was hurt too that she didn''t say anything. Lorna sighs. "Look guys am sorry but this past month you guys have done nothing but taken care of me since I was unconscious I can''t burden you guys more". "Lorna, you were on a three weeks coma, of course, we should be there for you, if I haven''t heard from the Captain you were discharged today you would have just left like that? Really?" Jesse said, sadness evident in her tone. "Am sorry okay, I just didn''t wanna burden you guys and I can get myself home, am perfectly fine," Lorna said amused with a shrug. "Really," Jesse said referring to her holding her side. "Busted" Pete said folding his arms. Lorna rolled her eyes. "Lorna you are not a burden or anything," Jesse said helping Lorna pack her things in her bag. "You''re my partner and my friend," she said. "Family if you might add," Pete said taking his seat making himself comfortable. Lorna''s heart flutter by their words, a charming smile formed on her lips. "Thanks so much that means a lot," Lorna said softly, tears at the corner of her eyes but she didn''t let them fall, trying to be strong. "Let''s get you home okay". *** The doors slide open as Lorna, Jesse, and Peter walk out while laughing at a joke. "Look as much as I would love to see you home, I gotta go," Pete said the amusement from his previous joke still evident in his tone. "No worries Pete, I got my knight in shining armor right here," Lorna said. Jesse just rolled her eyes at her words. "Yeah I can see that, have lots of rest Lorna, cant wait to show you something cool," he said winking as he left. "See ya Pete" *** The drive to Lorna''s apartment was a bit long, it was already night hour by the time they got there, Jesse helps Lorna carry her bag upstairs much to her disagreement. "Am good Jesse really" Lorna said in between giggles. They stood at her door. "Okay," Jesse said sighing, staring at Lorna before embracing her in a tight hug. "Can''t breath" Lorna said amused sounding like she was choking. Jesse giggles at her playful antics before letting her go. "Have lots of rest okay?" Jesse said. Lorna nods as Jesse leaves. A smile on her lips as she opened her door with her wrist band, she was glad to have a friend like Jesse, her door made a clicking sound opening, she carried her bag stepping inside her comfy home, the door locking behind her, she drops her bag on her couch sighing as she held her side when she felt a slight pain, ignoring it she carries her bag to her room, her eyes caught the picture''s dresser, she blinks when she saw the cracked one of she and her aunt, she didn''t remember it falling or anything, then how come? She shivers as the hairs at the back of her neck stood up, she felt cold, how come when the temp was on, in realization she turns her head to the glass doors leading to her balcony, she froze when she saw it was the doors were wide open and worse she senses a presence there. Chapter 75 - Black Attraction "Who''s there?" she said mentally cursing herself for letting her voice sound shaky, she automatically walks towards it, passing through the dancing curt ains to the balcony. There the black ghoul stood hands in his pocket with an unreadable expression, she should be on high alert that a dangerous criminal was in her apartment but she wasn''t but she was stunned that he was here. His chocolate eyes fixed in her green ones. Lorna slightly pinches herself, hoping whether she was dreaming or not but still silently praying that she wasn''t. ''Seriously Lorna'' With every strength he had Liam fought the urge to come here but yet here he was, with an agent, trespassing, that didn''t bother him, he needed to make sure she was okay after all took a bullet which still made his body tense just by the thought of it. Liam''s eyes drift to the lower abdomen she held. "Does it still hurt?" he asked seeing her body tense up a bit by the mere sound of his deep voice. Her lips went apart like she wanted to say something but nothing came out, silence grew between the two until Lorna finally composed herself, clearing her throat of course. "How did you know I was out?" she asked curiously because she had been off the radar for a month, recovering inside the agency. "I have my ways" his answer was short and simple like no further questions asked, but Lorna knew he must track her or hacked into the security footage or something. ''Such a stalker'' Lorna thought grimacing. "I asked a question," Liam said impatiently. ''And very impatient'' "Geez isn''t it obvious," Lorna said rolling her eyes. Liam raised an eyebrow at her words. "It still hurts a bit but am good" she adds shrugging. "Good," he said turning, attempting to jump down. ''Wait that''s it?'' before she could stop herself she said. "Liam wait!" That was the trigger the moment his name rolled off her tongue, the pull was unbearable, before Lorna could blink, her back was instantly slammed on the wall but not with much force, she gasps from the impact as Liam enclosed her with his large frame, one of his hand against the wall to keep the space, their face inches apart almost touching, Lorna''s face tilted backward to meet his heated gaze due to his height. "What did you call me?" Liam asked huskily wanting to hear his name from her lips again, the sound of his name from her lips set his body ablaze. Lorna felt butterflies in her stomach, his body pressed against hers made her body shock in desire, yes desire, she was attracted to this man before her in ways she couldn''t understand. "I s...said...Li...Liam" she said as her cheeks heated unable to hold herself, well she wasn''t the only one, without thinking Liam leans in for a kiss wanting so badly to taste those plump lips of hers. *Static Noise* "Liam are you there?" His action pause instantly, his lips brushing against hers for a split second, that contact alone sent electric sparks in his body, he felt Lorna shivers from the contact also. Lorna was frozen where she was with widening eyes, her heart slamming loudly in her chest, did the black ghoul just tried to kiss her? She panics in her head at the mere thought, her cheeks heating more than she can bear. "Liam?" the sound came from the small device he wore in his ear, Lorna heard it and it sounds like that of a female. "Am worried Liam, you have been gone for days". Lorna couldn''t help a stroke of pain in her chest when she heard those words, who was she? Was she his girlfriend or something? the hurt in her eyes was evident but Liam didn''t seem to notice as he moved away from her body, Lorna missed the warmth but didn''t intend to show it, she was hurt. Liam clicked on the earplug, a moment of awkward silence between them. "For what it''s worth am glad you''re okay," he said. She made a hmm sound. "Just took a bullet to the side, not the heart, I appreciate your concern, black ghoul," Lorna said adding the last part as darkly as she could with a bit of disgust wanting to irritate him. Something flash in Liam''s eyes, she couldn''t tell if it was hurt or amusement, he smirks but it didn''t reach his eyes. "I can''t guarantee our next meeting will be pleasant," he says. "Has any of our meeting been pleasant?" Lorna said sarcastically, reminiscing their first encounter with the V-ghoul''s and then the Claws, their meetings were always danger present or awkward. "I hope we don''t see again," she adds, her eyes pinning him down, her looks stern. "Because next time we see I might just bury a bullet deep in your chest," she adds in amusement folding her arms. Not what she was expecting Liam smirks a dark twisted way that set her body ablaze, those lips of his curving like that will be the death of her, a desire struck within to smash her lips on his. "Am counting on it, Agent Hart" he said as his whole body consumed in black shadow and then black wings spreading out, he was out before she could blink, into the dark skies. Lorna huffs. "I fucking need a distraction". * A music beat played in Lorna''s apartment, the beats intense and loud, It was just what she needed to set her head straight, music has always had the way of taking her mind off things. "25" she grunts with deep breaths, her hands hanging on a horizontal pole, she stretches upwards as she groaned, stretching up to meet her hands clenching the pole tightly. She stretches downwards, with a growl, her side shocking in pain but she ignores it going up again. "26" she grunts going up once more, about five more laps she was done, dropping downwards taking deep harsh breaths, her body drenched in sweat, she walks slowly grabbing a can of water and then drinking it in one swift move taking a deep breath, she turns as her eyes lands on the balcony, memories of two nights ago flooding in her head. "Fuck" she curses closing her eyes. "That''s it," she said final, these past days have been nothing other than thinking about that night nonstop, his scent, presence, and voice filled her head and she didn''t like it, she needed to be away from it and going to the agency was just the best distraction and more importantly she needed to lay her report of what happened that day, her aunt specifically told her to rest as much as she can but she just can''t stay home anymore, it was a constant reminder of that night and she wanted to avoid it as much as she can. Figuring the agency was the best distraction right now she got ready. *** Outskirts of the City Silver-lining Manor Alone in a private training room where a punching bag swayed slowly in front of him, Liam gave eager punches to it, his whole body drenched in sweat from his actions, he had been at it for hours nonstop, punching and kicking hard, one hard kick sent the bag flying across the wall, he sighs seeing the torn bag on the floor, Not having enough he went for another one lined up in the corner, he was just getting started. His agile was the focus, the need to build up his body more was the main focus, he and Ghost were planning on unlocking another phase of their ability, and of course, just him had to train for that purpose, and still, this was also a distraction for him, he needed it after the encounter with the agent, his mind has been on her ever his attempt to kiss her, which was crazy of him, that night he let his attraction for her get the better of him rather than his plan of using her to get to Barbra Jones and destroying the agency from the inside out. He hangs the bag as it dangles in the air, he set his tight fist ready for engagement, a voice came into his head. ''You are thinking about that agent aren''t you'' Ghost said in amusement. In all these years these were how they communicate, with this Liam has never been alone for a second, because Ghost was practically a talkative in his head. "Looking into my head again buddy," Liam said out loud punching the bag. ''It''s what Ghost does, where is the fun in not doing it'' he said chuckling in amusement. "Typical" Liam said grunting as he punches. "Ghost is starting to get used to these human languages, thanks for the lessons'' Liam huffs. "I didn''t teach you anything" ''Ghost listens and learns, Ghost is only five years old but smart'' he chuckles. Funny enough to Ghost, he counts his age ever since he first emerges from Liam, because his memories have always been of Liam, the rest was void. Liam lets out a burst of dark laughter punching the bag fiercely. "Iris at the door" the computer program he installs in his apartment sounds. ''If you need a better distraction that chick is all you need, she''s always drooling around you'' Ghost said in amusement. "Horny bastard". ''We''re horny'' Ghost said chuckling purposely flashing the encounter of him and Lorna three nights ago in his head. "Dammit Ghost!" Chapter 76 - Black Distraction The door from the entrance automatically opened, Iris stood assessing the apartment as she walks in, this was her first time here, Liam had his building different from where they operate from or where the rest of the ghouls gathered, this was his apartment more like his house. She observed the living room in awe, everywhere and everything spotless white with black designs around, the living room was so wide and big, a wide TV at the center, about five black chairs and a center table, a fireplace at the corner, she stood at the center amazed by the environment, several antiques on display as well as some painting against the walls, mostly painted with black color or dark shades, the environment was comfy and nice, everything suited to his taste. Liam steps out shirtless wearing only loose black pants, a white towel around his neck, the moment her eyes land on him, she gulps at the sight unable to tear her eyes away from his hard ton chest, his six packs, she couldn''t resist the urge to run her hands through, she also notices some slightly visible scars against his chest, but still, those abs of his were appealing, he was like a walking hot sexy god before her, she subconsciously rubs her knees together, getting wet down there. "Um hi," she said finally breaking the silence knowing she was staring too much, he didn''t want him to strike her as odd. Liam noticed her stare as a faint smirk found his lips. "Hi" he replied. She shivers just by hearing his voice, she bit her lips, trying so hard to compose herself. "You have been cooped up here for days, I was worried". "It''s how I have been living for years Iris" Liam said strolling to a fridge by the corner, bringing out a can of water. "Okay then, well we have been trying to track down that Cassandra Williams but she''s off the radar, too bad we didn''t get the name of the distributor we would have at least had a lead," She said. Liam paused his drinking action, as his mind drifts to that day. "Any word on the hostile Claws around, there should be tons of them the drugs will surely be distributed throughout the whole city," Liam said facing her. "Well the killings have increased, multiple deaths, the agents have been busy, the city is upside down at this point, and this will cause the hunt of innocent ghouls who has nothing to do with this," she said with a flash of anger in her eyes not liking the idea. "We have to put a stop to this" she adds sternly. "We will Iris, I believe Wayne Sanford has something to do with this, we find him we get all the answers we need," Liam said certainly knowing very well he was the distributor. Iris nods. "How are you and Rory holding up?" he asked curious about their well-being. "Trust Rory to be having most of the fun but he''s always getting on Kayla''s nerves, I think he likes her," she said giggling at the thought. "How are you holding up?" She was taken back at his question, Her eyes instantly land on Liam''s own, she smiled softly. "Good," she said. Liam nods at her reply. "Just that I don''t see you much," she said taking a step forward. Liam smiles. "You are always out doing stuff, I know you are so bent on destroying the agency but you shouldn''t carry all the load yourself," She said standing right in front of him. Liam was silent, his eyes never left hers. "You could share some of the load with me," she said placing a hand on his cheeks stroking it gently with her thumb. "You don''t have to do that Iris" Liam said as his eyebrow flicked together. "I just want you to know you''re not alone in this, am here for you" she assured him. Liam forced a smile, placing a hand on hers against his cheek. "I know," he said staring into her eyes, her lips curved into a smile as she slowly went on her tiptoes kissing him softly, Liam stood immobile at her action. ''A good distraction'' Ghost said in his head. Closing his eyes Liam kissed her back with eagerness, Iris moans at his action, she kissed him without thinking, her mind screaming at her that she shouldn''t that he wasn''t ready, maybe she was wrong cause right now his action said the opposite. Liam''s lips roamed hers endlessly, Iris loved the feel of his lips on hers the response straight to her core. His mouth gained assess in ways that set her body ablaze, she instinctively ran her fingers on his hard chest, she loved the feel of it as she circles them in observation, Liam groans in response deepening the kiss, their lips going up, down, and sides ways in the perfect rhythm. Liam''s hands roam her waist around her shirt, tempted to take it off, they slit beneath as his fingers assess her flat stomach, Iris gasps as his cold fingers came in contact with her skin, she shivers at his touch as his hands moved to her bra, it slides beneath cupping one of her breasts and gently squeezing it. "Liam!" she gasped. Liam quickly retreats his hand. Disappointment flashed her features. "Sorry I got carried away," Liam said, knowing very well if he continues he can''t stop himself. "Don''t stop!" she said breathlessly, unable to contain the burning desire in her, as her hands rubbed the back of his neck in motion, his eyes darken instantly with desire in response as he smashed his lips on hers once more, Iris opened her mouth for his without question as he devoured every inch of her mouth with his tongue and teeth, Iris moaned loudly running her hands to his shoulder blades, Liam instinctively grabs her ass rising her up, her legs quickly wraps around his waist tightly, her fingers buried deep in his thick brunette hair. Liam moved, walking towards his bedroom, his mouth still locked with hers. *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) Lorna walks into the agency removing her sunglasses, she walks straight to the transparent glass elevator, punching the number as the doors slide close. *** Tenth Floor The elevator made a ding sound as she got off while checking her watch, she walks along the hall walking towards an entrance, the inside was filled with several desks and chairs in rows looking like a police precinct but customized differently. She walks toward her table. "What the hell Lorna, what are you doing here?" Jesse said with wide eyes, stunned she was here, she was supposed to be resting. "Well I need a distraction and I was bored, right here is my solitude," Lorna said taking a seat on her desk. "A distraction?" Jesse said blinking puzzled. Lorna just sighed arranging her desk. "So it''s just not about you recovering then" she adds raising an eyebrow. Lorna was silent. "Oh my God! Are you having a guy problem?" she asked as her face lit up in amusement, there were no other things than that if a girl needed distraction it was definitely to avoid the guy. "Geez no!" Lorna snaps instantly. Jesse smirks knowing from her outburst she was right. Lorna wanted so badly to avoid the conversation with Jesse, she wasn''t about to tell her the black ghoul all in his glory visited her apartment three nights ago and attempted to kiss her and she didn''t make any move to stop him. Lorna shivers at the thought. "Oh yes that looks like a guy problem written all over your face," Jesse says not buying that nothing was wrong. "Am serious Jesse, no guy problem, I have enough on my plate already" Lorna said looking sideways not wanting to lock gaze with her, knowing Jesse will find out she was lying. Jesse raised an eyebrow in amusement, knowing very well her partner was keeping something, but she just shrugs it off knowing it was about her personal life and she didn''t wanna pry or make her feel awkward. "Agent Hart!". Their heads snap up to the top office at the voice. Chase stood at the glass window facing their hall. Hands in his pocket, he was dressed in a white long sleeve shirt folding at the arm along with a loose tie, dark blue pants, and shoes. "My office now!" he hissed turning back to walk out of sight. "Oh no not the scarecrow, I came here for solitude not to face another problem" Lorna groans. "Well if you would have just stayed home you wouldn''t have to, am sure it''s about your statement about the incident," Jesse said. Lorna froze at the word statement completely forgetting she had to state everything that happened to her when she was kidnapped and explain means explaining how she got a bullet in her. ''Crap'' she thought with wide eyes. Chapter 77 - Black Interrogation "Your statement is really important, it could help us in finding a lead, in this case, we need to find the drug dealers, the past month multiple hostile Claws around the city," Jesse said. Lorna gulps hard rising to her feet. "Look Lorna if you''re not up for it you tell him, am sure you went through something traumatic, you can lay your statement later," Jesse said worriedly of her well-being. "It''s okay Jess," Lorna said forcing a smile as she walks towards Chase office with an unreadable expression *** The door slides open as she walks into the wide well-furnished office of Chase Wyatt''s. "Take a seat" he motioned from where he sat pointing at the front of his desk. Lorna did as she was told, taking a seat. "You should be resting," he said noticing when she held her side as she sat. "Laying around won''t help me," she said forcing a smile. Chase nods. "You can resume back to work but you will be on desk duty for the meantime, it''s for your good," he said sternly. ''Wow'' she thought with wide eyes, where was the stone-hearted, Chase? Who was this in front of her? "Am sure you know I need details on what happened that day" he began, his eyes held seriousness. Lorna gulps nodding. "Well?" he raised an eyebrow. "The Claw, one of the Claws Cassandra Williams she said the drugs are called G-st, they have to keep taking them or they will die" she explained. "And?" "It''s all fuzzy and all but am pretty sure the black Ghoul came, I think he needed the name of the drug dealer". "And did you get it?" "She was very stubborn she kept her mouth shut, all she was blabbering about was getting a cure that the only way was to kill the black ghoul". Chase gave her a look. "Yes sir there''s a bounty on his head, every drug addict will be coming for him," she said sighing. She could at least share that info with him, in exchange for keeping the rest out. "How did you get shot with the agency-assigned gun?" She froze at the question, she silently prayed he wouldn''t ask her that but she was wrong, Chase was very vigilant in everything he does. "I-it was Cassandra, she went on a rampage as I tried to escape and she was angry the black ghoul killed her boyfriend and the rest of her team, so she wanted to get back at me". Chase nods at getting at her statement, making a hmm sound, relaxing on his chair. Lorna''s fingers played with the hem of her jacket luckily Chase didn''t notice because of the table in between them, she was nervous and scared never for once has she ever given a false statement, she always stayed true to her reports and her oath to her agency, was she throwing that away for the black ghoul? "Then tell me..." he began reaching for his drawer pulling out a cloth in a transparent poly bag. Lorna stares puzzled at it, it was her shirt from when she got shot, it was still stained with her blood. "What is the black ghoul print doing all over your shirt?" he demands. ''Shit'' *** Outskirts Of The City The Silver-lining Manor Liam got off the bed, putting on his black pants and white shirt. "Where are you going?" Iris asked huskily turning to face him naked on his bed. "To train" his answer was short and simple. "You could just stay in bed with me" she offers going on her knees on the bed, wrapping her arms around his waist from behind, she purposely pressed her bare breast against his back trying to get a reaction from him. She couldn''t get her mind off their session, it played over her head over and over again, how he pushed her to the edge making her feel extraordinary, she had been with guys before but none made her feel how Liam did and it got her heart slamming loudly in her chest. Liam held her hands turning, she met with his unreadable eyes, it was so hard to read, she wanted to know at least if he enjoyed himself as she did. "Rory and the rest are trying to track down Cassandra, she has to get to her before the agency," Liam said pulling some strands of her hair behind her ear, it was just a simple move but she shivers from it. "Am working on something with Ghost, if I ever face Wayne again I have to make sure I kill him" he said with a faint smile that didn''t reach his eyes. But Iris could tell it was about the thought of killing Wayne, Iris''s features dropped in a frown but she composed herself with a smile. "Sure," She said letting him go. A kiss on her forehead was all he did, from the feel of it she felt no affection, it was just a simple move also. She watches as he walks away, she grabbed the sheets around her naked body lost in thought, she couldn''t tell what he was thinking, he was like a stone wall, the man she knew three years ago wasn''t this man she was seeing, the Liam she knew was affectionate and got worried when anything he couldn''t handle got out of hand, he talks more and smiles more and jokes around with them, what happened to the man she knew? Did she make a mistake by sleeping with him thinking he felt the same way she did? Did he even feel anything anymore? Those questions were left unanswered in her head *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) Lorna''s palm felt sweaty, her mind in a haze she gulps constantly trying to think about a solution to does, she had no idea Chase would this far as testing her shirt for evidence, what was she a suspect? Was the agency suspecting her or something? Maybe they were. "Lorna!" he hissed impatiently, she has been silent ever since he asked the question and it didn''t sit well with me. "Look sir I don''t get where this is coming from but I have already given you my statement!" she hissed back at him. "Did you just raise your voice at me?" Chase said as his eyes flash in anger. ''Oops!'' "Am sorry sir but I don''t get why my statement is turning into an interrogation". "Because of this," he said pointing to her shirt. "For fuck sake Lorna this is enough to pin you as conspiring with the black ghoul" "But I wasn''t! Why was my shirt even tested in the first place when I was on the verge of dying" Lorna said hurt by his actions, her chest tightens in response, it was like her own agency didn''t even trust her, well can she blame them? She was after all covering for the black ghoul. "You had a bullet buried in your stomach Lorna as far as am concern I have been on this job longer than you have, Claws or Ghouls don''t use weapons against agents they practically devour them or maul them to death, guns are used against ghouls, not the opposite," he said. What he said makes sense, ghouls never used weapons against the agency just their Claws which they depended solely on. Lorna looks away her body boiling in anger, she knew she was in a wrong here, she knew this was her fault and now everything was slapping her right in the face. "I told you everything was fuzzy and mixed up, All I knew was I wanted to survive" she faces him. "Was that the wrong thing to do? I was the only human in that woods surrounded by hungry Claws" she states. Chase sighed leaning back on his chair never taking his eyes off her so does Lorna. "I can''t help but say this but you''re a suspect in this case so for two months desk duty and you''re off the case," he said sternly. Lorna froze as her mouth hung open. "A suspect? Desk duty for a month? And am off the case?" she said stun. "Yes no further argument, you''re dismissed!" he said resuming what he was doing, going through the files on the desk. Lorna gasps in frustration as she got off her feet storming out of the office she went downstairs and is met with tons of stares from the rest of the agents. They must have heard, news travels fast in the agency. Ignoring them she took her seat. "Lorna" Jesse began with a look of worry. "Is it true about the black ghoul prints?" ''God why me?'' did she have to lie to her partner too, why was she doing it anyway, it was not like he asks her to, her body is just moving on her own accord. Was he even worth it? "Lorna!" an agent walks up to her. Her head shot up at the sound of her name. "The Captain wants to see you". Chapter 78 - Black Info A pile of papers dropped to the table. "How the hell did you get caught up in this Lorna" Barbra said rubbing her temples. "Look Aunt it wasn''t my fault my shirt had the black ghoul prints all over it, what Agent Wyatt did was wrong how could he go that far as viewing me as a suspect, what will the rest of the team think? That I had a hand in the drugs or that I manipulated being kidnappped or that I hurt Jesse and got myself shot?" Lorna said. ''Okay I did get myself shot but blamed FOR THE REST?'' she thought in her head. "I know you had nothing to do with this, but Chase has to follow protocols which are mine" "So you told him to view me as a suspect and kick me out of the case?" "It''s understandable Lorna you don''t get to question that and not giving you special treatment". "I didn''t ask for your special treatment, fine you raised me after my parents died but I worked my way into the agency without your influence," she said proudly because Lorna was a woman of her own. "I see," Barbra said folding her arms knowing what she said was true. "Fine then, I didn''t intend on giving you one either, just lay low and don''t cause any more attention on yourself as you already have" "I didn''t mean for any of this" Lorna said through gritted teeth. "At least reduce my desk duty or something, two months is a long way" "Now who''s depending now," she said smirking. Lorna rolls her eyes. "Well, you''re the boss". "That''s right," she said in a glint of amusement but it wasn''t a pleasant one. The door slide open as Mia rushed in. "Captain," she said haste. "What is it?" "We get Intel on the drugs" she began. Lorna''s gaze snaps to hers at the sound of that. Mia handled Barbra her transparent iPad, seeing the info. "We traced several drugs in the city until we got to the one we were looking for" she states. "G-st," Lorna said with wide eyes. Mia stares at her puzzled at the name. "It''s the name of the drug" Mia just nods at the discovery, she faced Barbra. "One of our inside man in the streets got Intel about a grand ball tomorrow night" ''A ball?'' Lorna thought puzzled, what does a ball have to do with drugs? "But it''s a cover-up for a drug dealing, they are planning on selling that night" Mia adds. "A grand ball for selling drugs. Now we have a hint of who the drug dealer might be, it will be someone of high status, a billionaire more or less" Barbra said amused. "So our drug dealer is a rich ghoul?" Lorna said raising an eyebrow. "This all points to Wayne Sanford or the black ghoul, they both have influence and are able to keep off the radar, no info or backgrounds on them, it would take tons to pull that strings," Mia said certain. ''The black ghoul doesn''t have a hand in this, it''s most likely Wayne'' Lorna thought certain. "I need my best agents in that ball undercover, come up with an organization and make sure we stand out to blend in, we need to know if they are dealing G-st that night, Chase will be in charge" Barbra states. "Yes Captain will let him know," Mia said rushing out. "You have to let me on this mission," Lorna said. "You''re on desk duty and out of the case," she said finally taking her seat. Lorna sighs in frustration. *** Outskirts of the City The Silver-lining Manor Kayla drew the info from her transparent iPad to the wide desk holding air computers. "A ball?" Rory huffs. "Yes a grand one at that, I have a friend there a drug addict" Kayla began. "Obviously a Claw now" she adds with sad eyes, she had known him since back then she was in New York with her parents, they attend the same high school, sadly he was now a walking Claw. "You shouldn''t have gone that far, those Claws are my enemies," Liam said a stern look, his arm folded against his broad chest. "I know boss am sorry, I promise I didn''t let him know am working for you, and we needed info on the drugs and he was willing to help," Kayla said guiltily. "What''s the catch then?" Glay asked knowing there is. "If I lend him money to buy more drugs," she said in a tone too low but they hear her due to their enhanced hearing. "It appears they have to keep taking the drugs or they die" she adds. "That''s sick," Iris said grimacing. "And there''s something else". "What?" Sean asked. Her eyes land on Liam. "There''s a bounty on your head boss, your death for the cure". Liam huffs. "Sounds like Wayne to me, he''s been so bent on killing me ever since I declined his offer, I wouldn''t be so surprised he''s sending drugs addicts to do his dirty work," he said in amusement, itching to kill Wayne the more. ''Ghost can''t wait to rip his heart out'' Ghost growls in his head. "And more, the people attending the ball are high-class people, not just people, ghouls crazy rich ghouls staying out of the system," Kayla said. "Am sure the agency has picked up on this already, won''t they like raid the place or something" Race said knowing the agency will storm the place without a second thought. "Well it''s just not any ball," she said displaying the invite on the screen. "It''s a masked ball" "Hidden under the shadow while doing their dirty works," Liam said amuse, it was dark and twisted. "I will attend the ball, there''s no order option but am not going alone" he adds as his eyes land on Iris, she shyly met his. "And I will need a partner". *** Section Three Ghoul Investigator Headquarters (GIH) Lorna silently walks back to her desk, the rest of the agent''s eyes still on her but she ignores them. She groans taking her seat. "How did it go?" Jesse asked. "Well it''s all my aunt it seems, still stuck on a desk study and a suspect" Lorna said frowning. "Am sorry I know you''re going through a lot am sure there''s an explanation why the black ghoul prints were all over you, he might have reached out when you were shot trying to harm you and then flee when we storm the area" she said forcing a smile. ''I wish all that was the case'' Lorna thought but it was the opposite. "I-I have to clear my name or something, I swear I have nothing to do with the drugs" Lorna faced her with pleading eyes. "I know I believe you but there''s nothing you can do, you just have to stay low for two months, hopefully it will die down," she said rubbing her shoulder to give her reassurance. ''Stay quiet? For two months'' Lorna thought running her fingers in her hair, how could she do that when the rest of her colleagues gave her a suspicious look. She was definitely putting a bullet in the black ghoul''s chest when she sees him next, she was counting on it. A report came in Jesse''s iPad. "Wow seems like I got selected in the mission everyone is talking about, a grand freaking ball with tons of ghouls, great" Jesse said shivering at the idea of being undercover as a ghoul in the midst of flesh-eating monster''s, she gulps hard. "Jess?" "Yeah?" "Can I ask you for a favor?" Jesse''s eyes drift away from her iPad to Lorna''s gaze, her eyes widen in realization. "NO!" She yelled gaining the attention of others, but quickly lower her voice. "I know that look there''s no freaking way" she warns. "Come on Jess this is my chance, if I get Wayne myself I can clear this suspicion and get off desk duty, everyone goes home happy". "Really Lorna, really? You''re crazy to go that far as kill the leader of the pack of savaging V-ghouls'' and a drug dealer, you''re nuts!" "But it''s the only way, you have to help me into the ball" she pleads. "Are you trying to get yourself kicked out of the agency?" Jesse said stun. "And get me in trouble for helping you, oh it''s definitely fucked up if Agent Wyatt''s finds out" she adds looking sideways. Lorna placed a hand on hers. "No one will know you helped me, once I get in leave the rest to me," she said. Jesse sighs in defeat. "Well you don''t have to worry much, it''s a masked ball, getting you in won''t be a problem". "Thanks, Jesse this means a lot to me," Lorna said smiling sincerely. "Just don''t get caught or I kill you myself" she threatens. Lorna giggles "Well even if I get caught, you have nothing to do with it, I go down alone". Chapter 79 - Black Undercover "All of you are aware, we will be holding an undercover mission," Chase said to the rest of the team selected for mission X as they called it, about twenty agents were selected. He pressed a small device he held, displaying the invite on the widescreen computer for them to see. "A masked ball" he began as whispers filled the hall. "A grand ball?" "All ghouls?" "Is that even illegal?" The whispers became more prominent by the second. "I never knew there were filthy rich ghouls, I thought they were always in hiding, but this¡­" Peter said stunned just like the others were. "It''s a whole new level, this means ghouls have always had that kind of power" He adds gulping hard. "It seems like it, Ghouls has everything we do," Jesse said nodding in agreement. "There will be a drug exchange this night, which means our main priority is to get to their leader as we know as Wayne Sanford, Leader of the V-ghouls or the Black ghoul, these two are our major suspect," Chase said as a profile of Wayne and Liam came up, but the rest of the information was blank. "This is all we could salvage of them both" He adds referring to their profile. "The rest are hidden quite well" "These two are so similar" Peter whispers to Jesse, she nodded in agreement. "Peter if you would" Chase announced. "That''s my cue," he said rising to his feet as all eyes lands on him, he walks to the front. "Peter Brook will be our specialist, handling whatever we need to blend in" he began leaving the floor for Peter. He clears his throat. "Alright as we all know, we are about to attend a grand ball filled with ghouls, and ghouls have very enhanced senses, which means the moment we step into the hall we will be detected as human in orders words, eaten" he adds the eaten part with clarity. Everyone paled at the news. "We are so gonna die," Jesse said sarcastically. "Luckily I have something for that," He said smirking. A wave of relief filled the halls. *** Outskirts Of The City Silver-lining Manor "Boss taking a partner," Kayla said with wide eyes, the news yesterday was a shock to her and others, Liam never took partners, he always went solo. "Well that''s new," Gray said with a nod taking his beer. "It could only mean something though, that Iris chick is banging the boss," Race said smirking. Kayla elbowed him. "Ugh...that mouth of yours" She fires. "What?" he said with an innocent look. "Haven''t you seen the way she looks at boss?" he adds with a point. "Okay maybe it could be but don''t go blabbering about it," Kayla said rolling her eyes. "He does have a point but I never thought boss could be with someone," Gray said unease. "He did have a girlfriend we didn''t know about," Kayla said nodding in agreement. "There''s a lot about boss we don''t know" Race said. "He gave us a purpose, he saved us, and there wasn''t much to question, I just wanna be useful to boss," Kayla said with sad eyes that were all she cares about ever since Liam saved her life, there wasn''t any amount of thing she could do that would make up for what he did for her. Race and Gray felt the same way too. At a corner behind a wall, Rory overhead their conversation, he watches the three closely, seated at a relaxing space. He caught their conversation especially with the one involving Iris and Liam. With an unreadable expression, he left. *** Iris stood watering the garden, she was so happy when she found out the manor had a garden on the eastern side, she loved watering the flower and love watching them grow from her care, it was her hobby and helped her keep her mind off some things, but right now it didn''t, she just watered the plants lost in thoughts. Her mind constantly drifting to the event of her and Liam especially when he said she would be her partner, that alone got her mind racing, Liam''s only partner has ever been Riley and right now he chose her, she thought their heated moment together was just a fling due to the way he acted, maybe she thought wrong, she smiled, maybe she just had to take time to win his affections, it was worth the wait. "Iris" Rory''s voice came in, she turned as a smile graced her lips. "Hey you, getting ready for the mission?" she asked in amusement. "What''s going on between you and Liam?" he said with a skeptical look. Iris sighs knowing word got out. "What did you hear?" She began dropping the pipe, it automatically turned off. "The fact you''re sleeping with him," He said with a stern look. "So?" "What do you mean so?" "Well am an adult I do whatever I want, be with whoever I was, fuck with whoever I want" She stated folding her arms against her chest. "Iris anyone but Liam" "Why? Do you have a problem with him or something? He''s not a stranger you know" "Of course I know that, we have known Liam ever since and I don''t have anything against him it''s just.." he sighs. "Just what?" she urges. "He''s.." his teethes clenched as his eyes lands on her furious ones. "He''s changed ever since Riley, I mean look at him Iris am sure you can tell too, he''s not the same Liam we know, he''s different and I don''t want him to hurt you" "He would never hurt me!" She said sternly. "Yes I know, I mean not physically but¡­ look Iris I know you have feelings for him" He broke the ice, Iris looks away knowing he was right, she has fallen tiptoes for him ever since she laid eyes on him, but Riley was there and she didn''t act upon her feelings for him, she just kept it hidden but now Riley was gone and she had him all to herself and she wasn''t planning on letting him go. She took a step closer to Rory, she wasn''t tall like him but she made sure as hell she intimated him with her presence. "He will love me Rory" she states. "He just needs time, and I will be there when he needs me", not breaking eye contact. "Always!" *** It was sundown, Iris stood in front of her mirror, her heels sounding, she admired the dress she wore, it was a black kneel length gown that hugs her body perfectly showing all her curves any man would die for, the down laced with black nets, let down freely covering her slender legs, her dark brownish hair packed in a high bun, with several black pins. A very attractive makeup, her lips with deep red lipstick, a black mask covered half of her face from the top. A smile formed against her lips, she wasn''t just on a mission to get the drug dealer but on a mission to capture Liam''s heart, she wasn''t that driven to this point of wanting so badly to earn his affections, but she saw this now as a perfect opportunity when Liam made the move of making her his partner, that bolt of action was exactly the boost she needed to finally come forth with her feelings. With one last look, she walks out of her room, heading to the out entrance of the manor. Liam stood there waiting for her close to a black limo. He was dressed smartly in a black well-fitted suit, white inner shirt, and black tie along with black shoes, his hair gelled, smoothed backward, a black mask covered half of his face also. Iris couldn''t take her eyes off him for a second, Liam was the most handsome man she has ever seen, everything about him was simply perfect, his large frame well built to get any woman drooling off him, looking at him now she could only relive their intense passion that day, how he got her screaming over and over again. "You look perfect," Liam said. His words broke her out of her trance, he stretches out his hand for her to take it, she did moving closer, and then wrapping her arms around his neck. "And you look exquisite," she said. A side smile found Liam''s lips. Iris''s one hand moved downwards, sensually and slowly moving her right hand down his chest. "Careful Iris" Liam said, her action caught him off guard, he never knew Iris could be this bold. "We have work to do" He adds rubbing his thumb against her cheeks, she shivers from the contact as her body flowed with desire, she softly moaned closing her eyes for a brief second leaning into his touch more, Liam''s eyes never left hers, she was burning for him and he knew, for some reason, it didn''t sit well with him even if he wanted it too, what happened between them was in the moment of passion, he knew very well the way he acted it was enough to tell her it was just a fling, right now he wasn''t so sure she brought that. "Yes," she slowly opened her eyes, meeting his. "Work," she said huskily moving her lips to his and then brushing on them with hers, it was a swift action that almost seems like they were kissing, she pulled away with a smirk against her lips winking. Liam raised an eyebrow at her action, not saying a word he opened the door for her as she steps in. Liam slowly rubs his lips reminiscing her actions. ''Well this is turning into more than a distraction'' Ghost said in amusement chuckling darkly in his head. Chapter 80 - Black Ball (Part 1) Several SUVs pack in front of an entrance as Chase, Jesse, Peter, and the rest of the team got down, the men dressed in black fitted suits, the ladies dressed in a black gown, all wearing masks also. The environment is filled with people walking towards the entrance either with a partner or single. "Fuck this dress is uncomfortable" Jesse hissed quietly, silently cursing under her breath at her long black gown, heavy at the down, she was never a fan of dresses always the easy-going type, if she had a choice in the dress code, she would have gladly worn her jeans. "Calm it down Jesse it''s just for one night," Peter said adjusting his mask properly. Jesse just rolled her eyes. "I can''t wait for this to be over," Jesse said practically bored already. "Everyone get in position," Chase said gaining their attention. They gave a slight nod as they all walked to the entrance, on their way Jesse took glances behind her hoping to catch a glimpse of Lorna. "Who are you looking for?" Peter asked puzzled noticing her uneasiness. "Oh nothing," she said nervously. Peter just gave her a nod. Jesse looks sideways unable to find Lorna. ''Where the fuck is she?'' she thought worried. *** Giving their invite to the door name with fake identities and their code announced they were let in, only code names were allowed and not their actual name of existence to keep the higher up ghouls hidden. Inside the hall was breathtaking, it was wide and decorated majestically, filled with people in blacks all dressed elegantly, either engaged in chatter or whatsoever, a group of instrumentalists played a classical song brightening the mood. "So creepy," Jesse said quietly knowing very well everyone here was a ghoul. "Rest assure the perfume we applied will mask our scent" Peter assures her noticing her tensed muscles due to how close they were standing. Jesse just nods gulping hard, her eyes search the crowd hoping to see Lorna but she was nowhere to be seen. *** A limo parks outside, the driver steps down opening the door as Liam steps out, holding Iris''s hand as she did also. "Wow," Iris said stunned. "It''s so..." "Majestic," Liam said observing the hall, his gaze turns back to Iris, releasing his elbow to her with a smirk. "Shall we?" Liam said. Iris smiles locking her hand with his elbow. "I''m sure you have a plan, we can''t risk getting exposed," Iris said as they walk along the red carpet leading to the large entrance. "Trust me Iris am always prepared" he winks. Iris gave him a skeptical look as she watches him hand the doorman their invite. The man froze when he saw the name on the invite. Iris turns to him puzzled wondering why he hasn''t ushered them in. "Th...the... black ghoul," the man said as he paled. Iris froze with widen eyes turning to Liam who had a side smirk plastered on his lips. "What are you waiting for announce us," Liam said amused. Iris stares at Liam like he had two heads. ''Was this seriously your plan? Really?'' she thought in her head panicking, out in the open was risky. "The Black Ghoul!" The whole chatter in the hall abruptly stops, as everyone turns to the entrance, with stunning looks. Even the music came to a stop. Jesse froze where she was as her heart slams a loud beat. "You have got to be kidding me," Peter said stun. Chase''s fist clenches tightly as he watches Liam and Iris stroll in, a dark smirk plastered on his lips. Chase body boils in anger, as a flash of Max and Nicole''s cold dead body rang in his head, after three long years the black ghoul was right in front of him, his chance was right in front of him, the cold heart killer that took the most important people in his lives without blinking. ''Liam O''Brien'' he thought with a deep scowl against his features. He slowly reaches for a device in his suit jacket inner pocket, now he was off guard, it was now or never, his chance was granted after years of thinking about nothing but revenge. He took a step forward, his steps louder and louder as he got to Liam. Liam''s attention drifts to the man walking towards them, a hand inside his suit like he was about to pull out something, the man looked familiar, he couldn''t quite place who he was because of the mask but he was sure he has seen him before. Chase pulled his device about exposing it. ''I smell danger'' Ghost growls loudly in his head, on impulse Liam''s eyes changed to his ghoul ones but Chase didn''t waver as he pulled the device about clicking on a button. A hand stops him, shifting the device back inside. Liam watched as a woman wearing a slender black gown, enticing curves shaped out due to the tight gown against her body, she exposed back from her gown style faced Liam, leaving his eyes to feast upon it. Iris faced him, a spite of jealousy filled her insides noticing his heated glance directed on another female. "There you are darling," Lorna said stealing a kiss from Chase''s lips. Chase froze at the woman''s action, his eyes left ajar as Lorna had her way with him, running her hands up and down his chest, lip going up and down gaining every asses to his mouth uninvited, her lips were soft against his and he loved the feel of it, but who was this woman that caught him by surprise and worse stops his attempt to kill the black ghoul.She slowly pulls away. "Just play along" she whispers close his to ear. ''Lorna'' Chase thought as his eyes widen in realization. With a hand on her waist, she turns to Liam and Iris. When Liam saw her eyes the realization struck him like thousand tons of bricks. There she was, the very agent that made his heartbeat tons of miles, his head in haze whenever he saw her, his very existence shatters because of her, the very agent he heartlessly wants to avoid with every fiber of his bone and focus on his goal, right now here she was dressed in a gown that brought out all her mouth-watering curves, the front of her dress had two dividing holding her pump breast firm and a black net running from the chest down to the waistline to cover her exposed skin. Her face held a black mask looking like peacock feathers. Liam''s eyes silently assess the beauty in front of him, until Chase hand slowly slide around her waist, Liam saw red as his body tense, Ghost growls deeply in his head in response about to come forth and claw the man''s hand away but Liam kept him at bay, he didn''t know why they were both in a pissed mood because of her, but he didn''t care he just wanted that hand-off. Chapter 81 - Black Ball (Part 2) Iris felt uncomfortable and sought of pissed, her hand clenches his arm tightly but he didn''t respond, he never took his eyes off Lorna for a second, he held an unreadable expression, his lips in a thin line. Iris wondered why she didn''t get a response from him, she could tell the cause of that was the woman in front of them. "I''m so sorry my fiancee step out of line like that" Lorna said amused. ''FIANCEE?????!!!!'' Ghost roars in Liam''s head pissed. "I have been looking all over for him, so did he," she said pressing her body against Chase more, his hand firmly around his waist. "Am sure he thought this lovely young lady here was me" she adds. Iris let a huff escape her lips in a sassy manner. Her first impression of this lady before her was hated this bitch, but her eyes remind her of someone, she wasn''t quite sure. "It''s an honor to stand side by side with the black ghoul," she said smirking. Liam''s eyes travel to her hand stretched out, he took it with his free hand, she avoids the shiver that ran down her spine as his lips brush against her hand. She subconsciously bit her lips, Liam smirks knowing the reaction he caused. ''Those fucking lips of his'' she moaned in her head as he redrew from her. ''Damn it Lorna concentrate'' she reminds herself composing. "I''m sorry for the slight misunderstanding," she said forcing a smile against her lips. "Black Ghoul!" a female voice booms as their attention drift to it, so did others that had their attention on them. A woman around her 60s walks towards them, her skin paled, her white hair matches the color of her skin, although her age, her slender knee-length gown still showed her curves, her ghoul eyes present. Two others behind her, Wayne Sanford and Cassandra William both dressed elegantly. "It''s Wayne and that Claw" Iris whispers in Liam''s ear. "It''s truly is an honor to finally meet the black ghoul, king of the ancients," she said with a slight bow. Whispers filled the hall. "King?" Lorna said puzzled. "I''m the host, Linda Sanford," she said stretching her pale hand to Liam. "Long have I waited to meet the greater power". *** "What the fuck were you thinking?" Chase silently hissed to Lorna. "Saving your life, can''t you see he''s purposely doing this, he''s taunting you as any predator would, he knows the agency is here, that''s why he announced himself, he knew we would act and then the moment you did all of us will be eaten alive without a second thought, we are literary in the means of ghouls," Lorna said pointing a finger on his chest. "So what was your best cover-up, your fiancee?". Lorna rolled her eyes. "There wasn''t any other way, I needed to protect the team". "By the way what the hell are you doing here, you should be on a desk study," Chase said scowling. "I can''t just sit still when the whole agency views me as a suspect, I have to do something, you have to trust me that I didn''t have a hand in this". "This doesn''t change the fact you disobeyed direct orders, we will talk about this after tonight," Chase said final. Lorna growled in frustration. "And I also want your accomplice, I''m sure you weren''t able to figure this on your own". "I planned it out myself". "Oh really now, you mean to tell me you strategized this all by yourself and I do know we mask our scent from the ghouls, I''m sure you did too". "I stole it from Peter''s lab, I overheard the mission details in the private meeting" she gave a fake confession hoping it sounds convincing "Yet again Lorna Hart commits an offense" Chase said in amusement. "Sir" Jesse said walking towards them, along with Peter, her eyes drift to Lorna. "Well you''re obviously in trouble," Jesse said holding a serious face. Lorna just gave a small side smirk, Peter rubs the back of his neck clearing his throat. "Lorna will face the consequence of her actions, for now, we stick our head in the mission and avoid unnecessary attention" "Already happened," Lorna said referring to some stares at them. "Fine then, we should avoid talking in groups, which means," Chase said grabbing Lorna by the waist and pulling close to his body, she gasped at his sudden action. "Tonight it''s just me and you Lorna, the part of fiancee needs to be played well". *** "Linda Sanford" Liam said picking up a wine glass on the table. "Your son tried to kill me" he adds in amusement taking a sip. Iris sat uncomfortably beside him, she tried to keep a clear head. "I do apologize for that my dear" Linda said amused. "As you can see he''s the leader of the V-ghouls so extra measures have to be taken" She shrugs. Wayne huffs in a sassy manner at his mother''s words. "He''s a fool declining my offer, I offered him riches and fame if he embraces his destiny" Wayne spat pissed. "I''m sure you know I don''t give a damn about riches, I have all that, and as I said before, I don''t give a fuck about your ideas," Liam said sternly. "You see mom, he''s not worthy of the title, he doesn''t deserve to be ghoul king, I do," he said the last part facing his mom. "Oh, really you do?" Iris cut in pissed. "You eat ghouls, who would wanna follow that kind of leader" she hissed. "The title is sacred, only he who possesses the greater power can be worthy of ghoul king," she told her son. Her ghoul''s eyes drift back to Liam. "I''m sure you have a lot of questions". "That''s the only reason I came here," Liam said leaning up from his seat. "Let''s start the drugs". "G-st you mean," she said raising an eyebrow. "Why create something like that from the skin of your Claws? Do you have any idea the damage you cause because of that drugs I didn''t just come here for answers I came here to kill" he said with a scowl as his eyes changed to his ghoul ones. "To kill me you mean," she said, her ghoul eyes shining in amusement. "Your piece of crap of a son," he said shifting his gaze to Wayne who had a smug smirk against his lips. "And you if you''re the drug dealer" he adds facing her. "The drug you''re making is turning innocent humans to Claws and there''s a bounty on his headset by you, every drug dealer is after him," Iris said sternly, taking glances around of some unwanted attention on them. "First I will have you know I''m the drug dealer but I''m not the manufacturer," Linda said taking a sip of her wine. "Then who is?" Iris demands. "Whoever puts the bounty on his head, of course, all I know is that we have a source for this drugs, and yes it''s made out of the Claw skin belonging to a V-ghoul but not from my organization,". "Why deal that kind of drugs then huh?" Liam asked already knowing the answer but still felt a need to know where he stands. "I''m sure you know the answer black ghoul" Wayne said amused. With a flick of her finger, a servant came to their table with a tray at hand placing it on the table. Iris froze seeing the green drugs in the sachet, about ten of them. "This is a drug-dealing party, after all, where''s the fun without it, help yourself to some and make millions," Linda said rising to her feet so did Wayne adjusting his suit. "Today we dine together in peace, tomorrow we at war, it was nice having you" she adds with a smile walking away as did Wayne, and Cassandra who sat at another table. Cassandra gave Liam a heated gaze before walking away. Iris''s eyes drift to Liam''s tighten fist, his knuckles turning white, she placed her hand on his giving it a gentle squeeze. "I''m gonna kill that bitch" Liam said pissed. "You know we can''t do that right now, this place is practically swamping with drug addicts and agents, we can''t afford to make a wrong move, we have to be smart, and besides she knows the name of the manufacturer I have a feeling she does," Iris said without a doubt. "It''s not gonna be easy to get it off her, she''s toying with me and I know that. What did you think she means about the ghoul king?". "You grew up human Liam, it''s understandable if you don''t know about it," she said sighing. "Then what does it has to do with me?" "We ghouls has an ancient history, it''s about our birth and origins, but its a lost history, few scraps were seen a long time and it talked about Lucas Carter your ancestor, it''s also part of the discovery of Jonathan Jonas". "What did it say about the greater power?" "It said the greater power has authority over us like a ghoul king and that he will be the key to unlocking our lost history before we joined civilization". Several Tables Away "We need to know what they are saying or what that Linda Sanford said about the drugs, for all we know she could be the drug dealer," Lorna said stealing glances from Liam and the strange woman he was with, she felt a sharp pain in her chest when she the woman''s hand locked with Liam. ''She must be the one he''s with'' she thought without a doubt. Chase sighs dropping the sachet of drugs back to the golden tray it was served with. "This is ridiculous," he said shaking his head negatively. "We have to find out what they know," Lorna said facing him. "And how do you suggest we do that?" "By dancing," she said winking. "By what?" he said puzzled as Lorna rise to her feet. The classical music began playing loudly as partners walk to the center of the ballroom to waltz. "I''m not dancing," Chase said through gritted teethes. "Oh yes you''re if you want answers, trust me I have a plan," Lorna said stretching out her hand for him to take. Chase stares at it before hesitantly taking it, she leads him to the dance floor with a smile on her lips. "Take my waist," she said. "What?" Chase said dumbfounded. "Take my waist don''t you know how they do it?" "I don''t know how to waltz," He said a bit embarrassed. "Well I can fix that, so follow my lead," She said taking one of his hands to grab her waist, she placed one hand on his shoulder, the other merge with his other hand spread out in a straight form. "Now move with me," she said as they did, making the dance with the same beat of the music. "You''re getting a hang of it," she said giggling. A small smile found his lips. "Oh, so the scarecrow smiles" she giggles. He frowns. "Scarecrow?" "Oops!" Lorna said amused urging him to spin her clockwise, he did as she laughs, Chase smiles once more loving the sound of her laughter, it warms his heart and he loved the feeling. Chapter 82 - Epilogue The classical music changed to another rhythm, other partners filled the dance floor following with the loud beats. Lorna''s eyes caught Liam and Iris dancing. She faces Chase. "Okay this particular song is about changing dance partners," Lorna said. "So what''s the plan?" he asked spinning her for a brief second. "We swap with the black ghoul, I think I can get answers from him," she said coming back to him. "What makes you think he will disclose any info to you?" "Well because he doesn''t know my identity, he thinks am a ghoul so will just have a friendly ghoul chat" she shrugs. "That''s a stupid plan," Chase said scowling, a beat came in. "Well too late," she said leaving his arms and then spinning. Before Chase could act Iris was now in his arms, he mentally cursed but forced a smile on the outside, his eyes drift to Lorna locked in the black ghoul arms, he felt unease. "Well this is a surprise," Liam said amused, grabbing her waist tightly as they waltz. "If it''s isn''t the famous ghoul in the city," Lorna said amused. "I''m a fan, trust me every ghoul is" she shrugs. With a dark smirk, Liam leans closer to her. "Are we seriously playing this game right now" he whispers close to her ear, she shivers in his deep voice. "Lorna". The color from her face drains instantly. ''He fucking knows'' she thought with wide eyes, before she could ask why, Liam spins her clockwise, she spins back to Chase''s arms. "What''s wrong?" Chase ask as a flush of worry found his features, she looked unease. "Um nothing, am fine, I just need more time," she said. "Keep the lady close and swap with another partner," she said as the beat came in again. "Lor-" before he could say anything, she spins back to Liam. "Twice in a row, keep tempting me agent or I won''t let go next time," Liam said amused. "H-how d-did y-you-" "Your eyes gave you away" he cut her words, spinning her clockwise for a brief second. She gulps coming back to his arms, he held her firm and tightly like he didn''t want to let go. The music changed to a slow beat as the lights dim down, they stop waltzing and moved slowly with the beat, it took a minute of silence before she broke it. "Why? Because it''s like Riley?" Lorna said in a sassy manner, she couldn''t help the pain in her chest knowing that was his only reason. "No, because I knew it belongs to one particular agent am desperately trying to avoid," he said in a bored tone. "The feelings mutual," Lorna said sternly. Liam roughly pushed her body more to him, Lorna gasp from the impact biting her lips. "Really now, then why do I sense hesitant in your voice," he said softly, their faces inches apart, their eyes locked in one another. Liam''s hand on her waist slowly trails her exposed back, she shivers as his fingers brush against her smooth skin running up and down the center sensually, she bit her lips once more fighting a moan that threatens to escape her lips. Liam smirks knowing the effect he had on her and it turned him on and set his body ablaze. "Tell me Lorna" he whispers. "Why are you resisting" he adds huskily. A faint moan escapes her lips, Liam''s smirk grew wider. "You have no idea what you are doing to me," Liam said as his other hand traces her side outlining her curves, a wave of desire struck through her body like wildfire. Her hands tighten against his shoulder blades. ''Get it together Lorna'' she mentally slaps herself, she had work to do, not drooling over a handsome man that stole each breath away from her, she needed to focus on the goal at hand, or else more suspicion will be on her from her team. "That woman Linda Sanford, she''s the drug dealer isn''t she?" Lorna asked. "Your agency questions your survival don''t they," Liam asked avoiding her question with his. Lorna froze at the sudden question. "Living through me three times will certainly raise suspicion" he tilts his head to the side as they slowly met the beat of the music. "You should be detained or worse for siding with me unless," he said brushing his face against her side face, Lorna shivers at the contact as her body ran hotter by the second, she burned for his touch against her skin more. "You didn''t tell them what happened" he adds burying his head in her neck inhaling her wonder scent that smells of cinnamon and rose, it gave him the comfort he never thought he could find ever since Riley. Her hair was packed up so he got a better view of her neck, his eyes soften seeing no birthmark as Riley had, it was proof this woman that mysteriously resembles his lover wasn''t her and what struck him the most, his unusual feelings towards this agent was still evident, he could feel it with every fiber of his bone and it scared him. "Do I have a choice?!", the sweet sound of her voice broke him out of his thoughts. "What do you expect me to tell them Uh? That I told a bullet for the most dangerous ghoul ever? The very enemy of the company I work for?". He slowly redrew from her neck facing her. "And what do you expect?" he began with tender eyes she never knew he had, he always had a hard look but right now she could finally see his emotions written all over his face, confusion, sadness, longing, and pain. "Tell my organization I have a soft spot for an agent who works for the very agency that took everything away from me," he said as his eyes harden and his expression blank. "The very niece of the one woman I despise with every fiber of my being". Her eyes shake in horror knowing what he meant, what did her aunt do to him to turn him into such a cold-hearted person? "Barbra Jones," he said the name with distaste as the music stops, he pulls away from her, she missed his touch and hold, she felt like she was losing her mind, her lips went apart, the words hung in her throat. He turns walking away. Lorna stood frozen in time as applause were made at the excellent dance, her hands tighten on either side of her gown, as she took a harsh breath, the tears she held in on the blink of falling, she felt empty and lost without his presence right now, she felt sad and hurt for him, she couldn''t breathe, what was this pull she just suddenly felt like thousand tons of bricks. "Lorna" Chase''s voice came in but it was deaf to her ears as she did the unthinkable, she ran towards him. Raising her gown a bit so that it wouldn''t get in the way of her heels, she passes through the crowd going back to their seats, she looks around but she couldn''t find him, she so desperately wants to, her eyes found the stairs leading to the up floor, she rushes climbing up, going straight to the up floor, it was secluded along with the lobby and a bit dark, the lights came from the wide windows and then she saw him. "Liam!" she called, his steps halt instantly but he didn''t turn. Liam froze when he heard her voice, the sound of his name running through her lips was like angels singing, in frustration, he loosens his tie with a growl as he turns marching towards her before she could think or act he smashes his lips on her''s rough, she moaned loudly at the impact as Liam helplessly hungrily devours her lips, his hands cups her face deepening the kiss with desperation as he gains asses to her teeth, tongue, tasting every flavor of her mouth with dominance. Lorna desperately ran her fingers in his thick brunette hair in passion, moans escape her lips as Liam devours every inch of her mouth like a mad man, their desires evident in the air, their bodies brushing against each other as the heat rises between them, both so badly want each other. Liam wanted so badly to rip her gown off and taste every each of her skin until she was screaming his Liam only and no one else, he wanted to get down on his knees and taste her and feel all parts of her till she screams for more. But a dark giggle came in distracting them from their moment of passion. Liam broke the kiss turning. There Cassandra stood a few distances away from them, her arms folded. "I knew I smelt something funny," she said amused. "Cassandra?" Lorna said, she could recognize that voice from anywhere. "An agent in our midst," she said cracking her head as two Claws crawled on the walls both sides of her snarling dangerously. Liam''s looks darken as his eyes changed to his ghoul ones. "I don''t know why my mother intends on keeping you alive," Wayne said coming forth beside Cassandra. "I should be ghoul king, I should wield the greater power, you are not worthy of that, just look at you, getting your hands all over an agent, a human" he spat. Lorna shivers at his harsh words, she slowly reaches for her exposed lap showing from the gown cut-out style grabbing a device. She felt Liam''s hand on hers, stopping her from pulling it out, she faces him but he didn''t look back he still looked gaze of the two. ''A signal'' she thought in realization. "Kill!" Wayne hissed as the Claws against the wall came at them in speed, clashing the side windows as they did, they roared as they jump at them. "Duck!" Liam hissed as his body erupts in black shadow, Lorna quickly did as she was told pulling out the device, it shifts into a gun making an automatic sound powering up. Liam hand ducks in one of the Claw''s chest ripping the heart out. With one shot from Lorna''s gun, the other Claw drops dead. Wayne merges with his Claw roaring dangerously coming at them in speed. Ghost zapped out of Liam grabbing Lorna, in a blink she was behind Cassandra, pointing the gun at her back, she froze. Ghost zaps out stopping Wayne''s Claw before it reaches Liam, Ghost chuckles darkly as he crushes Wayne''s hand, he roars in pain going on one knee. Lorna was about to pull the trigger when Cassandra''s elbow slams her face, Lorna groaned taking a step backward. She faces Lorna smirking as she transforms. "Great" Lorna said clicking her gun pointing at Cassandra, she fires but she dodges it, her sharp class came for Lorna''s head but she dodges it and kept shooting. Casandra snarls going on all fours climbing on the walls to dodge the bullets. "Don''t think I will let you live this time," Liam said as Ghost aimed for his chest. Wayne chuckles. "What happens when the agents you fancy turns into one of those Claws" he growls. Liam froze. "CASSANDRA!" Wayne roars. Cassandra got down transforming back to her human self as Lorna stops firing due to her loss of bullets, she smirks as she brought out a sachet of the drug, clawing it with her sharp nails, and then waving it at Lorna''s face, the dust came as she inhaled it. "An eye for an eye" Cassandra said fulfill getting revenge for the death of her boyfriend. Liam saw red. "GHOST!" he shouts as he rips out''s Wayne heart out, his body drops dead with wide eyes dropping to the ground transforming back to his human self on the pool of his blood. Cassandra turns snarling like the animal she was frozen but as Liam was in front of her in a split second snapping her neck backward, she drops to the ground lifeless. Liam watches in horror as Lorna took harsh breaths like she was having a panic attack as the green veins creep through her skin straight to her eyes, they changed, the white part black and the color of her eyes green. She looks up at Liam. "Liam!" she said with tears in her eyes. To Be Continued... Chapter 83 - Prologue *Heart Beats Slowly* * * * * * *Sharp Breaths* * * * * * *Slight Groans* * * * * * *Solemn Silence* * * * * * *Continuous Heart Beat* Lorna''s green eyes were on her arms, watching the green vein creep her skin slowly, moving and beaming like a pulse, panic filled her body like a rush of adrenaline, the tears at the corner of her eyes threatening to fall, her breaths uneven as she watches the horror unfold right in front of her. Her gaze shifted to worried ghoul ones, a mix of panic, shock, and the pain was evident on his face all a once as he stood there frozen, unable to think or act. "Liam!" Lorna said in a broken voice as the tears fell, wetting the mask she wore, she knew it was over, she could feel it, her every being was shifting to what she feared most, her body was readjusting and transforming, it took one sniff of the drug to turn her world apart and she was scared of the outcome cause she knew in heart she would sneak for blood and flesh just like the rest of the Claws. "Lorna," Liam said with shaky eyes, she could see in his eyes the shock and panic, she knew just then her eyes might have changed to that of a ghoul, she could feel it. He took a step closer wanting to be close to her and find how to stop this nightmare if it was in his power to do so. "DON''T!" she shouts with that of the monster forming inside, it sounded double and rough, the tears fell more knowing she was slowly losing herself. Liam stops instantly at the sound of her abnormal voice. "I don''t wanna hurt you" she broke in more tears unable to contain the pain, her human life was practically over at this point, there was no going back. She held her hair in a tight grip shaking her head negatively like she was losing it, Liam another step, didn''t he hear her the first time? "Please don''t," she said moving back slowly, she didn''t want to hurt him or hunger for his flesh, it made her sick of even thinking of it. He still came for her step by step not stopping and she keeps going backward in fear of doing the unthinkable now the monster was taking over. She felt her body shifting, she panics more going back in a haste but she stumbles on her heels, her body reaching for the floor but strong arms caught her before her body found the cold floor, he held her firm not minding if she was slowly turning into a Claw. "Am not staying away from you" he said with a firm voice, the tears keep dripping uncontrollably as she tightens her fingers on his suit not wanting to let go. "Please don''t let me turn into a monster" she pleads with teary eyes. "Kill me if I change" she adds with shaky eyes, she could see the flash of darkness in his ghoul ones as his grip tightens on her, she instantly regrets saying those words but what other choice do they have, sooner or later she could turn into something she can''t control. She felt something cold run down her nose, Liam slowly wipes it off, it was blood but it was green in color. "Something doesn''t smell right" Ghost''s deep rough voice sounds behind them. Suddenly her eyes and ears bleed also, in green blood. "Ghost what''s happening to her" Liam hissed in a panic worried this might turn into something more or was this how the change happens? Lorna was light-headed as her eyes changed to their normal green ones, her vision blurred as her eyes bleed more. "Ghost doesn''t know but it feels like her body is fighting the drug, Ghost can smell it," Ghost said sternly, he smelt something also but he couldn''t quite place the scent. "Is that even possible?" Liam said confused cause he knew even though it was hard to admit it, she should be transforming but the opposite was happening. "LORNA!" a voice came in along with some loud footsteps. "Liam" she began weakly knowing her body would give out any second. "You have to get out of here, they can''t find you," she says knowing it was Chase that called her name, she was sure the rest of the agents were coming also, maybe they raid the party or something. "I said I''m not leaving you," Liam said with clenched teeth holding unto her tightly. "Liam please" she begged. He stares into her eyes seeing her pain, he knew just then he had to leave or else more suspicion will be on her and he didn''t want that, but still he couldn''t just bring himself to leave her out here while she bleeds out of the unknown. "They can''t see you here with me, I will cover-up," she says weakly holding on to the bit of consciousness she had before her body gave out, she had to make sure he leaves not just because she would be caught for being with him but she wanted him safe. With an unreadable expression, Liam pulls away from her, merging Ghost in a black shadow. "I will be back for you," Liam said in a double voice of him and Ghost as black wings spread out, he dashes out the window. Lorna laid on the cold floor paralyzed, her body no wonder felt like it was shifting, for an odd reason she felt calm and peaceful as the world around her turns to darkness, hearing her name once more as strong arms grab her. *** A building away Liam watches from the ceiling he stood on, removing his mask, he watches as the rest of the agents gathered her, he hated he had to leave her vulnerable, he hated he had to leave her side when he needed to be by her, but the reality still suck in like cold water, she was an agent and the line they cross was forbidden and dangerous but there was no turning back now. Chapter 84 - Black Immune Three Days Later Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) *Loud Beeping Monitor Machine* Lorna groans slowly opening her eyes, blinking her eyelashes as her eyes adjust to the newfound bright lights around. She groans once more weakly looking around her, she was in the agency''s special medical facility, on the bed with several types of equipment connected to her. "You''re awake!" She heard a voice, looking around for the owner, she founds doctor Steve walking towards her with a smile against his lips wearing his white doctor coat. "Was it that bad?" she asked weakly, referring to the equipment connected to her, it wasn''t a pleasant sight. He made a hmm sound with a thoughtful face, she blinks because the face he made him resemble Liam for a brief second. "On a scale from 1-10, I say 7" he answers with a smile. "Did I?" she asked with horror in her eyes fearing what happened after she passed out. "No Lorna you didn''t transform to a Claw, did some analysis and I found no trace of the drug in your system, you bleed them out". "H-how is that possible?" Lorna asked stern about sitting up but her body shook in pain as she groaned. "Easy there, you have been out for three days, your body still needs time to recover," He said haste, lying her back down but she refused. "How is it possible?" she asks once more not caring about her body in pain, she needed answers, the need for them was what was keeping her sane right now. "You''re immune Lorna" he confessed. She blinks in confusion, she didn''t expect that. "Immune?" "Yes immune like how a body does to disease" he shrugs like it was nothing but to Lorna it felt odd. "I know. I''m quite aware of the word immune but is it possible to be immune to a drug that turns every human or drug addict out there into a Claw?" Lorna asked finding it hard to believe, what makes her different from the immune to sort a drug? "There''s nothing wrong in begin immune to a deadly drug, it''s scientifically possible just how being immune to some certain virus is, we can say yours is more of luck" he explained. Lorna felt eased a bit mentally cursing herself for overreacting, was she scared of something else? "I think I will go with luck, it''s the only thing reasonable than the other," she said weakly sighing as dizziness found her body. "You still have to rest your body, it needs to heal after fighting the drug" he adds with a smile. Lorna forced a smile, laying her head back down, as she closed her eyes groaning, drifting off to sleep. Steve''s expression changed in less than a second, his eyes shaking a bit before walking away leaving her to rest, he opens the door shutting it behind him. Barbra stood there, her back leaning against the wall, her arms folded. "Well?" she asked with an unreadable expression. "It''s not possible to be immune to this drug, the contents it holds have a strong mixture that can transform whoever take the drug, a human it would transform, for a ghoul it would be immediate death because of the Claws lying dominant inside ghouls already" he explains adjusting his glasses. "I see," she said in thought, she faced Steve. "Burn the reports, write it out as another medical report, come up with something but not the actual reports, I don''t want anyone finding out," she said sternly before walking out, her heels sounding as she left. A few distances away Chase was behind a wall listening to their every conversation, an unreadable expression against his feature, he turns as his eyes lands on Steve and what made him suspicious the more was the dark smirk pressed against Steve''s lips, it was like he had just caught himself a golden castle, his eyes shining in amusement he couldn''t contain. *** Outskirts Of The City Silver-lining Manor "Liam!" Iris called walking into his empty apartment, for the past three days now it has been hard to get a glimpse of him, a minute he''s there and then he disappears, it was like he was a ghost in his organization and she was worried because weird behavior started right after the ball, he left her alone out there only to be back to the manor and then saw him, right after that he''s been acting strange. Iris sighs walking around the living room, she just wishes she could just see him and talk to him maybe find out what''s wrong. "He''s not her" a voice came in, she turns towards the entrance of the apartment and found Sean standing by the door, hands in his pocket. "He''s around don''t worry" he sighs. "Just not in one place at the time" he adds. "Well have you talk to him or something maybe finds out what''s wrong?" she asks worriedly. Sean looks away running his fingers in his hair. "You know something don''t you," Iris said without a doubt noticing his uneasiness. "Sean!" she hissed walking up to him. "I think it has to do with that agent that looks like Riley" he confessed. Iris halts her steps instantly, she clears her throat shrugging her shoulder. "Well that''s understandable but that doesn''t mean it''s all about her, she can''t be the reason he''s acting all strange and distant" she reasons. Sean made a face. "It is then," she said sternly. "Yes, Iris". She huffs looking away. "What does this agent have to do with him huh?" she folded her arms facing him. "About a week ago, Liam said he has his trump card". "Trump card?" "Yes because this agent Lorna is the niece of Barbra Jones, Liam''s mortal enemy," he said sternly and then sighs. "He intends on using her to get to Barbra" "Then that''s good because it''s a solid plan" she reasons. "Yes it is but I feel this is turning into something more than using her and it won''t end well for him or our organization". Chapter 85 - Black Reports Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) "Lorna you have got to stop ending up in the hospital, it''s too much for my fragile heart to bear," Jesse said taking a seat on her bed where Lorna laid, she smiled. "Well the hospital keeps calling me," she said sarcastically in a playful manner, she needed Jesse right now, she was the only one that could make her feel better at this point after what she just heard. "I''m serious Lorna, you have to stop doing that," she said with a pouting face earning a giggle from Lorna. "Jess it''s not my fault I''m at the wrong place at the wrong time" she shrugs. Jesse sighs in frustration. "This partner will be the death of me", she rolls her eyes. "I know you love me," Lorna said amused. "So how you feeling?". "Aside from being paralyzed right now, I''m good," she said lifting her arm a bit but it weakly fell back to the bed like an example of her current helpless state. "Figures, cause Last time I saw you, you were bleeding green blood all over, I''m glad we got there in time before the drug got to your system". "The drug did get to my system Jess," Lorna said blinking puzzled at her words. "I''m sorry what now?" Jesse said staring at her like she was crazy. "The drug did get to my system" she repeats once more and this time, wondering whether Jesse didn''t get her point or something. "Of course it didn''t Lorna because if it did you would have been turned by now, like into a Claw walker" she explains. ''I thought doctor Steve said I was immune'' Lorna thought puzzled, why was everything different now? But Jesse last words caught her out of her thoughts. "Claw Walker?", she blinks. "Yes, that''s what they are calling the drug addicts with the ability to transform, it''s way better than a drug addict," she said with a roll of her eyes. "Um, Jess what did my medical reports say? Just curious" "It''s just like I told you, it stated the drugs didn''t get to your system that''s why you are still you" she shrugs. "You''re good" she adds with a smile. "I thought I was immune," Lorna said faintly, it was more like a whisper cause she knew in her heart she felt it with every fiber of her bone that she was slowly transforming until she didn''t. "I''m sorry what?" Jesse said not quite catching her words. Her gaze drifts back to her, she forced a smile against her lips. "Nothing it''s nothing, just feeling dizzy," she said rubbing her temple as an example, Jesse just nods. ''Why are they covering it up, it doesn''t make any sense'' Lorna thought lost in her head once more. ''Something isn''t right'' "Seems like you have a secret admirer," Jesse said pointing at the bunch of roses in a flower pot against the table. "I don''t remember having one," Lorna said puzzled but then her eyes widen as a name rang in her head of who it might be. ''Liam'' the thought of his name warms her heart. Jesse walks up to the flower picking the letter next to it. "Well this is interesting," she said with a raise of an eyebrow. "Who is it?" Lorna''s voice sounded more haste than she intended it to. "The almighty Chase Wyatt wishes you quick recovery," she said amused. "The scarecrow sent those?!" "Yup," Jesse said popping the word ''Yup'' while smirking. "Well, I didn''t expect that". "Oh really you didn''t? I''m sure you know I was right there when you two kissed". "Come on Jess we were undercover and I was trying to save his neck or he would have gotten himself killed, he practically just always jumps on his instinct" Lorna explains. "Do I now?" a voice came in at the door, they froze as they turned to the familiar voice. "Oops!" Jesse made a sound dropping the letter. "I hope you like roses, Lorna," Chase said amused. Lorna''s mouth hung unable to find the right words to use as her cheeks flushed in embarrassment. "Um I''m gonna go, I have paperwork to finish," Jesse said giggling slightly as she left shutting the door behind. "How are you feeling?" Chase asked breaking the ice as he slowly walks towards her, he was on a white long sleeve shirt folded in his arms and gray pants and shoes. "Never better," Lorna said forcing a smile. He stood beside the roses. "I hope you like the flowers, I don''t know what you like so I just got roses," Chase said. "No no no it''s okay, they are lovely," she said trying to sound genuine as possible. "Rose isn''t your flower is it?". She sighs in defeat. "Yes," she said. He laughs slightly, Lorna smiled loving the sound of his laugh. "You should laugh more sir, it suits you," she said in amusement. "Call me Chase," he said walking close to her bed. "Does this mean you finally like me?" she said raising an eyebrow. "Still debating on that" "Well I''m glad you like me just a little bit, it warms my heart". "It''s not everyone that would like their boss to hate them" she adds when she sees his frown. "Well, hate is a strong word" he shrugs forcing a smile. Lorna just nods. "I''m sure you have a question concerning what happened at the ball, that''s the reason you came here right?" she asked waiting to be thrown lost of questions again, she wonders what the agency thinks of her at this point. "No Lorna," he said frowning again. "I came to see how you''re doing, the questions can come later" "Oh" she made a sound shock, she was surprised he came here just to check on her and not to interrogate her like before. Chase was about to say something but a doctor walked in wearing a white face mask and white laboratory jacket holding a rooster. "It''s time for her meds" his deep voice sounds. "I guess I will leave you now, take care Lorna," he said with a charming smile before leaving, shutting the door behind. "I must have hit my head, cause now my boss is suddenly nice to me," Lorna said sarcastically as she stares at the ceiling with a sigh. The doctor approaches her getting the equipment ready, she pauses for a minute as a realization struck her. "Wait meds?" Lorna said puzzled remembering she has already taken her meds for today, in response to that the strange doctor zaps the curtains around covering them, Lorna pales at the action. "W-who a-are y-you?" she panics as the doctor unravels his face mask taking it off, her breath caught. "Liam?!". Chapter 86 - Black Doc Outskirts Of The City Silver-lining Manor "So Wayne''s dead, there a drug out there called G-st turning humans into Claw and the manufacturer is still out there nameless and Boss have been acting weird" Race said chewing from his pack of chips, his eyes fixed on the widescreen computer in front of him. "Could any of this get any worse" he adds. Kayla growls facing him. "Just shut up!" she hissed going back to her typing. "And I haven''t asked what you have been up to," he said facing her. "Well Boss asked me to hack all the cameras in the agency" she answers wanting so badly to shut Race up, he was always a chatterbox, and right now she needed to focus. "And why would Boss want the cameras in the agency hacked?" he asked puzzled. "I¡­Don''t¡­Know" she growls with gritted teethes. His eyes widen in realization. "Unless Boss is trying to infiltrate the agency," he said alarmed. Kayla froze facing him until she let a huff of air escape her lips in disbelieve. "What? I don''t think so, am sure it''s about keeping tabs on them I mean what else could it be" she shrugs going back to her work. "I guess so," Race said with a shrug eating his chips. "And go eat somewhere else you''re distracting me" Kayla hissed. At the door entrance, Iris stood there with a dark expression as her fist clenched in a tight hold because she knew why he asked Kayla to hack the camera, in anger, she storms off. *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) "Wait meds?" Lorna said puzzled remembering she has already taken her meds for today, in response to that the strange doctor zaps the curtains around covering them, Lorna pales at the action. "W-who a-are y-you?" she panics as the doctor unravels his face mask taking it off, her breath caught. "Liam?!" Lorna said in shock, she couldn''t believe it, she couldn''t believe he was here right here in the agency of all freaking place to be, was he out of his mind? "You don''t look so good," he said in amusement taking a seat on her bed as it deepens from his weight. "Liam what are you doing here? Are you out of your mind? It''s not safe and there are cameras around, how did you get here?". "I have my ways," he said smirking. "And besides I said I''m coming back for you and I meant it". "Well the last time you said that you didn''t come, I didn''t expect you to this time" she reasons, he slowly reaches for her cheeks rubbing them gently, she shivers at his sudden touch. "I needed to know you were okay," he said with sad eyes. "I was worried", it was more like a faint whisper but she heard him, he was worried about her and that made Lorna smile, looking at him right now he looked rowdy, his hair was a bit messy, his jaws had bits of beards that required a shave, his eyes look tired, a flush of worry found her body as she sits up despite the pain she was in, cupping his face. "Is everything okay?" she asked worried, his gaze shift from her to face downwards. "When was the last time you slept?" she asked once more. His gaze found her once more. "It doesn''t matter," he said. "Liam!" "I''m just glad you''re okay," he said with shaky eyes, this new side of Liam was mysterious to her, she never knew he had this soft nature to him, it was almost impossible to see. "You don''t have to worry about me, luckily the drugs didn''t get to my system" she assures him. He frowns. "But it did" "That''s what I said" she groans. "But everyone one thinks it didn''t, but my doctor does he said am immune according to him, he said my body fought the drugs which aren''t possible" she adds. "I don''t understand" "Neither do I, Liam, something isn''t right, doctor Steve must be keeping something," she said but felt Liam''s body tense as his soft looks instantly replace with his usual cold one. "Is something wrong?" she asked worried of his unreadable expression. He pulls away from her touch. "When will you be discharged?" he asked his voice cold and distant. "Weeks from now I guess if my body cooperates" she answers shakily. "Good see you then," he said rising to his feet. Confusion and hurt flushed her features, he zaps the curtains open. "Y-you''re leaving already?" she asked, the hurt evident in her tone. "I won''t be able to keep the cameras off me for long, I have to go," he said firmly. Panic fills her lungs like it was hard for her to breathe, she didn''t want him to leave, he took a step forward. "K-kiss me!" she hissed as he stops instantly, he stood there silent, frozen in place but she surges on. "L-Liam K-ki-" before any more words, his lips were on her in speed taking her breath away with his hot demanding kiss filled with his conflicted emotions. She moans loudly making Liam gain asses to all corners of her mouth, she needed him no she wants him, she wants his touch, she wants his presence, she didn''t know why but she just did. Her fists tighten on her sheets as he deepens the kiss like a dominant battle, she wasn''t so sure she could keep up due to how weak she was, she just let Liam have his way with her. "Liam" she moaned loudly but he pulls away drifting back in sharp breaths, she missed the feel of his lips as did him, he wasn''t sure he could stop himself, he didn''t understand this pull he had towards her, the moment she muttered the word ''kiss him'' all self-control went out the window as it did during the ball, they crossed too many lines to come back from. Their gaze locked in one another unable to look away. "Liam", the sweet sound of her voice calls him but he resists turning and walking away slamming the door. Liam quickly put on his face mask. ''Her scent is intoxicating, it wasn''t like this before, how long can we fight it'' Ghost growls in his head. "I don''t know Ghost," Liam said, he was as confused as Ghost was, he walks but froze when he saw Steve O''Brien heading in his direction, they lock gaze instantly but he quickly turned away about leaving. "Liam?" his father''s voice made him halt his steps instantly. Hearing his voice, rage filled his inside, and a wide range of killing intent filled the hall. "Is that you?". Liam''s eyes changed to his ghoul ones. Chapter 87 - Black Heart (Part 1) Three Years Ago The Year 2021 Beneath the agency (Project Z) "DAD!" Liam shouts, he was pinned to the wall by Seth''s bones sticking out his back. Steve halts instantly. "Why are you doing this?" he adds with shaky eyes, the tears threaten to fall. He didn''t understand why his dad would do this to him, betray him, he was working for the very agency that tore their family apart, what possible reason could it be? "For a better future Liam". For a better future? It didn''t make any sense, how would betraying him be for a Better Future, this kept stabbing at the back of his head like a drum. There was only one true explanation for this, Steve was working for the agency and the reason why their mission went sideways. Steve began walking away not turning his back. "DAD!" Liam shouts again but he didn''t turn. Liam kept shouting, kept calling him but he didn''t respond, just like that his father walks away from him without looking back, that very moment was the greatest betrayer ever and Liam would never FORGET. *** Present Day The Year 2024 Liam''s fist clenched tightly almost drawing blood, black veins creep out around it, his eyes beaming dangerously ready to lash out any second, the memories of three years ago kept playing in his head, over and over again. "I must be seeing things," Steve said removing his glasses, wiping them with his lab coat. Liam''s side face turns only, the corner of his eyes fixed on him dangerously as his blood boils in pain and anger, the very man that turned his back at him, the very man he selflessly called Father. His teeth clenched just by the word father, it made him more pissed. Steve sluggishly puts on his glasses, Liam crossed his mind, ready to rip his heart out in a blink, he was itching to do so. He wore it straightening up, the doors instantly barge open covering Liam from the view, Liam froze when he saw Lorna with sharp breaths holding the door open, he faces forward. What was she thinking? "Lorna what are you doing? You can''t be out of bed" Steve said as worry flushed his features rushing to her side. Lorna instantly went on her knees taking harsh breaths, he held her steady. "Are you out of your mind?" he said placing his palm on her forehead to check her temperature and then his watch to narrow it down. "You''re burning up". "I know am sorry I-I needed water, I was thirsty," she said her breath calms down, she looks behind, sighing a breath of relief, Liam was gone. ''Thank God'' she sighs in relief, she overheard Steve calling Liam''s name, panic filled her body knowing he would get caught, she had to think of something, thankfully her reckless attempt did the trick, She pauses for a minute, ''Why did Doctor Steve call Liam by his name?'' she thought puzzled, something wasn''t right, something was off. "Did any doctor visit you while I was away?". Steve''s question broke her out of her trance. "Um no! No, I didn''t see anyone" she answers biting her lips a bit in nervousness hoping he didn''t catch her white lie. Steve smiles warmly. "Then I guess I require new glasses then, mine is getting pretty old," he said in amusement. Lorna giggles slightly uncomfortable. "Let''s get you to bed, the more you rest the faster your body with recover," He said helping her up to her feet, he stole glances at the empty halls before going in, the door shutting behind. *** In a quiet neighborhood, Liam walks towards his bike parked in a corner, he was dressed in all black, black pants, a black shirt, a black jacket, and black shoes. His expression in a foul mood, he grabs his helmet, his whole body boils, his father''s face played in his head, the wicked smirk he had when he cleaned his glasses, he knew, he knew he was there but played it like he was insignificant, was this a game to him? In a rage, Liam slams his helmet on his bike growling, with each hit it wasn''t enough to rip his father''s sick amusement in his head. He shouts with anger as with one hard kick to his bike it slams the wall hard causing a crack, he flings the helmet pressing his head on the wall, he tightens fist at both sides, above his head, he calms his breath down as much as he could. *Static noise* "Boss" Kayla''s voice came in. "WHAT!" "B-Boss are you okay?" her voice sounded shaky, he immediately regrets raising his voice. "I''m fine... J-Just send in a car to pick me up" Liam said leaning his back against the wall taking a deep breath. "A car? Why? What happened to your bike?" Liam turns to his bike making a cranking noise before hitting the ground in a loud crash sound. "A minor accident," Liam said. "Just order a new one" he adds. *** "There, this will do," Steve said changing Lorna''s drip. Unable to contain the curiously overwhelming her she asked. "I heard you call the black ghoul''s name". He paused his action instantly, he shrugs. "Well, I thought I saw him". "The way you called him" she gulps. "It was like you knew him". He faced her. "Who doesn''t know the black ghoul Lorna," he said amused. "Will see you in a bit, try not to move around this time," he said turning to walk away. "What did my medical reports say?" she demands, she needed answers to why it was changed, it was futile to attempt, she just hoped she would get answers. He halts instantly. "Jess said the drug didn''t get to my system, I know you know it did, you said it yourself I''m immune". He turns to her amused. "The reports came out later on Lorna, turns out immunity wasn''t the case, it was a narrow escape for you," he said firmly before walking away. Lorna watch as the white door shuts close. Chapter 88 - Black Heart (Part 2) Outskirts Of The City Silver-lining Manor Iris paced in front of the Silver-lining Manor, her arms folded, she turns when a black car drop-in, the door open as Liam got down. "Iris," he said puzzled, she rushed and hug him tightly, wrapping her arms around his neck tightly, going on her tiptoes to reach his height. Liam just stood frozen, his hands still at his side not embracing her. "It''s been days Liam," she said shakily not wanting to let go. "You''ve been acting strange". Liam was silent, his eyes glued to the floor, not getting a response from him, she broke the hug pulling away. "You''ve got an organization to look out for" she began sternly. "You have a purpose, that one purpose to bring down the agency and I understand if you have to use that agent to get to your goal". Liam blinks as his head snaps to face her. "Who told you that?!" he demands. "Sean did and it''s okay I understand she''s your trump card, I understand you have to use her," she said taking a step closer to him placing her hands on his hard chest. "But you must not get carried away, even if she looks like Riley, she''s not her, Riley is dead," she said firm not taking her gaze off him as did he, his eyes darkens. Liam placed his hand on hers on his chest pulling it away, she gasps at his action. "I''m very well aware of that," he said darkly walking away, leaving a stunned Iris. She huffs sassy, running her fingers in her hair. *** Sean was busy in the wide lab specially made for him, with all equipment he could use. His eyes in a binocular of a microscope staring at the sample he assesses, he sighs moving his face away from it leaning on his chair, his eyes drift to Liam''s white shirt on the table, he grabs it observing the green blood on it. "How''s this possible," he said puzzled. The doors slide open as Liam walks in. "What did you find?!" Liam demands leaning his hands on the table. "Well it''s nice to see you too after days, you need a shave" Sean points out referring to the bits of hairs on his jaw and side face, it was hard to notice if he was far away but well-defined upfront. "Sean!" "Okay fine I tested the green blood on your shirt belonging to this agent, I think she''s immune to the drugs," Sean said still finding it hard to believe, for a human, she would have transformed by now, for ghouls it was immediate death. "She said something like that too, but they changed her reports," Liam said in confusion. "Wait you went to see her?" Sean said stun staring at Liam like he had two heads. "Liam do you realize what could have happened if you were caught?" he reasons. "Look I know it was stupid but I had to see her," Liam said firmly. "Liam!" Sean began with a stern look. "Is she still your trump card or is it turning into something more? I need to hear it from you". Liam''s eyes soften for a brief second but went back to being cold. "It''s not and it won''t, I need to get her to gain my trust," Liam said darkly. "Good, cause you how bad it will end up if you let any feelings get in the way, she''s an agent, not just any agent, she''s the niece of Barbra Jones that bitch" Sean said scowling. "I know". *** Liam stood in front of the widescreen computer showing different footage and files, one, in particular, was in front, detailed info on Lorna Hart showing, her picture present. His gaze locked with her green eyes. The words of Sean rang in his head, his mind flashed back to their dance at the ball, when his eyes found her neck, it was bare no birthmark and yet even after finding that out, the pull towards her was still evident and he didn''t know why. He turned on his heels walking away leaving the hall with an unreadable expression. *** Section Three Ghoul Investigator headquarter (GIH) Thirtieth Floor Barbra sat reading a file on her desk, it was Lorna''s real medical reports, a scowl against her features mixed with confusion, she taps her long nails on her desk, it made a click sound, the other hand against her jaw in deep thought. Tenth Floor Steve was in his private Lab, a mixture of blood in his front, he grabs one titled Riley another was on the blood crate titled Lorna, he smirks. "Soon Liam, you will understand," he said softly in amusement, his eyes drift to the family picture on the table, consisting of Liam, Jenna, Chloe, and him. His smirk broadens more, he was close very close, this discovery he just recently obtains was a bonus for him, something he never thought would happen and it all made sense now, all that was remaining for the final puzzle was Ghost but that was a long way to come. "Ghost," he thought with shaky eyes, he has to awaken soon cause for now he was just a baby with no memories and Lorna was the key, it was only a matter of time and his years of work will finally pay off. *** Outskirts Of The City Silver-lining Manor Liam was on the bed fast asleep, he was still fully clothed, his one hand fell from the bed holding a bottle of beer, about five more were scattered close to the bed, Ghost surges out of him wearing a deep scowl, he stood hunching staring out the window, his eyes caught the full moon at its highest peak, his head moved to face his hand, his fingers embodied with sharp deadly claws, it trembled. "Ghost" Liam groans his eyes half open half close as he held his head growling. "Why are you out?" he grumbles rolling to the other side. "Ghost had a dream," he said growling. Liam chuckles using the black blanket to cover his head. "Claws don''t dream, you aren''t even human" he grumbles drifting to sleep in an instance. Ghost head faces the moon back, it reminded him of his dream. "Ghost saw white Claw, so beautiful" In his head, Liam heard his words, but the sleep and the drunk state he was in consume his thoughts in darkness. Chapter 89 - Black Neighbors Two Weeks Later Lorna slams her boot shut, grabbing her bags she walks out of the garage heading upstairs to her apartment, on her way she silently cursed dragging her bags and the groceries bags all at once, she was finally at the door, sighing a deep breath of relief, there was no other option, reaching the groceries store after her discharge was a top priority, after all, she had been on the bed recovering for weeks. "Hard part out," she said opening the door, she turned carrying her bags inside one by one which took her a good 5 minutes, the door shut close, she turns. "Need help with those?" a deep voice said catching her off guard, she gasps. "Oh my God!" she exclaims in shock placing her hand on her chest like her heart would give out any second. Liam stood before her wearing an irresistible smirk, hands in his jacket pocket. "You scared me to death!" Lorna hissed pissed, his smirk broadens more like he was enjoying her outburst. "And how did you get in here?" she sighs knowing scolding won''t affect him. "The windows" he shrugs. "You can''t exactly get in through that way, I have a door you know" she hissed. "I''m a wanted man, I can''t go knocking at the door of an agent," he said in amusement raising an eyebrow. Lorna just made a hmm sound getting his point. "Nice shave," she said smiling, loving his new look. "How''re you feeling?" he asked grabbing all her bags at once, Lorna mentally cursed herself for her lack of strength. "I''m all good, got discharged today," she said following behind, he drops the groceries bags on a center table in the kitchen, about grabbing her bags next. "Lemme takes those," she said taking them from him rushing to her room. She drops the bags at a corner, she took deep breaths. "Get it together Lorna" she calmed herself, she was beyond nervous at this point. "There''s a man in the house, well not just any man, the black ghoul," she said staring at the full body mirror beside her wardrobe. "That is so messed up" she adds realizing what she just said, it was more of the shocking truth, the most wanted man in the city was here, right here in her house. She sighs turning, she gasps seeing Liam leaning at the edge of the door, arms folded. "What are you doing?" she asked shaky, nervous at his intense gaze. "Enjoying the view," he said faintly, walking towards her in loud footsteps, Lorna stood frozen as Liam close the space between them, her head tilted backward to meet his gaze. "Um I''m about to cook, so what do you say dinner?" she asked nervously. He huffs with a smile on his lips. "What?" she said in amusement. "Did you just ask me to stay for dinner?" he said raising an eyebrow. "Yes I did," she said firm with anticipation wondering what his answer would be, she needed him to stay a bit longer, she didn''t know why she just needs his presence right now. "I bought chicken" she adds. Liam chuckles slightly it was like music to her ears and she loved the sound of it. He reaches for some strands of her hair pulling them behind her ear. "I would love to" "That''s great," she said getting distracted by his thumb stroking her cheeks gently, she subconsciously bit her bottom lips. "I love it when you do that," he said huskily, his voice deep and low making her shiver. "You mean like this," she said purposely biting her lip once more. Liam''s hand found the back of her waist pulling her to his body, her body brushing against his, their face inches apart, "Damn right!" he growls, she froze at the sound, she couldn''t tell if it was his or that of Ghost, they sounded equally matched. *Slight Knock* The heat rising between them instantly cooled down, but still, their gaze locked not moving away for a split second. The knock came in again. "There''s someone at the door," Lorna said, it was more like a whisper. "Go get it," he said firm letting her go. Lorna quickly rushed to the door her cheeks flushed, she opened it not even bothering to check who. She was greeted with a smiley face. "Hi" Trent Mckell greeted but then his face turned puzzled. "Hi," Lorna said wondering who he was but his face looked familiar. "Wait aren''t you the lady I saw like months ago, at the shopping mall?" he pointed out. It clicked. "Oh yes! I knew this face was familiar, Trent Micky right?". Trent let out a burst of laughter. "I didn''t get the name right did I?". "Um just the last name, it''s Mckell". "Oh right," she nods. "I just moved in, I and my wife, so we are neighbors". "Wow really?" Lorna said bewildered. "Yeah we brought some home warming present, I don''t know just..." he sighs. "It was her idea. HONEY!" "Coming!" a voice came in, a second later a woman walks toward them, wearing a white sleeveless gown, her stomach round and plump, she carried a strawberry cake in her hand. She had short curly hair and gray eyes. "This is my wife, honey meet Lorna Heart we met a few months back," Trent said. "It''s Hart actually," Lorna said amused stretching her hand out. Trent scratches the back of his head in nervousness. Trent''s wife stood frozen in time, her eyes wide with shock. "Um," Lorna just made a sound, confused about why she was staring like that, as she had just seen a ghost. "Honey are you okay?" Trent asked worried, but then he froze in realization placing a hand on her round stomach. "Is it time?" he asked worried. She slaps his hand away making Lorna jump at the action. "No airhead, am still weeks away" she snaps. "Ow!" Trent rubs his hand with a pouting face. Lorna giggle, she turned back to face Lorna. "Sorry about that, I''m Sid Mckell," she said stretching her hand out for Lorna to take. Chapter 90 - Black Beacon "Sorry about that, I''m Sid Mckell," Sid said stretching out her for Lorna to take. "The pleasure is mine," Lorna said with a smile against her lips taking it, the moment their hand touch she felt a deep shiver run down her spine like an electric surge. She gasps at the sudden feeling as the hairs at the back of her neck stood up in response, she quickly pulled her hand away, earning a confused expression from the two couples. She took deep breaths, her eyes never leaving Sid. "Lorna are you okay?" Trent asked worriedly. "I''m fine" she hissed. "I''m sorry...I just" she sighs. "I left something in the oven I need to check it if you don''t mind," Lorna said forcing a smile. "Um such we are sorry for keeping you," Trent said. Lorna just nods. "Here you go," Sid said handling the cake, Lorna took it avoiding contact with her hand as much as possible. "Are you sure you''re okay? Lorna?" Sid asked worriedly. "Yes, yes I am, see you guys around," she said shutting her door. "Well that didn''t go well," Trent said puzzled, he faced his wife, she was still staring at the door with unreadable eyes. "Are you okay honey?" "I''m fine" she faced her husband forcing a smile. "Just thought I saw a familiar face that''s all". *** Lorna took sharp breaths walking to the kitchen dropping the cake. "You okay?" Liam asked tilting his head to the side, he noticed the sweat against her features. He was seated on a high stool close to the table. "Well new neighbors, a married couple," Lorna said taking deep breaths. "And?" he urges knowing there was more. "I-I think the wife is a ghoul," Lorna said faintly, almost like a whisper but Liam heard her. "How did you know?" Liam asked puzzled as his eyebrows flick together. "When I touch her hand, I felt it, I don''t know how but I just knew it," Lorna said staring at her trembling hands, with one step Liam was in front of her holding them steady. "I don''t understand, what is wrong with me? This isn''t normal for a human is it?" she asked looking up his eyes, she didn''t know why but she was scared, scared of something she didn''t know about. "There''s nothing wrong with you, there''s always an explanation for everything," he said softly, calming her down, rubbing her shoulder, she looked deep in his chocolate brown eyes she found irresistible, a flood of desire shook her body in a wave, without thinking she went on her tiptoes smashing her lips on his with eagerness, she didn''t know what came over her, all she knew was she had to do it or she would explode. Liam growls returning the kiss as a fight of dominance started with their mouths, he bit her bottom lip, she gasps at his action making him gain more assess to all areas of her mouth. Lorna moaned wrapping her arms around his neck, digging into his thick hair loving the feel of it. Liam''s roamed down to her waist stroking up and down, but the clothes got in the way of feeling his bare hands against her skin, she yearns for that touch. She gasps as Liam grabs her by the butt placing her on the table, she eagerly wraps her legs around his waist, she felt him knowing he was just as turned on as she was. Lorna moaned loudly as Liam trailed kisses on her neck, nibbling and licking her skin, locating her sweet spot at her neck. "Liam" She moans. "I need you". Liam groans in response biting down on her neck but not enough to break the skin just bruise it a bit, Lorna was sure it would live a hickey but she didn''t care less. Liam''s body was on fire, his whole body felt hot like that of a larva, the desire chills his bone, he wasn''t so sure this feeling was his only, all he knew was he wanted to take her right here and now, his fingers clench her shirt in response wanting to rip it off, but he froze when he heard a ripping sound, his ghoul''s eyes flash open as he pulled away staring at his hand. He froze seeing his hand phasing of his and that of Ghost''s. "What''s wrong?" Lorna asked worried about why he stopped, not taking notice of what was happening to him. Liam quickly turned backing her, staring at his hands in shock. ''Ghost what the fuck are you doing?'' he minds linked him. ''Must have her!" Ghost growls. Liam froze at his words. ''NOW!'' "Dammit Ghost!" he hissed. Lorna jumps down the table rushing to him. "Liam!" "DON''T!" he growls in a double voice facing her with beaming ghoul eyes. Lorna abruptly stops at the sudden outburst. "I don''t understand, what''s wrong?" she took another step closer. "DIDN''T YOU HEAR ME THE FIRST TIME" he growls slamming his hand on the wall, it cracks. She gasps, fears evident in her eyes. Liam groans shutting his eyes close, trying his hardest to keep Ghost at bay, what was wrong with him, Ghost wasn''t himself, Ghost has never clawed out like that without permission and worst he said he wanted her, Ghost was a primal being the only meaning for that would be devouring her, and that scared the shit out of Liam. "I''m sorry," Liam said in his normal voice going back to normal, he opened his eyes and they were back to their normal chocolate ones, but he still felt Ghost itching to take over and have and his way and Liam was sure as hell not gonna let that happen, there was only one thing he could do. "I have to go," he said without hesitation and he turned on his heels walking towards the balcony. "Liam!" Lorna panicked at the thought of him leaving, despite what happened she didn''t want him to. She rushes to the balcony hoping to see him, but he was gone nowhere to be seen. Chapter 91 - Black Pair "STOP RIGHT THERE!" Lorna shouts as she and Jesse pursued a Claw on the run, they followed it to a lonely alley, still on the chase. "Come in, come in, we need backup" Jesse hissed to her comm. "Damn that Claw walker!" Lorna hissed pissed, shooting at it but it dodges the bullet with ease and then stops abruptly, facing them with a roar, others emerge from the buildings, crawling out like spiders, about ten of them. "Fuck!" Jesse cursed. "It''s a trap," Lorna said setting her gun it made an automatic sound, rebooting. they were outnumbered and surrounded. The one they pursue, shift to human form. He was wearing only jeans, shirtless, revealing his full-body tattoo for them to see. He smirks. "How about that agents" he mocked in a sick manner. "YOU THINK YOU CAN OUTRUN ME!" he roars in a double voice of him and his monster within. *** 10 Hours Earlier Lorna went through some files on her desk, before checking the air transparent computer in front of her. "And she''s back," Jesse said taking her seat. "Hey Jess" "You okay? You look Um... How would I put it... Off?" she said assessing her dull look. Lorna huffs facing Jesse. "Off? That''s the best you can come up with" she said with an eye roll. "You can''t blame me you''re the one with the gloomy look, so tell me what''s up with you?" "Nothing" Lorna grumbled typing on her computer. "And you think am gonna buy that" Lorna sighs facing her. "What''s do you want me to tell you, Jess". "I don''t know but I''m pretty sure something is bothering you, it wouldn''t hurt if you share" she reasons. Lorna rubs her temples. "Does it has to do with your aunt''s interrogation?" "It''s wasn''t an interrogation it was just my statement about what happened at the ball, lucky no punishment for breaking the rules" she shrugs. "Well because you killed Wayne". Yup that was the lie, it was the only way to cover up for what happened at the ball, Wayne attacked her and she shot him dead and then the black ghoul shows up with vengeance ripping his heart out, and then other Claws attacked, and then she runs out only to be attacked by Cassandra who held a grudge, using the drug as a weapon to harm her before she shot her dead. That was Lorna''s statement. She sighs relieving the moment with her aunt who surprisingly enough believed her every word with no question and no suspicion was directed at her anymore, she thinks. "Okay if it''s not about the statement, then what?" Jesse asked worried dying to know. Lorna sighs in defeat, facing her, turning her chair in the process. "It''s about a guy". "Fuck me! I knew you were having guy issues" Jesse said giddily. "Okay I don''t know why you are so lively about it," Lorna said embarrassed. "Of course I am, at least now I know I was right, so tell me who?" "Let''s just put that aside, now you know what''s bothering me so just let it go" she faces her) computer. "Hmm, lemme guess it''s not a serious relationship yet because of your job and all, and he''s having some kind of emotional issue from his past relationship and you are worried about it and scared of starting something you aren''t sure has a future in it". Lorna froze facing a smirking Jesse. "How did-" "It''s written all over your face. "No, it''s not!" "Well I could just tell am kind of good at reading emotions, hmm I could put it like that, I take it as guessing" she shrugs proud. "O..Kay," Lorna said nervously. ''Thank God she didn''t figure the part of him being a ghoul! Am so dead, I have to keep myself in check and avoid her figuring anything more'' Lorna thought panicking in her head, she had to be on guard or risk Jesse finding out about her relationship with the black ghoul. "And You''re that kind of girl" she adds. Lorna blinked puzzled. "You''re into bad guys" "Landon and Hart" Chase announced walking towards them, this gained the attention of others. They rise to their feet in response. "As well as Rodriguez and Belly" he adds as a man and woman walk towards them. "It''s Bell sir," the woman said, she had strawberry blond hair and brown eyes. Jesse snorts a bit holding in laughter. Lorna elbowed her to stop. "It''s a last name, you think I care how it''s called," Chase said sternly. "No sir" she answered firm. "And who''s up again," Chase said checking his file. "Hall!" he hissed. As a boy rushed to them. "Sir" he answers, he had dark messy hair and green eyes. Chase nods seeing they were complete. "My office asap, all five of you have been chosen for an assignment, don''t keep me waiting," he said turning to leave but glanced at Lorna before he did. "Wow, a double team mission," she said facing Lorna and Jesse. "Stuck with the most suspicious agent in the agency and a hand-me-down partner" she adds turning on her heels heading to the office. "Hey, she was cleared of that, what the fuck is wrong with her? Hand me down, partner?" Jesse said pissed. ''BITCH!'' "I apologize for my partner, Natasha is a bit of black and white" the one with the last name Rodriguez said. "I''m Jonathan but you can call me Johnny," he said with a welcoming smile. "I''m Lorna and this is Jesse". "Everyone knows who you are Lorna, the very agent who survives the black ghoul clutches more than once," he said in a tone she didn''t like, she gulps. "We best get going, our boss can throw quite the fit". They all turned to the green-eyed boy. "I''m Vincent, am sure you already caught my last name," he said walking ahead. "Shall we?" Johnny said amused walking ahead. "He is hot really hot with all those muscles and all, damn! My first impression... I like him" Jesse said biting her lips. "Yeah who doesn''t," Lorna said sternly, she definitely does not like him and worst they were paired together but why and for what purpose? Chapter 92 - Black Mission "This is Cain" Chase said as the wide transparent screen computer in his office showed a profile picture of Cain. He looked in his late thirties, tattoo''s all over his naked chest up to his neck and the corner of his face. He had dark blue short hair and black eyes. "According to our Intel, he''s a Claw walker dealing G-st" he adds. "Then he should know the manufacturer" Natasha spoke up. "Yes that''s our hunch, we get Cain, we get to the manufacturer which means we have to catch him as fast as possible" Chase said pressing a button, a warehouse in the city showed. "This is their workplace where they package the drugs after buying it, there''s more of them there". "Claw walkers," Lorna said sternly. "Yes". "So it''s our job to infiltrate the warehouse and get Cain, just five of us?" Johnny said puzzled. "For now five of you were specially recommended for this mission others will be joining soon if needed" Chase answers. "If needed? We are about to storm a warehouse full of Claw Walkers... God knows how many" Lorna snaps. All attention drifts to her, Chase''s eyes soften. "You''re not attacking the warehouse, it''s not necessary, just taking Cain," he said. "Which means five of us to apprehend just one criminal," Vincent said folding his arms. "I like that plan," Natasha said smirking. "Ugh, drama queen" Jesse murmur rolling her eyes. "That''s all, seems like you all understand the mission unlike some" Chase said facing Lorna. Lorna looks away as her cheeks flushed in embarrassment. "You''re dismissed, get armed for your mission" he adds. "Yes sir!" they said in unison leaving the office one by one. "Lorna!" She halts as Chase called her, she turns to him, only their left in the office. "You should know it was because of your contribution we were able to get all these leads" he began softly. She nods. "About Wayne not being the manufacturer, his mother the drug dealer we are still searching for as well". "All that was just a hunch, sir, I wasn''t exactly able to gain the info I needed from the black ghoul even though I was undercover, he''s smart," she said sternly. The memory of their encounter flood her head, and then when he just left after their session acting strange, it has been three weeks, and he was a no show and Lorna hated it but it was just a truth of reality that whatever they have or feel for each other can''t work. "Lorna," Chase said softly, placing a hand on her shoulder. The action broke Lorna out of her trance as she stares at him, he could see the sadness, pain, and confusion in her eyes. "What''s wrong?" he asked gently. "If you''re in a situation you have to choose between your job and love what would you do?" Lorna asked with shaky eyes. "If who I love is worth it, why won''t I take that risk," he said. "What if the person you love is not someone you can be with," she said sighing. "It all depends I guess, I''m still new to all the loving stuff" he shrugs. Lorna smiles. "Then tell me sir have you ever been in love?" she asked amused. "No, but I don''t mind trying or Renee is gonna kill me," he said chuckling. Lorna giggles. "And call me Chase if it''s just two of us, I believe I have told you before," he said amused, cupping her right cheeks. Feeling the contact, she instantly pulls away. "Um," she forced a smile. "I''m sorry I just thought" "It''s okay" she sighs. "It''s okay Chase, but I think I have to leave now" she adds in a serious tone. He nods. Lorna turns quickly leaving, the doors shutting close. Chase took a deep breathtaking seat, he ran his hair in frustration, lost in deep thought. *** Uptown "Okay, Cain will be passing through this block in few minutes, the footage around was able to detect that, Jesse, Lorna you apprehend him while we get him when he''s cornered" Johnny''s voice sounded through the comm. "Who made him in charge," Lorna said rolling her eyes, using the mini binoculars to scan the crowd of people. Jesse and Lorna were both in the car waiting to detect Cain. "Chase" Jesse said with a shrug like wasn''t it obvious? Lorna sighs forgetting that part. "Great" she murmurs under her breath. "His voice sounds so sensual from the comm," Jesse said moaning. Lorna rolled her eyes once more, there was a lot of eye-roll today, she was surprised her eyes were still intact. "Shit! That''s him" Jesse said pointing from her window side. Lorna turns to see him, there he was walking wearing blue jeans just the half of his waist showing his white boxer''s beneath, along with a sleeveless tight shirt that hung his body perfectly, showing the tattoo that careless his arms. "That''s is a bad boy overload," Jesse said. "Come on, let''s get him," Lorna said clicking on her gun, it made an automatic start-up sound so did Jesse. "Roger!" They got down from their car walking into the crowd of the busy streets, their gun behind them. "Approaching the target," Lorna said to her comm, following behind Cain. He slowed his walking like he sensed something, he abruptly halts so did Jesse and Lorna, they waited, gripping their guns tightly. He turns with a dark look, they quickly hid behind a wall. "You think he saw us?" Jesse asked. "Well they have high senses, am sure he sniffs us out," Lorna said, her heart slamming loudly in her chest. Lorna carefully looks behind the wall taking deep breaths, her eyes locked with ghoul ones, her breath caught. The white part black, the color of his eyes green, he shifts. "EVERYONE GET DOWN!" Lorna shouts coming out of hiding, pointing her gun at him. Cain roars in response causing panic from everyone as screams could be heard. Cain dashes out disappearing into an alley. Chapter 93 - Black Pursue "EVERYONE GET DOWN!" Lorna shouts coming out of hiding, pointing her gun at him. Cain roars in response causing panic from everyone as screams could be heard. Cain dashes out disappearing into an alley. *** Lorna took harsh breaths, her body ached from the intense running but she ignores it, the pursue was still on because Cain was resilient, taking several turns away from anyone in sight like he was luring them somewhere. "STOP RIGHT THERE!" Lorna shouts but his speed only just increased with loud thud sounds. "Come in, come in, we need backup" Jesse hissed to her comm for the third time but still no answer like they went radio silent. "Damn that Claw walker!" Lorna hissed pissed, shooting at Cain but he dodges the bullet with ease and then stops abruptly, facing them with a roar, others emerge from the buildings, crawling out like spiders, about ten of them and more. "Fuck!" Jesse cursed. "It''s a trap," Lorna said setting her gun it made an automatic sound, rebooting. They were outnumbered and surrounded. The one they pursue, shift to human form. He was wearing only jeans, shirtless, revealing his full-body tattoo for them to see. He smirks. "How about that agents" he mocked in a sick manner. "YOU THINK YOU CAN OUTRUN ME!" he roars in a double voice of him and his monster within. "WELL FUCK YOU!" he shouts as the other Claws charge towards them. Lorna and Jesse fired in unison intensely, some Claws dropping dead and then fading to dust. More roars could be heard. "They just keep coming" Jesse hissed shooting, killing as many as they could before it got to them. "We got you guys" Johnny''s voice sounds from their comm. A loud shot was fired destroying a Claw to pieces, Johnny emerges with a bigger gun like an Ak47, the tip was spiral beaming red. "Told you we will get them cornered," he said cockily. ''What the fuck, he used us as bait?'' Lorna thought pissed at his actions, it was obvious, they just happened to be around in this particular area, making a plan like that and leaving them out of it. Natasha emerges too, spinning a long stick she had with ease, the tip pointy and red as she stabs about two Claws at once, it turned to dust. The remaining Claws roar coming at them, they engaged in a heated battle, shots fired and several Claws dropping dead. A Claw hand almost rips Jesse''s head off, but a bullet stops it making the Claw roar in pain holding his hand, Jesse quickly used the opportunity to shoot it dead, her eyes tracing where the bullet came from. It was from Vincent at the top of a rooftop, he clicks his gun ready to fire again as it made an automatic rebooting sound. Lorna shot three claws at once dead coming at Cain, he growls shifting coming at her in speed, but she dodges his sharp claws with ease, he roars in frustration grabbing her by the neck but Lorna shot his hand, breaking free and then spinning, sending a hard kick to his face, he roars jumping at her, slamming her to the ground hard, her gun sliding away. Lorna growls trying to break free as his grip around her neck tightens about snapping her neck, but then he paused for a minute sniffing the air around her, purring like he smelt something appealing, Lorna practically wanted to rip his nose off, what he did make her skin crawl, his ghoul''s eyes widen in realization. "Why the fuck do you smell different?!" he growls in his double voice with a confused expression, he sniffs once more just to be sure his nose wasn''t playing tricks on him, it was the same scent the same when he was shown the cure if he catches the black ghoul, it was just for a brief second but he would remember it clearly because his life depended on it. Lorna still struggling to break free. His eyes widen in realization, it all made sense. "You!" he growls. Lorna quickly reaches for a knife in her back pocket stabbing him in the arm. He roars lifting her off her feet abruptly, the knife falling in the process, her legs wagging back and forth at the loss of gravity as she struggles. "LORNA!" Jesse shouts in horror. Gaining the attention of others who were busy fighting other Claws. "You smell like it" he growls, he didn''t know how it was possible, it wasn''t right. "You smell like the cure!". Lorna froze at his words, unable to process what he just said. "You can free me," he said with a glint of hunger in his eyes, it was now or never, the cure was right in front of him and he would grab the opportunity right now before others find out. Lorna''s eyes widen in realization knowing what he meant, he was going to eat her. Lorna panics in response as his mouth growl large about to devour her. But then the ground shock as tall shadow lands behind them, with a deep deadly growl as a wide range of killing intent shock the area making it hard to breathe. "It''s the black Ghoul," Natasha said with widening eyes as the Claws they were fighting disperse in fear. Instantly he grabs Cain, his wings flapping as he zaps out in speed, dropping Lorna to the ground in the process. She coughs trying to regain her airflow. Jesse rushed to her side, holding her steady. "Vincent!" Johnny hissed to his comm. "I''m sorry I didn''t see the black ghoul coming, he just came out of nowhere" Vincent answers. "That means he was after the same thing too," Johnny said sternly. "He''s always a step ahead of us," Natasha said darkly as her eyes lands on Lorna taking deep breaths, Jesse beside her. She saw it, her eyes didn''t deceive her, When Lorna was dropped to the ground, the shadow hands careless her hair gently before flying out, it was an unusual action she didn''t understand and she was dying to know what it meant. Chapter 94 - Black Suspense "You lost Cain to the fucking black Ghoul?" Chase hissed pissed walking back and forth in his office. "The Black ghoul came out of nowhere, he was onto us from the start," Johnny said with gritted teeth, he hated the fact they failed the mission. "Cain has been taken by the black ghoul, he must want answers too," Jesse said certainly. Chase sighs. "You''re all dismissed" Chase running his finger in his hair in frustration, this was their only lead and now it was gone. In silence, they all walk out leaving Chase to his thoughts. "Man! He''s pissed" Jesse said as they descend the stairs, she turns to Lorna on not hearing any response. "Lorna!" She gasps like she was back to life. "Earth to earth, are you okay?" she asked worried. "Yeah I''m fine just replaying what happened in my head," Lorna said forcing a smile. "That isn''t something to think about all over again" she reasons. "I know," Lorna said reaching for her jacket pocket grabbing her anxiety drugs, she quickly chewed on three pills sighing. "Gotta run, Pete asked me to check up something with him," Jesse said walking away. Lorna was about to walk to her desk when Natasha blocked her, folding her arms. "Um excuse me you''re in my way," Lorna said annoyed by her action. "Something doesn''t feel right with you," she said sternly. "What do you mean?" She took a step closer in an intimidating manner. "I smell something fishy, I don''t know what but I will find out," she said walking away, leaving a confused Lorna. *** Somewhere Inside the isolated building in a room, Cain was tired to a chair with a device that refrains him from using his inhuman powers, he grunts and growls wanting to break free but he couldn''t, steel around his neck preventing from shifting. "Let''s start again shall we," Liam said behind him placing his hands on the chair gripping it tightly, Cain''s body chilled with fear as his eyes trembled. "Tell me what you know about the manufacturer". "Look man I don''t know much I have never seen his face" he confessed knowing if he lied he would be a gutter. Liam just made a hmm sound walking to his front taking a seat, his elbows on his knees leaning forward. "Then tell me what you know, everything" Cain gulps hard staring into his deadly ghoul eyes, his body trembling. "H-H-He wears a mask so we can''t see his face, but I meet up with him for drugs supply," he said. Liam tilts his head to the side. "When and where?" "A night club and I''m supposed to be there tomorrow night" "And you will go there," Liam said amused. "You''re letting me go?". "Of course, you''re my ticket to catching the manufacturer and besides you can''t run away from me, I injected a chip at the back of your neck when you were asleep," Liam said in amusement. Cain froze as his eyes widen. "Yes Cain, If you as so much as disobey my orders I will blow your fucking brain to bits" he adds darkly. "Fine I will do whatever you want but I want the girl". "Excuse me?" Liam said stern he was in no position to make demands and what girl? "I want that green-eyed agent, I''m sure you don''t care less, you despise them don''t you," he said chuckling like a sick bastard. It was just a blur, that''s all Cain saw, just like a flick of a finger, a flick of a switch, Liam snaps and the next thing he knew was he was hanging in the air, the chair he sat on broken, his legs wagging. Liam''s grip tightened around his neck with just one hand, his sharp claws digging in his neck, drawing blood, Cain chocks for his light. "I''M GONNA FUCKING KILL YOU!" Liam roars in the voice of him and Ghost. "YOU THINK BECAUSE YOU TOUCH HER ONCE YOU''RE GONNA DO IT AGAIN!!" he growls, Cain''s neck almost snapping. "BOSS" Gray''s voice booms behind. "We need him boss please don''t kill him" he pleads. With a snarl, Liam flings Cain to the wall causing a crack. He coughs painfully trying to regain air, his face red like a tomato. "Boss are you okay?" Gray asked worried seeing Liam gripping his head tightly like he was in pain but that didn''t stop him. "Why do you want her?!" Liam hissed, Ghost still itching to take over. Cain leans against the wall in fear. "ANSWER ME!" "S-S-She''s the cure that''s why she smells like it, it''s her blood" he answers in fear. Liam froze at his words. *** The sound of water dropping could be heard, Lorna was in the shower, her head tilted up to let the warm water rain on her face, she loved the feeling, it was like all worries were fading away, all her troubles and fear but it was just a fantasy. A loud thud sound distracted her out of her thoughts, she jumps a bit turning, she quickly off the showers, grabbing her towel and stepping out, on alert she quickly grabs her gun leaning on the wall, her heart slamming loudly in her chest, a shiver running down her spine, it was a familiar feeling but that wasn''t gonna cloud her judgment, mentally counting in her head 1 to 3 she emerges pointing her gun at the target as her eyes landed on ghoul ones. "Lorna" "Liam," Lorna said with widening eyes quickly dropping her gun. "What are you doing here?" No answer from Liam, his eyes ravished her exposed white skin, she just had a towel on, her black hair having droplets of water, she was shaking a bit, she was cold. "Haven''t seen you for three weeks" she adds anger evident in her tone. "It''s been a shitty week and a shitty day, and here you''re to make it more shitty, I hope," she said sarcastically. "You took Cain, did you get answers from him, I need to know please, I know you hate the agency a lot to even disclose any info but I need to know, innocent people''s lives are in danger" she sighs, waiting for a response but nothing from him, he just stood there staring at her like she was dinner, was she? In a response to that fear grips her body. "Liam?" she said shaky, taking a step backward, instinctively holding her gun tightly. "Liam," she said once more, she wasn''t so sure of the name she was calling. "I''m gonna go change, then we talk," she said turning but that was a mistake on her part, as Liam roughly grabs her from behind, her gun dropping in the process, she shrieks. Chapter 95 - Black Heat Lorna slowly opened her eyes, she groans turning to the other side, her eyes caught her pillow with claw marks, she bit her lip rubbing her thighs together, she moans her body still sensitive. She sat up swiftly, the covers barely covering her naked body, she looks around her bed, it was a mess, the sheets were in a mess, claw marks evident like an animal got loose. She pulled the cover off her, swinging her lips off the bed, standing on her feet, she turns to the wall close to the bed gasping. It had claw marks also, she would have to get a new wallpaper, that''s for sure. She walks to her full body mirror assessing her looks, she froze. Her shoulder-length hair was tangled in all areas and wild, and her body yes, that''s was what nearly stopped her heart, there were bite marks all over her body, wasn''t deep just red and bruised like a hickey but this would take weeks before it healed. "Okay," Lorna said in a shaky breath. "Deep breaths," she told herself closing her eyes and drawing sharp breaths, she ran her hand around her neck still feeling his breaths around, his licks, kisses, and of course bites. She bit her lips opening her eyes as her mind travel to last night. *** Last Night Lorna shrieks as Liam grabs her from behind, her gun dropping in the process, her towel almost slipping off her body she held it tightly at the center. Liam buried his head in her neck inhaling her scent with a growl. "Liam," She said shaky, scared of what he might do but at the same time excited. Liam trailed hot kisses on her neck, nibbling and licking, Lorna moans in response. His arm wrapped around her waist moved, running his hand up and down her body. Lorna gasps as Liam rips the towel to shreds. Okay, now she was scared. "Liam," she said his name in a warning tone but got knock to the bed, her body brushing against the soft material, her mind was unable to process what was happening. Before she could lift herself off, she felt a hard chest pinning her back down, how did he take off his clothes so fast? She gasps as in a swift move he turned her to face her back, leaving his eyes to feast on her naked body. "So beautiful" he murmurs under his breath. Lorna felt warmth fill her heart. "Don''t hurt me" Lorna said in a shaky breath. His ghoul''s eyes land on her green ones, it soften. In response he claimed her lips in with eagerness, speaking all unsaid feelings with their kiss, their mouths moving in perfect rhythm matched, destined, and made for each other. Lorna''s hands eagerly ran on his bare chest, something she has been dying to do, they roamed to his back, her nails digging in it as Liam bit down on her breast, he trails kisses to her neck and then nibbling on her ear. "We will never hurt you," Liam said huskily close to her ear. ''We?'' Lorna blinked puzzled but before she could process what he just said he grabs her by the waist, leaning down, Lorna gasps wrapping her arms around his neck tightly, she felt full, complete like she longed to have him there, her body exploding in pleasure as he moves, his thrust coming hard and fast. Lorna moans like a drunkard, loving the feel of their body moving against each other, she heard ripping sounds on the walls and bed from his tight grips but she didn''t care, his touch, his dominance, his aggressiveness, his possessiveness made her head explode. She felt whole, she felt butterflies, she felt like she was floating as he showed her just how much he wanted her, how much he cared, everything spoke at once, her lips sayings his name over and over again as he claimed her body like his, this was forbidden, never in history has it happened, a ghoul and an agent, world''s apart but right now their worlds were one, no difference, no hate, just the two of them in their perfect world made just for them. *** Present Lorna steps out of the shower wrapping her towel around her body, she hisses in pain as some of the bites ached. *Phone Rings* She walks to her dresser grabbing it. "Hey Jess" "Lorna get to the agency right now, our security footage just spotted Cain, we have a lead". Lorna froze at Jess''s words. "I will be right there," Lorna said quickly rushing to get dress. When she was done, she grabs her gun on the table spotting a letter close to it, she read the contents. "I''m sorry?" she said grabbing it, she knew it was Liam that wrote it but why was he sorry, did he regret what happened last night? Was that it''s? Squeezing the letter she threw it in the trash bin, wiping the tears at the corner of the eyes storming out of the apartment in anger. She shuts the door, murmuring curses turning, gasping almost running into Sid in the hallway holding a bag of groceries. "I''m so sorry I didn''t see you there," Lorna said. "It''s okay, I didn''t look where I was going either," Sid said amused. "Oh you''re an agent" she adds. "How did you-" "Your badge" she pointed at the badge clip to her jeans. "Oh," Lorna sighing. "Are you okay?" Sid asked worried noticing her dull mood. "I''m good just-" "I heard screams last night, did something happened?" ''Shit'' "Oh, that.. Pff. That''s was a movie I was watching" Lorna said nervously with a wave of her hand. "Then your soundproof must be jammed or the movie must be loud to even get past the soundproof," Sid said with a thoughtful face. Lorna let a nervous laugh escape her mouth. "The movie was intense," she said pulling some strands of her hair behind her ear. "Gotten run, duty calls," Lorna said rushing out before she asked any more questions. "Okay bye," Sid said in a high pitch voice with a smile watching Lorna exit the hall but then her smile fades. She rubs her round stomach. "So You''re an agent," she said softly with a frown. Chapter 96 - Black Skepticism Outskirts Of The City The Silver-lining Manor "Cain is on the move" Liam stood at the center speaking to his team. "He will lead us directly to the drug king". "Drug king?" Rory asked raising an eyebrow. "Yes, that''s what Cain calls him," Liam said moving the info from his transparent iPad to display at the widescreen in the center. "The drug exchange between the two will happen in this Club," he said showing them the coordinates. "And I''m going alone" he adds. "I''m going with you" Iris cut in, Liam''s eyes lands on her. "I''m sure you remember that I don''t take partners," he said sternly. "I know but you did take me to the ball" she raised an eyebrow walking towards him. "I''m going with you" she urges not backing down. "Well, this is awkward" Race murmurs under his breath. "Whatever you wanna do," Liam said tearing his eyes away. She smirks. "You''re dismissed" he adds walking away, the door shutting close behind him. "I''m sure you know your boss has been acting strange," she said to the others. "Iris, don''t push it, you know he''s trying everything in his power to bring the agency down" Rory reasons. "Is he now, well he appears to be getting distracted by a particular agent" she said sternly. "Iris!" "The agent is just to get to Barbra Jones," Kayla said sitting up. "I hope that''s all it''s seems or else he won''t be the only one going down, we all will too," she said walking away. "What the fuck is wrong with her?" Rory said unbelievably. "Well you better get your lovesick sister in check, or I do" Kayla threatens. "I think Iris is right" Gray spoke up. "Seriously Gray?" Kayla faced him. "Yes, Kayla because when we captured Cain for answers, just the mere thought of that agent almost got him killed," He said. "So what now our Boss has a thing for an agent?" Race said with widening eyes. The hall fell silent. "Wait what thing, what agent, I thought Liam and Iris were dating," Rory said stunned. They faced him like he had two heads. "What planet are you from?" Kayla said grimacing. *** Sean Private Lab "I tested her blood samples again, and yes that drug addict was right, she''s the cure," Sean said sighing leaning on the chair. "Her being immune to the drug, it all makes sense now, that''s why she didn''t get infected, because of her blood," Liam said in realization. "It appears to be," Sean said with a nod although he knew it was impossible. "There something about her, she..." he sighs. "She attracts Ghost for a reason I don''t understand, Ghost is more animistic and I feel myself merging with him just like Wayne and his Claw are but more different". "I thought Ghost was pulled to her because he wanted to devour her but..." he adds with a sigh. "But what?" Sean asked with anticipation. He looks at Sean with those eyes and he caught on. "Oh my God! You had sex with her?!" Sean hissed with stun looks. "Yeah, we made love, fucked, whatever you wanna call it, and do you know what''s worse? Ghost was present the whole time like we were one like we were in the same body claiming what''s ours" Liam said running his fingers in his hair in frustration. ''We were one, one of the same body'' those words sounded familiar but he couldn''t quite place where he heard it from. "Okay that''s creepy and gross to hear but the fact remains, you made love with an agent, well whatever you call it... Ah, fuck it! Liam! Are you out of your fucking mind? Do you realize the gravity of what you did?" Sean scolded like a father even though he was two years older than him. Over the past years, they had gotten quite close which is why Liam could tell him anything. "I know I know I know, it was stupid of me but I can''t help it". "Great so what does Ghost have to say about this huh?" "Trust me you do not wanna hear what that horny bastard have to say" Liam snaps. "Okay fine, but could you get him to talk, or ask him why or whatever" "He doesn''t know anything, all that is in that thick skull of his is that he wants her" ''We both want her'' Ghost growls in his head. But Liam ignores him. "Is it because she looks like Riley?" Sean asked. "That''s the point Sean I don''t care about that anymore, her looks don''t affect me as they did," Liam said sighing hard. "Well, you''re in deep shit". "I fucking know that," he said rubbing his temples. "I can''t help but say this but I think you should stop seeing her, forget about using her to get to that bitch which I know is no longer on your agenda right now," he said shaking his head. "I don''t think I can..." he sighs. "I don''t think we and handle that" he adds sternly. "We are ruined," Sean said without a doubt. *** Section Five Ghoul investigator Headquarters (GIH) Ladies Locker Room "You took a lot of time before getting here," Jesse said taking off her jeans. "Traffic" Lorna shrugs selecting the clothes she needed to attend the club, as soon as she came they were debriefed of the mission, which was going undercover and appending the manufacturer as well as the black ghoul if sighted. "What''s with the scarf, I have never seen you on one," Jesse said amused, staring at the scarf around her neck. "Really...pff... I''m totally into scarf" she said rolling her eyes. Jesse smirks deviously knowing there was more to it but didn''t say anything. "And we''re stuck with each other again," Natasha said walking towards them in just a bra and panties. Lorna just rolled her eyes ignoring her walking towards the toilet. "Wait you aren''t changing here?" Jesse asked puzzled. "Why? Do you have something to hide Lorna?" Natasha asked smirking. Lorna grimaced. "Nope I''m on my period and I get pretty shy even around girls" she lied walking away. ''Geez what was her deal?'' she thought in her head, it was like everyone was on to her but she just had to play it cool and get this mission over with and avoid the black ghoul as much as she can, she hoped. Chapter 97 - Black Club (Part 1) Lorna stood in front of the mirror fixing her makeup, she was on a long sleeve turtle-neck black shirt like a sweater, along with blue jeans shorts, and net host she made sure covered the bites, thick and wasn''t transparent. She also wore boots with heels. Done with the makeup, she arranges her hair in a scattering style. "That should do it, I look like an actual slut" she commented. "Ugh, we both do," Jesse said walking in, arranging her hair, she wore a sleeveless black shirt and red jeans, ripped in all areas along with matching red heels. "What we do for our country," Lorna said sarcastically. A slam came at the door as it opens revealing Natasha, she wore a white lap length gown that clung to her body perfectly showing all her curves, along with matching heels. "Let''s go girls" she smirked. *** Section Thirteen Night Club The SUV stops in front of the entrance, a booming dim music sounds inside. "This is so not my style," Lorna said nervous, they stood at the entrance. "We have to blend, the guys are inside already, it''s best we attend separately we don''t wanna cause unwanted attention," Natasha said sternly. "Let''s do this" Jesse said as they walked in unison into the club, showing their invites along the wall. Inside was wide, with bright color light and disco lights illuminating the club, tons of people dancing sensually all responding to the loud beat. "Let spread out, we will cover more grounds that way, if you see Cain, send the signal, don''t engage we need him to lead us to the manufacturer," Natasha said going left. "God she''s bossy," Jesse said rolling her eyes, she faces Lorna. "Gonna be fine on your own?" Jesse asked. "Definitely and besides we have comms if anything goes wrong will alert you guys" Lorna assured her. She smiled nodding before walking out, leaving Lorna alone, she sighs walking further passing through the dance floor, finding her way through the numbers of bodies pressing against her in heat. She finally made her way through taking a seat at the bar section, watching the dance floor, her eyes scanned for Cain but he was nowhere in sight yet. "Here you go Missy," The barman said shifting a drink to her. "Sorry no," Lorna said forcing a smile shifting the drink. "Don''t drink?" a woman beside her asked, she turns seeing Iris seated two chairs away from her, her legs crossed, she was a beauty that was Lorna''s thought, she was on a net-like short gown that barely covered her body, dark blue, bringing out her smooth skin, her long straight hair let down. "I do drink" Lorna huffs. "Really," Iris said amused taking a shot of her drink. Lorna swallowed, she was not a drinker like this chick and besides she couldn''t, she was on duty. "You seem like someone who doesn''t belong here" she raised an eyebrow. "Daddy girl perhaps" she adds in a mocking tone. "I''m not a daddy''s girl," Lorna said clearly her mood shifting to a frown, she took the drink taking it, the alcohol burned her throat, she coughs. Iris laughed hardly, it was angels singing, could she be any more perfect? "That''s so cute," she said between laughter. Lorna just rolled her eyes murmuring under her breath. "See you later daddy''s girl," Iris said walking away, as her smile turns to a frown. Lorna watch as the strange woman disappeared on the dance floor, for some weird reason she looked familiar and Lorna felt the connection, she was a ghoul. She sighs, everywhere she went, ghouls and she didn''t have it in her to kill them just like any agent would, it was either a child or a pregnant ghoul or a harmless lady, she was an agent it was what she does, she was supposed to hunt them kill them but she couldn''t, does she even have it in her to get the job done? She took another shot, sighing. The bartender eyed her, he gave a nod to someone upstairs, it was Cain as he nods back in approval, before disappearing insight. He dialed a number. "I have been waiting for hours, where the fuck are you, I need my drugs," he said pissed hanging the call-up, the name on the phone said drug king, he didn''t know why he didn''t show up, he was always punctual, or was it because he knew he was leading him to a trap? Cain sighs in frustration as his eyes land on Lorna dancing wildly on the dance floor with random men, he smirks, the drug was working, she was separated from her colleagues and isolated. ''Fuck the drug king'' he thought, he had something way better now, the cure, and oy he knew it because he was the only one who had smelt the actual cure before others will find out he would have devoured her, he didn''t care about the black ghoul threats, he had already injected himself with something to freeze the chip buried in his neck, technology was surely rapid these days, he smirks, now he would have her all to himself with no interruption whatsoever. Lorna raised her hands dancing, as she giggled, she loved the feeling of being free, she felt like she was floating, she sway her hips as a random man grab it grinding it to his core, she moaned pushing backward with a smile on her lips, she kept moving her hips as she danced, the man''s hands all over her. Lorna moved her head back and forth to the beat, her hair moving wildly. "You dance good," the man said huskily in her ears, she giggled. "How about we take this someplace else just you and me" he adds, sliding his hand under her shirt, grabbing her bra and breast in a swift motion. Lorna gasps as her head spins, her mind was blurry all she could think about was what the man wanted and she wanted it too, she turned swiftly wrapping her arms around his neck. Staring into the ghoul eyes of Cain. "Show me how bad you''re". Chapter 98 - Black Club (Part 2) The music booms loudly with every beat, Liam stood at a corner, one hand in his pocket, the other held a glass of drink he took a sip from. His eyes fixed on the dance floor. Iris walks up to him, she stood beside him folding her arms. "Any word on Cain?" he asked not sparing her a glance. "No nothing" she shrugs. "Who are you looking for?" She asked noticing his eyes scanning the crowd. "You''re looking for that agent aren''t you?" she said rolling her eyes. Liam ignores her. "Too bad" she murmurs under her breath, taking her drink. Liam caught that as his head snaps towards her. "Iris!" "What?" she snaps facing him with angry eyes. "You know something don''t you," Liam said deadly. "We are here to catch the drug king, not worry about an agent," she said darkly. Liam''s muscles tensed, something was off, he and Ghost felt it. "What do you know?" Liam said carefully and deadly like he was ready to snap her neck. Iris froze at his deadly gaze. "Liam," she said a bit scared and shock he would give that look, was he being serious right now? "Liam snaps out of this, I don''t understand why you''re acting this way over her" Iris fired. "You have me" she adds softly placing her hand against his chest. "I thought we had something, we did have something, don''t let her come between us," she said with pleading eyes. With an unreadable expression, Liam walks past her. Tears threaten to fall from Iris''s eyes, but she held them in. "They spike her drink," Iris said in a shaky breath. Liam halts his steps instantly. "I smelt it, they must be onto her but I don''t know who" she adds. Liam''s fist clenched in a tight hold, the glass breaking in the process as he walks away, he damn right knows who, and he was itching to rip his heart out if he so much as touch Lorna. *** Moans could be heard from a corner as Cain ravished Lorna''s lips hungrily, Lorna wraps her arms around his neck in heat, he growls straddling her on the table as he unbuckled his jeans. ''A taste and then it''s chow time'' he thought, smirking deviously. "Can''t wait to devour you pretty thing" Cain said unbuttoning her jean shorts. Lorna giggled, biting her lip. "How about I devour you first," Lorna said licking her lips. Cain gave her a skeptical look but smirks, waiting in anticipation of what this chick might do. Lorna grabs his neck pulling him closer but what he got next was not what he expected. Lorna head buts him breaking his nose instantly, he gave out a loud cry in pain, Lorna quickly pulled out a round device clicking it around his neck, it was Steel to keep him from shifting, She then used her knee to slam his core, hard, he growls out in pain as he leans away. Lorna got down from the table, spitting in disgust. "Damn you taste awful," she said cleaning her mouth, she wanted to throw up. He stares at her in horror, his hands clenched tightly between his legs. Lorna pulls out a device as it shapes shift to a gun, she points at him. "You bitch!" he cursed distastefully. "I drugged you, you aren''t supposed to be in your right senses". "You think I didn''t know that, who the heck offers a lady a drink without her asking" she hissed. "I knew something was fishy, I smelt the drug spiked in it, I knew there was a motive so I acted as I took it" she adds. "That''s impossible, the drug was odorless only a ghoul or a Claw Walker with high senses can smell it," he said stunned. Lorna froze at his words. "What the fuck are you?". Instantly the door was kicked open by Liam as he rushed in but froze seeing the scene, Lorna pulls out another device that shifts into a gun on her right-left, pointing it at Liam. "Lorna" She pulls the trigger. *** *Loud Music Beats* Natasha''s eyes scan the dance floor from the top searching not just for Cain but Lorna, but she was nowhere to be seen, the last time she saw her was at the bar and she just disappears. "Anything?" Johnny asked standing next to her. "Nothing and I can''t seem to find Lorna," she said sternly. She faced Johnny. "Her comm isn''t going through either". "You seem suspicious of her" Johny said tilting his head to the side. "There''s something fishy, everything about her doesn''t seem to add up". "What makes you say that?" "I have my hunch and I''m gonna prove it," she said walking away. *** Liam''s head turns to the wall behind his head, a hole in it, red steams coming out from the bullet, he turns to Lorna with a frown. "Did you just shoot at me?" he asked stunned. "I must have missed, I was aiming for your head," Lorna said sternly. Their eyes burned in each other in a heated glance, but Liam broke the contact knowing they will settle their score later. His fury glance lands on Cain who almost peed his pants from the murder look he gave him. Liam was itching to rip Cain''s heart out. "I''m gonna fucking kill you for touching her" Liam said deadly. "You will do no such thing," Lorna said pulling the other gun down, it shifts back to the device. "I wasn''t asking for your permission," Liam said firmly. "I need him to get to the drug dealer I have a job to do," Lorna said. In response to that, he rang, the name showing drug king. Lorna cocked her gun, pointing it at him once more. "Answer it" she mouths deadly. Liam didn''t know why but her badass action turned him ON, this agent will be the death of him. Cain did as he was told but then the call cuts as a message came in. "The drug king is here," he said with trembling words. Chapter 99 - Black Club (Part 3) Cain watches closely behind him knowing the agent and the black ghoul was following him as he headed towards the VIP section of the club which was on the top floor. He gulps hard facing forward, rubbing his neck where the Steel once was, he couldn''t believe his eyes, an agent and a ghoul working together. "Why did you pull the trigger?" Liam asked wearing on his hood not wanting to cause unwanted attention from the passing crowd. At the sound of his voice, Lorna knew he was pissed, and it made her heart sink but he deserves it. "You said I''m sorry," She said disdainfully. "What?" "The letter you left, you regret what happened" she turns facing him with hurt eyes. He stops abruptly, with a puzzled look facing her. "No I don''t, that night was the best thing that ever happened to me," he said sincerely. "Yeah right," she rolls her eyes, then why did he say I''m sorry? She gasps as Liam pushed her to a corner. "What are you-" He covers her mouth with his hand. "Shh" he made a sound leaning backward to observe, she couldn''t see anything because of his large frame. She forced his hand off her mouth. "What''s wrong?" she asked in a whisper. "Cain just walked into a room, there are bodyguards there but I can''t tell if they are V-ghoul''s or Claw walkers, their scent is confusing," Liam said facing her. "We should stay like this for a while, we have to be sure it''s the drug king" he adds. "So what now there''s we now," she said huffing. "Lorna" "If you don''t regret it then why did you say you''re sorry" she demands. "Because of this," he said reaching for her turtle neck, pulling it down revealing the bite hickeys on her neck. "I was out of control, I shouldn''t have done that to your body" he adds. Lorna shivers as he rubs the mark gently with his thumb. "It''s doesn''t hurt it''s thrilling actually, but not if my colleagues see me like this," she said sighing. "We''re sorry" "We?" "Ghost and I" "I don''t understand what are you talking about?". Liam sighs. "That night it wasn''t just me..." he sighs again. "Ghost was present too" "What you mean..." Lorna said with widening eyes, was he being serious right now? she shivers. "No that''s not what I meant, it was like we were one, merged and all I could think about was you, same with Ghost too, trust me he means no harm". "Well that''s creepy," Lorna said looking away. He placed a hand on her chin forcing her to meet his eyes again, their eyes lingering on each other as the whole world disappeared around them. "So what are we now? We what we did was..." she sighs. "We crossed a line that-" "Shh" "Seriously Liam stop doing that!" Lorna said slightly angry. "I hear something," Liam said placing a hand on the wall beside them. "I think this links to the room Cain walked in," Liam said feeling the wall, his fingers nail extended as he slowly clawed an opened space. "Well? What do you see?" Lorna asked with anticipation, being in this situation right now she slightly wished she could meet up his height even though he was insanely tall. "They''re having a meeting, the drug exchange," Liam said observing them. "And the drug king, what does he looks like?" "His face is covered with a mask, a red goblin mask" Liam said puzzled. "Fuck" Lorna cursed. Liam''s body erupts in black aura he faced Lorna with his now ghoul eyes. "It''s now or never," Liam said amused. "What do you say, let''s kick some ass" he adds with a wicked smile. ''Those damn lips ugh'' Lorna thought biting her bottom lip, she brought out the two devices with both hands, it shifted to a gun. "I''m ready when you''re" Liam growls as his canines extended like that of Ghost, well that was new. *** The wall bust opens alerting everyone in the room. Liam attacked with the power of Ghost as in speed he slits throats, blood splashing around. Lorna shot at three at once with both of her guns before they even attempted to fight back. The Claw Walkers in the room attack along with the bodyguards with a mask but Lorna and Liam fought them with ease. A Claw crawls above the ceiling, beneath Lorna jumping at her but she shot it dead instantly, she turns pointing her gun at the drug king, he was the last man standing. Liam stood in front of Cain who stared at him with wide eyes. "Tick Tock," He said in a double voice of him and Ghost before ripping his heart out., he drops to the ground in the pool of his blood, Liam faced the drug king who stood still. He was on a red goblin mask and white spotless outfit, a white baggy jacket zip up, along with white pants and shoes. "There''s no way to run now," Lorna said pointing her two guns at him. "Is that so?" he said, his voice sounded double like it wasn''t truly his, it was hoarse and made-shift, the drug king went as far as hiding his voice. "Lorna hart and Liam O''Brien, a ghoul and an agent working together," he said tilting his head to the side, they could tell he was smirking despite the mask he was wearing, "You know us?" Lorna asked puzzled. "Of course I do, I''m the one who put a bounty on his head". "Let''s kill him" Liam snarled animalistic "No Liam not yet, we need answers," Lorna said sternly. "Your power must be growing O''Brien, I''m glad I came out here just to see that," he said in amusement. "I thought you came here just for the drug exchange," Lorna said puzzled. He laughed. "Oh poor child I knew the agents and ghouls will be looking for me and of course of Cain''s betrayer," he said in a pity mocking tone staring at Cain''s numb body in the pull of his blood. "Poor thing he was my most valued customer" he adds facing them back. "Came here because I would get a chance to meet the black ghoul in person". "So that I can kill you," he said, instantly as a long thick thread came out of the sleeve of his white jacket it beams red transforming to whip. Before they could act, the whip rotated with the move of his hand, penetrating Liam''s chest. "LIAM!" Lorna shouts in horror. Chapter 100 - Black Emptiness A/N: Curious to know what happened to Jarvis Lake? Iris and Rory''s uncle. Your Author here forgot to add it up so there have then a readjustment to ''Chapter 63'' titled ''Black Silver-lining'' there it will be explained, so sorry to miss out that detail until now just found out, so you can go back and find the added part in chapter 63 and find out what happened to Jarvis. Yours Truly Enjoy!!! *** "Oh poor child I knew the agents and ghouls will be looking for me and of course of Cain''s betrayer," the drug king said in a pity mocking tone staring at Cain''s numb body in the pull of his blood, he ticks his tongue. "Poor thing he was my most valued customer" he adds facing them back. "It surely will be hard to get a new replacement you know," he said in amusement. "Then why did you come if you knew it was a trap?!" Lorna demands, she wanted as much answer as she can get before they kill him or it would all be a waste, and Lorna had a feeling his answer won''t be a pleasant one. "I came here because I would get a chance to meet the black ghoul in person" he shrugs facing Liam, who snarls. "So that I can kill," he adds as instantly a long thick thread came out of the sleeve of his white jacket, coiling out like a snake, it beams red transforming to whip. Liam growls sensing the danger, taking a step forward but that was a mistake on his part, before they could act, the whip rotated with the move of his hand, penetrating Liam''s chest, blood splashing. "LIAM!" Lorna shouts in horror with widen eyes, unable to process what just happened. The whip gains weight increasing inside Liam''s chest, blood spilling from his mouth as intense pain found his heart. In anger, Lorna fires at him but he pulled his free hand out as a shell-like shield forms around him blocking the bullets, it was transparent with scales around it. He retreats the whip from Liam''s chest as he drops to the ground, the whip rotates grabbing Lorna by her neck, her guns dropping in the process. Lorna growls as she was lifted off her feet, her legs wagging. The whip tightens more, she found it hard to breathe. The drug king mockingly ticks his tongue. "Wish I could just kill you right now," he said in amusement. "But what better death than watching someone you care about die in front of you," he said releasing the whip, Lorna drops to the ground coughing, gasping for breath. "Till when next we meet Lorna Hart," he said walking away his boots sounding. "Liam!" Lorna gasps holding her sore throat, with tears streaming down her cheeks hotly she crawls to Liam in the pool of his blood unconscious. "Liam," she said breaking in tears cupping his cold cheeks, her eyes drift to the blood gushing out of his chest nonstop. "No, no, please Liam you can''t die like this, stay with me" she broke placing both hands on his chest to keep the blood from spilling out but it didn''t stop, his wound wasn''t healing and Lorna panics more, she didn''t know what to do. "No" she cries pressing down on the wound, her hands and clothes painted red. "Liam please, please" she sobs tapping on his cheeks hoping and praying to get a response but nothing. She broke in loud cries burying her face in his neck, her heart felt like it was tearing apart into millions of pieces, she felt like she couldn''t breathe like the life was being drained away from her. "Please," she said her face inches apart from his, her tears dripping on his face, her world was blurry everything was seizing to exist, this man has captured her heart something she never knew could happen, right now it felt like her heart was dying, it was. "Wake up" she sobs burying her head in his neck crying like a child. Iris rushed in, paling at the sight. "LIAM!" Iris screams as she rushed and held him. "The drug king, it was him it happened so fast I-" "Get lost!" she hissed as her eyes changed to her ghoul ones furious with tears in them. "What?" Lorna said in a crackly voice, in confusion. "Come in Iris, where are you? We have been trying to reach you guys". Iris comm sounds. "Get out now!" Iris hissed pissed, the tears streaming down. "NOW!" she roars. Lorna flinches at the sound of her horrifying voice as she slowly rose to her feet, walking out like a lifeless being. "It''s okay Liam I''m right here," Iris said softly before responding to her comm, she needed to get him out of there fast. *** Lorna walk through the dance floor slowly, her body covered in blood but the dancing people didn''t seem to catch notice, they were all busy having fun. Lorna''s mind replayed Liam''s lifeless face in her head, the blood, the hole in his chest, everything. "Lorna!" It was like her soul left her body like she was just a hump of flesh walking. "Lorna!" The pain was unbearable. "LORNA!" Jesse shuts spinning her around to face her, she was pissed knowing she has been calling her name at a close distance, but all that wash away when she saw Lorna covered in blood. "Oh my God, what happened? Are you okay?" Jesse asked worried, checking her for any injures but funny enough it wasn''t her blood, now Jesse had another different reason to be scared. "Lorna what happened?" she asks once more placing her hands on her arms. "Lorna please talk to me you''re scaring me". Lorna broke once more, crying, Jesse froze at her outburst watching her cry like a helpless little girl. Jesse''s heartfelt heavy as she pulls her into a tight hug, confusion flushing her features but the question will be answered later, cause right now she has to comfort Lorna who acted like a broken girl, what the hell happened? She couldn''t wait to find out the cause of this state. Chapter 101 - Black Cloud Section Six Lorna''s residence The showers on automatically, down on the bathtub, the blood washes down the drain. Lorna washes her hair, face, and body, her eyes closed the whole time. A few minutes later she was done, walking out of her room wearing loose pants and a sweater, her hair still damp with water. She walks towards the living room, Jesse was present watching a show from the tv, noticing Lorna''s present her attention drift as she sat up on the couch. "Hey," she said sounding as cheerful as she can, but Lorna just sat next to her pulling her knees to her chest. "How are you feeling?" "I''m fine" her answer was short and simple. "You have been through a lot with the drug king and everything, I couldn''t imagine what you went through inside that room with those Claws and then the black ghoul attacking, to be in the middle of that is not something to recover from," Jesse said placing a hand on her shoulder. Once again, Lorna gave a false statement, her being kidnapped by Cain and sent to the drug king in a room of Claws and then the black ghoul attacking everyone in a bloody bath, the drug king escaping, and she too, frightened to the core. Lorna just nods at her words unable to say anything. "Lorna," Jesse said with shaky eyes, worried for her sake, she was confused, worried, and scared from her sake, or did something more happened? She couldn''t pinpoint it, but right now on Lorna''s expression wasn''t written sacred of what happened to her in the room, it was more of pain, sadness, longing, and worry but for what and whom? Jesse sighed practically frustrated Lorna was still acting like a helpless little girl who couldn''t even stand for herself, but she couldn''t blame her at this rate. "Are you hungry? Need me to prepare anything for you?" Jesse asked with a smiley face. "I''m not hungry" Jesse sighs. "Want me to stay? Because you don''t look so good" Jesse offers. Lorna faces Jesse, her cheeks wet with tears. "You can go, Jess, I don''t wanna burden you more than I already have," She said facing forward. "Lorna you''re not burdening me, I''m worried about your well being, so don''t think like that" "I wanna be alone". Jesse froze at her words but just nods in understanding. "Okay but if you need anything just let me know," she said rising to her feet grabbing her jacket as she left. She stops for a brief second turning to face Lorna who just sat immobile, she sighs walking out, shutting the door. The tears stream down her cheeks as she cried. "Liam" she sobs feeling lost like she was drowning, all the questions flying through her head, was he okay? Was he dead? Did the wound finally heal? Because she knew a ghoul''s weakness was their heart and Liam had a hole in his chest, there was no possible way he could survive that, no ghoul has. * One Week Later *Slight Knocking Sound* Lorna groans, hearing the knock for the 5th time, but she had no urge of opening it. Her head was seriously pounding and her body felt heavy and worse her heart hurt, yes it isn''t just her chest but her heart itself. *Slight Knocking Sound* Lorna groans once more using the blanket to cover her head to get some peace, she was shivering and her body ached like she just ran a marathon, she needed rest, she had no will to get off this bed. *Slight Knocking Sound* ''Ugh for the love of God just away'' she thought groaning, she needed time to heal just like she told her agency, one week of peace wasn''t exactly peace at all, either Jesse visit or Peter or Chase or her Aunt, it was annoying, for three days afterward she had peace and now they were back again to torture her with questions of how are you feeling? She was sick and tired of hearing that particular words, she wanted them to LEAVE HER THE FUCK ALONE!. *Slight Knocking Sound* "Ugh" Lorna growls sitting up, the covers dropping off her body, her body ached but she ignored the feeling, forcing her body off the bed. Chase was the only one who had the habit of knocking thousand of times if she didn''t answer the door, he was persistent and also quite caring more to Lorna''s surprise, she could really need his comfort but not together, she didn''t feel so good, she needs to be ALONE!. She opens the door. "Chase I told everyone to leave me alone including you, so please just go away" she groans rubbing her eyes. "Who the fuck is Chase?". She heard a deep rough voice, wait a sec Chase didn''t have a deep rough voice. In realization she shot her head up and met with chocolate dull eyes, she froze right on spot unable to believe who was standing right in front of her, her eyes widen, it was Liam, he was here and he has been the one knocking for 30 minutes now. There he was standing tall as he always has been but he looks paled but still handsome, those bits of his hair falling from his hood on his forehead, those thick eyebrows of his, those eyes and those lips she loved to ravish. "I asked a question" He growled with clenched teeth, he was pissed off at her calling another man''s name, oh how she missed his protectiveness and possessiveness. Unable to contain herself, she launches at him, wrapping her legs around his waist and smashing her lips on his with longing, the tears streaming down her as she kissed him with all the strength she could muster. She heard a growl rumble from his chest, of him and Ghost and it pleased her. She heard the door shutting and then the automatic locking sound, she didn''t even know when he moved but she didn''t care as she continued to claim his lips as hers. Liam''s hands roaming her back but he didn''t kiss back, he just let her have her way with him, she was dominating but as much as he wanted her right now and there he had something more important to worry about, her body, her looks, she was deprecating, bags under her eyes, she was beyond pale and her temperature was off the charts. He broke the kiss, letting her down, before he could say anything, her eyes rolls at the back of her neck as gravity left her body but he caught her before she reaches the ground. "Fuck! Lorna!" Chapter 102 - Black Monster Lorna groans closely opening her eyes, her vision blurry, she rubbed her eyes to gain a much clearer view but as she recalled everything she gasps sitting up. "Liam!" she called, looking around but he was nowhere to be seen, panic filled her body, but all that died down when he walked into her room holding a glass of green liquid. "Liam" she cried rushing to hug him tightly, he heard him groan in pain. She gasps moving away, how sick of her, she didn''t even realize he was still hurt. "Are you okay? Does it still hurt?" she asked placing a hand on his chest, she felt a bandage there, and her heart drops. "You''re the one who looks like a zombie," he said amused. "Liam!" "I''m fine, it''s just taking some time to heal, it''s covering up bits by bits". "But I don''t understand, I saw you get hurt, I saw a hole in your chest that''s enough to kill any ghoul," she said in tears. "I-I-I thought you were dead, I didn''t hear any heartbeat, I thought" she broke "Shh... It''s okay, I''m fine, Ghost just needs some time to heal my body that''s all, and have you forgotten, I''m not like any other ghoul" he said gently wiping her tears away with his thumb. She nods sobbing. "Here drink this, it will help bring down your temp," he said moving the glass to her lips offering her to drink from it. "What is that?" Lorna asked not liking the sight of it. "It''s herbal" he shrugs. "Herbal? Since when did you learn how to make this?" "I learned it from my mum, Jen was sick once," he said as his eyes grew wistful with memories of his past. ''Jen... Must be his sister Jenna O''Brien'' Lorna thought, there was a lot she didn''t know about him. She quickly took the herbal drinking it in one swift move surprisingly it wasn''t bitter like she thought it would. Drinking completely everything Liam took the glass from her, dropping it on the dresser. "Now let''s get you back to bed," he said carrying her in his arms, leading her back to bed, he gently drops her, lying down beside her. He pulled some strands of her hair behind her ear. "I want to know what the agency did to you... Everything" she began. Liam gulps. "Tell me, I want to know, please," she said with pleading eyes. Liam sighs. "They first took my sister away from me," he said in a shaky breath as the memories flood his head. "An arrow to her heart by the agency captain, Xavier Jose, father of my ex" "I thought Riley was your only ex?" Lorna asked puzzled. "I did have an ex before her, but it was Riley who taught me the true meaning of love," he said with sad eyes. Lorna reaches for Liam''s hand holding it tightly. "But the agency took her too, she died in my arms at the hands of the Ghoul Killer Seth Judson, and in returned I killed him," he said darkly. Lorna gulps. "And then came my father''s betrayer, he''s working under the agency now, under the alias of just Steve when he''s Steve O''Brien". Lorna froze at his words, her eyes widen, it was why she saw the resemblance, it all made sense now, a ghoul was working inside the agency, that discovery was shocking. "All acting upon the order of Barbra Jones" he adds with fury. Her aunt was the center of it all, now she knew why he was so bent on bringing down the very agency she worked for but this was her aunt, her only family. "She''s the only one I have," she said not meeting his eyes. Liam sat up, Lorna did too. "That doesn''t stop me" he said pissed. Lorna gulps hard. He faced her with an unreadable expression. "I''m not just gonna kill her, I''m gonna destroy her from the inside out until there is nothing left along with the agency". "What about me?" she asked trembling. "Are you gonna destroy me too?" she adds her heart slamming loudly with every beat. "I''m already destroying you, Lorna," he said. He was right, he was, she was covering up for him, fighting with him, sleeping with him, she was colliding with the very enemy of the agency, the very enemy she swore to destroy. "You''re turning against the very company you work for," he said sternly. The tears fell from her eyes nonstop, it was all true, her very life as an agent was twisted, and do you know what worse, she gulps saying the words. "Maybe I want to be destroyed by you," she said meeting his eyes. Liam''s eyes darken with something she couldn''t understand. "I''m already ruined by you" she adds bitting her lips. Liam tilts his head to the side, his hand cupping her cheek, she shivers at his touch. "I will ruin you more than this Lorna" he confessed, it was the truth, the hard truth and she knew it, she could turn back now but she didn''t know what was keeping her from doing so, this pull towards him felt right. she closed her eyes biting her lip but then she felt her back slam down to the bed, Liam on top of her, she opened her eyes meeting his dark eyes. "I''m not your knight in shiny armor, I''m a plague," he said. She knew that she knew it very well but yet his darkness covered her, his very being devoured her and she didn''t care, she was far too gone at this point and then she mouths the words she might one day regret. "I don''t care" That was the trigger as Liam smashed his lips on her in a heated passion, Lorna gave in to him without objection, tasting every flavor in his mouth, she ran her hands on his hard chest, she wanted him to dominant her, destroy her, break and complete her. "Take me Liam" she moans breaking the kiss staring into his eyes with desire. "You have no idea what you are asking for" he growls. "I don''t care!" Another loud growl rumble from his chest, claiming every inch of her body with his hands, her core exploding with the wonders he did to her body. He flips her so her back faced him, she heard ripping sounds, it was her clothes, she shut her eyes tightly as he grabs her waist pulling her up to his length. She gasps loudly, he was never gentle, his feelings always spoke with every thrust, her fist tightens on the sheets trying to steady herself from his eager thrusts, she didn''t want him to be gentle, she wanted him rough as he is, she wanted him just the way he is, she accepts him for his flaws, she accepted both of them, Ghost and Liam. She was dangerously and crazily in love with this man and that will be her downfall. Chapter 103 - Black Cross Line Heart Beats Slowly * * * * A forbidden romance, a taboo, never in history, a ghoul and an agent, way too many lines crossed, a point of no return, worlds apart, but together their worlds are one of the same... but for how long? Liam slowly stroke Lorna''s cheek, they were both on the bed, naked, for there was nothing to hide anymore or any secrets left unturned. She was fast asleep, her chest rose and fell, her dark hair spread across the pillow, he couldn''t take his eyes off her, she was beautiful, a light in his darkness he never thought he could find ever since Riley, she was a mystery, an intriguing mystery that keeps pulling him deeper and deeper, how long would he keep getting sunk in this desire that keeps steering, what was this pull? This woman captures his heart and soul unlike anything he had ever felt, it was like a bond that was incomplete before and now finished. She stirs awake, her lips going apart, a habit he now took note of, her eyes slowly opened, her long eyelashes stir at the action, her sleepy eyes met him, a sweet smile that melts his heart and warms it all at once found her lips. "When will I ever get enough of you?" he said softly. "Never" her answer was short and simple as she launches at him with a mouth-watering kiss. She wanted him again, again and again, she wanted him to ruin her and he obliged making love to her again and again. *** Section Five Ghoul investigator Headquarters (GIH) Natasha was seated on her desk area, watching a video on her laptop, it was footage from the nightclub, she kept scrolling and scrolling hoping to at least find something. "What are you doing?" Johnny asked walking up behind her, she quickly shut the laptop turning to face him with a smile against her lips. "Um nothing" she shrugs. He raised an eyebrow at her words. "What Johnny?!" "You''re checking the security footage from the night club aren''t you?" He asked certainly. She sighed. "I''m trying to check for any evidence or anything we missed out on" "The team assigned with that task already have, there''s no need for you to check them again" "Or unless you suspect something" he adds folding his arms. "I''m always suspecting," she said sternly. "Does this have to do with Hart?" Natasha sighs rolling her eyes. "It does, doesn''t it" "Well maybe," she said turning to face her desk. "I just feel something is up, she''s always in the middle of all the incidents surrounding the black ghoul, she''s like a beacon, a magnet," She said lost in thought. "What is going on in that brain of yours?" Johnny said sarcastically. She turns to face him. "You know that too don''t you, I''m sure you have seen the pattern," she said. "I have Nat, but there are other things to worry about which is the drug king turning innocent people into monsters along with the physic killer, the black ghoul," he said walking away. Not minding his words, she quickly resumed what she was doing, opening her laptop and checking the series of footage. "Come on, anything," she said clicking on her mouse passing footage, she got to one and instantly pause, she blinks zooming in, her eyes widen in realization, she could recognize that body physique anywhere and it was Lorna, standing close to a man on black hood, but who? Chase Office "Hey Lorna it''s me for the 10th time, been calling but you aren''t picking, been leaving messages" he sighs. "I wonder when you are gonna see them, I''m worried" he adds cutting the voice mail, he sighs rubbing his eyes, he was worried, for the past one week now she has been recovering, he just hoped she would get better soon, he couldn''t wait to see her on full energy, he smiled imagining seeing her face. "It''s rare to see you smile" a voice came in. Chase shot his head up to find Barbra standing by the door, arms crossed against her chest, with a smirk plastered against her lips. Chase leans back on the chair rubbing his chin. "How long have you been there?'' "Long enough to hear your voice mails, trust me just a few of them, I''m not a stalker," she said in amusement walking into the office studying it. "You have quite the taste" she comments at the paintings hung on the wall, but for some reason, Chase felt it meant for something else. "What do you want Barbra?!" he demands. "Now now is that any way to talk to your Captain?" she faced him raising an eyebrow. "You and I both know we''re way past formalities''" Chase said. Barbra just made a hmm sound nodding her head, waking up to his desks, placing her hands on it. "Careful Chase" she began amused. "Don''t fall too deep" she adds turning to walk away, it was a simple word that made Chase''s expression changed instantly, he understood perfectly, the gravity of it, but that wasn''t on his agenda right now. He opened a page he minimizes in his system, it was a file showing all the info and backgrounds of the doctors working in the agency, and a particular Steve wasn''t found on any database, that alone raised the suspicion he had on Barbra. "What you hiding?!" he said sternly, his eyes lingering on the file. *** Barbra heels sound along the hall as she walks towards the elevator, it made a ding sound as the doors swamp open, she steps in, she inserts a code as a special level numbers came up, she punched on level 30 as the box went back inside the wall, the elevator shut close. *** Level 30 *Ding Sound* the doors swamp open as Barbra steps out walking along the halls straight to a wide room with a bed in the center, a patient on it, several machines connected to the patient, beeping sounds, and faint breathing could be heard. She walks closer, as her eyes soften, staring at an unconscious Seth Judson on the bed in a coma. Chapter 104 - Black Secret *Loud Beeping Monitor Machine* On the bed, Seth Judson laid unconscious, shirtless, a large mark embodied on his chest, it was a scar from the operation, several wires connected to it, along with his hands and head, a mouth breather present on his nose and mouth, faint feeble breaths could be heard. "How is he?" she demands. Steve turns to her holding a transparent iPad. "Still no brain activity" he answers firmly. Barbra''s heart sank at his words. "I see," she said faintly as her eyes grew wistful. It was rare to see her like this, it was always a mystery to Steve, but he knew Seth was the only one who could reach her cold stone heart, the only one she truly cared for. "His heart was badly damaged by the bullet, it was a miracle it was still beating when you brough him to me" Steve as the memories of three years ago flood in his head. Barbra crying and demanding for him to the saved. Steve did everything he could but there was always a limit to everything. "Seth is a survivor," she said with a slight smile. "He also lost part of himself" Steve began sternly. Her gaze drifts to him. "He lost Rath, his Claw, a Claw is a part of any ghoul whether born or genetically made in Seth''s case, I was unable to even detect any traces of Rath, over the past years, it''s gone". "What does this mean for Seth?" she demands. "It means his coma won''t last, he practically grasping on straw right now, his body won''t be able to handle itself, it will crumble" "Then do something, create another Claw for him if you have to!" "I may be able to upgrade Claws and manipulate them but the one thing I can''t do is create one, that is not in my power," Steve said sternly. Barbra huffs. "I know exactly what you''re capable of Dr. Steve, your level of science is extraordinary, I can testify to that," she said smirking. Steve''s looks dark knowing what she meant, a dark secret. "There must be a way to save him" she adds. "And I stand by what I say even if I''m a prodigy, there''s nothing we can do for him". *** Section Six Lorna''s residence Lorna strolled in her kitchen, preparing a meal, she felt stares at her back, she smirks. "How long will you keep staring?" she asked amused not bothering to turn back, while swaying her hips seductively as she moves. Liam was behind her, shirtless, wearing only his jeans, he seat on a high stool close to the table, in the kitchen. He smirks tilting his head to the side. "Not when you look like that" he points out to just the panties and shirt she was wearing. She turns to him carrying two plates of food walking towards him. "Well, I''m more comfortable this way" she shrugs dropping his plate of food taking her seat. He raised an eyebrow at the meal she prepared. "Potato stew chicken huh?" "You must really like Chicken" he adds with a thoughtful face. ''Riley loves chicken'' he thought. "Who doesn''t like chicken," she said digging in her food. "There''s a lot I don''t know about you" he began. "What do you wanna know?" she shrugs. "What''s your favorite color?" he blurts. "Well it''s white, I love white". ''Riley loves white too'' Liam thought puzzled. "Hobby?" "I love reading" ''It''s the same'' "Music?" "Ed Sheeran of course" ''Okay, what the fuck?'' "Sports activity?" "Running... And I also love karate...Okay, what''s with all the questions Liam" Lorna said sightly annoyed by the series of questions out of the blue. "Nothing, it''s just-" "It''s the same as Riley, isn''t it?" "Lorna" he began. "Did you asked me all that questions because of that?" she asked hurt. "No, I asked you because I wanted to know more about you" "And everything just coincidently resembles that of Riley so you just kept asking," she said sternly. Liam sighs. "Well Fuck you" she hissed sitting up and walking towards her bedroom. "Lorna!" he hissed grabbing her arm, flipping her to face him. "I didn''t mean it that way okay? I''m sorry" he said sincerely. "It''s just everything was so alike and I lost it" he adds with guilt. "I understand," she said faintly, it was more of a whisper but he heard her. "Was everything alike then?" she asked looking up to meet his eyes. He shakes his head negatively. "Riley doesn''t do sports" he said. "Oh" she made a sound looking away. "I''m sorry okay" he adds. "I know you''re but it doesn''t really seem so great that I look like someone you use to care for" she said rubbing her arms. "It makes me wonder if you truly see me as me" she adds. "I see you just the way you''re Lorna" he said cupping her cheeks so that she faces him. "You may look like her but you''re totally different" he said, his chocolate eyes burning in her green ones. "You''re my drug Lorna" Her lips went apart at his words, she could see it in his eyes, as well as he did hers, it was there, that spark of light, that rim of countless affection, it was all so clear, and it feels familiar, this usual feeling. "I''m addicted to you" he said softly, leaning his face downwards, her chest rose and fell, this bust in her heart, what was it, it was beautiful, it was enticing and it was pleasure, it was beyond anything she could ever explain, this was estacy, this was love. "I..." *Phone Rings* It was like the rope snaps, everything that lasted that one moment fades, they both turned to his phone on the couch, as reality struck in, and the space between their worlds were evident, a ghoul and an agent and it made her heart sink. Liam walks away from, reaching for his phone, she instantly miss his touch. "I have to go" he said sighing, checking the contents on his phone. She just nods as she stood silent, watching him walking into the room, grabbing his shirt and jacket and then coming back. "I don''t know when we will see again, but I will try" he said. She forced a smile. "And if we meet randomly, if there''s an attack or fight and I''m with my partner, I don''t think-" "Hey" he calmed her down. "I will make sure we don''t meet like that where you will have to make a choice like that" he said softly. Lorna nods still not feeling okay. "I really have to go" he said letting go of her once more, heading towrds the door. "Liam!" she called. He instantly halts, turning. The tears streaming down. "I''m leaving the agency" He froze. Chapter 105 - Black Step Liam was lost in deep thought, he took deep slow breaths, Lorna''s words ringing in his head. "I''m leaving the agency" He sighs, closing his eyes. *** Few Minutes Earlier "I''m leaving the agency," Lorna said with a shaky breath. Liam froze with widen eyes facing her. "Lorna" he began. "You don''t have to do this". "I have to Liam, not just because of my relationship with you... I''m going against every code I was taught as an agent, I''m siding with you, I''m a ghoul tracker, I have a ghoul for a neighbor, and what do I do about it? nothing, because either they are children or a harmless pregnant woman... God Liam, I don''t know what to do, I don''t know what I believe in anymore" she said, her voice breaking, tears streaming down her cheeks hotly. "I can''t help but question my agency, I mean why do we even hunt ghouls when not all are bad, and my family was killed by those same ghouls I pity now," she said in distaste. "Do you pity me, Lorna?" Liam asked with an unreadable expression. "I''m not saying that Liam," she said shaking her head negatively. "Then what are you saying Lorna?" he demands through clenched teeth. She faced him with her teary eyes. "I''m saying it''s too much to handle," she said faintly but he heard her. "It''s like I''m drowning and I can''t breathe... it''s hard for me Liam" she adds sobbing. "I told you I would ruin you," Liam said sternly. "And I said I don''t care" "Do you Lorna? do you not care?" he said with sad eyes. She looks away not wanting to meet his eyes. Liam sighs letting a huff escape his lips. "No matter how we try to run from it or escape it, we will always be worlds apart and the reality will keep sulking in," he said with a heavy breath. "The reality of me still coming after the agency, and you know what Lorna I can''t stop no matter what or no matter who it is" he adds sternly. Lorna gulps hard at his words, the tears still falling. "I know you won''t," she said meeting his eyes. "You have this thirst for revenge to bring down the agency, the one place I call home" she adds. Liam''s looks darken. "Me leaving the agency doesn''t mean I''m choosing to side with you, I''m not, I''m sick and tired of lying to my best friend and the people I care about, I can''t keep making sacrifices for you because at the end when the boat sinks I will go down alone" "You think I don''t make sacrifices for you? Lorna my organization I built with everything I have been having doubts about me because I''m with the very agent that works for the agency that took everything from them, I have a goal Lorna, every ghoul in my organization depends on me, at the end we will both sink in our boats". "In the end, I''m not just ruining you, Lorna, you''re ruining me too" he adds. They stared into each other eyes, no words said, their eyes burning in theirs, their hurt and pain both evident, the silence brooding around them. "We both have choices, we both have what makes us who we are, we can never turn away from that" Lorna said her head bent down a bit, she sighs raising her head. "I have made mine," she said wiping the tears on her cheeks but they kept coming nonstop. A ghost smile found Liam''s lips, it didn''t reach his heart, Lorna could see it, the pain, the thirst for blood, the anger all directed at the very agency she works for, the reality of their divided worlds kept growing apart, trying to merge it would only cause more rifts and Liam knew that with every fiber of his being. "I''m going against everything I thought I believed in, I can''t keep up with that, the covering and deceit all because I love a ghoul who''s still bent on destroying the one place I call home and killing the only family I have," Lorna said as the tears fell, she stood shivering at the shocking but true cause of their fate. Liam felt like his heart was pierced by a spar, a pain he couldn''t bear, he tuns backing her with tighten fist almost drawing blood. No matter how he was madly in love with this agent, the one lady that opened his heart ever since Riley, he still couldn''t back down, he still couldn''t stop, no matter what, he knew very well leaving right now there would be no turning back, he had made his choice so he was going to take the first step just like she did when she decided to leave the agency, he walks away. *** *Ding Sound* Liam slowly opened his eyes, hearing the ding sound, he steps out of the elevator, every fiber of his body screaming at him to turn back, but he couldn''t, knowing very well if he did he would only create more rift between them and that would only destroy them further. He could hear her cries because of his enhanced hearing and what''s weird enough he could feel her pain. ''Liam not okay, without Lorna'' Ghost said in his head, Liam blocks his thought away, he didn''t need Ghost''s aggressiveness right now. "Liam?" a voice came behind him, he instantly halts his step. "Is that you?" the voice came again. "Trent could you help me out, I''m so tired," Sid said groaning. Liam froze when he heard his name. ''Trent?'' he thought with shaky eyes as memories of his childhood friend flood his head. "Oh sorry honey, I thought I saw someone I know," Trent said helping his wife with the bags, before turning back to where he saw the man in black exciting the building, but he was gone. "Well he''s gone maybe it wasn''t him, since he looks like someone you know, you could give him a call later" she shrugs. His eyes land on his wife. "That''s it, Sid, the person I thought I saw, I haven''t seen him for years," he said as his eyes grew wistful with memories of the past, regret, the pain was evident. Sid watches her husband with worried eyes. *** Liam walks out of the building sighing, another painful memory found him, something he chose to avoid, fixing his hood properly, he walks out avoiding prying eyes. In a car close to the building, Natasha took pictures of Liam exciting the building, a smirk plastered on her lips, she saw everything, the black ghoul was leaving Lorna''s apartment. "So this is what you have been hiding Lorna," she said in amusement because she has finally proven her suspicion was right. "Well, not for long". Chapter 106 - Black Trails Section Five Ghoul investigator Headquarters (GIH) Thirtieth Floor Barbra''s Office Natasha drops the stack of photos on her desk, Barbra''s eyes drift to it, it showed pictures of the black ghoul at Lorna''s apartment exiting and entering. "This Captain, is a mole in our midst, a conning snake that is secretly meeting with a physic killer," she said pissed, folding her arms. Barbra took the photos one by one assessing the content seeing what she said was true. "I had my suspicions on Lorna, surviving every black ghoul encounter, this captain is the reason the black ghoul is always a step ahead of us, it''s all because of Lorna" she adds. "I see," Barbra said squeezing the pictures in her hand, Natasha could feel her fury, thank God it wasn''t directed at her, she smirks knowing she would get a promotion after uncovering a secret dark like this, in the means of downfall, it was a bonus for her. Barbra raised her head to meet her eyes. "Well done agent Bell" she began. Natasha smirks proudly. "I will make sure I handle this personally, so this stays between us" she adds. Natasha frowns at her words. "But why Captain? The rest deserves to know". "They will agent Bell after I see to this myself, I''m I clear on that," she said sternly. Natasha gulps hard. "Yes, Captain" she answers. "Good, now you may leave," she said. With a nod, Natasha works out of the office pissed. Barbra picks up her phone dialing Chase''s number, he picks. "My office now!". *** Outskirts of the City The Silver-lining Manor Sean was buried in research in his office, he searches for various answers on the net, but nothing came up as he expects, he sighs leaning back on his chair. "We were one, one of the same body" he repeats Liam''s words when they talked weeks ago, it sounded so familiar but he couldn''t pinpoint where he heard it from. "Where did I hear it from?" He said lost in thought. Race walks into his office. "Didn''t I tell you to always knock?" Sean said with gritted teeth "Oops sorry, just came to relay the message, the agency branch in California has been destroyed," Race said. "Good, soon very soon we will concentrate on only the headquarters," Sean said darkly, he just couldn''t wait. "Hey what are you reading?" Race asked already going through Sean''s laptop, Race was away from the invading type, it was in his nature. "Dammit, Race doesn''t touch that Laptop" Sean hissed. "Pff... you are searching for contents stated ''We were one, one of the same body?" Race said in amusement facing him. "Well you won''t see it in here, its ancient history dude just like the one my grandma always tells me that ghouls have an ancient history, it''s about our birth and origins, but its a lost history, few scraps were seen a long time and it talked about Lucas Carter, boss ancestor". "And about the greater power having authority over us like a ghoul king and that he will be the key to unlocking our lost history before we joined civilization" Sean finished for him, he was also let in on the tail when he was growing up. "Of course I heard that saying ''We were one of the same body'' from Allen when he was making some research, it a term used long ago by the very first ghoul when he merged with the first Claw and then became the first Ghoul," Sean said, his eyes widening in realization. "But the rest are smoke, the history of ghouls are lost we don''t know our origins, we just know its stared with a Man merging bodies with a Claw and some said we were created" Race shrugs. "I thought of that too but it was more of a theory," Sean said. "It was Liam who said that exact words Race. ''We were one, one of the same body" he adds facing him. "Wait you mean boss said that? But he grew up human right he has never heard of any tale from the elders growing up so how did he quote the same words" Race said disbelievingly. "You are right Race it doesn''t make any sense, Liam did say Ghost was acting strange and he''s dreaming" "Pff... I''m not so surprised in that case because Ghost literary talks, that is impossible" "Yes," Sean said with a skeptical look. "Everything about Ghost and Liam is impossible" he adds faintly. "To sum it all, boss is the greater power, it explains it all" Race said with a shrug. Sean wasn''t satisfied with just that, there was something, something was strange and he knew it with every fiber of his bone, this wasn''t just about Ghost being upgraded by Liam''s father, this was something more. "The internet knows nothing about our history, it''s all about Jonathan Jones''s foolish discovery, my grandma once told me the ghouls true info was documented thousands of years ago in a book, but it''s lost through ages" Race said. "A book? could we at least find it? it could explain everything" Sean said. "And you think you''re just the only one who has searched for it for an explanation, dude our history is still like a blank page, I''m sure anyone who might have found it would have said something" Race reasoned. Sean nods knowing it was true. Everything about them was a lost history they didn''t understand, that''s why the humans will forever be scared of what they couldn''t explain. *** Section Five Ghoul investigator Headquarters (GIH) Tenth Floor Steve in his private lab documenting something, a smirk present on his lips, beside the book he wrote on his desk, there was a much older one, brown in color, writings, and markings not in human languages, on his other note he translated a page, he wrote the word down in English. "White Claw," he said in amusement, it took years and now so close, everything was revealed before his eyes and he couldn''t help but still be amazed, he was right to join the agency to be this close. "Silver," he said a name feeling his fingers on a drawing from the ancient book, it was a Four Leaf Clover symbol in a mixture of black and white. Chapter 107 - Black Mole Section Five Ghoul investigator Headquarters (GIH) Heart Beats Slowly Lorna took slow breaths as she walks into the wide hall, everyone went by her like ghosts, her heart slamming rapidly in her chest, a sound she couldn''t hear or any other around her, all sounds fell deaf to her ears as she slowly took her seat. She took a deep breath closing her eyes. "Let''s do this," she said faintly to herself, as she began typing her resignation letter. "Lorna". She gasps with a start facing Mia, thank God it wasn''t Jesse, she wasn''t sure how she would face her. "Are you okay? You seem off" Mia asked worried noticing her fidgeting a bit. "Yeah I''m fine, what is it Mia?" Lorna asked composing herself. "Well the Captain wants to see you," she said. ''Dammit I''m not done typing my resignation letter'' Lorna thought unease. She didn''t know how she would face her aunt at this point and her aunt was very good at reading emotions, and in her current state right now, she doubts she would be able to hide any. "Lorna! Are you sure you''re okay, it looks something is bothering you, do you wanna talk about it?" she offers. "Seriously Mia I''m good," Lorna said forcing a smile as she rose to her feet shutting her laptop in the process. Mia just gave her a nod. "Thank you," Lorna said walking away from the hall, heading for the elevator, Lorna got in sighing, pressing the button for the thirtieth floor, the door closing but a hand stops it, Natasha stepping in with a smirk plastered on her lips. "Don''t mind if I join in" she said amused pressing the button to the floor she wants to stop at. "I was here first you know," Lorna said slightly pissed at her rude action. She just made a hmm sound, folding her arms. Lorna just rolled her eyes facing forward, she was the last person she wants to deal with right now, or so she thought. "Lorna Hart, the mole in the agency" she mouths word for word. "Excuse me?" Lorna said facing the bitch that always had a way of getting on her nerves. "So are you sleeping with him or working with him, which one huh?" she asked, turning to face Lorna. "Are you sleeping or working with the black ghoul" she adds more clearly. All the color drains from Lorna''s face at her words, she froze in shock with widen eyes. "Seems like it''s both then" She adds in amusement. "You are something else aren''t you Lorna, out of all the guys you chose a psychic killer" "He''s not a psychic killer" Lorna hissed pissed. "Come on sweetheart you have got to be joking... he has killed hundreds or maybe thousands of agents, he has succeeded in bringing down our branches throughout the country, and soon just here will be left, it''s only a matter of time before he attacks... and in all your extreme nakedness you are fucking him... a slut like yo-" Lorna slaps her hard on the cheeks, her lip drawing blood in the process. "Shut your mouth," Lorna said with gritted teeth unable to contain the anger inside her. Natasha huffed in a sassy manner, whipping the blood off her lips. "I never once sold any info about the agency, at least there was one code I didn''t break, if not by now this agency would have been nothing but ashes," Lorna said sternly. Natasha faced her with fury eyes knowing she was right, but in her eyes right now Lorna was still the enemy, she always will be and she couldn''t wait to bring her down. The elevator made a ding sound. "Good luck telling the Captain that crap," she said smirking, stepping out, this was not defeat for her, she would still get what she wants no what. The door shut close. Thirtieth Floor *Ding Sound* Lorna steps out heading straight to her aunt''s office, she was prepared to face anything, she was more than willing to hand in her resignation letter and bear whatever consequence, it was a step. The door slides open as she walks in. "Aunt" She began. "Oh Lorna there you are," Barbra said with a smile against her lips embracing her. Lorna froze at her aunt''s unexpected gesture, this was not what she anticipated at all. "Aunt?" Lorna said puzzled by her actions. Barbra broke the hug facing her with a warm smile against her lips. "It''s been weeks how are you feeling?" She asked checking her for any sign of fatigue. "I-I-I''m fine, are you okay?" Lorna asked in confusion. "What do you mean by that, You''re the one who''s been recovering" she shrugs walking back to her seat. "Come on seat" Lorna nervously did as she was told, confusion was written on her face, what the fuck was going on, didn''t Natasha say anything to her? Why was she so calm like nothing happened. Lorna gulps hard watching her arrange her files on the desk, she paused sighing, her eyes meeting Lorna''s. "I wish I didn''t transfer you to New York" she began, "Ever since you came into this city it has been hell for you" She adds. "Aunt" "Would you like to transfer back" she offers. Lorna froze at her genuine offer, with widened eyes. "I could get it done in a day or two, make it a day then" ''Okay what the fuck is going on?'' "Aunt did Natasha tell you anything, ''cause she should," Lorna said puzzled. "Oh you mean agent bell, I saw her this morning why? Was she supposed to tell me anything?" "She didn''t say anything like concerning the black ghoul and me" Barbra huffs "If you are worried about what others think, because you surviving the black ghoul more than once, then you shouldn''t, all are just coincidence" she shrugs. "Aunt that not what I-" Her phone rings distracting them, but Lorna ignores it. "I called you here to see how you''re doing, haven''t gotten the chance to visit," she said firmly. "There''s-" Her phone rings once more. "Go ahead pick your call" Lorna sighs rising to her feet backing Barbra, she picks the call without answering, she just wanted to go back to what she came for, whether her aunt knew or not. "Hart" she answers. "Hello Lorna Hart, pleasure". Lorna froze at the voice, she could recognize that makeshift voice anywhere, that made her skin crawl. "It''s you isn''t it," she said in a shaky breath. "The drug king!" Chapter 108 - Black Call Outskirts Of The City The Silver-lining Manor Liam stood in front of the wide transparent screen computer, one of his arm folded, the other on it against his chin, he watch the status of what remains of the agency in California, feeling satisfied. Soon very soon, the headquarter will be in ruins, more ghouls on his side than he expected, it was a big step to ghouls not being hunted any more, no agency means no more ghoul hunts. "Liam!" Sean''s voice came in as he walks in. Liam turns. "I''m surprised to see you I thought-" he motioned the rest with his hands. Liam sighs knowing what he meant. "Relax it''s... Over" Liam said facing the screen. "She has a code to keep and I have mine" he adds faintly. Sean could tell by the sound of Liam''s voice he wasn''t happy about the decision, like he was mentally fighting with himself, but it was high time he was brough back to his senses, Liam was like a leader to them and distractions could ruin everything, he was glad he was finally out of it. He shrugs the thought off, there was something way more important right now. "We need to find a book" "A book?" Liam said raising an eyebrow, facing him with a puzzled look. "Yes a book a very ancient one, it about ghouls real history or something, we were told of it when growing up but I never thought it actually exist". "Wait ghoul history? A book?" Liam said trying to take in what he just said. "Yes Liam a very ancient one, it might be able to explain the mystery behind you and Ghost". "What makes you think the book exist?" "Because like years ago, an expedition was made to egypt, some rare items were brough back, but rumours had it that not all were placed for the Museum". "And?" Liam asked with anticipation knowing there was more. "Most of the archeologist who went for the expedition were ghouls" Sean said sternly. "That means the book was found because according to their list; several antiques, maps, coffins and of course a book which wasn''t found on any display" he adds. "That means someone took the book, a ghoul, someone knew about the book, the ghoul must be part of the expedition team" Liam said in realization. "Their names, do you have any?" he asked haste. "It was all wiped clean, it was like the team never existed to begin with, it''s blank" Sean said. "Then someone must have wiped the records, someone who doesn''t want us to find out anything" Liam said certain. "And do you know what''s more shocking?" Sean said bringing out his phone, showing Liam a headline. "The date of the expedition was, October 15th 1998" Sean said. Liam eyes widen in shock. "The day I was born" *** Section Three Ghoul Investigators Headquarter (GIH) "It''s you isn''t it?" Lorna said in a shaky breath. "The Drug king" she adds gulping hard. A burst of laughter came loud from the speaker, in panic and realization she turns to her Aunt. "Don''t you dare!" his voice booms. Lorna gasps stopping her actions instantly, her Aunt was busy talking on the phone, while typing on her laptop. "You see that cup of coffee" he said. Lorna eyes drift to the cup of coffee on the desk, still hot. "It''s spiked with G-st". "I''m sure you know I''m not bluffing, after our previous encounter, you should know what I''m capable of. Do what I say, and your Aunt lives" he threatens. "What do you want, please don''t hurt her" Lorna said shaky. "I won''t if you do exactly what I say, first leave the office and we will talk". "Okay" Lorna said sternly. The call ends. Lorna took a deep breath, walking back to the desk. "Um gotten go, it''s a friend from college very important" Lorna said forcing a smile. Barbra nods motioning her to go still on the phone. "Okay Um, I''m thirsty so I will just take this" she adds nervous, taking the cup of coffee. Barbra raised an eyebrow at her action. Lorna smiled walking away. As soon as the door shut close, her phone rings once more, Lorna quickly picks it, dumping the coffee in the trash. He ticks his tongue. "You know you shouldn''t have done that" he warns. "How did you know what I did, unless, you''re watching" Lorna said certain, glazing at all the cameras in the hallway. "My eyes are every where Lorna Hart" he said amused. "What the fuck do you want from me?" Lorna asked darkly. "Since your Aunt is out of the picture, I will just go with a much better threat". Lorna gulps at his words. "There''s usually a supply that goes in the agency, beverages peharps?". On hearing that Lorna rushed to the elevator. "I asked a question!" "Yes" Lorna replied haste. "Good, I''m sure you''re on way" he said in amusement. ''How did he gain assess to the cameras'' Lorna thought, this was a game and he was playing well, she was right in the middle of it. The elevator made a ding sound, as Lorna steps out to the last floor, her eyes drift to the entrance, a silver modern truck of supplies was present outside. "Do you see it?" "Yes" "The drinks are mixed with G-st" Lorna froze at his words, the air leaving her lungs. "Yesss Lorna Hart, I''m sure you get the picture, every agent in this building will turn into a flesh eating Monster, while you will just have to watch. Your friends, your aunt, everyone". Lorna body trembles, her hand unable to hold the phone in place. "W-Why are you doing this?" Lorna asked with shaky eyes. "What do you want?". "It''s not what I want Lorna Hart, it''s what I want you to do". Lorna sighs, trying to calm her shaking body down. "What do you want me to do?" she said through gritted teeth. "There''s a package waiting for you on your desk, I wrapped it pretty nice you know" Lorna took shaky breaths closing her eyes. "Open the package and you will know what to do, I will further explain of course. You do what I tell you, then everyone in this agency gets to live, will just say the supply team had an issue and had to leave, it could all go away, if you do exactly what I say" he said darkly, his voice leaving no room for question. "Time is against us Lorna Hart, go open your package". The call cut. Lorna hand holding her phone to her ear, drops to her side, she found it hard to breath, her lips went apart as her chest rise and fall, her body completely frozen in place. Her phone made a ding sound, her eyes drift to it, she turned it, her eyes shaking, reading the messge. ''TICK TOCK'' Chapter 109 - Black Gift Lorna took slow breaths, her heart slamming loudly in her chest, her fist clenched tightly, others passed by her, but all were invisible to her, all sounds lost, a point of both panic, fear, and confusion. Her eyes never leaving the white package on her desk. Was it a bomb? Gas? G-st. All sought of thoughts formed in her head, but she knew whatever was in there was not good, she gulps taking her seat, eyeing the package suspiciously, before her shaky hands reach for it, her heart slamming loudly in her chest as it would explode in any second. She unravel the package slowly, bits by bits, it was a box lying beneath, she gulps taking deep breaths as she open the top, her shaky eyes lands on a black gun well customized, like the agency''s but different and what''s weird it had a gold bullet inside, she gulps, she wouldn''t dare to bring out the gun, she didn''t want unnecessary attention, she knew the consequences, his threats were still slamming at the back of her head. But why a gun? Her eyes caught a small note attached to the side, she took it reading the content, her heart nearly stops. ''A gift, to kill the Black Ghoul'' All the color drained from her face, he must know the black ghoul survived, but why her? "Hey, Lorna". "Oh my God", Lorna jumps with a start quickly closing the box, she faced Jesse with a fake smile. "Hey," she said shakily. "I''m good, but I would just pretend you didn''t just jump at the sound of my voice, I mean it''s not scary or anything" "No no no, you have a sweet voice, I''m just jumpy today that all" Lorna said. "Okay then, what''s that you''re holding?" Jesse asked talking in her seat. "Oh, this? It''s just... It came in a mail, something I left in my apartment back in Los Angeles" she said smiling. Jesse sighs. "Look Lorna I know you have been through a lot but you don''t have to lie to me". "What lie? I''m not, there''s no way I would lie to you" Lorna said nervously. "I know what''s going on with you, I wish you would have just told me first" "Y-You do?" Lorna asked nervously, fear grips her body instantly. Jesse nods opening her laptop. "My laptop is giving me a headache so I decided to use yours and then I saw this," She said turning it to face Lorna. "Oh," Lorna made a sound as relief flush her insides. It was her unfinished resignation letter. "I never knew it was this hard for you, the pressure, the doubts," Jesse said taking one of her hands, squeezing it gently. "But resigning isn''t the answer," she said. Tears build up in Lorna''s eyes. "What we do, we do it to protect the city away from those monsters, and Lorna you have done nothing but protect everyone ever since you came into this city, I know all the craziness happened along the way but Lorna..." she stared right into her eyes. "You survived target, kidnapping, God! Lorna even coma''s, a lot of coma''s " she adds. Earning a giggle from both Jesse and Lorna, despite the humor, the tears still streamed down her cheeks. "Thank you Jess" she sobs, embracing Jesse tightly. "Don''t resign yet okay? No one is against you, you''re a strong agent". Lorna nods holding her as tight as she could, she needed the comfort right now, but more importantly, she needed someone to talk to. *Phone Rings* Lorna''s heart slammed a loud beat as she was once again brought back to reality, she quickly broke the hug. "I...Um...have to get that" Lorna said cleaning her tear. "Okay gotta run too," Jesse said smiling. Lorna just force a smile back, she left. She quickly picks the call. "I should assume you already opened the gift?" "A gift? You want me to put a bullet in a man''s chest" "We both know it''s not just anyone, it''s the black ghoul, a destroyer, a plague!" he hissed. "Why me?" Lorna asked sternly. "Because you Lorna Hart is very special to him, you are the only one that can get close to him". "I have no way to reach him and you know that". "Well he always comes to you doesn''t he? It''s just like a fairy tale where the prince always comes to the rescue". Lorna gulps hard. He chuckles. "Kill the black Ghoul and every agent in this building get to live, I''m sure you don''t want your precious partner to turn into a ghoul, do you? " Lorna''s eyes drift to Jesse talking with someone as she laughs. "The lives of every agent in this building are in your hands, you best choose wisely," he said in amusement. "Your lover ghoul or countless life''s that will ruin with just a snap of my fingers" he adds, she heard a flick in the background, knowing he wasn''t joking, he was prepared but how prepared was she? Lorna''s fist clenched tightly against the phone. "You have 24hrs" The call cut. Lorna took harsh breaths as panic filled her lungs, she held onto the table for support, this man was insane, there were thousands of agents in this building, he was talking of an apocalypse. She had no idea what to do, she had no contact with Liam, nothing, he was like a ghost that can never be found and worst, whatever was happening between them was over, there was no way Liam was coming for her again, he was bent on destroying the agency and chose that over her just like she chose humidity over him. Now it was her turn to find him but how? When he practically didn''t exist in the homeland and the thought of killing him with this gun. Her eyes drift to it. Did she even have it in her to kill the man she loves? There were lives at stake, the decision was already evident and time was ticking. *Loud Ticking Sound* And Time was against her. Chapter 110 - Black Decision *Clock Ticking* The sound was dominant, like the only thing she could hear amid other noise around her. Her palm wipes the steam off her mirror, staring into her reflection, her dark hair damped from the shower, her breaths slow and heavy. She backs away from the mirror, walking to her room. Her eyes land on her phone on the dresser, reading the last message the drug king sent, making her mind race more. ''Do it at the Super Train'' The famous highway train, amazing speed, able to contain thousands of passengers, he wants her to do it there in PUBLIC, this man was leaving no room for mistake, how the fuck she was gonna get Liam in that train without him noticing anything, this was impossible. "Think Lorna think, nothing is impossible," she said to herself pacing in her room, Liam was a very careful guy, the cameras in the city didn''t stand a chance against him he was vigilant, steadfast, and smart. "There has to be a way, you at least know something''s about him," she said running her fingers in her hair. "What I''m gonna do," she said in frustration, it was few hours until dawn and she had until the end of the day to pull this off, if she can''t, everyone in her agency will be turned to Claw walkers and this city is doomed. This game he was playing, she was losing, she could feel it, she had nothing on her sleeves. She halts as a thought came into her head, Liam was a very strong-willed guy but what exactly push his buttons? "Me," Lorna said as her eyes widen in realization, she knew how he gets when she''s in danger or when she was threatened or when he has made his mind on something, he always goes for it, just like how bent he is on destroying the agency. "Danger, I could use danger," Lorna said. "But how?" She had to think, she had to think of a way to trigger that and that would lead to the train. "Camera''s, yes," she said pacing once more. "The Silver-lining practically have the cameras in the city wrapped in their fingers, that means they have a hacker, yes," she said sitting on her bed in deep thought. "But there''s no way it''s directed towards me," she said sternly. "Unless" her eyes drift to her balcony. ''He always knows I''m at home, his timing is always perfect'' she thought. "Of course" she rose to her feet. ''There are camera''s from the street leading to my balcony and more, the top, the top?'' an idea struck in her head, she just knew what to do but she wasn''t so sure he was watching like he use to, things didn''t exactly end well with them, this was definitely a gamble, a gamble she was willing to take. She got dressed. *** Lorna shut her door close but gasp when she saw Sid opening her door. "Gosh!" "Are you okay? You seem jumpy" Sid asked worriedly. "Yeah I am, it''s really been one hell of a night," Lorna said sighing. "What are you doing up?" she asked puzzled. "Oh Melly went out," Sid said gently picking up her white cat adorable cat. "She''s cute" Sid giggles letting Melly storm free back into the house. "It''s a he," Sid said amused. "Oh," Lorna just made a sound. "It must be your job, it''s tiring isn''t it," Sid said with a skeptical look. "Yeah protecting the city from ghouls is a tough job, I''m not even sure if I''m getting the job done," Lorna said with sad eyes. "You''re a good person," Sid said without a doubt. Lorn huffs. "You don''t even know much about me, we don''t see each other that much", Lorna sighs. "I''m not so sure I''m a good person, there see things" she sighs again, taking a deep breath. "The things we do, don''t make us a bad person," Sid said. Lorna slowly raises her head to meet her eyes. "It''s what we choose to do or how we do it, you being an agent, there''s nothing wrong with that, it''s how you apply your justice" "That''s going against the rules Sid". "Well, it''s bullshit". Lorna froze at her outburst. "Lorna this city is chaos because of the rules, constant fear, constant pain, constant loses," she said taking each step towards Lorna. "It''s the rules, Lorna, it''s not Justice that''s being played here, because justice is blind, we are blind to do the right thing, it''s the right thing that always matters, no matter what". Lorna''s eyes shake at her words. "You do what''s right, that what makes you different, whatever it is, there''s always a path and choice" she adds. The weight on Lorna''s shoulders lessen, she could only stare at this amazing woman before her. "Thank you," Lorna said with a genuine smile against her lips, her eyes drift to her stomach. "Your child will be really lucky to have a mother like you" she adds. Sid smiles. "Next time I''m charging," Sid said amused. Lorna blinks puzzled at her words. "I''m a therapist'' she adds. "Oh" "Good night Lorna, I hope you do the right thing," she said walking back to her door, stepping inside, she heard Melly meowing as the door shuts close. *** On the rooftop, the wind blew harshly at the top, Lorna stares into the night setting of New York City, the night lights Illuminating every building in a far distance. Lorna sighs bringing out a letter she held, rotating it around her fingers. "A leap of faith," she said placing the letter at the edge, clipping it on the iron. "If you''re watching me... I know you''re always watching" she said faintly. She took a deep breath closing her eyes. "Please," she said opening her eyes, watching the setting once more before walking back inside. *** The harsh wind made the paper flip into the air, a claw hand grabs the paper before the wind wist it after, Ghost tilts his head to the side, facing Liam standing at the edge with an unreadable expression. He sighs. "What the fuck am I even doing here," Liam said staring into the skies illuminating from the darkness. "The connection is strong" Ghost said handling Liam the letter. "As Ghost said, Liam not okay, without Lorna" he adds in amusement. Chapter 111 - Black Trap Outskirts Of The City The Silver-lining Manor The sun at its highest peak, Liam stood watching the evergreen forest from his room cube-like glass, his room was wide, half of it made entirely of glass, showing the plants and trees outside, the birds chirping loudly at the dawn. Liam rotates a small piece of paper he held, before reading the contents once more. ''I''m leaving New York, we should at least get a chance to see before I leave, let''s meet at the super train, crowd? Yes... but a good way to stay out of sight'' Liam sighs before squeezing the paper, his gaze on the floor, contemplating whether to go or not, it would be the last time he would get to see her, her choice was a tough one, only he knew the reason why she was leaving, because of him. He sighs once more seating on his bed, Sean was right, Lorna was a distraction for him, maybe this was for the best or not, he ran his hands in his hair in frustration, has he really fallen that hard? Even though he didn''t wanna admit the truth, he knew it in his heart, he thought he would never love again ever since Riley, he had fallen too deep into darkness and there was Lorna, she sparks the darkness, yes the darkness will always be evident, it was his nature he has come to realize, Lorna present in his life changed everything. Was he really planning on letting go? Can he? She was leaving New York for good. He bury his face in his hands, he felt every urge to go even though he knew he shouldn''t. *** Section Ten The Super Train The super train was big and larger than any other train, able to house thousands, rails built on high steel rolls 50 feet above the ground, the rails curved and bent reaching every corner of section Ten. Inside Lorna was seated staring out the glass window, observing the buildings ahead, she took deep breaths, pulling her brown coat jacket to her body more. Her mind raced whether he would come or not, she knew he saw the message, because when she got there this morning, it was nowhere to be found or unless the wind blew it off because it was really strong at the crack of dawn, she just prayed and hoped that wasn''t the case or else... Lorna looks at both sides hoping to catch a glimpse of him. "Rex, it''s okay I know you don''t like heights but sooner or later you will have to get over it," an elderly woman said. Lorna''s attention drift to them, they were seated a few rows from her, an elderly woman that looks like the three-year-old boy''s grandma. Rex just nods at his grandma''s words holding unto her when the train hasn''t even started moving yet. She smiles recognizing the cute kid, it was Renee''s son, he was adorable as ever, his eyes land on her, Lorna waved at the kid, surprisingly he recognized her too as he grinned waving back, showing his toothless front gum, his grandma was busy checking something in her phone. But then Rex''s eyes drift as his smile slowly fades, his looks puzzled like he saw someone he couldn''t quite recognize as he tilts his head to the side in observation. Lorna blinks puzzled at his action, she notices the line of his gaze, it was beside her. "You''re good with kids huh". She froze at the deep voice, she turns quickly seeing Liam seating beside her, wearing all black, a black cap to the mix, his hoodie on top, his gaze focused forward. The train moved. "I-I didn''t think you would come," Lorna said. "I don''t have a choice do I," he said facing her, as their eyes met it was like the whole world disappeared around them. "You''re leaving New York" he adds sternly. Lorna gulps hard, looking away, another lie. "Yes, I am" her answer short and simple, as she looks away. "Leaving the agency wasn''t enough" "I can''t stay Liam, it''s hard" "Well it''s hard for me too" She faced him. "I didn''t say it wasn''t for you," she said gulping hard. "Whatever happened between us wasn''t suppose to happen" She adds. Liam just made a hmmm sound. "It was a mistake," she said biting her bottom lip, regretting why she said that lie but she had to, she didn''t want him leaving yet, she needed perfect timing, the drug king could be watching for all she knows. Liam huffs at her words. "Do you really think I will believe what you just said" he faced her, she turns to him with an unreadable expression. "You have to," she said softly. "We both made mistakes Lorna, we both crossed lines we shouldn''t, both of our organizations could be at stake because of what we have" he reasons. "What do we have?" she said faintly. "We are way past any relationship Liam" she adds. Liam sighs looking away. "It''s not a relationship, it never was" "Then what was it?" he hissed facing her. "I don''t know, maybe you could give me the answer". "This connection" she sighs. "I don''t get it, I don''t understand it... but it''s destroying us, it can''t work Liam" "I know," Liam said sternly. Lorna nods, tears at the corner of her eyes, once again a harsh truth before them, their eyes glued, both no ready to look away. "I..." she began, the words hanging in her throat, but the urge to say it was too much. "I love you, Liam". Everything around them went slow, even the train movement did too, a tear fell from Lorna''s eyes, their gaze still locked, Liam sad eyes fixed on hers, he broke the gaze, she waited she hoped but she got the opposite. "I''m not someone you can love Lorna," he said, mentally cursing himself for not saying those words back, but his reply was only the truth and he chose it over the feelings he had for her. Lorna was silent, her heart tearing apart from his words. "Goodbye Lorna," he said rising to his feet, as he backs her, walking away, his fist tighten almost drawing blood. He heard the cock of gun, gasps from people around, he halts as he smirks, he could sense the danger and suspicion the moment he step into the train but he just pushed it aside only to be proven right and worse... He turns slowly... it came from Lorna, who had a gun pointed at him. "I didn''t come here for goodbyes" she began sternly. "I came here to kill you" Chapter 112 - Black Desperation "I didn''t come here for goodbyes" she began sternly. "I came here to kill you" she adds with a shaky voice, the hand holding the gun trembling but she used the other gripping the gun tightly with both hands. "Who put you up to this Lorna?" Liam asked surprisingly calm, he definitely knew this wasn''t her doing, there was someone behind this, he could tell, was it Barbra Jones? his blood boils by just the thought of that bitch, there was no one more cunning than her. "No one" she replies sternly, he could tell she was shaking from here. "Drop the gun" he warns darkly. Lorna still stood her ground despite his cold glamour, she hated when he does that. "Really Lorna? in front of all these people" he adds with a skeptical look. "He said he wanted it public" "He?" Liam said puzzled. Lorna took a deep breath, he was gonna find out anyway. "It''s the drug king... the drug king wants you dead" The moment she said those words her phone rings, she used her left hand to bring out the phone, answering, still making sure she points her gun at Liam. "Yes," she answers shakily. "I was beginning to wonder when you''re gonna pull the trigger" the drug king''s makeshift voice sounds. "That means you''re watching then," Lorna said certain, she knew there were inbuilt cameras inside the train in case of incidents or robbery, only higher authorities such as the agency and most likely Liam''s Organization could make use of it. "You must be close," Lorna said. "Or not" she adds certain. "As I said, Lorna Hart, I have eyes everywhere, you underestimate me so much that it''s hurt," he said in a mocking tone. "Now pull the fucking trigger!" he hissed. "And if I don''t" "Don''t test my patience Lorna, I''m sure you know what''s at stake" he hissed pissed. "Is there now?" she said lowering her gun. "You got me thinking, your threat and timing were slightly odd" she began. "Yes I''m quite aware of what you''re capable of, but I know one thing, you don''t have it in you, got any advice you know, the rules are bullshit and you play by those rules, this is all a sick game to you, your main focus has nothing to do with the agency, it''s the black ghoul you want, you wouldn''t go as far as destroying the agency, because you know aside from you, your best chance of appending the black is the agency," Lorna said sternly, she was able to see the bigger picture, his threat was just a bluff to pull the strings he needed, she believed and had faith in herself that she was right, he wouldn''t go as far as bringing down an agency that hunted his enemy for him when he''s busy selling drugs. Liam stood silent, observing, he heard every word the drug king said due to his enhanced hearing, she was threatened by the drug king? What the hell has she been through? that was the eager thoughts in his head and he was amazed she was able to corner the drug king, freeing herself from his clutches, she was smart, he would give her that. "I had a feeling you will figure that out Lorna Hart," he said in distaste. "I will not kill for you," Lorna said darkly. "Seems like you once again underestimated me Lorna Hart, a very very bad move," he said. "You''re on the famous highway train just like I told you, amazing speed I''m sure, able to contain thousands of passengers". Lorna was puzzled by his words. "Below it is another civilization I presume, so tell me Lorna Hart what happens when the train drops down 50 feet to the ground, destruction don''t you think?". "That''s impossible that super train was built for years, there''s no-" she halts as her eyes widen in realization. "Yes, Yesss now you get the picture, you fell right into it" "What did you do?" Lorna demands fearing the worse. "A bomb" Lorna gasp as panic filled her lungs, this man was insane, there were hundreds of people here, he was talking total mass destruction at this point. "You can''t do this, there are women and children in this train, thousands will die". "And you think I care? You already had your chance!" *Loud Boom Sound* The train tumbles, screams, and shouts could be heard, everyone went unbalance, the train lights flicking. Liam held unto the iron for support as his eyes land in a distance, his eyes widen, 40 feet from the train, where the explosion happened, the rails breaking and crumbling making a loud crank sound. "Oh my God" Lorna said in panic seeing the upcoming disaster that was about to unfold. "WE ARE GONNA DIE!" "STOP THE TRAIN!" "SOMEBODY HELP!" Panic filled everywhere, but the train was on auto-drive and hyper speed, they were gonna make that fall no matter what. "LIAM WE HAVE TO DO SOMETHING" Lorna shouts amid loud noises around. Liam turns to her, panic in his eyes, "I chose you" she began with tears in her eyes. "And I will do that over and over again" she adds. They were all near death, the panic, the screams for help when there was no one but Lorna believed. "You''re not just a ghoul, you''re more than that... and I believe we can''t just die like this," she said. Liam''s eyes shake at her words. "I know you have the power to save everyone in this train, I believe in you," she said, the tears falling down her cheeks. Rex cried as his grandma held him tightly. Liam took slow breaths looking at the panic around him, the cries and the shouts, some holding their heads in horror, some holding unto their loved ones for the last time. "Liam" her voice called to him as his gaze drift to her. The train is only 2 feet from the broken rails. "Save us!. His eyes changed to his ghoul ones, her words guided him, it sparks something in him he couldn''t quite explain, it set his body ablaze, a hidden power he never knew he had, he backs her, as his body transforms, yes it transforms, something he never knew he was capable of doing, black aura erupts around him, as his height increases only taller than Ghost and bigger, he transforms to Ghost appearance but bigger, hunching, extended arms, and leg, bald head, pointy ears, pointy jaw, ash-like skin covered in bandages that were faded, deadly sharp claws, sharp claw-like teeth with extended canines, his eyes still covered in faded bandages, he was merged with Ghost, merged for the very first time, as one. With a burning sensation in him to save everyone on this train. Chapter 113 - Black Saviour Black aura erupts around Liam, as his height increases only taller than Ghost and bigger, he transforms to Ghost appearance but bigger, hunching, extended arms, and leg, bald head, pointy ears, pointy jaw, ash-like skin covered in bandages that were faded, deadly sharp claws, sharp claw-like teeth with extended canines, his eyes still covered in faded bandages, he was merged with Ghost, merged for the very first time, as one. With a burning sensation in him to save everyone on this train. He turned to Lorna, who looks at him, not as the monster he was, but a spark of light, hope. He smirks. "Hold on tight" his voice sounds double and loud, as he growled. She gave him a slight nod, Liam backs her cracking his neck, then he dashes to the front of the train, breaking the iron doors as he passed through, bending downwards as he increases his speed, the glasses smashing from the speed, his body illuminating in a dark aura. He halts getting to the first part of the train, the metal deepening against his feet from the intense halt. He looks around finding an alternative. ''Above!'' Ghost hissed. Growling, with one jump they were at the top. *** "Everyone hold on tight!" Lorna hissed, as they did as they were told. This was gonna be a bumpy ride, God help them if they survived this, but Lorna believed in Liam, she believed he could do it. "Liam," she said holding onto the iron tightly. *** On top of the train, Liam ran on it sliding to the front of the train, he snarled seeing them almost close to the broken rails, his head bents downwards sensing the civilization beneath, his vision was in a golden mist, everything in structures, people as glowing gold. This was how Ghost sees. He turns to the train, pressing his front against it in a tight grip. He roars an insanely loud sound that could be heard for miles, his feet pressing on the rails, In spite of the pain he still held it tightly, stopping the train before it reaches the rails was the only option, could he pull it off? *** The train shocks tremendously, as hundreds of people in it, gasps, Lorna held on tightly, groaning, the turbulence beyond reckoning. *** Liam and Ghost roar pushing hard, their claws deepening on the metal. *Loud Crank Sound* On hearing that noise, Liam froze in realization, the sound came more as the train slowly caps slide, this was not what they bargain for, now they had to hold the train in place and still stop it from moving. *** Screams could be heard, Lorna gasps holding on as tightly as she could, as the train bents downwards out of balance. "REX" his grandma shouts as he was in her grip. "GRANDMA" he shouts in tears as his body slides away from her. Lorna quickly slides down grabbing him and holding onto the seat for support. "Hold on tight," Lorna said. Rex sobs nodding wrapping his arms around her tightly, Lorna held him firm. *** Liam groans as he held as tightly as he could, able to set the train back on the rails but what''s worse the train was still speeding. "DAMN TRAIN!" he growls, turning, just to the rail, just a feet then 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. The train slips downwards making a cranking loud sound, Liam watch as people beneath disperses, cars stopping, people running out in panic, they were falling and fast. *** Screams, shouts, panic as the train went downwards, Lorna and Rex fell, along with others, he screams holding tightly, Lorna quickly grabs an iron holding her and Rex in place, others found something for support as they fell to their death. "LIAM!" *** Liam and Ghost roar loudly as large black wings surge out of their back, erupting in the black aura. Liam held the train firm, with enough power he could muster, roaring, the train stood high up in a straight line, descending. Liam beneath holding it in place. In slow motion it came down, people watching from a far distance with wide eyes, some videoing, and what caught them more stun was the black shadow holding its place, something insanely impossible. ''WE CAN DO THIS!'' Ghost roars. ''TOGETHER!'' *** Section Five Ghoul investigators Headquarters (GIH) This was showing as a live feed, on the widescreen computer at the center of the office hall, all standing, watching in shock. "Oh my God" Jesse said with shaky eyes covering her mouth. Chase steps forward watching, stunned. "The black ghoul" "He''s holding the train" "What in the world?" *** Thirtieth Floor Barbra watches from her transparent iPad, with an unreadable expression. *** Outskirts of the city The Silver-lining Manor "Jesus" Race said with wide eyes. Everyone was present watching it. "How''s he doing that?!" Rory said amazed. "Because," Iris said, a smile forming on her lips. "He''s the black ghoul". *** Section Ten Liam and Ghost roared correspondingly, as their body was covered in a black cloth aura as well as the entire train, enclosing it in darkness. Their feet found the ground in a loud thud sound that could be heard throughout the city, the train making a loud cranking sound. They waited in anticipation, everyone did. The train slowly drops to the ground, protected by the cloth of darkness, it lands on empty cars, smashing it from its weight, dropping down, and staying in place. "Oh my boy" Rex''s grandma said hugging Rex tightly, they survived, they saw it through, alive to see another day. "Thank you," the elderly woman said to Lorna, who smiled faintly. She turns, rushing to the front of the train, hoping and praying Liam was there alive. She stops taking harsh breaths, her eyes fixed on the front of the train''s broken glass, showing the outside view. "Liam," she said as the aura covering the train retreats, pulling back inside Liam, who moves away from the train, standing tall still merged with Ghost, he gave a weak growl. people around step out watching, whispers everywhere. "Liam" He raised his head at the sound of his name, as he meet with worried green ones. His body was covered in shadow as the black wings spread out dangerously, he took off into the skies. Lorna watches as well as the rest of the population. Chapter 114 - Black Toll Wings flapping, trees whistling, birds chirping, the sun almost setting. Liam flew into the Silver-lining land, his wings and body weak, he flew lowly as he got to the view of the manor, dropping to the ground. "LIAM!" Iris voice came in along with the others as they rushed to his side. His body transform back to normal, he turns to his side as they gathered him, Iris held him firm. "What''s happening to him?" Iris said panicking. Liam bleed black blood, from his nose, eyes and ears, his body pale. "He''s so cold" She said in tears. "Boss" Kayla said in tears. "Quick let''s get him inside" Sean said as him and Rory help pull him to his feet rushing inside. *** Section Ten Super Train "Today we experience something we have never seen in history, the super train built for years suddenly collapse, investigators doing everything as possible to find out what caused it, luckily we have only few injured, it''s a miracle everyone survived this unfortunate accident and we are still stunned with the shocking news, the reason for this miracle, the black ghoul" The news caster said. "The video going viral of a ghoul saving humans, it''s not just a shock, but a wonder that a ghoul could actually put humans first, going as far as risking everything to save everyone in that train, this unbelievably scene is something that will forever be in our minds, which gives us a question, are ghouls really the enemy?" *** Lorna stood watching the train, swamping with agents and police forces, she was wrapped with a brown blanket given to her by the paramedic. She stood watching the exact same spot Liam held the train from falling. "REX!". She turns at the sound of that voice, seeing Renee embracing her son tightly, in tears, Chase beside her. Lorna smiles at the action, missing the love of a mother, just by watching, she had never thought of it until now, she wonders why so sudden, maybe because a moment ago she was closer to death. Chase attention drifts to her, their eyes meet as he walks towards her. "Chas-" She was cut off when he so sudden embrace her tightly, taking a deep breath, she was surprised by his action but truth be told she really needed that hug, she didn''t realize that until now, her tears fell, as she held unto him sobbing and crying her heart out. "It''s okay" he smooched. "I''m right here" *** *Loud Wailing Sirens* Heels sounds, as Barbra walks towards the train, reporters took pictures, their camera''s making flashes but she ignores them, she stops at the front of the train, her hand feeling the clawed metal. Her look unreadable as she lined the claw marks with her hands. Chase walks towards her. "Lorna is pretty shaken up, I will take her home" Chase said. Barbra snaps out of her trance facing him. "You best do" she said forcing a smile. "She needs you" she adds. Chase nods. "Extraordinary isn''t it" she said, her eyes going back to study, Chase gaze drifts to metal. "The black ghoul saving lives, human lives, unleashing a potential we never knew he posses, I can only imagine what more he''s capable of" she adds stern. "He may be the greater power just like the ghouls said". She faced him on hearing his words. "That''s odd of you to say Chase" she said in amusement. "Rex was in there Barbra, no matter how hard it is for me to say this..." he sighs. "If it wasn''t for the black ghoul, Rex would have died, hundreds of lives would have been lost, thousands" he reasons. "Or maybe it was the black ghoul sick plan to get the humans to his side, think about it Chase". "If that was his agenda then I hope the truth comes out" he said walking away. Barbra huff sassy, facing the train back. "There are a lot of things you don''t understand Chase". *** The drive to Lorna''s apartment was a quiet one, Chase sneak glances at Lorna who had her eyes glued to the window. "Jesse would have come, but she had to join the others investigate the train" Chase said finally breaking the intense silence. Lorna just made a hmm sound. "What were you doing at the train?" he asked curious. "What anyone do, transporting" she answers firmly. "O...Kay" Chase said concentrating on driving. *** Section Six Lorna Residence "Trust me it wasn''t really necessary to follow me to the door" Lorna said pulling some strands of her hair behind her ear. "It''s okay I just wanted you to be safe". "Well I''m safe and sound so" she turns to her door. "Lorna" "What?" she turns but was caught off guard by a kiss, she froze as her eyes widen, his lips roaming hers, Lorna spared no effort to kiss back, she didn''t know how to react to this. He stops gently stroking her cheek with his thumb. Her looks a mixture of confusion and awe. "W-W-Why did you do that?" she said in a shaky breath. "Because I wanted to" he replies. She quickly pulled away from his touch. "Lorna" he began stepping forward. "Please don''t" she hissed. He stops abruptly. "I''m sorry Lorna I didn''t mean-" "It''s okay" she said haste, before sighing. "It''s just-" "I know you need time I understand" he cuts her off, her gaze drift to his, her green ones piercing his blue ones. "I will give you time" he said. "All the time you need, I can wait" he adds. Lorna was about saying something but she held it in, she could see it in his eyes, the emotions. She gulps. "Good night Lorna" he said with a smile against his lips before walking away, heading for the elevator leaving a confused and stunned Lorna. *** Section Eight Natasha''s Residence *Loud Banging On Door* "Come on Nat, I have been knocking for hours now" Johnny said impatient. "Did you see the news? All agents are investigating the train, I haven''t seen you for a whole day" he said banging once more. "Nat come on" More banging. "Nat!" Banging. "Nat open up" Banging. "NAT!" he shouts, okay something was odd, this was definitely not like her, Nat would never ignore him like this, no matter what, she always answers and put up a foul mood of course. Sensing something was wrong, he kicks the door open rushing in, her house was dark, he quickly found the lights switch flicking it on and gasp seeing a sight that nearly stops his heart. Natasha was on the floor, eyes open, in the pool of her own blood as it spread out across the room, her throats slashed, evident claw marks on her body that bleed. "NAT!" Chapter 115 - Black Murder *Camera Flashes* * * * * * *Taping Sound* The apartment was swamped with agents investigating the crime scene. Peter squats in front of Natasha''s body wearing a white hand glove, he assesses the body tilting his head to the side, a hand checking the claw marks on her neck slashing her throat, his eyes sadden, he may not have known her much but she was an agent, one of them and she was brought down unjustly, the killer spared no move to make her get away, his actions present on her body showed the sign of him really kin on killing her no matter what, this was animalistic and raw like she was mauled to death, while she tried to get away. With shaky hands, he closed her eyes, hoping she would at least have a peaceful sleep after such an unjust death. His eyes drift to her neck, further studying it, he notices a red thing line around her, he blinks puzzled. "Pete!" He turns at the sound of his name. "Find anything?" Jesse asked. "A Claw did it," he said facing the body back. "But I can''t tell if it''s a Claw Walker or a ghoul, so hard to figure out" he sighs looking around. "There are no signs of a break-in or anything, the windows still intact, I mean it''s like a ghost walked in here, whoever did this made sure no prints were left or any sign of him here," He said rising to his feet. "This is a murder mystery" he adds facing her. "We have to find the killer, no matter how I didn''t really like her, she doesn''t deserve to die like this," she said as her eyes drifted to Johnny seated on a couch, his face buried in his hands, he was shaking, Jesse could tell from here, from what she heard, they were pretty close, like a brother and sister, inseparable. "For his sake," Jesse said with sad eyes as it lands on Peter''s back. "We have to find the killer. *** Section Five Ghoul Investigators Headquarter (GIH) Thirtieth Floor Chase slams his hands on Barbra''s glass desk, pissed, his eyes burning in fury. "Did you really have to go that far?!" he hissed pissed, his face red in anger. "I didn''t have a choice" she states calmly. He seriously hated when she does that, acting all calm when all hell was about to break loose. "You didn''t have a choice but to kill her huh?" "She sniffed Lorna out, it wasn''t time and it wasn''t supposed to be like that, it''s a game Chase and she was not a player!" she states. "That''s why you went as far as killing her like an animal?" he hissed on top of his lungs, thankfully her office was soundproof, not that he gave a damn, cause right now all he saw was red. "I strangled her, the rest was a precaution, it was necessary" she shrugs. Chase scoffs at the woman''s words, acting like she didn''t just kill one of her own and dismantle her body like a Claw did it. "Are you even human?" Chase said sternly. She smirks. "Sweetheart, you should have known by now I''m not, every action, every choice, Every next step to make humanity prosper against this monster''s, I take it" "Does it mean losing your humanity in the process?". "Chase, you''re losing your humanity too, you''re playing this very game too, this particular game is an inhuman one, we''re both damn for hell" "Well I''m not far gone as you are, I''m not the one housing a ghoul in the agency" he spats. Barbra froze at his words. "Yes I know Steve isn''t just Steve... He''s Steve O''Brien, Liam''s father isn''t he? You fucking made me believe he was dead, but he has always been right under our noses". "You should know, despite him being a ghoul he''s the one who made this possible, his expertise is what brought us this far". "THAT''S BULLSHIT" Chase shouts. Barbra scowled. "I''m very aware of what''s he capable of, I have seen it, what I don''t get is why him?" Chase said sternly. Barbra slowly rises to her feet, her palms on the desk. "Because Chase, Steve isn''t just a scientist, what he does, no other scientist or doctor is capable of, we both know that and what exactly he did to his own son". "So you made a deal with the devil?" She smirks broadly. "Sweetheart, he made a deal with the devil," she said in amusement. "How much do you trust him, for all we know he could just be using you," Chase said puzzled. "Enough Chase, I trust enough," she said firmly. "Come lemme show you something, keeping things away from you is now overrated" she adds walking towards her door. "You mean secrets," he said. She halts. "I don''t even know if I can trust you, I didn''t make a deal with the devil". She turns to him. "Oh but you didn''t, seek out the devil for help" she shrugs. "You and I both know we have the same goal, to make this city free of monsters, free of flesh-eaters, you want to make the city safe for Rex, the poor boy has been through so many traumatic incidents that could take him years to recover from, and there''s poor Renee, unable to forget her poor husband Max," she said in amusement. He gulps hard. "A charming man and a devoted husband, taken away, by the black ghoul. And there''s Nicole" she ticks her tongue in pity. Chase''s fist clenched hard almost drawing blood, as the memories that haunt his dreams resurface. "A dear friend was taken, by the black ghoul, and you think him saving hundreds of people from that train will change his nature? " she reasons. "We both saw it, we both saw what he''s capable of, he''s growing stronger and dangerous, more fiercest and bloodthirsty", all the while saying this she took steps towards him until she was standing right in front of him. "We have the power to stop him," she said placing her hand on his shoulder, his eyes met her cold ones. "And Lorna is the key". Chapter 116 - Black Player Level 30 *Ding Sound* The elevator doors slide open. "I never knew the elevator have that" Chase said sternly, as he watch the small box that requested Barbra''s prints slide back inside the wall. "The agency is my home Chase" she said in amusement facing him. "And every home has a basement" she adds stepping out, as did Chase, following behind closely, he could only wonder where she was leading him to, she did say no more secrets, he wondered what she was hiding this time, in all the years he knew her, she was a very cunning woman. They got to a room. "What''s exactly are you gonna show me?" Chase asked impatient. "This" she said firmly giving way for him to see the view. He froze with widen eyes when he saw Seth on bed, several wires connected to his body, mostly his chest which had a large scar, and his head. He took feeble breath that couldn''t be notice unless you were near. "What the fuck?! Seth is alive?!" Chase said stunned, facing Barbra for an explanation. "He''s neither dead or alive, he''s inconclusive, his state..." she sighs. "The bullet to his heart destroyed his Claw, it didn''t reverse inside him, now he''s Clawless" "He should be dead, ghouls can''t exist without their Claw" Chase said certain. "But Seth isn''t a ghoul, he was made one not born one, what we are seeing is what''s left of his human side" she said with trembling eyes. "If it weren''t for Steve, he would have been dead, but he doesn''t have much time now, we are losing him, we don''t know how long he has left" she adds with sad eyes. "You should have just let him stay dead, rather than try to revive him, he could be suffering right now". "ENOUGH!" she shouts facing him with furious eyes. "He does not get to die until I tell him to" she said stern, her eyes shaky, Chase could tell, she was on the verge of crying but she held it in just like the iron lady she was. "You must really care for him" Barbra looks away facing Seth body on the bed with an unreadable expression. "He has a promise to fulfill" she said firm, Chase could feel the emotion swirling around her tone, which could only make him wonder, what did Seth promise her? "We are getting close Chase, very close, it''s only a matter of time" she said folding her arms, as a dark twisted smirk found her lips. "This game keeps getting more and more interesting". "I have one request" Chase began. She faced him. "When all this is over she doesn''t remembers" he adds stern. Barbra smirk broaden more. "I knew it, you''re falling for her aren''t you?" He looks away. "So unlike you, given the kind of man you are" she adds tilting her head to the side. "Will you do it or not" he snaps, his eyes burning in her cold ones. "It''s already evident that she never remembers, she will forever be yours" she said in amusement. "Let all the cards fall in place and then we will checkmate the king". *** Tenth Floor A hand against her jaw, Lorna was lost in thought. "I can''t believe Natasha''s dead" Jesse said unbelievably. "Neither do I" Lorna said with a puzzled look, she was the one who found out her secret and now she was dead, it was odd, very odd and something was suspicious. Since the past week the drug king haven''t called her line, she tried tracing his number but it lead back to a lost signal, he was really good at covering his tracks but why her, why did he choose to make her life hell that day, maybe it was because he knew exactly what was going on between her and Liam, so he wants to use that against her, he was a cunning and crazy bastard who almost killed hundreds or more less thousands just to end the black ghoul, was he really that obessed with killing him? But why, why was he that determined and who was behind the mask, she just couldn''t wait to figure it out, maybe it could shed some light on who killed Natasha. Was it the drug king? Because she found out what he wanted to use against her? Lorna sighed, her head was full of thinking, and speaking of black ghoul, she haven''t heard from Liam since, she was worried, she didn''t know whether they were exactly in good terms or not, but his presence could only tell which, she hoped she was okay and that nothing was wrong. She sighs once more. "Wow you must really be depressed" Jesse said raising an eyebrow. "How won''t I, one of our own was killed unjustly by a ghoul or a Claw Walker" she reasons. "Well Pete is still running some tests, and agents are investigating, we will get the killer and get her to justice" Jesse''s assured her. Lorna just made a hmm sound, nodding. "And guess what''s trending online" Jesse said, turning her laptop to face Lorna. It was a video of Liam stopping the train. "He''s really gaining fans online, I mean humans are literally supporting his existence, questions, doubts, it''s flying everywhere" Jesse said. "Wow that much?" Lorna said stunned seeing the millions of views, still counting. "Yup! It''s chaos in their mind out there, whatever ghouls are actually the threat they believe in or we just need to understand them better" she shrugs. "Which do you believe in Jess, do you believe the black is a psychic killer or there''s more to him?" "Pff...Lorna...he killed my brother in England, when he was serving for the agency there". Lorna froze at her words. "I''m so sorry I didn''t know" Lorna said with sad eyes. "He may have saved hundreds of lives, but that doesn''t mean he won''t stop coming after the agency and that they are flesh eaters" she said sternly. "These people cheering for him" Lorna gulps hard. "They don''t know what they are getting themselves into". Chapter 117 - Black Encounter Lorna''s eyes trembled at Jesse''s words, she gulps hard. "I didn''t know you had a brother," Lorna said, guilt feeling her insides. "Well, there''s nothing much to talk about since he''s... Dead" she said as her shoulders drop in a weak motion, her eyes wistful of memories. Lorna placed a hand on her shoulder giving it a gentle squeeze in comfort. "It''s okay" She faced Lorna. "That''s why Lorna, no matter what he does, it doesn''t change what he did, he''s a monster" she spats. Lorna gulps hard at her words, looking away not wanting to meet her gaze. "Sorry about that, now I spoiled the mood," Jesse said forcing a smile. "Not at all... It''s just" Lorna sighs. "It''s tough". "The job is tough Lorna" Jesse finished for her, she smiled. "And there goes our handsome boss," Jesse said amused watching Chase walk into the hall. "Shit" Lorna cursed using a file to cover her face. Chase''s eyes caught her action, he smiled walking up to his office. "Okay, what was that about?" Jesse asked deviously, knowing something was up. "Um, nothing... Is he gone yet?" she asked biting her bottom lip. "Yes, he is," Jesse said snatching the paper away from her, giving her a serious look but had a certain humor to it. "Now talk" Lorna sighs as her shoulders fell. "Well remember the day of the train accident?" "Yes, how could I forget, it''s just three days ago" she shrugs. "Right" "Come on Lorna quit stalling!" "I''m not... Okay, he drove me home, and then he..." "He what?" "He kissed me okay" Jesse''s mouth dropped in awe. "What the fuck, that scarecrow?" "Yes, that was what I thought," Lorna said rolling her eyes. Jesse smirked. "So" she cleared her throat. "Did you kiss him back?" "NO!" Her sudden outburst made everyone turn in their direction, Lorna mentally cursed herself for being loud. "Whoa whoa... I get it okay, you didn''t kiss him back" Jesse whispered to Lorna. "Okay back to work, it''s just gossip!" Jesse said to everyone in a high-pitched voice as they resumed their activities. Lorna groaned rubbing her temples. "Okay, I see you did not like the fact he kissed you," Jesse said certainly. "Of course I don''t, I mean he''s my boss, it''s kind of weird" "Lorna, this is New York, literally anyone dates their boss" she shrugs. "Of course I know that but I''m..." she sighs. "I''m not into him, he went as far as saying he''s gonna wait, I mean who say things like that". "Wow, I did not expect those words from our scarecrow boss, but it''s evident Lorna, he''s really into you". Lorna froze at her words, knowing everything she said was true. "But you''re not into him because there''s someone else," Jesse said. Lorna just gave a slight nod. "It''s that guy right? You one you aren''t so sure of, the one with the commitment issues". Lorna nods. "Fucked him yet?" "Jesus Jess, you''re so straight forward," Lorna said as her cheeks taints red. "So you have then, judging from your expression," she said smirking deviously. Lorna just rolled her eyes. "Hope you used protection, cause I don''t wanna hear my partner is a single mom, that news is nerve-racking," she said sarcastically. "Ugh yes Jess, yes I''m on birth control" "Phew... Well, Lorna, you must be into this guy, that I don''t even know his name, what''s his name? cause I''m sure as hell wanna know who my partner is dating" she shrugs. Lorna gulps hard. "His name is Um... " she trailed off. "Wait was it a one-night stand?" "Yes, exactly that''s what it was, didn''t get the chance to get his name or anything," Lorna said nervously. "Wow! No wonder you''re so worked up" Jesse said with a thoughtful face. Lorna just put on a fake smile nodding, secretly praying, and hoping she caught her white lie. *** Section Six Lorna''s Residence The elevator made a ding sound as the door slide open. Lorna walks towards her door exhausted, a meow sound came in, it was Melly the cute white cat strolling the hallway. "Hey Melly," Lorna said smiling sweetly, he just turned running to the door, using his small space to jump inside. "Meanie," Lorna said with a pouting face, she was never that good with cats, using her wrist band to open her door, it shut behind making a clicking sound, the moment she steps in she felt cold, she was sure she locked the windows. She froze as her eyes widen in realization, someone was in the house. "Liam," she said as her heart flutter just by saying his name, she missed him, she was worried, she longed to see those piercing chocolate eyes of his again, his mood swings, his cold and warm glamour that always made her seem she was solving a puzzle to understand him better and more, his scent, a woody, and forest scent she found unique, she wanted to feel him, her mind racing just by the thought of it. She rushed to her room and just like she thought, the glass doors were wide open, a smile found her lips as she rushed to the balcony. "Liam!" Iris turns at the sound of her voice, wearing a stern look. Lorna froze seeing someone else other than Liam, she blinks realizing she was the same woman she saw at the club, the ghoul. Her smile slowly fades as disappointment flushed through her. Why was this ghoul invading her home? She had to keep her guard up. "So this is where he spends most of his time in," Iris said sternly, her eyes observing then lands on her. Did she know Liam? "Who are you and what do you want, I''m pretty sure you know you''re in the home of an agent," Lorna said sternly. A ghost smile found her lips. "So now a ghoul is invading huh? But he''s the one coming here to see you" she said taking steps closer to Lorna. She instinctively drew back at her action. "Every night, just the two of you alone," she said in distaste halting, as did Lorna. She gulps. "I believe I asked a question," Lorna said through gritted teeth. "Trust me I wouldn''t be here if it wants for Liam," she said with sad eyes. Worried flushed Lorna''s features. "He needs you," she said with wistful eyes. "Liam''s dying". Chapter 118 - Black Tears Lorna''s heart beats rapidly, she could only feel the movement of the car her vision all blank. "Where are you taking me?" Lorna demands trying to free her hands-free from the restraints, her hands were tired to her back, a black veil covered her eyes. "You know where I''m taking you, you''re an agent I can''t risk letting you know our location" Iris''s voice came in. "The Silver-lining" Lorna said in realization. "Yes," Iris said pulling her foot down on the gear, increasing the speed of the car. Lorna could only seat quietly, as fear, worry, and confusion flushed her features. "What if you''re leading me to my death, you obviously don''t like me," Lorna said gulping hard. Iris huffed. "I don''t have time to get rid of an insignificant being" she states making a harsh turn, due to it Lorna slammed her head on the window glass. Lorna growled. "Well drive responsibly" she snaps. Iris just rolled her eyes as she stops abruptly making Lorna slam her head at the front. "Seriously?" she hissed getting real pissed. "We''re here" Iris shrugs stepping out. "Well you should have just said so" Lorna murmured under her breath. She heard the door to her side open as Iris dragged her out. "What''s your deal, were you trained by animals?" "Jesus you have a mouth, shut up or I will reconsider, my claw is fucking hungry" she snaps. Lorna shut her mouth giving in to her warning, she didn''t wanna be Claw food yet. She lead her inside the Silver-lining manor, even though she wasn''t seeing, she was sure as hell this place was big, it felt spontaneous. "Iris" she heard a voice. "You brought her?" Rory said sternly. "I had no choice". "I thought we agreed he was gonna go peacefully if Sean doesn''t find a cure!" Lorna froze at his words, then it was true then, Liam was dying, her body shakes, her palms sweaty, she found it hard to breathe, what happened? Why was he in such a state? Was it because of the Train incident? Did he push his body that far? "I had to do something, Rory, I can''t watch him suffer, we don''t know what''s happening to him, it''s something he can''t figure out," Iris said in tears. This lady must really care for him, what was she to Liam, but Lorna turned a blind eye to it, she was more worried about the state Liam was in. "He keeps calling her name Rory, I have a feeling she has to be there, I tried to be there for him but it only seems like he''s in more pain," she said in a shaky voice. "Hey hey Iris," Rory said placing both hands on her shoulder. Lorna hadn''t realized he was close until now. "It''s okay, alright, I will talk to the others, just.." he sighs. "Don''t let the rest of the ghouls find out she''s here" he adds in a serious tone. Iris nods sobbing. "I will take her to Liam, just go and take some rest, you haven''t slept for days". "No Rory I can''t" "Iris, go to your room" he orders. She nods cleaning her tears as she let go of Lorna walking away, the tears falling. *** "Is he really dying?" Lorna said on the verge of tears, her heart felt like it was breaking into a million pieces. "Yes," his voice was short and simple. The tears rolled down her cheeks, wetting the veil covering her eyes. "You really look like her" he adds. Lorna gulps knowing who he was talking about. "What was she like?" Lorna began, wanting so badly to distract herself because she felt like her body would give out or her heart might stop beating. "She was so many things, kinda like a leader like Liam, strong, bold, daring, she was a very wonderful lady" That sounds nothing like her, she wasn''t a leader, she was always chickened out or nervous about things, Riley must have really been an amazing woman, to get him talking about her like he adored her. "She was a lot of things" They came to a halt. "I don''t know what you did to him," he said like he was amazed. "Iris might just be right" he states as the door opened, he removed her restraint. "Take off the veil after going in" he orders stepping away. Lorna just nods doing as she was told, stepping in, she heard the door shut behind her, locking. She slowly removed her veil, meeting with a dark environment, her eyes adjusting to the darkness. "Liam?" she said in a shaky breath as she slowly descend the stairs, the only source of light was the moon, everything was pitch black but she knew the house was well furnished. *Loud Crash Sound* She jumps gasping at the loud sound, her head turning towards the direction. "Liam?" Then an inhuman loud growl sound came in, that was him alright. She rushed in panic to the sound direction, her heart slamming rapidly in her chest. She rushed to a wide room the size of her apartment, the front made of glass showing the woods, the moon reflecting but that wasn''t her concern but the broken hospital equipment on the floor, the monitor machine, the drip, the mouth breather. And then Liam on the floor, struggling to breathe, shirtless just on loose sweat pants, his body embodied in black veins, his skin pale like a blank paper. "LIAM" Lorna shouts in horror rushing to his side, grabbing him, God, he was so heavy, she could only turn him and place his head on her lap. "Liam," she said in tears, beams of sweat against his features but he was cold like ice, his eyes shut close in pain. Her eyes drift to his chest, a black vein collided there like a black hole. "What happened to you," she said in tears. "Riley". She froze at the name he called. "No, it''s me, Lorna" He opened his eyes forcing his body to seat up, he leans close cupping her cheeks with his cold palms. His eyes had black bags under them. "Riley," he said once more with sad eyes. "Babe it''s really you," he said in joy as the tears fell. Lorna''s lips went apart not knowing what to say, what struck her the most was the tears, he was crying, he seemed lost, but Iris said he has been calling her name but the realization struck her, he has been calling for Riley, not her. She placed a hand on his against her cheeks, doing the only thing she thought was right at this moment, for his sake. "Yes, it''s Riley". Chapter 119 - Black Healer "Babe it''s really you," he said in joy as the tears fell. Lorna''s lips went apart not knowing what to say, what struck her the most was the tears, he was crying, he seemed lost, but Iris said he has been calling her name but the realization struck her, he has been calling for Riley, not her. She placed a hand on his against her cheeks, doing the only thing she thought was right at this moment, for his sake. "Yes, it''s Riley" Lorna mouths those words that made her heart sink, but made a smile forms on Liam lips, she was doing it for him, she had no choice. "It''s Riley" she adds forcing a smile. "My Riley" Liam said placing his forehead on hers, stroking her cheeks lovingly, with his thumb. Tears filled Lorna''s eyes as they wet her cheeks instantly. "I have missed you so much" he said as a tear fell from one of his eye. Lorna just nods sobbing, unable to contain the pain in her chest. She placed a hand on his chest. "You have to get better" she said inbetween sobs. "You can''t die like this, I can''t lose you" she cried. "Liam" she cried hugging him tightly, wrapping her arms around his tightly not ready to let go as she cried her heart out, never in her life have she ever felt this way before, ever since her parents and now right now, she was on the verge of losing someone she loved and cared about beyond anything, she can''t lose him too. "Please" she sobs. "Riley" At the sound of the name that wasn''t hers, she broke the hug, staring into his dull chocolate ones that got her lost each time. "I love you" he said. Lorna felt like her heart stopped that moment as her breath caught. "I love you so much, than anything in this world, Riley". Lorna''s eyes shakes at his words, her body trembles out of control. "More than anything" he adds pressing his lips against hers softly, it was warm and tender filled with so much love, that Lorna couldn''t even begin to comprehend. Lorna''s eyes sadden like a wave of cold water drops on her body, her eyes still gushing tears as she close it, but she spare no effort to kiss him back because she knew this confession wasn''t for her, this tenderness and kiss wasn''t for her, it was all for Riley and it will forever be her, she will always remain his backbone forever, she knew that now, and it made her heart sink more. Liam ran his fingers in her dark hair as he deepens the kiss, wanting so badly to feel every flavour of her mouth, the intimacy and closeness brough ease to his body, he felt no pain anymore, he felt light, he felt healed, was he? The black veins around his body retreats inside in less than a second, the void on his chest disappears. Lorna quickly pulls away, her eyes travelling through his body. "Liam" she said bewildered. "The veins are gone" she adds with shaky eyes running her fingers on his bare chest unable to process what just happened, a moment ago it was there and now it wasn''t but how? "Because of you" Liam said with a genuine smile claiming her lips once more, wanting so badly to taste more and feel her more, she completed him and he never wanted to feel incomplete again. The kiss got heated and passionate between them as his mouth roamed her. He grabs her by the waist straddling her on his lap, his hands running through her back, Lorna moaned pulling away. "I have to go" she said in a shaky breath. Liam stares at her puzzled, she could tell he wasn''t in his right senses yet to tell it was her. "I''m sorry but I can''t" she said wiping her tears moving away, rising to her feet and walking towards the door. "Riley" Liam called rising to his feet, he felt dizzy but he stood his ground. "I''M NOT RILEY!" she shouts facing him, he froze at her outburst. She sighs as the tears fell uncontrollably. "I get it you''re not in your right senses right now, please" she closed her eyes. "Don''t do this to me, don''t see me as someone I can never be" she sobs. "I should have known where this was going, I should have" she gulps, shaking her head negatively. "You will always love her, I know that now, no matter how you don''t say it... No matter how you say it doesn''t matter, it still doesn''t change the fact that I look like her and here I thought" she took a deep breath calming herself down. "God I''m such a fool" she sobbed hating herself for being so vulnerable right now. "Goodbye Liam" she said final, turning on her heels leaving. *Loud Thud Sound* She froze at the sound turning, she gasps. "LIAM!" she shouts in panic rushing to his unconscious body. *** The door automatically open as Iris walks into the dark apartment, she walks straight to the bedroom, not bothering about the darkness. She halts seeing Liam on the bed asleep, Lorna sitting next to him holding his hand tightly. "The veins are gone" Iris said stunned, she didn''t believe it would actually work, but how was it possible that simply seeing her could stop the process? "You said he was calling for me" Lorna said not sparing her a glance. Iris broke out of her thoughts. "He was calling for Riley" she faced her with sad eyes. Iris smirks sitting on the bed of her. "You know what he calls you?" she began. "He calls you his trump card" she said amused. "A prize to win and use, you were the very person we could use to destroy the agency from the inside out". Lorna''s eyes shakes at her words. "He put too much effort you know, now you think you''re in love" she said with a raise of her shoulder, like it wasn''t his fault she was love sick. "You know Liam and I are together, it was hard really really hard to watch him be with another woman, it was hard claiming his heart after Riley, but I just had to understand it was for the mission, it''s hard Lorna, to see the man you love share a bed with someone else". A tear fell from Lorna''s eye, her lips went apart. She placed her hand on Lorna''s, slowly removing it from Liam''s, in a gentle manner. "He said I shouldn''t say anything but I can''t bear it anymore, he''s constantly forcing himself to love an agent, from the agency he swore to destroy after everything they did to his family and lover, did you really think Lorna, that Liam would love you?". Lorna looks away wiping her tears. "Don''t dream anymore Lorna, it''s time to wake up". Chapter 120 - Black Pain "He said I shouldn''t say anything but I can''t bear it anymore, he''s constantly forcing himself to love an agent, from the agency he swore to destroy after everything they did to his family and lover, did you really think Lorna, that Liam would love you?". Lorna looks away wiping her tears. "Don''t dream anymore Lorna, it''s time to wake up" she adds sternly. Lorna''s fist clenched tightly almost drawing blood. "I will like to go home now" Lorna said with dull eyes, it was more of a whisper but Iris heard her, she smirks in response. "Of course I will see you off". *** Lorna slowly unraveled the veil around her eyes, she was dropped off at the front of her apartment building, she stood immobile like a statue, the cold wind blowing around, the skies darkens as the rain poured and then she broke in uncontrollable tears squating, not minding the rain pouring on her, she cried and cried holding her chest tightly like it would give out any second, she felt lost and abandoned, as her mind recalled the things between her and the black ghoul that she now regrets, the feelings she felt, how many times she would have to lie about her encounter with the black ghoul. She cried loudly, the harsh rain hiding her loud cries, she felt broken and used, cause now she understands why he never said I love you back, it must have been too much to handle when he was just using her for his selfish gain, how could she be so stupid to believe his words, let him into her home, her heart, her soul and body. She held her head screaming out in pain, the rain falling heavily, her body extremely wet but she didn''t care, she couldn''t think less than the pain she felt right now. The rain dripping her head like a hammer to a nail but then it seized, she could only felt wetness but no constant pouring of water, she opened her eyes staring at the ground, seeing an umbrella shadow, someone standing in her front, her eyes shake as the person squats to the same height as her, her eyes drifting to the stranger, it was Chase, holding an umbrella covering her not minding if he got wet. "Lorna" he said softly. She sobs, shivering, feeling small and helpless but he didn''t care. "Let''s get you inside okay". *** "Here this will warm you up" Chase said handling her a hot choco he made. Lorna was changed to warm clothes but she was still shivering, she took the cup with two her holding it, making no effort to drink, she just sat like a statue. "Drink Lorna or you might get sick" he said worried taking a seat next to her on the couch. "Aren''t you gonna ask me anything?" Lorna said faintly, her eyes met his worried ones. "Am I suppose to ask or anything? I mean it''s your private life, I can''t exactly invade" Chase said in amusement. "It''s the Black Ghoul" Chase froze at her outburst, he didn''t expect that. Her eyes turned cold. "I have been secretly seeing him, all those mission where I survived, it wasn''t by luck, it was because he was letting me go, the train accident, the main reason I was inside that train was because I was blackmailed by the Drug King to kill him but I didn''t pull the trigger, I would have been responsible for hundreds of life''s lost because I chose him" she states, her gaze shifting to Chase unreadable ones. "Some agent I am" she adds. "Yeah some agent" he said tilting his head to the side. She gulps. "Don''t you hate me or wanna shout at me, I mean I have been with the every ghoul that killed your best friend" A small smile found his lips. "Aren''t you gonna resent me?" she adds hoping to at least get a response after she just confessed. "That''s it Lorna" he said not taking his eyes off hers. "I can''t hate or resent you" he adds. Lorna eyes shakes at his words. He looks away. "Let this stay between us, but you must promise me something in return" he said sternly, meeting her eyes once more. "No more going behind my back, you tell me everything" he adds. "And if I don''t" He smiled. "You really are a defiance lady you know that" he said in amusement. Lorna looks away rising to her feet, watching the rain pour on the window. "There''s no need to be alarmed" she said sternly. "There will be no going behind backs anymore". The thunder strikes loudly. *** Outskirts of the city Silver-lining Manor "How this possible?" Sean said bewildered checking Liam''s body for any sign of black vein but nothing all gone and his pulse and heart rate were stable now, he was pretty sure Liam was on the verge of death but now nothing. "It''s the agent" Iris said. "Yeah I heard from Rory but I thought he was daydreaming about Riley and not the agent" Sean said puzzled. "Well she is her lookalike after all, just pulled some strings" she shrugs. Liam suddenly gasped out like he was drowning, making them jump. His eyes flash open as he sat up. "Jesus Liam, take it easy you''re alright" Sean said calming him down, his body having beams of sweats like he just ran a marathon. "What..." he took deep breaths. "What the hell happened, I remember stopping the train and then," he groans holding his head. Iris quickly sat beside him holding him still. "Yes you passed out for weeks" Sean said. Liam stared at him like he had two heads. "And we thought you were gonna die" he adds. "What?" Liam said like he heard wrong. "Luckily you aren''t so... Thank God Liam I''m so glad you''re okay" Sean said relieved. "I saw Riley, I think I saw her, it must have been a dream" Liam said holding his head in pain. Sean was about to say something. "Yes Liam it was a dream, you were murmuring her name in your sleep" Iris said. Sean gave a puzzled look, she turns to him shaking her head negatively as a sign. Sean just sighs nodding his head, figuring it was best to keep it a secret and not stress Liam any further. Chapter 121 - Black Pawn (Part 1) Section five Ghoul Investigator Headquarters (GIH) Lab Peter sighs rubbing his temples before covering Natasha''s paled body with a white cloth. He raised a small device to his lips. "Final conclusion, subject killed by a random Claw," he said to the recorder, but that final analysis didn''t quite sit well with him, he was unable to determine the red line around her neck, it was like she was strangled or something maybe by the very Claw that killed her. He sighs walking away from her body. The doors slide open as Lorna walks in with a pile of files. "And she brought my gifts," he said in amusement. Lorna giggles dropping it on the desk. "Well this is far beyond gifts," Lorna said smiling. "Damn I should earn more with all this work lying around," he said checking the files. Lorna''s eyes drift to the body a distance away. "So what''s the conclusion," Lorna asked puzzled. "A Claw" he shrugs. "Why do I get the feeling you still doubt that," Lorna said certain, noticing his tone. He sighs. "Well I did, it doesn''t add up like a Claw attack you know, Claws are animalistic, of course, her death was, but it was like it was portrayed to look animalistic". "You mean to cover up a human murder," Lorna said sternly. "Yes," he breathed out. "I wish I could do more" he adds with sad eyes. "Then someone must want her dead, not a Claw but someone," Lorna said certainly. Peter nods in agreement. "But who?" Lorna adds puzzled. "Well I have already concluded the cause of death, I can''t go any further, the body is already enough proven it was a Claw attack, I''m not the one calling the shots" Lorna nods getting his point, her eyes land on something, it looked familiar. "What is that?" she asked. He turns in the direction of her gaze. "Oh that," he said walking towards it grabbing the gun, it looked like the agency one but had gold bullet instead of red. "It''s that prototype I was working on, we first time you transferred here months ago" he shrugs. With wide eyes Lorna took the gun, yes she remembered Peter''s exact words, saying it was a bullet he was working on, specially designed to kill the black ghoul, because their bullets didn''t work on him. "It''s still in making though" he adds. "I see," Lorna said feeling her hands on it, it was the same one the drug king gifted her with to kill the black ghoul, how was this possible? Unless her eyes drift to him. There was no way Peter was the drug king, it didn''t add up. "How many prototypes did you make?" Lorna asked. "Helooooo... I made tons, it''s still in testing but I''m pretty sure it works by now, well I don''t know if it does... haven''t exactly tried it yet" he shrugs. "Right," Lorna said gulping hard, something was up, she could feel it, this could only mean one thing, the camera assesses, the gun, the gadgets, the drug king must be from the agency but who was it? Her eyes drift to Peter once more. Is it Peter? Well if he was she would have to find solid evidence. *** Thirtieth Floor Barbra''s office "She told you those exact words herself?" Barbra said in amusement, hearing everything from Chase. "Yes," he said firmly. Her smirk broadens. "This changes everything," she said rising to her feet, her heels sounding as she walks to the wide window showing the city of New York. "This set the pawns right in place" she adds. "You''re gonna change the game set?" Chase asked puzzled. She turns to Chase walking back to the table grabbing the queen pawn. "No, I''m gonna make the queen the star of the game, after all, it''s the queen that has so many moves in the chessboard," she said smirking. Chase gave her a skeptical look. "Relax Chase you will still get her as promised, a deal is a deal, all we just have to do is work according to plan". *** Lorna walks along the wide halls, she came to a halt when she met with Steve, he gave her a warm smile. "Lorna, it''s been a while," he said amused. Lorna just forced a smile. "It really is" she shrugs. He raised an eyebrow at her words and tone. He just made a hmm sound. "I trust you''re feeling well, I heard about the train accident" he began. "Yes, never better". "Magnificent isn''t he". "What?" Lorna said puzzled by what he meant, he took a step closer to her but she didn''t move away, she stood her ground at this man who called himself a father after everything he''s done, she never really experienced a fathers love, seeing this sick bastard made her blood boil, yes at least there was one thing she believed in Liam''s words, Steve O''Brien was his father and he was secretly working for the agency. "The black ghoul" he adds in clarification. "You say he''s magnificent as if you created him," she said sternly. Steve smirks broadly. "How can a man like me birth such greatness, only God could claim that right," he said with shaky eyes. Lorna blinks at his words. "Tell me Lorna do you believe in gods? Supreme beings said to wield extraordinary power" he asked. "I believe only what I see". He ticks his tongue. "Do you know sometimes god''s appear in our image, secreting lying dominate waiting to awake and rule the world" "I believe your ideology of gods is so messed up," Lorna said amused. A loud burst of laughter escaped his lips. "You really are an amusing woman Lorna Hart," he said smiling. "I see why" he adds. "A piece of advice" he states. "Don''t take your anxiety meds, try skipping a day" he said before walking right past her. Lorna blinks puzzled at his words. How the fuck does he know she took anxiety medication? Chapter 122 - Black Pawn (Part 2) Lorna''s head ran with series of thoughts, Steve''s words ringing in her head like a beacon. She reaches for her jacket pocket bringing out her meds, she gulps hard, she had taken this ever since her parents died because she has always had anxiety issues ever since that day. Her first tightens on the small plastic. Something didn''t feel right, she could feel it in her bones and it chilled her insides. "Lorna!" She was snapped out of her thoughts when she heard her name, she raised her head meeting Chase''s eyes. "Chase" Lorna said stunned, wondering how long he has been standing there. "Come on, follow me," he said firmly. In silence Lorna followed behind like she was told, they both walked into an elevator, as he pressed the button for the Thirtieth floor. "Why are we going to my Aunt''s office?" Lorna asked puzzle. "You will know in due time," he said not sparing her a glance. "You said you wouldn''t tell anyone," Lorna said hurt, he faced her. "Trust me, Barbra knows more than I do," he said as that moment the elevator doors slide open. Lorna blinks at his words as he steps out first, she followed behind as they walked into her office, Barbra was seated not on her office chair as usual but at her relaxing chair set right at the corner, a complete chessboard on the table. "Lorna, come seat" She motioned tapping on a seat beside her. She heard the door slide shut, she turns seeing Chase has already left the office, leaving just her and Barbra. She gulps. She turns back, slowly walking towards Barbra taking her seat. "I''m sure you know how to play," she said amused. "I''m not exactly that good, I''m not as good as Seth" she shrugs, remembering how she talks of Seth being an excellent player. "Is that so, I remembered playing with you" Barbra said raising an eyebrow. "Aunt," Lorna said puzzled. "We have never played chess before" she adds certain. Barbra smirks broaden as she made her first move since she was white. Lorna swallows hard as she played. "You know don''t you," Lorna said with shaky eyes unable to concentrate on the game. "Know what?" Barbra said, her eyes fixed on the board rubbing her chin like she was thinking but Lorna knew she has already won. Lorna drops her black king. "Bad move Lorna, don''t give up just yet" "You know exactly what I''m talking about," Lorna said sternly. Barbra''s eyes land on her. "I have always known Lorna, why else did you think I got you transferred, coincidence? I think not" She gulps. "I have such a lovely piece that looks exactly like the black ghoul lover, a chance, yes" "You were using me?" Lorna said with shaky eyes. Barbra smiled placing a hand on Lorna''s. "No Lorna you were undercover, but I never knew you would actually fall for him, given who he is". "Yes I fell for him, but I''m never making that mistake again, he was practically just using me" she spats. "I know Lorna, that''s the kind of man Liam O''Brien is, he uses people just to get what he wants, I''m so sorry you had to face all that, all alone, scared and broken," she said patting her head gently. The tears fell from her eyes nonstop, she sobs. "I want him to pay," she said sternly. "And he will just do as I say, and everything will be alright, I will immediately request your transfer back to Los Angeles, back to your life, all this will be just a nightmare you woke up from, you should understand this Lorna, I never did any of this to hurt you, yes I was blinded because I wanted to kill the black ghoul not knowing I was driving you into the dark, I''m so sorry my child". Lorna broke into tears hugging her tightly. Barbra hush her patting her back gently as a smirk found her lips. Lorna cried and cried feeling like her heart would break, she wanted to put an end to all of this, she wanted to put an end to everything and move on and she will do as her aunt says, because she trusted her and spent half of her life growing up in her care. She sobs breaking the hug. "What do I have to do?" *** An unknown Location An SUV parks in front of a wide wide warehouse in a secluded building. A bodyguard in a smart suit steps down, opening the door for Barbra, she adjusts her jacket walking towards the warehouse with five bodyguards behind her. *** Inside the warehouse was extremely wide, it was a drug factory, manufacturing G-st, the people working on the production of the drug were all covered in protective gears to ahead the harsh content. On the up floor, Barbra walks towards a man, who turns adjusting his glasses. "Steve," she said amused. "I said I will help you achieve anything, turning humans to Claws wasn''t part of it," Steve said sternly, not liking the idea from day one, but had no choice but to comply. "Barbra" he adds in distaste. She smirks broadly facing the manufacturing machine doing its job. "I must say, Steve, you have done quite the job here, without you I wouldn''t have set everything in place and now we are more closer" she faced him. "To stopping your son" she adds smirking. "I couldn''t agree more," Steve said with an unreadable expression. "It''s all falling into place," she said with shaky eyes staring at her creation. *** Section Six Lorna''s residence *Heartbeats Slowly* Lorna stares at her anxiety pills with a long thought, it was a hunch and she was gonna go for it and see the outcome, maybe it was time for her to skip the meds she has taken ever since she was little and see what happens next, knowing fully well she should be able to control her anxiety now because no one was ever stepping on her again, not even the black ghoul. She threw the pills in the trash shutting the trash bin shut. Chapter 123 - Epilogue Unknown Narrator: ''Life has to offer so many things'' Liam stood at the top of the a building, at the edge. His fingers rotating a small piece of paper he held. He read the contents once more. ''I know who the drug king is, let''s meet'' He squad, one arm resting on his knee up. His long jacket spread out because of the wind, swirling behind him. His eyes gazing upon the city night lights of New York, he allowed the paper to slip from his fingers by the wind, his expression unreadable. ''Life, choice, death, freedom and love'' "Boss" his comm sounds, it was Kayla. "Hold off all comms, I have somewhere to be" Liam said going offline before jumping downwards submerging into a shadow with black wings, flying out. ''We just have to accept any of them'' *** "Deep breaths honey, deep breaths" Trent said trying to calm his wife in labor. ''The joy of life comes from birth and life'' "Oh my God, we have to hurry" Sid said holding unto the wall for support. Trent quickly shut the door, rushing to his wife side helping her out as they slowly strolled to the elevator. ''It''s also the beauty'' *** Section Eleven City Park ''There''s also the darkness of it'' "You good?" Chase asked worried, watching her set to move out. "Yeah I''m fine, any minute now he will be here, you should keep a far safer distance" Lorna said sighing out cold steams, it was already getting cold, the seasons were here already, she haven''t even thought of that since her mind has been cluster ever since. She pulled her coat jacket more to her body. "Be careful" he said softly, she forced a smile nodding. He stared into her eyes for a longer second. "Lorna" he began but froze as she grabbed him by his collar going on her tip toes and she kissed him passionately. ''There is both beauty and darkness'' Chase froze at her actions not expecting her to do that but he kissed her back without a worry in the world until she pulled away. "Is that a yes?" Chase asked amused, referring to what they talked about, about her giving him a chance. She smiled. "Will give you my answer after the mission" she said slowly pulling away from him, winking, he smirks at her gesture as she turns walking away. *** Lorna placed her hands inside her coat pocket feeling slightly cold, she strolled around the park Illuminated with lights, fewer people around strolling, mostly couples, she observed them as they laughed and talk about things, some kissing in the open not minding anyone, her eyes sadden for a reason she didn''t really understand. "You''re really into public places" Liam''s deep voice came in. Lorna halts her step at the sound of it, smirking. "Let''s hope the whole park doesn''t blow up this time" he adds. She turns as the cold wind slowly careless around them. Liam tilts his head to the side with a faint smirk plastered on his lips. "Hello Liam" Lorna said with a side smile. "Don''t worry they don''t keep cameras in the park, that means I have enough courage to do this" Lorna said bold. He raised an eyebrow at her words. "What?" "This" she said removing her hands from her pocket as she walks towards him, each step coming at him, their eyes never leaving each other, Lorna was right in front of him as she went on her tip toes wrapping her arms around his neck and then pressing her lips against his, passionately as their lips roamed up and down in a perfect rhythm, their heads changing positions as the kiss went on and on, Liam cups her cheeks with both hands as he deepened the kiss, out lining her teeth with his tongue, tasting every inch of her mouth but then he paused, faces inches apart. His eyes darkens with something Lorna couldn''t explain, as his looks turned stone cold. "Why?" he said in distaste. She knew he figured it out but it was too late. "For using me" she spats as she placed a small device at the side of his neck, it then shifted to Steel, wrapping around his neck tightly. She quickly pulls away. "Lorna" he growls as he tried to remove the Steel but to no end, it blocked the connection with Ghost. "Lorna!" That moment the rest of the agents gathered around him pointing their guns. "Move and we shoot" Chase said darkly. Liam''s eyes were fixed on Lorna''s never ending, it was cold and distance and for some reason, it teared her heart apart to have him look at her like that. "Well done Lorna" Barbra said clapping her hands as she steps forward. Liam''s eyes of fury lands on her, his teeth clenched seeing the bitch, his body inching to snap her neck. Barbra placed her hand on Lorna''s shoulder from behind. "Do you really think you can blackmail my niece, I''m afraid not, because she has been undercover to capture you for months now" Barbra said in amusement. Liam growled deeply, it was inhuman and deadly that made the agent pointing their guns at him to shake but they stood their ground as did Chase, knowing he can''t do anything with the Steel around his neck. "Don''t worry Lorna, we will take it from here" Barbra said moving away from her. Lorna''s eyes never left Liam as she turns walking in slow motion, a tear fell from one of her eyes, as she walks away from him for good. "LORNA!" She stops right in her tracks, as she turns with widen eyes, her body trembles at the inhuman sound. Liam was on his knees, he held his head in pain, black shadow erupting around his body. Everyone stares in awe knowing it was impossible, he shouldn''t be displaying this kind of power. "STOP IT GHOST" he roars in pain, Ghost was trying to claw his way out forcefully, against his will, blood trails from Liam''s nose as he shouts. And then like a zap he was out before anyone could act or do anything. "LORNA" Chase shouts in horror knowing Ghost was coming for her, but before him and the rest of the agents could do anything, the aura erupting out of Liam pushed them to the ground. Lorna stumbles backwards as Ghost came for her like a plague, she halts with widen eyes unable to move as Ghost emerges from the darkness with a deep demonic growl. Lorna eyes widen as a smirk formed on Ghost lips. "It is time" he said with growl, he felt it and he knew it, he caught her scent instantly something he couldn''t quite place before, like something was blocking it but now it was evident. Ghost claw hands reach for the bandages covering his eyes removing it. "Look... into... my eyes" he growls. And she did, his eyes had a four clover leaf tattoo on both and then she saw it, the void, the darkness, it swallowed her whole and sparks something in her. She screamed a ear piercing scream. Chapter 124 - Prologue *Heart Beats Slowly* * * * * *Solemn Silence* * * * * *Loud Whispers Of Unknown Language* * * * * *Continuous Thumping Heart Beat* * * * * *Loud Scream* * * * * *Loud Gunshot* Straight to the head, as Liam''s body dropped to the ground unconscious, all attention then drifts to a screaming Lorna, her scream seize as she drops to the ground also, eyes open. Ghost growls turning to shadow retreating inside Liam''s body. "LORNA!" Chase shouts as he rushed to her side, holding her body steady, the corner of her eyes had black veins. Chase panics more. "Lorna" he called her name hoping to get a response but nothing, her eyes shut close. Chase faced the rest. "Quick call the ambulance!" *** Outskirts Of The City The Silver-lining Manor *Loud Alarm Siren* "Shit! I lost contact with Boss" Race hissed as his hand went fast against the keyword. "Well, what are you waiting for, put a call to him" Iris hissed worried as others panics. "He''s not answering" Kayla hissed. "Liam," Iris said with shaky eyes. Rory rushed in. "Guys we have a problem, check this out," he said drawing an info from his transparent iPad to the screen, a live news played. "Bringing you the latest news, after years of searching and constantly trying to apprehend the black ghoul, we are finally able to capture him, by the teamwork of a group of agents under the order of Barbra Jones, Captain of the G.I agency," the newscaster said. They froze. "Oh my God" Iris said stunned. "Boss was captured?" Gray said unbelievably as the whole room fell silent from shock. "He''s immediately transferred to Steel, stay tuned for more updates". *** Section Five Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) "DR. STEVE!!!" Chase shouts carrying Lorna in his arms as he busts into the hospital facility. "What happened?" Steve asked puzzled while setting the bed she would lie on. "I don''t know what the black ghoul did to her" Chase began in a shaky breath, dropping her on the bed. "She''s not breathing... Steve...do something". "Did you say the black ghoul did this to her?" "Yes! Now do something!" Chase hissed. "She''s in cardiac arrest" he began signaling a nurse to bring the defibrillator. Chase froze at his words. The nurse came setting the equipment. "If I don''t restart her heart now, she will die," Steve said sternly, as he rips her shirt open, cutting her bra in two, taking the power up defibrillator. "Clear!" Steve said before administering a jolt of electricity to Lorna''s lifeless body. Her body shot up due to the power surge and went back down. "Clear!" Steve said doing it once more but her heart rate didn''t come up. Chase ran his hands in his hair like he was losing it. That moment Jesse rushed in. "OH MY GOD, LORNA" she shouts in tears as Steve kept trying to relieve her, Peter rushed in also, he paled at the sight. "Clear!" Steve said once again administering a jolt of electricity to her body but her heart rate was still a flat line. "I''m gonna kill him," Chase said in fury turning to leave but was blocked by Barbra with an unreadable expression. "You will do no such thing" she began sternly. "We need him alive for now" she adds. "I don''t give a fuck...you see that?" he said pointing to Lorna''s body. "She''s not breathing or moving, she could be dead Barbra, and you say we should leave him alive?" Chase hissed. "We need him to bring down the silver-lining organization, you think simply killing him right now will solve everything? We need to break him, destroy him until there''s nothing left" she said darkly. "And he will pay for what he did to Lorna" "I''m getting a heartbeat" Steve hissed. All attention drifts to him as hope-filled their eyes. "Clear!" Steve hissed shocking her body once more, the flat line of her heart came up. "Oh thank God," Peter said relief. Jesse just broke into tears of joy. The weight on Chase''s shoulders lessen. * *Beeping Monitor Machine* Lorna was on the bed unconscious. "When will she wake up?" Chase asked worriedly. "In due time," Steve said checking his transparent iPad. Chase nods holding onto her hand tightly. "That''s great," he said assessing her calm features, he noticed the black vein that was once at the corner of her eyes, were gone. "He did something to her, his Claw did something to her" He began with shaky eyes. "What did Ghost do?" Steve asked as the curiosity overwhelmed him. "He...", his eyes shaking. "He took off the weird bandage around its eyes and then... she just screams like she saw something so horrible," Chase said puzzled. "If only I knew what she saw" he adds giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "I wish I would have stopped whatever he did to her". The silence became evident like he was talking to himself, he turns to Steve in curiosity and then froze. Steve had a twisted smirk plastered on his lips, visible humor that was terrifying and it made Chase sick. "And why the fuck are you smiling?" Chase asked sternly. Steve adjusted his glasses, clearing his throat but the humor was still evident. "Nothing at all Chase, it''s just...", he gave a thoughtful face. "It''s beginning to seem like it''s time" he adds. Chase blinks puzzled at his words, Ghost said the exact same words. "I will be off, watch over her" Steve said in amusement before turning to leave. The door shut close. "Who would have known," he said slowly walking along the halls. "Seems like your memories are coming, Ghost," he said faintly as he halts staring at the wide windows. "The trigger" he smirks taking off his glasses. "Riley Leah" *** *Liam''s Consciousness* Sounds of Water Dripping. In a dark endless void, the ground like glass water, at the center an ash big tree lies there, containing black four-leaf clovers, some witters dropping to the ground in ash. Ghost was seated at the center wearing a dark smirk, his long arms against his knees, his head bent downwards, his eyes covered. Suddenly his elf eyes switched. "We need to talk," he said with a growl, slowly raising his head staring at the person standing a few distances away from him. "Liam" Chapter 125 - Black Mirage *Liam''s Consciousness* Sounds Of Water Dripping Whiltsling Wind In a dark endless void, the ground like glass water, in space, an ash big tree lies there, containing four-leaf clovers, some witters dropping to the ground in ash and as it did, another grew in replacement, emerging out of the branch. Ghost was seated at the center wearing a dark smirk, his long arms rested against his knees, positioned up, his head bent downwards, his eyes covered. Suddenly his elf ears switched. "We need to talk," he said with a growl, noticing the familiar presence, slowly raising his head staring at the person standing a few distances away from him, his partner, and his wielder. "Liam" he adds. Liam gave him a pissed look as fury burned in his eyes. "You look angry at Ghost" Ghost said in amusement. Damn right he was, Liam came at him, each step making a loud radioactive sound to the ground. He punched Ghost on the face, hard. The impact-making everywhere vibrates like an electric power surge. "Why the fuck did you do that to Lorna" he hissed, even if she betrayed him, still Ghost acted out and almost got him killed, if a Claw moved on his own accord it would have damaged his heart or worst. Ghost gave a deadly growl, slowly rising to his feet, towering over Liam by four feet, but he didn''t care, he wasn''t bothered in the slightest because he was in control. "You think I''m afraid of you just because you''re a monster? Well think again Ghost cause you should be the one AFRAID OF ME!" his voice echoes making the environment vibrate more, almost like it was collapsing from an earthquake, but then it stops by a snap of Ghost''s fingers. "Which is why you''re Ghost''s perfect vessel" he smirks tilting his head to the side. "My previous owners weren''t exactly embracing of me, they were constantly scared of being devoured by the darkness," he said placing one claw finger against his chin like in thought. "But you Liam, you''re fearless, you''re not afraid of the darkness, you embrace it, you chose it, which is why you''re the plague" he adds chuckling deeply. Liam just gave him a cold glance. "Lucas Carter was somewhat like you, he''s your ancestor after all, too bad he got us killed," he said as if reliving the memory of the good old days when he was mute. "You remember your past lives?" Liam asked puzzled, was that even possible? Ghost was like a newborn baby when he came out of him, what changed? "Not really it''s all fuzzy, dying and reincarnation is not exactly fun, every 55 years Ghost just wakes up in another body, subjected and loyal," he said. "Is it the same for other Claws?" Liam asked. "Not really... Only the strong are given another chance at being reborn, it''s rare for others but Ghost..." he turns to Liam. "It''s absolute", he smirks. "Then what are you? What are ghouls? How did we come to be?" Liam demands, he wanted answers if he can get some, it would at least explain some mystery. "That... Ghosts do not remember, it''s all fuzzy" he said rubbing his bald head. "It''s as good as not remembering anything... That was the important details" Liam snaps. Ghost shrugs. "But I do remember one thing". "What?" "Silver," he said with a smirk. "Silver?" Liam said puzzled, but the name gave him a usual feeling like he had a connection to it. "And her scent is the same, that''s why we were pulled to one another". "Lorna?" Liam said with wide eyes. "No," Ghost said amused. "Riley". Liam froze at his words. "What are you saying?" Liam said stunned. "They hide her quite well that Ghost couldn''t tell at the beginning like something was masking her scent and then at the very minute Ghost knew". "That means what you did..." Liam trails off. "Yes, Ghost gave her, her memory, sealed away" Liam''s fingers ran in his head. "Riley is alive, she always has been, but under the false identity of Lorna Hart," he said unbelievably, this all made sense now, the weird connection from the very beginning, the need to be by her side, the pull like a thread following a needle it was all because of Riley. "But everything was different, the birthmark, her life, everything was so convincing," Liam said in confusion, still finding it hard to believe that his Riley was actually the lookalike of Lorna. "Who do you think can pulled that off?" Ghost said amused. Liam frowned. "Barbra Jones" Liam spats in distaste. "Each lifetime, the Jones always hunts Ghost, it''s like a cursed fate" Ghost said frowning also. "Liam" Liam raised his head to face him, Ghost points a clawed finger on his forehead. "The key is Riley," he said. Liam gave him a puzzled look, does it have to do with the name silver? "She''s our destined". "Our destined? What do you mean?" he demands, it was all too confusing but deep down Liam always knew Riley played a big part in his life, he has always been drawn to her since the very beginning. "That we will find out soon enough, now, you have to wake up, you can''t stay here for long" "What?" Everything suddenly starts fading away. "Ghost we are not done yet" Liam hissed. "Ghost doesn''t have all the answer but believe it will come to light, for we are god''s" Ghost said smirking broadly. Liam gasps as his body was pulled away by an unknown force. *** Liam gasps out-breath like he was drowning, he coughed while holding his neck but then the Steel around his neck caught his attention. He observed his newfound surroundings. "Ha fuck" he cursed getting off the bed, he was inside a medium seized cell like a container, his clothes changed also, he was on an ash shirt and pants. The worst prison of all time. "Steel," Liam said sternly. Chapter 126 - Black Identity Section Five Ghoul Investigator Headquarters (GIH) Steve whistles in a tone as he strolled along the wide hall, he checks through his transparent iPad, it was Lorna''s body analysis, she has been asleep for days with no sign of waking up but he knew soon she will but he can''t help but think maybe Ghost overdid it, there were other ways to revive her memory, he shouldn''t have resorted to his eyes, his eyes were scared and not something a normal human could withstand. The doors slide open as Steve walks in, but he gasps startled as his eyes widen. "You showed no signs of waking up," Steve said stunned. Riley was seated on the bed, wearing hospital clothes, which was a white short gown, her dark hair now back length had hints of red. Both her hands placed on either side of her said on the bed edge, she tilts her head to the side. "Hello Steve," she said sternly with a wide range of killing intent. "Now now Riley, we haven''t seen each other for years, being asleep for so long must have gotten you rusty," he said amused. She growled about sitting up but stumble back as her body trembles, she stared at her hand with shaky eyes. "What''s wrong with me?" she said in a shaky breath as she faced Steve with furious eyes. "I don''t feel my Claw anymore" she hissed. Steve sighs adjusting his glasses. "There was a condition" he began taking a seat on the bed in front of her but kept a safer distance, their history 2 years ago wasn''t a pleasant one, he knew she hated him with everything she had, Riley was a wild one. "Barbra left no room for mistakes, I had to erase your ghoul genes," he said with sad eyes. Riley gulps relieving the memory of that hell hole. "So you made me human" she began in a voice that held no humor. Her green eyes drift to the table grabbing a small slender sharp object. "That''s doesn''t stop me you know" she faced him. "I would save Liam the stress by killing you, trust me I cut deeper," she said darkly. Steve gulps at her words, knowing she was damn serious, he wouldn''t blame her because for two and a half years she had been trapped in her own body over a false identity of an agent and he was the very reason for it, he specially remade her to be the perfect puppet. "Still" she began once more, her fingers rotating the sharp object. "I have a feeling that despite you following orders, anything still worked out for you" she adds. Steve smirks. "The meds, you told me to stop, to skip a day, it was the meds wasn''t it, the meds were hiding my scent from Liam" "Smart as always Riley, even when remaking you to be the perfect pawn, there will be flaws, I can''t entirely change who you are, so I designed the drug" he shrugs. "Hmm drug, a mastermind like you are can still be capable of making a drug from the body of a Claw, G-st" she states. "It''s her isn''t it, Barbra is the drug king" she adds darkly. "Yes," he said in amusement. "That cunning bitch" she spats in distaste. "You have to save Liam, Riley" Steve began. Her emotionless eyes land on him. "I don''t need to be told what I have to do, especially from you," she said sternly. "You used me to the point that I had to put the man I love behind bars". "I remade you, Barbra was the one pulling the strings, I must agree she''s cunning," Steve said. "I know how you feel, I know you feel like you can bring down the agency all by yourself, but you have to play it smart, both of you have to play it smart". Riley gave him a puzzled look. "You may not believe anything I have to say but there''s a reason I had to do this" A huff escapes her lips. "Enough reason you killed your own son''s unborn child?". Steve''s eyes darkened at her words as the memories flood in. Riley placed a hand on her flat stomach, her body suddenly cold. "Riley you took a bullet to the heart and yet still survived, I did everything I could... I had no control over the fetus" he said gulping hard. "I never told him," Riley said on the verge of tears. "I never told him I was pregnant" she adds facing him as the tears rolled down her cheeks. "Because I didn''t want him to suffer the loss of both me and our baby" she adds through gritted teeth. "I understand how you feel Riley, what I did can never be forgiven, but I did it because I have a purpose to fulfill," he said with sad eyes. They will never forgive him for the sin, he created. But the same sin he creates he will create the power to get rid of it. "Everything will fall into place very soon, but first you must save Liam and be by his side, that''s the only way you can awaken," he said sternly. Riley gave him a skeptical look. "It''s the only way both of you awaken" he adds and then sighs. "I don''t expect you to understand," he said rising to his feet turning to leave. "A boy or a girl" Her words stop him right in his tracks. "Was it a boy or girl?" she asks once more as the tears fell. "A boy," Steve said with shaky eyes as guilt washed upon him like a wave. Riley''s fist tightens on her stomach as the tears fell silently. She took a sharp breath as she rose to her feet. "You''re gonna do one thing for me" Riley began. Steve turns to her. "I''m sure you have your connections, I''m sure you even know where it is". Steve gave her a puzzled look. "I want the location of the Silver-lining organization". Chapter 127 - Black Stranger (Part 1) Riley took a hot shower in the hospital bathroom, hot steams coming from it, she allowed the water wash upon her head, the hints of red in her hair becoming more evident, she placed her hand on the cold wall y+tiles, her expression stone cold and distance, her eyes trembling as she recalled. *** Two years ago Unknown Facility Riley was seated on the cold floor wearing only a white cloth that reach her knees, her head against the cold wall, her knees to her chest, her cheeks still wet with tears after the shocking news that the baby was gone. She awoke in this strange facility after she thought she died in Liam''s arms only to have survived and trapped in this place under Barbra Jones, there was no escape for her, she could feel it, she placed her hand on the Steel around her neck, keeping her Claw at bay. She could only imagined what Liam was passing through, how lost he will be without her, she could still hear his cries after she gave out breath and what''s worst she felt his pain, the certain desire and urge to be in his arms again was overwhelming, she regretted not telling him she was pregnant, she knew that now, she thought she was doing the right thing but in the process made things worse. Tears filled her eyes once more. "Forgive me Liam" she sobs. The doors slide open as Barbra walks in. Riley quickly sat up in alert facing the bitch with furious eyes. "Dr. Steve is amazing, he literally brough you back to life, truly amazing, even a bullet to the heart, you still lived" she said in amusement. "What do you want? " Riley said in distaste. "A game". *** Riley and Barbra were both seated in a confined room just the two of them, a chessboard in front of them, half way over. "Wow you are good at this" Barbra said in amusement. "Aren''t you scared I''m gonna snap your neck" Riley said checkmating her king once more. "Well obviously you''re in no position to move, the Steel around your neck is not just any Steel, it produces a liquid that is injected into your body, that''s why you are constantly weak like you''re wasted, and can''t seem to think straight". "You really are prepared for this aren''t you". "I''m always prepared Riley" she shrugs, striking a pawn leaving no room for her to escape. "This is beacuse of Seth isn''t it" Riley said, she saw her body tense a bit by her words. "It must have broke your heart to see the monster you created dead" she said in a mocking tone. Barbra just forced a smile. "You know Liam''s really becoming a pain in the ass" Barbra said shifting her gaze from the chessboard to meet hers. "He''s driven to the point he''s taking down my branches one by one". A small smile forms on Riley lips. "And he won''t stop until every last one of the building you built with your heart and soul is nothing but pieces" Riley spats. "And you''re gonna stop him for me". Riley froze at her words. "You will make the perfect pawn" she adds with a burst of evil laugh. Riley shouts as she pushed the table away, the chess pieces scattering on the ground. Barbra kept laughing. Riley felt dizzy, she tried to walk away but she stumbled to the ground, struggling to get up but she couldn''t. "What are you gonna do to me?" she asked feebly, her body trembling. Barbra laughter seize as she rise to her feet, her heels making a haunting click that echos in her head, she struggled to get away but where to, there was no where to run to. "I''m gonna break you" she said. Tears filled Riley''s eyes. "I''m gonna groom you" Riley futile struggle stops as her vision fades, her body was giving out. "I''m gonna reshape you until you''re the perfect weapon". Riley gasps as she drops flat to the ground, her eyes closing. "Go to sleep Riley". That was the last thing she heard as darkness consumed her, asleep ever since. *** Present day Until now... They wiped her memories, installing false ones, making her think she was an agent giving her a false identity and then using her to bring down Liam. Her fist clenched hard, she offed the showers walking out as she got dressed. She put on a pair of jean, a white long sleeve thick sweater, she packed her hair in a high pony tail. A sound came in behind her, she instantly reacts, spinning the arm aiming a loud cry and then kicking the leg, making the person drop to the ground in a loud thump. "Jesus Lorna, what''s up?" Jesse said groaning in pain. "Jesse" Riley said quickly helping her up. "I''m so sorry Jesse, I didn''t know it was you". "Jesse?" she said blinking puzzled, while rubbing the back of her neck. "You call me Jess" she adds forcing a smile. Riley looks away packing her stuff. "You''re leaving already?" she asked. "Yeah have some stuff to do" Riley forced a smile facing her. "But you just recovered, shouldn''t you rest some more? I will order Chinese" Jesse said giggly. Riley stops her action sighs. "Lorna you okay? " Jesse asked at her sudden silence. God how she hated that name Lorna Hart. She faced her. "I really have to go, it''s important" she said sternly. Jesse smile slowly fades. "Okay then" Jesse said with a skeptical look watching her, she was acting strange. Riley heads for the door. "Lorna". Riley instantly halts, she sighs, as her fist clenched hard. "You seem odd, and what''s with the hair colour I didn''t know you had red hair" she said puzzled. "I''m fine Jesse, I really have to go, will call you" she left, the door shutting close. "You said Jesse again" Jesse said with sad eyes, something was odd, she felt it but she couldn''t place what. Chapter 128 - Black Stranger (Part 2) Outskirts Of The City Silver-lining Manor "Kayla I want you to have every security footage you can find in Steel, I need eyes and ears everywhere" Sean said haste. "Roger that" Kayla said as her fingers went fast against the keyboard. "Are we really gonna infiltrate Steel" Rory said gulping hard. "We have to" Iris said bitting her nails. "Liam''s in there" she adds with shaky eyes. "We both know we can''t pull that off, the only person capable of doing that was Liam himself" Rory said. "We are practically gasping in straws" he adds. "We have to try Rory" she snaps facing him with sad eyes. "We don''t know how long they will keep him alive, we don''t know what Barbra Jones is plotting this time" she said. "We can''t just wait to find out because we both know it won''t end well". Rory gulps hard knowing she was right. "It was all that agent fault, she did this to him" Iris said sternly. "Guys!" Gray hissed rushing in. "We have a problem" "What happened Gray? What''s wrong?" Sean demands. "Someone infiltrated the manor" he said in a shaky breath. They froze. "That''s fucking impossible" Sean hissed. Race quickly turned to the computer, typing as the footage came up. "Ha shit!" Race exclaimed with widen eyes. They froze seeing the footage, It was the agent, Lorna hart, as she shot the panel, the camouflage coming off as she walks in. "That bitch" Iris said with serious eyes. "How does she even know the location" Kayla said sternly. "I''m gonna kill that bitch" Iris said pissed as she walks out, Rory following behind. *** Riley approaches the Silver-lining building, that moment Iris rushed out, her eyes changing to her ghoul ones. "You got some nerves coming here, after what to did to Liam" Iris hissed. "Hello Iris" Riley said smirking as she tilts her head to the side, placing one hand on her waist. "You haven''t changed one bit in all this years" she adds in amusement. There was something about her tone and appearance, she looked confident and tough but Iris didn''t care. "I''m gonna kill you" she hissed ad her Claw dash out of her roaring coming at Riley in spend, it''s sharp claw''s came for Riley''s head, she slide backwards just from her waist as she leans down, like slow motion the claw passed her, missing her head. In speed she came back up grabbing the Claw by hand rotating the Claw to the ground, it came down in a loud thump. She brough out her gun shooting the head. Blood spilled out of Iris lips as she held her chest. "Iris" Rory said grunting as he came in view, holding his chest also. "I came here to talk not to fight" Riley said sternly. "Screw you!" Iris hissed coming at her. She sent kicks and punches but Riley deflects them with ease. She sent a harsh kick to Riley''s chest, the force pushing her backwards. Riley growled as she dash after her, somersaulting using her legs to wrap around her neck and then spinning her down to the ground. Iris gasp in pain as Riley pinned her down with her knee pointing her gun to her head. Iris shot daggers at her. "I''m here to talk" Riley said firmly. That moment the others came in view seeing the scene. Riley got off Iris, as she rushed standing up about coming at Riley once more but Rory held her still. "What are you doing here, you don''t belong here" Sean said sternly as he steps forward. "Sean" Riley said with shaky eyes. "It''s me Riley" she said taking a step forward. "And you think I would buy that, you may look like her but you''re not her" he said sternly. "You recently just graduate college when your cover was blown, you were on the run when my dad found you and brough you into the ghoul underground". Sean froze at her words. "How di-" "Paige" Riley said. His eyes widen. "The moment you saw Paige you fell in love with her, you said it was love at first sight, at first she didn''t agree, she was a thick head that you had to gain her trust through me, I helped you out because Paige was my best friend and I wanted the best for her" Riley said as a tear fell from one of her eye. Tears filled Sean''s eyes in less than a second. "She died such an awful death" she sobs. "I wished I was there to save her" she adds crying. Sean dried his tears but they kept falling. "The agency took so much from us, they took my parents, they took Paige, they took everyone I cared about in the ghoul underground, they took Evan". Rory eyes sadden as his fist clenched. Riley sobs taking a deep breath, facing them with furious eyes. "I won''t let them take Liam from me again, I will not stand by and let them destroy us, never again" she said sternly. Sean steps forward, standing right in front of her. "Riley is it really you?" Sean said with tears. Riley sobs nodding, he embraced her in a tight hug, Riley hugged him back with all she had. Riley was back, she came back to them. *** Sean drew blood from Riley''s arm. "I still can''t believe it, we thought you were only just a lookalike, everything was the opposite" Sean said retreating the needle. "It was like I was asleep in my own body, like another part of me took over and I couldn''t do anything" she said with lost eyes. Sean tested her blood with the test machine. "Steve knew our location all these while and didn''t say anything" Sean said puzzled. "Steve is complicated, sometimes I wonder what''s his agenda, is he really working for Barbra or he''s using her to achieve something" Riley said sternly. "You know I noticed something very odd, ever since you were... you know... Lorna hart" he began. Riley eyes lands on him. "Liam was always drawn to you in ways he couldn''t understand, in ways I can''t understand either" he adds. "What do you mean?" Riley asked puzzled. Sean reach for a paper. "This is Liam''s health reports before and after you visited him". Riley took the papers, she froze seeing the reports. "Riley, Liam health reports showed he was dying but after you came to him, all the red flags were gone". "You healed him Riley" he adds with shaky eyes. Chapter 129 - Black Challenge "This is Liam''s health reports before and after you visited him". Riley took the papers, she froze seeing the reports. "Riley, Liam health reports showed he was dying but after you came to him, all the red flags were gone". "You healed him Riley" he adds with shaky eyes. Riley compared the two papers, her eyes shaky, how was this possible? "How''s this possible?" she said puzzled, her gaze not leaving the papers. "What Liam did?... To the train... It was enough to kill him, he didn''t just merge bodies with Ghost, it was more than that, you saw" he said with serious eyes. She faced him. "Riley that should be enough to kill him" he adds. "But when you came, it was enough to stop the process, there''s a lot of mystery between you two I don''t get and I''m dying to find out, I have this certain feeling that all the answers we are looking for gotta be in that book". "Book?" Riley said puzzled. "Yes, I discovered an ancient book with ghoul documentation inside, and I have a feeling it might have all the answers we need" he said certainly. "But I thought, ghouls don''t have any documentation, I thought Jonathan Jones was the only man that could have only written about ghouls" Riley said with a skeptical look. "I thought so too, and he only talked about the greater power which is Liam and his ancestors, about the power they wield but I feel there''s more and that more have to come from that book and what''s confusing, the date of the expedition was the same as Liam''s date of birth". "15th October, 1998" Riley said with wide eyes. "Exactly, we need answers Riley, I have a feeling this is way bigger than us", not just the feeling, he knew it definitely have to, the connection they both had was unusual" She gulps. "First we have to get Liam out of Steel, that should be our very agenda right now, for all we know they might be torturing him to gain answers" Riley said as her body tensed of the thought. *** Section Thirteen Steel Prison A tighten fist connected with Liam''s cheek, his head turning to the side, as blood splashed from his lips. "FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!" the rest of the prisoners chants loudly, both up and down. Liam went unsteady on his feet, blood trailing from his nose and mouth, his body ached with pain, damn Steel around his neck, he wasn''t healing like he supposed to. Channeling all his anger he faced his opponent and fuck he was big and huge, baled hair, angry big muscles that wasn''t even compared to Liam''s medium ones, his prison clothes fashioned to his own style, ripped at both arms revealing his budging muscles, his pants ripped at the down also but just at the feet. And how did he did he end up in this mess in the first place? Well his cell opened all of a sudden and he saw others heading somewhere, he remembered Riley telling him about the drill and her experience in Steel, it was breakfast time as they called it and then being in the midst of other ghoul''s sort of trigger his identity and now this big guy threaten him by saying ''How could the greater power that protects the ghouls be locked in here with him'', it was unacceptable and thereby challenged him to a duel, which sounded childish to Liam but he wasn''t just gonna back down from a fight. Another tighten fist came between his eyes, well that was gonna leave a mark... He stumbles backwards but Liam held his ground. "You''re tough black ghoul, I will give you that" the big guy said with his deep menacing voice, with a deep chuckle that sort of remind him of Ghost. "Well" Liam began spitting a mouth full of blood to the floor, raising his tighten fists, above his chin level. "I''m just getting started" he smirks. The big guy smirks in response. "FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT! FIGHT!", the chants became more louder and appealing. Liam came at the big guy in speed, punching as hard as he could but his solid muscles gave no room for penetrations. The big guy sent another punch to his head but Liam ignored the pain, spinning and sending a kick to his face making his head move to the side slightly, finally an effect. The big guy growled coming at Liam, as fast as he could Liam deflects his hammering punches, he quickky used his elbow to connect with his jaw, earning a loud cry from the big guy. The crowd cheering and roaring. The bug guy saw red as he so suddenly and abruptly grabs Liam off his feet, pulling him upwards, seriously was he gonna give him a smack down? Well hell no, Liam growled rotating out his grip, stumbling downwards behind him grabbing his neck from behind and then using all the strength he could muster to raise him from behind and then slamming him hard on the ground, his front connecting to the metal in a loud thump sound that sounds like the floor cracked, maybe it did. The big guy gave a weaken growled. "Finally respect my status now?" Liam said with a dark smirk. "BLACK GHOUL! BLACK GHOUL! BLACK GHOUL!" the crowd chants loudly in an uproar. "Damn right" the big guy said struggling to stand. Liam held out a hand for him to take, he took it, with a pull he was up. "So what''s your name big guy" Liam said tilting his head upwards to meet his gaze. "Big guy" he shrugs. "Your name is big guy?" Lism said raising an eyebrow. He shrugs his shoulders once more. "Isn''t it obvious?". *** Camera Control Room "Shouldn''t we call it in" one of the operators said. The other shrugs. "It was satisfying to watch the black ghoul get his ass kicked". "Well at the end he got the other ass kicked". "Just leave them be, prison fights are part of the system in any prison, why should ours be any different". Chapter 130 - Black Friend "So a woman you thought wasn''t your woman but actually your woman was the woman that put you behind bars?" Big Guy said scratching his bald head, trying to understand the story Liam just told him. Liam dropped the bread he held back to the plate. "It''s fucking confusing if you put it that way" Liam said sarcastically. "Well your life is confusing" he shrugs chewing on his bread. "The agency was using her from the start, it wasn''t her fault" Liam said with sad eyes. "Ghost gave her back her memory didn''t he? So she should be okay". Liam just made a hmm sound shifting his nose back to the socket as it made a crack sound, he groaned in pain. "Sorry for breaking your nose, I just love testing others strength, it was an honor to test yours" Big guy said smirking. "Well it obvious you do" Liam assessing his muscles once more. "It''s a ghoul thing, I heard you grew up human so you wouldn''t understand. It''s like a tradition that is no longer practiced, my family is very old, old as time can be" he shrugs. Liam tilts his head to the side in a thought face. "How did you end up here big guy?" Liam asked curious. "Well got my cover blown" he shrugs facing Liam who gave him a look. "You wanna know more don''t you". "I''m a very curious guy". Big guy made a hmm sound in agreement. "I was really into this human girl, like really into her that I wanna get in her pants" he said. "Okay that''s lust not love" Liam said giving him a skeptical look. "Well I''m not like you who love just one woman, I''m a man I need to flex my youth, it''s youth" he said with a look like wasn''t it obvious? Liam just rolled his eyes. "Well as I was saying, I''m so into her that I literally follow her around". "That''s stalking Big Guy". "Just let me finish". "Okay, Okay" Liam said with a smile, raising his hands in defeat. "It''s was dark, she was walking on this lonely street so I had to make sure she got home safe, but she was cornered by V-ghouls, I hate those raging ghouls" he said with tighten fists. "And trust how violent they can be, they wanted to get in her pants before I did" he adds with clenched teeth. "You beat them up didn''t you" Liam said certain. "No Liam, I killed them right in front of her, with my ghoul strength and before I could explain to her, she took off and the next morning it''s her at my door with the G.I agents". "Why didn''t you fight back?" Liam asked puzzled. "Because I couldn''t, I couldn''t let her see me like that again, she only did what she thought was right, it was college you know, I was a senior, she was a junior, she must have been scared" he shrugs. "What was her name?" "Cassandra William''s, but I call her Cassie" he said with a smile. Liam''s fist tighten against the glass of water he held almost cracking in, Big Guy noticed this. "I''m sure you know" Liam began as his unreadable eyes lands on him. "I killed her". Big Guy smirks. "Oh I heard, I heard the drugs messed her up and she got in really bad, too bad she threaten the wrong guy". "You aren''t pissed at me? " "It''s was years ago I had a thing for her dude, I heard she had a boyfriend even when I did," he shrug. "The G-st is to blame" he adds sternly. Liam gulps hard. "The drug king, it''s the drug king that''s behind all this" Liam said sternly. Big guy smirks. "You know Liam, its not just ghouls kept in here, Claw walkers too, I had the privilege of speaking to one, thats how I found out what happened to Cassie" he states. "Why do I get the feeling, you might know who the drug king is" Liam said sternly. "There''s rumours in the inner circle" he began. "That Barbra Jones the captain of the G.I agency is the one pulling the strings" he said in amusement. Liam froze. "She''s the Drug king isn''t she" Liam said sternly. Big Guy just gave him a slight nod. ''So the bitch was behind the chaos in the city'' Liam thought with shaky eyes. "There''s also a rumour about something going on beneath this prison" Big Guy said. Liam''s head snaps towards his direction, their gaze locking. "It''s said it''s another one of Barbra Jones project, fuck me that lady loves project" he adds with a shake of his head. "A project?" Lism said puzzled. "Yes and it''s called Project Genesis, that''s what I heard them called it". "Genesis?" Liam said puzzled. That moment a group of soldier''s came into the hall, all attention drift to them. They headed towards the direction of Liam and Big Guy as they slowly rise to their feet. "Liam O''Brien" the one who appeared to be the leader said, he looked elderly like in his 70s but damn well looked strong, dressed in a formal attire, a twisted smirk against his lips. "I''m the Warden here and I have specific orders to take you with me, I believe we have much to discuss" he said in amusement. "He''s not going anywhere with you" Big Guy growled while trembling and that shock Liam, what was Big Guy afraid of, was it this man or where they were taking him. One of the soldier''s behind the Warden brought out a long black stick that erupts in electricity, probably a thousands Volts, using it on Big Guy''s chest, he roars in pain as he drops to his knees. Before Liam could react, one of the soldier came behind him injecting him with something deep in his neck. Liam''s body gave out as be dropped to the ground numbed. "We will take good care of you" the Warden said in amusement as Liam''s vision gave out, those words haunting in his head. "Go to sleep" Everything went blank. Chapter 131 - Black Plan Outskirts Of The City The Silver Lining Manor "Okay, to get into Steel isn''t gonna be easy," Riley said to the others. "Every part and every corner are heavily guarded, they got eyes everywhere, even places you think they can''t see". "I got that covered," Kayla answers. "I know, but we are gonna need more than that, sneak attack isn''t exactly the willpower we will use," Riley said zooming in on the building details on the widescreen transparent computer. "So we just strike in like that, on full force?" Rory said raising an eyebrow. "Not just on full force, we are bringing the storm," Riley said darkly. "The plan isn''t just to rescue Liam is it?" Gray asked certainly. "You wanna destroy Steel," Iris said in realization. Riley folded her arms facing them. "When I was an agent under a false identity, there was a rumor" she began. "A rumor of a project being held down there, no one knows what it is and no one believed because they held Barbra in such high regards" she adds. "We definitely do not hold that witch in high regard" Race said sternly "Did you just call her a witch?" Kayla said blinking. "Damn right I did". "The project must exist," Rory said, Riley nods. "Which is why we are gonna destroy Steel, whatever she''s doing down there has to stop, I don''t know what it is but I have a feeling it''s not good, Barbra''s projects are never good," Riley said darkly. "We need to get to work and fast" she adds. They nodded in agreement as they all moved to get ready as planned. "We are gonna need lots of explosive power, I mean like tenfold of them to bring it down," Rory said. Gray smirks. "We have just the thing, Follow me," Gray said leading Rory out. Iris walks up to Riley who got her eyes fixed on the desk computer. "I believe an apology should be set in motion" she began. Riley stops what she was doing but spared no effort of meeting gaze with her. "I''m sorry" Riley sighs facing her. "I''m sorry about what I said to you, that night about Liam using you," Iris said with guilt. "I wish I knew It wa-" "You would have done what then?" Riley asked sternly. Iris gulps hard. "Tell me, Iris, what would you have done if you knew who I really was" she adds. "Riley I-" "The truth is" Riley sighs forcing a smile. "I don''t wanna hear it because I know its truth, both of you were together," Riley said with sad eyes. "I''m only apologizing for turning you against him. I don''t regret being with Liam, Riley I love him" she states. Riley felt like a dagger connected to her heart at the sound of those words from her, her body tensed just by the mere sound of it. "And I don''t care if you''re back to the picture, I''m never gonna stop loving him," she adds, her eyes laced with seriousness, she was not backing down, she didn''t care if Riley was back, she still believed she had a place in his heart, that was her spark of hope. "Well I Love him too, Iris" Riley said with a stern look. Iris huffed walking away, on her way she passed Sean sparing no effect to acknowledge his presence. "Did something happen?" Sean asked puzzled. Riley just looks away and then he caught on. "Oh," he made a sound in realization. Riley faced him with angry eyes, he raised his hands slightly in defense. "Trust me I told him to keep it in his pants," he said. Riley just rolled her eyes. "Well I was perfumed dead for three years, I just don''t get why it had to be her of all people, it could have been just a random girl from a bar or something and then I would haunt her and then kill her," Riley said with gritted teeth. "Okay please don''t do that, it''s creepy and disgusting to hear, both of you will talk it out when you see, there should be an understanding right... I mean you were leaving an identity that wasn''t yours, maybe you made the same mistake he did" he states. Riley gave him a look, he caught on. "Oh, right you didn''t, did you," Sean said rubbing the back of his neck. "Rest in peace Liam" he murmured under his breath, knowing that Riley wasn''t gonna take it lightly. "The results are out" Sean began in a serious tone. "Well, what did it say?" Riley asked haste. "Steve was right, you''re 100% human now, there''s no sign of any ghoul genes in your system," Sean said. "So he was saying the truth, he said Barbra left no room for mistakes, it was her orders," Riley said sternly. "So what are you gonna do now?" Sean asked worried, Riley was born a ghoul, it wasn''t gonna be exactly easy for her to adapt as a human. "I have been human for three years, I won''t let something as insignificant as this stop me," Riley said grabbing her gun as she cocked it. "And besides, I''m good at handling a gun now". *** Section Thirteen Steel Prison Liam groans as he slowly opened his eyes, he found himself in a white glowing room with no doors or windows, it was spotless like even the slightest dirt the human eyes can''t detect can be seen in this mysterious room. He tried to move but found himself chained to a chair. "Finally awake, I was afraid I would have to use extreme measures to wake you up" The Warden''s voice came in, Liam''s weak eyes lands on him, the old man was seated in his front, wearing a twisted smirk. "Let''s get started shall we," he said. Liam''s eyes land on the several types of deadly equipment on the table beside them. ''Ha fuck not this again'' Liam thought with a growl, what was with the agency and tortures? "We''re gonna have lots of fun" Chapter 132 - Black Aura The floor of the white room was now drenched with Liam''s blood. The Warden ticks his tongue. "Surely you''re a tough one, you aren''t called the black Ghoul for no reason" he comments impressed. They had been on this for days and Liam haven''t said a word consigning his organisation, going and coming back only to meet him stronger for the next torture. "Gonna take a little more than that to break me" Liam said weakly, his body and face held cuts and bruises, they healed but very slowly almost like he wasn''t healing at all and the pain was unbearable, it was like he was back to being human again. "The sound of your voice isn''t so convincing" The Warden said in amusement, knowing he at least weaken him but not enough for him to talk. He sighs, knowing very well no matter what he does to him, it won''t hold any effect. "If you won''t say anything then you will be sentence to death as per plan" he states. Liam flinched at his words. "You''re still gonna kill me even if I rat out my organisation, that bitch leaves no room for mistake, I''m the agencies greatest enemy, my death was inevitable from the moment I was captured" Liam said in amusement. The Warden ticks his tongue. "You truly are what meets the eye" he said in wonder. "For meeting my expectations, I shall reward you with a gift" He began. Liam gave him a puzzled look. "I''m sure you have heard the rumours about Project Genesis" he said smirking. "I''ve heard" Liam states. "I''m sure what you don''t know is the project is carried out by a very talented scientist rumoured to be a ghoul" Liam''s body tensed at his words "Ah yes, of course you know him" he said moving close to Liam until his face was inches apart from him. "The infamous Steve O''Brien" he said laughing. Liam growled as he pulled on his chain to futile attempt. The Warden pulled away. "I heard he''s working on something rather terrifying, something bigger, unlike anything we have ever seen" he said in wonder. "I''m sure you felt it, the sinister power" he adds. It was true, since the moment Liam stepped into steel, he felt this unusual aura around, it was dark and cold, almost familiar, and worse it chilled his insides, he was sure Ghost felt the same way even though he had been awfully quiet because of the Steel around his neck. "What''s inisde project Genesis?" Liam demands. "Even I don''t know, it''s rather a mystery even for someone my status" he said with a shrug. "And beside my gift for you is over". *** Liam was thrown inside his cell as the iron door shut close, Liam growled in pain against the floor as he forced his body to seat up, leaning his back against the edge of his bed. "Project Genesis" he said stern. His curiousness overwelmed him, but he knew whatever was down there was defintely not good especially if his dad was involved, because nothing good never came out of that man''s hands. *** Section Five Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) "Hey Lorna, its me for the 30th time for days, haven''t heard from you for three days, I keep calling and now I have to resort to voicemail, you know how much I hate doing that. Checked your apartment a couple of times but your neighbors said they haven''t seen a glimpse of you for days" Jesse said sighing. "I''m worried call me, we all are" she said ending the voicemail, taking a deep breath. "She haven''t answered any of my calls or texts too" Peter said, he was seated on a desk close to Jesse''s. "Don''t worry I''m sure she''s okay, maybe she just got caught up with something" Peter said certain. "But not like this Pete, she has never gone radio silence, what if something happened to her" Jesse said beyond worried. Peter''s eyes shakes knowing she was right. "Still no word from Lorna?" Chase said walking towards them. "No sir" Jesse said with sad eyes. Chase just have gave a slight nod, as he frowned. "Any word you let me know" he said walking away. *** Thirtieth Floor The doors slide open as Chase marched into the office. "We haven''t heard from her for days" he began with a stern look. Barbra was seated in deep thought. "Do you think perhaps she has gained her memory?". "That''s not possible" Barbra said with clenched teeth. "Then what is!" Chase hissed. Her gaze finally met his. "You said she was will never regain her memory, you said she will forever be Lorna Hart". "The black ghoul did something to her" Barbra said certain as she recalled what happened that day. "So now what, the secret we spent years hiding will be exposed?" "Not if we do something first" she snaps. "So what now, you''re gonna erase all evidence?" "No Chase if she actually did remember, then she''s Riley Leah, she''s back to being the agency enemy, siding with the black ghoul" she states. Chase gulps. "Then we are back to hunting her down like any other ghoul" she adds. "But she''s not a ghoul anymore, she''s human". "It still doesn''t matter Chase, Riley is a very dangerous woman, have you so sudden forgotten the things she''s done". Chase looks away. "You have really fallen for her, haven''t you" she adds. Chase fist clenched tightly. "The almighty Chase who so despice ghouls, falls for one" she adds in amusement. *** Rooftop Steve threw a stick of cigarette to the ground, he sighed adjusting his briefcase, watching the chopper slowly descend, the harsh air from the spinning fans, flapping his clothes. The Warden steps down from the chopper, a signal for Steve to move and he did, climbing inside. "It''s been so long doctor Steve" The Warden said, as the space shut behind. "I was beginning to think you have shut down Project Genesis" he adds in amusement. "Much work to do" he said adjusting his glasses taking a seat. "I''m sure you''re aware your son is being held at Steel" "I know" Steve said with a stern look. "What you don''t know is, he''s sentensed to death tomorrow". Steve fist clenched tightly almost drawing blood. "I know". Chapter 133 - Black Storm (Part 1) Section Thirteen Steel Prison Liam''s cell doors slide open, revealing Big Guy. "Well you don''t look so good" His deep voice held humor. Liam forced his body up with a growl. "Well, I see why you were so shaken up when the Warden stepped in," Liam said slowly walking out of his cell. "You have been there before haven''t you" he adds certain. Big guy just shrugged. "Everyone gets torture now or then". "It''s dinner time, at least have one meal before you die tomorrow, I heard it''s good for decaying body" he adds in amusement. Liam huffed at his words as they both walked to the cafeteria along with others stepping out of their cell. "You don''t look like someone that is about to die," Big guy said raising an eyebrow. "What look should I have?" Liam said puzzled. Big guy just gave a deep chuckle. "Like pissing your pants I guess," he said in a deep chuckle. Liam just huffed at his words, his body still shocking in pain but he ignored it. "You''re really something else Liam, you seem overly confident" "Like someone is coming to get you" he adds with a thoughtful face. "I don''t know big Guy, I wouldn''t advise my organization to risk their lives for me," Liam said with wistful eyes. Big Guy just made a hmmm sound as they stepped into the cafeteria. "I hope your thoughts prove you right then". *Loud Siren Sound* The loud sound could be heard everywhere, as all actions seized, all staring at the red warning lights of an invasion. "Or not," Big Guy said facing Liam in amusement. "Seems like you mean more to your organization than you thought". *** "All units we have been breached, I repeat we have been breached, we have multiple explosions on all parts" a soldier hissed to his comm. At the high rooftop the shaft opened as a figure drops down, she lands perfectly despite the height. The soldiers froze seeing the figure on all black as she slowly rose to her feet, her face couldn''t be identified, her nose and mouth covered with a thick material. "Hello boys," Riley said in amusement tilting her head to the side. "FIRE!" the soldiers shouts as they brought out their guns but they weren''t as fast as Riley as she pulled her twin guns from the back pouch, it rotates on her fingers, and then she pointed it at them and release fire. *** Outside "Riley is in, all units engage, I repeat engage with full force" Kayla hissed to the comm. She and Race operated from a chopper a distance away. The rest of the Silver-lining members charged into Steel as the battle began, Claws raging out, gunshots fired. *** "Kayla locate Liam''s cell," Riley said to her comm making a turn to the hallway, a soldier shouts charging at her but with one gunshot to the head, he drops dead to the floor. "I have, but he''s not in his cell, no one is, it''s like they were stationed out" Kayla''s voice came through her comm. "Where could he be?" *** Big Guy shouts as he heads butt a guard, he drops to the ground, blood spilling from his nose. "Seriously," Liam said sarcastically as a guard charged at him from behind, with one lift of his elbow he was hit to the ground in a loud thump sound. "It''s prison break time," Big Guy said smirking. The entire hall was in chaos as every prisoner fought against the guards grabbing the assess card to unlock the Steel around their neck. Big Guy took one from the pocket of a guard lying unconscious, with a swipe the Steel was off his neck, he threw Liam the key card, Liam caught it in a swift move. "Thanks for this opportunity, until we meet again," he said walking away. Liam rotates the key card around his fingers. "Likewise Big Guy" Liam said swiping the card, the Steel drops down as he cracks his neck, unlimited power surged in him. ''We''re back'' Ghost said chuckling darkly in Liam''s head. Liam flashed open his ghoul''s eyes, instantly a cloak of darkness covered the entire hall. *** *Loud Sounds of Screams* Riley''s head turned in the direction of the horrifying screams and roaring sound. "Found him," Riley said smirking walking towards the direction. *** Beneath Steel "Dr. Steve I must advise we leave now, the Silver-lining has infiltrated the building and they are blowing everything up," The Warden said in haste. Steve just stood in front of a large cylinder tube, his eyes shaking as he watches what was before him, he closed his eyes taking a deep breath, after all these years it was time. He flashed open his ghoul eyes as his Claw roars out of him devouring the Warden instantly. *** Above Steel Riley shot at many soldiers as she could. "Shit! Riley, we have a problem, the agents have stormed the building, we have to move fast" Kayla hissed. "Fuck!" Riley cursed. A ding sound could be heard, she froze right in front of the elevator as Chase steps out with a group of agents, her eyes widen as they opened fire to the rest of the ghouls around. Riley quickly hid behind a wall as the raging gunshots went on. "They are attacking everyone" Kayla''s voice sounds panicking from the comm. Riley growled switching the comm. "Rory blow it up now!" Riley hissed. "But you guys are still inside, we haven''t found Liam yet" Rory''s voice sounds. "Just do it or everyone is gonna die" she hissed. "Bu-" "NOW!" she shouts. Rory growled as the comm went off, this was the only way, she quickly charged out firing at the agents. Chase''s eyes land on her as his eyes widen, he would recognize those green eyes from anywhere. *Loud Sound Of Explosion* The whole Steel building shock tremendously from the impact, everything falling out of place, metals breaking, blocks smashing, the light flicking as part of Steel came down in a wave, everything caps sliding. Chapter 134 - Black Storm (Part 2) *Loud Wailing Sirens* . . . . *Sparks Of Electricity* . . . . *Metal Clanking* Iris groaned slowly rising to her feet, her arm wounded and her brother Rory wasn''t close by, for it to heal quickly. ''Why did he set off the bomb so early?'' she thought puzzled, but first, she had to find Liam. ''Liam'' she thought worried, her eyes fixed on destruction, first, she had to find a way out of here. *** In a cluster of iron, metal, and rocks, a hand bursts out, creating a space, Liam emerges out of the rubble, he rose to his feet taking a harsh breath, an explosion happened out of nowhere, was it part of their plan? Destruction, flames, and rubble everywhere, it was a miracle that some parts of the building were still standing. Liam slide downwards, he climbed to a much higher level, it was a wide metal like a lobby but not enclosed, because the flames below were spreading. "Liam" The sound of his name from a familiar voice made him halt his steps. He turned. Steve was present, with sad eyes. Liam''s looks turned furious as a black aura erupts around his body. "Steve," Liam said darkly, his ghoul eyes beaming dangerously. *** Beneath Steel Sparks of electricity could be heard along with cranking metal sounds. Riley slowly opened her eyes, at first her vision was hazy but then it cleared, she met with a wide hole against the ceiling that lead to the top floor of Steel. ''I must have fallen from the explosion'' she thought forcing her body up, in response to that her body shook in tremendous pain her head trailed blood from a wound, she groaned removing the material that covered her nose and mouth, rolling it down. Standing up fully, she held on to something for support as her body still shook in pain, she studied her environment, it was wide, some parts destroyed but it looked like a lab, like series of experiments was held down here. She walked assessing, an unusual feeling came from here, it was cold and sinister, somewhat familiar, so familiar that it got her heart slamming rapidly in her chest. Her eyes land on some files, on the table, both, scattered on the floor. *** Above Steel "Everything I have done, I did it for you" Steve began. "For me? You betrayed me, you work for the very agency that torn our family apart, you kept Riley away from me, you think I didn''t know it was your handwork? No scientist is as smart as you''re" Liam said sternly. Steve nods. "I know you want to kill me Liam, but before you do, you should know everything". *** Beneath Steel Riley took a harsh breath like she was having a panic attack, the files, she saw everything, she read everything, the truth, the truth was right in front of her. "No" she cried. "NO! " she shouts going on her knees. *** Above Steel "Liam you possess the very first Claw known as Ghost Clover, an expedition to Egypt was where I found all the answers and mysteries of Ghouls," "You were part of the expedition team," Liam said in realization. "Yes Liam and I found a book, a very ancient book, I was able to translate just half of it and I leave the rest to you" "What did you find in half of it?" Liam demands sternly. "About Ghost Clover and Silver Clover, Claw walkers of the very first century. The origins of Ghouls isn''t what it seems Liam, what you possess is a god living inside you, the ghoul king, the ruler of all supernatural beasts" Steve said. Liam''s eyes shake at his words. "And Riley Leah posses Silver Clover, the queen of ghouls and your destined mate". *** Beneath Steel Tears fell from Riley''s eyes uncontrollably, she squeeze into the papers tightly, she shouts and cried like a child, her body trembled, anything but this, anything but this monstrous thing they have done, What Barbra Jones and Steve O''Brien has done was unforgivable. That moment a group of agents steps in pointing their gun at her, Jesse was present. *** Above Steel "All these years, the hatred I cause you, upgrading Seth, all this was done so that I could achieve my purpose, my purpose was bestowed upon me the moment I laid my eyes on that book so that I can awaken our god''s asleep in their vessels," he said like a man preaching. "All these" Liam points out. "You did all these because of a book and some fetish belief?" "It was more than a book Liam, when I first came face to face with Ghost I knew just how supreme he is, a divine being lost in ages, having no memory of the past only focused on the present and then I hit the scientific breakthrough I needed, I upgraded him and then it became clearer knowing I have obtained Ghost Clover himself, I have resurrected him through science so that he may rule upon us, the greater power, but without Silver, Ghost can''t be fully powered without his better half, I began my search but to do that I had to work on the inside, I had to work with the agency and then I found Riley, the aura around her said it all, and then my work was complete," Steve said with a smile against his lips. Liam just stared at him like he had two heads. "I made sacrifices that I''m not proud of, the death of Jenna," he said with shaky eyes, as he stared at his raised palm. "I did something Liam, and I know you will never forgive me, but which is why I resurrected the being inside you so that you can both bring down what I have created, something against my will". *** Beneath Steel Riley''s cries could be heard, she sobs bending her head downwards. "You have the right to remain silent," Jesse said sternly not backing down. Riley''s fist clenched against the cold floor, as her teeth clenched, she took harsh breaths like she was having a panic attack, this was the trigger, the snap to awaken what was lying dominant in her. She shut her eyes close and then she flashed her ghoul eyes open, the white part went black, the center beaming a unique golden color, a mark formed at the left side of her eyes, it was a four-leaf clover symbol, silver in color, around her left eye like a tattoo. And then she roared, a loud inhuman sound that sounds chaotic, causing everyone, either nearby or around Steel to cover their ears. *** Liam felt it, he heard it, he went on his knees holding his head as the aura around him went out of control. "She has awakened," Steve said, knowing his work was complete. "Silver Clover". Chapter 135 - Ghost & Silver Clover Years Ago The O''Brien''s Residence In Steve''s study room, he sat alone, going through a very old book with several markings on it. His eyes trembled tremendously as he unraveled the secrets, tears filled his eyes, he buried his hands in his face. He knew what he had to do, if anyone was gonna awaken them, it has to be him, he was the only one that could do it and bring balance to the world, if he doesn''t the world will fall into chaos without their awakened existences, the balance must be created with them in it and it broke his heart that his only son was the vessel wielding a divine being. Why do they have to be cursed to such a fate, why didn''t the awakening process happen with Lucas Carter or any of their ancestors in the line, why now? Was it because they were evolving? He gulps hard. He knew the time was now and he has to do it no matter what he had to do, this was a purpose given to him and he shall see to it so that ghouls can be united by their supreme beings and face the threats to come. He will change the laws of this city and he just knows what to do. He wiped his tears rising to his feet, his eyes lands on their family picture hung on the wall. "Forgive me," he said. What he will do will destroy his family but also secure a future. *** Present Day Liam roared in pain, holding his head, as he felt like an amount of power awaken in him. His ghoul''s eyes beamed a unique gold, the right part of his eye formed a black four-leaf clover symbol looking like a tattoo. Liam took a harsh breath as the pain subsided. "My work is complete," Steve said as a tear from his eye, after all these years of work and sacrifices. "Liam," he said. Liam slowly raised his head as their gaze met. "Know this Liam, your awaken shall call forces unlike anything you have ever seen, but both of you shall overcome it, for I believe," he said with tears in his eyes. "I love you, Liam, I will always will" the tears falling nonstop. "I''m so sorry for everything". Liam''s eyes widen at his words, as in slow motion Steve let himself fall. Gasping, Liam came at him, one foot to the ground was all he needed as he zap in a black coat of aura but it was too late. Liam stood at the edge watching as his dad fall into the flames, mouthing the words ''I''m sorry'' once again as the flames consumed him. *** Beneath Steel Jesse and the others watch in horror as a being, unlike anything they are ever seen emerge out of Riley''s back. It was a Claw, white in color, just the same height as Ghost and just as deadly, as she emerges out of Riley, covered in white bandages, extended arms, and legs, face covered like a mummy, eyes covered also but her mouth exposed revealing sharp deadly fangs and canines. "FIRE!" Jesse shouts as they opened fire. "Silver!" Riley hissed. It was the trigger as Silver roared, a long silver rod forged on her hand with one sway, it caused destruction. *** Liam watch the burning flames as Ghost emerge out of him, he gave a deep growl turning to a silent Liam, Ghost''s smile fades. Liam turned on his heels walking out, his expression dark and cold. "Ghost!" he hissed as Ghost zapped back inside his body, his body erupting in black shadow. *** Riley walked along the destroyed hall, her body glowing in white aura, Silver walking beside her. Agents attacked but none could lay a finger on her, as silver attacked roaring. Riley halts her steps as her eyes land on Liam a few distances away from her. Their eyes locking on each other, not looking away even for a second. Riley stood still as Liam walked towards her in slow motion, the aura around their bodies becoming harsher, a mixture of black and white as they mixed in harmony. Silver reversed back in her, as Liam stood right in front of her. Their ghoul eyes still locked on each other. And then their lips smashed together in a deep fierce kiss making the aura around them wilder and fierce. Their lips roaming each other like it was made and destined for each other, so passionate and mouth-watering. Liam placed a hand on her waist pulling her more close to his body as he deepen the kiss, their mouths assessing each other like a battle wave of dominance that could never end, Liam dominating her very existence with the hot kiss that went on never-ending. The wild aura around them subsides back inside them, calmer and in control, the tattoo at their eyes retreating, then Riley pulled away with a gasp, staring deep into her eyes. "There''s something I have to tell you" she began with tears in her eyes. "Riley what''s wrong?" he demands ready to inflict disaster on whoever hurt her, be would hunt anyone to the ends of the earth if anyone laid a finger on her. Riley gasps at the name he called her, he must have found out, but there was a more pressing matter right now. "I was-" *Sounds of Chains* They turned correspondingly at the sound, as a figure emerge from the darkness, each footstep made a sound of chains shaking. A boy around the age of 13 emerge out, he had dark red hair, and paled skin, he wore a white cloth stained with blood, his feet and hands had chains on it like he broke free of them. He halts his steps raising his head as his brown eyes land on them. "I''m told both of you are my parents," he said in a lifeless voice. "What a joke..." he adds in an inhuman double voice as just his right eyes changed to that of a ghoul, black veins clustered around. Chapter 136 - Black Son *Sounds of Chains* They turned correspondingly at the sound, as a figure emerge from the darkness, each footstep made a sound of chains shaking. A boy around the age of 13 emerge out, he had dark red hair, and paled skin, he wore a white cloth stained with blood, his feet and hands had chains on it like he broke free of them. He halts his steps raising his head as his brown eyes land on them. "I''m told both of you are my parents," he said in a lifeless voice. "What a joke..." he adds in an inhuman double voice as just his right eyes changed to that of a ghoul, black veins clustered around. Liam paled as he stares at the strange boy with shaky eyes, he called them, parents, what the fuck, parents? He had a son? He felt Riley''s hand tighten on his shirt, he slowly turned his head to face her, her eyes were still fixed on the boy, her eyes shaking tremendously as well as her body. "Our son," she said faintly, Liam''s eyes widen at her words. "He''s our son Liam" She faced him as the tears fell. Liam felt like a bucket of cold water dropped on his body, his mind unable to wrap what she just said, Our son? But how? he never knew Riley was pregnant, What the fuck was going on? "The strange man on glasses told me both of you are my parents," he said with a thoughtful face, placing a finger against his chin. "My dad," Liam said with shaky eyes. "Ha, but I don''t get it," he said tilting his head to the side. "I thought I had no parents" he shrugs. "Only Barbra" Riley''s teeth clenched as her body boiled in rage. Liam needed some kind of explanation of what was unfolding before them, and why was just one of his eyes that of a ghoul, was that even possible. Riley pulled away from Liam''s arms as she took a step forward. "Yes, we''re your parents" Riley began as the tears fell on their own accord. "They said you died, that you didn''t survive, I thought I lost you but now here you are," she said in tears "You should be 2 years and a few months old, but you look like you''re in your teens, what did they do to you". "They made me better," he said plainly, he raised his hand assessing it. "They made me stronger" "For what" Liam managed to form the words, still relieving from shock, was this what his dad told him about? About what he did against his will? What they had to stop? His own son? A son he knew nothing about. A dark smirk forms on his lips. "I am Genesis and I shall be your destruction," he said in amusement as his ghoul''s eye beamed dangerously. "Listen to me, whatever they told you all these years, the lie that woman told you is not true, if I have known you were alive I wo-" "Would have what" he cut her off in a dark expression. "As I said," he said as a wide range of killing intent filled the air. "I only have one family and that is Barbra," he said in an inhuman voice as his body shifts to something. Liam and Riley watch in widen eyes as their son increased in height about ten feet, transforming into a beast with extended arms and legs, shadow black in color, sharp claws, sharp canines, the jaw pointy, with only one ghoul eye at the center. Riley covered her mouth in horror watching what her son has become, what they have turned him into, and what he was set to do. "I''m your doom," he said in a loud double voice that shook the earth, and then something like sharp blackthorns emerges out of his body charging towards them, Liam quickly grabs Riley as his body coats in black shadow, black wings spreading out as they zap out in speed. Genesis growled deeply. *** They land on the top out of plain sight a large broken building covered them, the shadow lessens revealing Liam holding Riley on both arms, his unreadable eyes fixed on her. "Riley" he began as calmly as he could, their gaze locked on each other, he needed answers. "What was that thing?" he said through gritted teeth, he wasn''t about to call that thing his son, it wasn''t possible. "Thing?" Riley said pissed as she broke from his grip. "That thing is our son" she snaps. "You never told me you were pregnant!" he snaps back. She bit her lip. "You never told me anything, why" he demands with shaky eyes. "We were preparing to storm the agency, everything was unstable, you were so focused, I didn''t wanna burden you because I knew what you were going through, I wanted to tell me but I knew if I did it will change everything, I just had to wait after the mission," she said as the tears threaten to fall once more. "You were pregnant then," Liam said in realization "You should have told me, Riley, I would have protected you, keep you away from all this, what were you thinking... that I won''t accept the baby?" He couldn''t believe this, it was all too much, he wished he knew, he would have avoided all this, he would have told her to stay put from the mission, he would have protected her and their unborn child, it wouldn''t have led to this chaos, their son wouldn''t have fallen right in the hands of Barbra. "I''m so sorry," Riley said in tears. "I regret not telling you, I''m so sorry, I thought I was doing the right thing, I was scared, Liam". Liam ran his fingers in her hair like he was losing it, he growled, he didn''t know if it was pain or anger but he felt all that moment. "Even when you were in my arms, even when you were dying, you couldn''t even tell me?" he said with wistful eyes. "I just couldn''t, I knew you wouldn''t be able to bear the thought of losing both of us," she said. "Well I did Riley" he faced her with hurtful eyes. "I did lose the both of you". Riley''s eyes shake at his words, the tears falling, and then she saw it in his eyes, the pain, the confusion, the anger, and the sadness all evident in his eyes, and she knew, what she did broke Liam into a million pieces. Will he be able to forgive her? Chapter 137 - Black Regret "I did lose the both of you". Riley''s eyes shake at his words, the tears falling, and then she saw it in his eyes, the pain, the confusion, the anger, and the sadness all evident in his eyes, and she knew, what she did broke Liam into a million pieces. Will he be able to forgive her? More tears filled her eyes, the silence growing between them. A chopper came to their location, it lands in front of them, the back opening as Iris rushed out. "Oh my God Liam, you''re okay" Iris said enclosing Liam in a tight hug. Riley looks away sobbing as she dried her tears with the back of her hand. "We have been trying to reach you guys, but we lost all connections. We have to go now, the agency is distracted" Iris states. In silence Liam walked towards the chopper Iris holding unto him. Riley followed behind. *** Genesis back to his human form, came upwards, his eyes landing on the chopper that was now in a far distance. Another chopper came landing as Barbra steps out. "Steve O''Brien is dead" Genesis said throwing Steve''s burnt glasses to Barbra, she caught it in a swift move. "Seems like he burnt himself alive, what a nutcracker" Genesis said huffing. "I see" Barbra said sternly. "Dr. Steve told me something when he released me". Her eyes drift to him. "He told me I had parents" he adds puzzled. "Steve is a traitor Genesis, you shouldn''t believe anything he says" she said sternly. "If not why would he burn himself alive" she motioned with the glasses. "All you have to do is fulfil what I created you for, you were a dying fetus, I saved your life, I gave you life". "And I''m forever grateful" he said with dull eyes. "Good" she said looking around. "There''s no need to stay here, your treatments are over" she adds. One of her guard came behind her, whispering in her ear. "I see" she said sternly. "We have prisoners on the loose, we will get to that, for now Steel will be under reconstruction" she said as her fist crushed Steve''s glasses. Genesis eyes drift to the skies clearing, his eyes shakes as he watch sunset. Something he have never seen before, but now everything will be different he can finally leave the underground because his treatment was over, a dark smirk forms on his lips and then he can fulfill his purpose to Barbra by killing Liam O''Brien and Riley Leah. *** Hours Earlier Before The Explosion Beneath Steel "Dr. Steve I must advise we leave now, the Silver-lining has infiltrated the building and they are blowing everything up," The Warden said in haste. Steve just stood in front of a large cylinder tube, his eyes shaking as he watches what was before him, he closed his eyes taking a deep breath, after all these years it was time. He flashed open his ghoul eyes as his Claw roars out of him devouring the Warden instantly. "Hate that guy" Steve said sternly, before facing a big tube, inside was filled with water, Genesis present, his hands and kept in an horizontal position, his legs also, a mouth breather covered his nose and mouth connected with several wires. "It''s time to wake up" Steve said with sad eyes grabbing a syringe, he took one wire connected to the tube, pressing the needle unto it, the liquid flowing inside. Genesis stirs awake, now he can try what he have been dying to do, even though they installed a false memory inside his head, that his only purpose was to serve Barbra Jones and do whatever she asks, he could at least try to hinder it, even though he wasn''t so sure it would work, he still had to try, it could be the one last thing he can do, for Liam. "Liam O''Brien and Riley Leah, they are your parents" he states, at least that will be a block in his head he will forever remember, an imprint resigistered in his brain forever. *** Present Day Outskirts of the city Silver Lining Manor "Boss" Kayla said gulping hard. "Have a son?" she adds unbelievably. Everyone stared at the screen in shock, it was Steve''s research documents, all of them, transferred to their net automatically after his death. "A son" Iris said sternly. "Well he''s now a puppet for Barbra Jones" she adds. "Seems like it" Rory said with sad eyes. "Oh my God" Race said running his fingers in his hair. "This is insane" Gray said shaking his head negatively. With clenched teeth Iris storms off. *** Riley was seated at the manor garden, lost in thought. She heard footstep approaching, her heart grew heavy thinking it was Liam as she rose to her feet turning but Iris came, before she could blink a hard punch came to her cheek. "How could you do that to Liam" she began furious. Riley faced her holding her cheeks with an unreadable expression. "Why didn''t you tell him you were pregnant, how could you keep something like that from him". "This is between me and Liam and you don''t get a say in this matter" Riley snaps. Iris huffed in a sassy manner. "Liam will never forgive you" she began taking a step closer to Riley. "You kept something as important like this away from him, you kept his son away from him" she spats. "I had no control over that" Riley hissed with tears in her eyes. "They told me the fetus didn''t survive because of the wound in my heart! They told me he had no chance of surviving" she cried. "Only to finally have control over my body after 2 years and then saw a 13 year old boy as my son. I saw all the inhuman experiments they did to his body to make him a perfect killer, the perfect puppet, he didn''t even know who I was, he doesn''t know who parents are" she broke, sobbing. "You think I don''t regret telling Liam that I was pregnant? I had no choice because I thought I was doing the right thing" she cried, the tears falling nonstop. Iris furious eyes fixed on her, no wavering for a second. "You don''t deserve him," Iris said her eyes laced with seriousness. "You never will" she adds, before turning on her heels, walking away. Riley broke in tears, taking her seat as she cried and cried, she couldn''t feel more worse than she was right now, everything was falling apart, she wished the ground would just swallow her whole, away from all this pain and torture. It was too much to bear. Chapter 138 - Black Silence Liam gave eager punches to the punching bag, he gave kicks and punches as he grunts, he has been on this for hours, no stop or rest, he was lost in his head as he kept punching and punching. The memory of Genesis flashing in his head constantly. "I''m told both of you are my parents," he said in a lifeless voice. "What a joke..." he adds in an inhuman double voice as just his right eyes changed to that of a ghoul, black veins clustered around. Liam shouts as he kicks the bag, the force of the impact made the bag slam the wall harshly causing a crack, His chest rose and fell in harsh breaths. Ghost surges out of him. "We have been apart from Riley too much, Ghost have been apart from Silver" Ghost began in a deep rough voice. "I don''t fucking care!" Liam snaps facing him. Ghost gave a growl. "I just..." he trailed taking a seat on the floor leaning his back against the wall. "I need some time alone, I hope you can understand that" he adds with sad eyes. "Ghost understand what Liam is passing through, Genesis is also Ghost offspring" he said with a slight shrug of his shoulders. "Then you must be angry too, Why would she keep such a thing from us" he said with wistful eyes. "Ghost sensed Riley was pregnant, but it wasn''t exactly Ghost''s place to say anything". Liam''s head shot up at Ghost words. "You knew?" Liam said feeling betrayed. "Ghost sensed. Liam, it''s in a past, it was in Riley''s will to tell you whether she was pregnant or not, whatever she did, she thought it was right". Liam sighs placing his head on the wall, his face lifting upwards slightly. Ghost growled, walking towards Liam, each feetsteps making thud sound. Ghost sat on the floor, giving Liam some space, his long legs raised, his long hands on his knees. "Ghost has been waiting for more than centuries just to see Silver again, She''s a very unique Claw, vessels to wield was somewhat impossible, not until Riley" he said. Liam sighs. "And why are you telling me this" Liam said running his fingers in his hair. "No matter how hurt or angry you are, the connection is bound to break that, it is why both of you are destined as Silver and Ghost". "Great, we just happen to wield beings that was once supreme" Liam said sarcastically. "What did he even call you guys again, oh right he called you guys god''s" he adds facing Ghost. He scratched his bald head. "For that, it''s fuzzy, all Ghost knows is that Silver is Ghost''s mate for a very long time". "It''s not just about the connection Ghost, way before all this, I have always loved her, and I still do" Liam said with wistful eyes, remebering how they first met at Drinks & Dine, how he got lost in those enchanting green eyes of hers, he still do every single time, he still drown in her beauty, in her boldness, the fire that burns in her, she was spitfire, his wild card, as well as his perfect angel, the one angel he would bring the entire city down for, he was still madly in love with her, he wasn''t so sure that will ever change. Ghost smiled as if reading his thoughts. Liam sighs rising to his feet, grabbing a punching bag, hanging it against the chains. In silence he formed his fingers into a tighten fist giving loud hard punches to the bag. Ghost could sense it, he was still hurting. *** Sean''s Private Lab "This explains everything, the weird power, the connection between Riley and Liam. They both posses supreme beings inside them, ghoul god''s" Sean said going through the translated part of the ancient book, it was part of the package sent after Steve''s death. He closed the book, assessing the body, the body was faded brown in colour, but had some black colour to it like the original. His fingers felt the name in the front as he tried to make it out. "Omari" he read as his eyes shake. "The first Ghoul, this must be his journal" It had to because when he went through the translated part, it was written by someone and like he actually lived through it, this was the perfect explanation. Liam was Omari''s forefather, his bloodline. He had to find a way to translate the rest, more answers to all their unanswered question can finally be revealed, yes they have gotten some, they now knew they had supreme beings that ruled over them since ancients times, what Steve did was resurrect them, but why, why would Steve go that far just to bring back their Ghoul king and Queen. He opened the book once more turning to the a page that had the drawing of the four leaf clover symbol, a mixture of black and white. "The ghoul symbol" he said running his fingers against it in amazement. *** Liam was at his building garage, it consists of several modern cars of different colour along with power bikes, he stood in front of one of the power bikes, typing something something in the transperant iPad he held. "Whatcha doing?" Iris voice sounds in the wide hall, she slowly strolled up to him, a smile against her lips. "Nothing just checking the system, told Kayla to do it, but she''s..." he sighs. "Somewhat busy" he adds with a thought face, Kayla was never busy. "Funny, Rory said he was busy too" Iris said in amusement. "Seems like my brother is finally living, I wonder what took him so long" she adds. "Rory and Kayla?" Liam said raising an eyebrow. "So it seems" Iris said taking a step closer to him. Liam faced his iPad back. "You have been locked up in your apartment for days, everyone is worried" she began. "I''m sorry about what happened with your son, it''s too much and I understand". Liam tensed at her words, she placed a hand on his strong arm. "But you need to get back up, you have an organisation to lead, Barbra and the agency wil pay for what they did, to you" she said softly. Liam faced her with unreadable eyes. "I''m here for you," she adds placing her hands on his chest. Her eyes meet his. "Always". Chapter 139 - Black Amend Liam faced her with unreadable eyes. "I''m here for you," she adds placing her hands on his chest, she meant it, she meant every word. Her eyes meet his. "Always," she said huskily, slowly going on her tiptoes, reaching for his lips, but Liam looks away. Iris heels went back to the floor. "Is something wrong?" Iris asked forcing a smile. "Iris" he began facing her. "You and I, it''s-" "Don''t say it" she cut him off. "Liam I love you," she said with teary eyes. "Iris I can''t," he said, taking her hands away from her chest. Iris huff sassy. "You still love her don''t you," she said sternly. Liam was silent but she knew what it meant, the silence gave her all the answers, tears filled her eyes, she thought she could win his heart, she thought she would have a chance with him. "After what she did to you? After what we have been through?". "Iris you and I both know what we had was-" "A fling?" Iris said in distaste. "Yeah, I knew that," she said taking a step closer to him, placing her hands behind his neck. "It doesn''t have to be Liam, we can be more" she smiled. "Iris, I don''t love you," he said. Iris gulps as her heart slammed a loud heartbeat. *Sounds of Shoes* They turned correspondently at the sound. Riley stood watching the two, her looks blank, they were close and she knew she walked on something, it made her heart sink. "I love you too Liam," Iris said facing him, Liam froze at her words, was she seriously playing this game right now? On hearing those words Riley turned on her heels walking out of the garage. "Riley," Liam said about rushing towards her, but Iris held him back, he snaps. "Why the fuck did you do that?!". Iris froze with wide eyes at his sudden outburst, he took her hands off him. "I don''t love you Iris" he began, his tone laced with seriousness. "Don''t you get that? What happened between us..." his teeth clenched. "Look I''m sorry it went that far, but you and I both know it was a fling and it was never real Iris, it was never gonna work and you know" The tears fell from her eyes nonstop. "It will always be Riley," he said before walking away leaving Iris in her own thought, in tears as she broke to the reality of the truth. *** "Riley!" She increased her pace, the tears falling on their own accord. "Riley!" "Just go away!" she hissed not bothering to turn. "Riley!" She kept walking, she couldn''t turn, she couldn''t let him see how much of a mess she was right now, she was hurt, she felt like she couldn''t breathe. "Fuck Riley! Stop!". He grabs her, spinning her and then slamming her back against the wall, it wasn''t that hard but a soft push, to get her caged in. She gasps. "Take your hands off me" she hissed trying to break free. "Just calm down" he snaps. "Why should I! Does it really have to be her" she said in tears, her voice in a hurtful tone. "Nothing is going on between me and Iris!" "Oh really, and you expect me to believe that!" "It was a mistake Okay? A lot happened then, I was confused and out of my mind... God Riley, please don''t see it that way" he said sighing in defeat. "What other way should I see it... Liam" she stops taking a deep breath. "Riley," he said softly, using his thumb to wipe her tears. "I''m sorry". Riley took a deep breath as she leaned in his touch, she missed him, she missed them, all this craziness was tearing them apart and she couldn''t bear it. "Have you forgiven me now?" her sad eyes land on him, she wraps her arms around his neck, their faces inches apart, their nose touching. "I can''t stay mad at you, you know that," he said softly. "I''m sorry," she said as the tears threaten to fall once more. "I''m sorry for" He smashed his lips against her''s before she could finish, she gasps, allowing him to assess her mouth, his tongue sliding inside, outlining every part of her mouth. It was like a spark between their bodies as their mouth connected, their body set ablaze within, burning for one another. Riley moaned as her fingers ran in his brunette hair, almost like she was losing her mad as he ravished her lips. Liam grabs her by the waist lifting her upwards, she eagerly wraps her legs around his waist, her core coming in connect with his length through his jeans, and yes his body reacts to her just as it did to hers, she missed the feel of him. They were in the hallway but they didn''t care if something sees or pass by, they were lost in their own pleasure. Liam growled pressing her against the wall more, her back rubbing against it harshly but she didn''t care, she was so lost in the kiss to even consider, she grinds her hips wanting to feel him more but the clothes spared no effort to let them feel each other. Liam broke the kiss, trailing kisses on her neck, Riley''s lips went apart as he suck, kissed, and nib her neck like a mad man, she wanted to feel him, she wanted more, but Liam was always in control to keep the pace, he was always dominating and she loved it that way. Their lips connected once more, both ravishing and savoring every flavor, both lost in lust and love. A clearing of throat came in. The kiss broke but their position remained, a light blush found Riley''s cheeks, as she giggled burying her face in his neck, to Liam it was like angels singing. "What is it?" Liam said practically growling, turning face slightly to face Race, he hated being interrupted. "Sorry to interrupt boss but you got to see this," he said, his voice laced with seriousness. Chapter 140 - Black Lies Liam, Riley and Race rushed into the operating room, others were present except Iris. "Boss" Kayla said with shaky eyes before drawing the news to the screen, it played. "We are facing a very terrifying threat, our city is in chaos, for now we not only have the Black ghoul in our necks but Riley Leah who was presumed dead for three years but now so suddenly, alive, working in our agency, tearing us from the inside" Barbra said with a stern look. "For now we face two enemies that has lead our city into chaos, extreme measures should be taken so that we can silence this threats once and for all" she states as an image of Steel come up at the side of the screen, in total destruction. "Now we have hundreds of criminal ghouls running in the city, Claw walkers created by the drug king, Riley Leah herself, we must stop this chaos and I here by assure each and everyone of you, we will stop at nothing until we bring them down". The news ends. "That Bitch" Riley said with fury in her eyes. "She''s fucking blaming everything on both of them, how long is she gonna keep this up" Gray said with clenched teeth. "She called me the drug King when she''s the one pulling the strings, what the hell?" Riley said pissed. "This will turn the city upside down, both of you are now most wanted" Rory said his face red with anger. "She''s leaving no tables unturned, this is her plan, she wanna lure you guys out, boss" Kayla said certainly. "Not just lure, destroy every evidence that might lead back to her, damn that bitch is cunning" Race said through gritted teeth. "Everyone!" Liam hissed as their attention drift to him. Silence filled the hall instantly. Liam stood, his arms folded, his look icy and blank that could scare a sleeping baby awake. Kayla gulps seeing her boss icy stare, it held a wide range of killing intent. "For now we have one agenda, the one thing that can set Barbra off her toes" he states. "We find the drug house, we taint her image" *** Section Five Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) Medical Facility Jesse groaned slowly opening her eyes meeting with white ceiling, she tried to move but her body felt numb. "It''s the pain killers" a voice came in. She turns seeing Peter seating beside her with a smile against his lips. "I thought I wad dead" she said in a dry voice. "Well you survived, just lost a lot of blood" Peter said. Jesse just made a hmm sound staring back at the ceiling. "Well I should be, what attacked us was inhuman" she said with shaky eyes as her memory flashed when Lor- ... No when Riley Leah attacked them, the thing that came out of her, it almost looked divine but it was chaos lying within, the white rod coming out of it''s body at her command, one swing causing destruction and spread of blood, she was lucky, no... She was surprised she was still alive after that hit. "Jesse!" She snaps out of her trance facing Peter. "Jesus, Jesse where''s your head at" he said in amusement. "You heard?" she began. "You heard about Lor- Riley" her teeth clenched. "Riley Leah". "Yeah I heard" Peter said with sad eyes. "She used us, all this time Pete she has been lying to us, I thought I had a best friend" she said on the verge of tears. Peter''s fist clenched hard, he didn''t know what to believe anymore but somehow Peter knew the care, the sadness, the love and smile, Lorna never faked it for once, it was all so suspicious she was a spy all of a sudden, something didn''t add up and he knew it. "They said she''s the drug dealer" Peter said still finding it hard to believe, because he knew Lorna did everything in her power to find the Drug King, she risked her life, ends up in several comas, something was definitely odd. "Do you believe that Lorna... " he sighs. "That Riley really did all that?". "I always felt something was odd, she never opened up, she kept things Pete" she faced him. "I do believe" He gulps hard at her words, looking away. "She''s the enemy and we have to bring her down". *** Thirtieth Floor "So that''s your game now huh?" Chase said with a stern look. "It''s a very interesting game Chase, this will make us catch them faster, the whole world against them" she shrugs. "But we still don''t know who the Drug King is" Chase reasoned. "And to pin it on Lorna? That''s going too far". "Riley you mean" she corrected. Chase''s body tensed. "And is this going too far" she said turning her transperant iPad to face him, a footage came up of Riley''s Claw coming out of her and attacking the agents. "White Claw?" Chase said unable to believe his eyes, she was still a ghoul, he thought she was human now, what the fuck was going on? "Dr. Steve is dead, which could only mean he planned this all out before his death" "So he was using you after all" Chase said in a slight amusement. Barbra''s looks darken. "Good thing he''s dead, I would have killed him myself" she said sternly. *** Outskirts Of The City Silver-lining Manor "The main goal, is the drug house, we should be looking for something like a factory or a big building with lots of dollars pumping in it" Race motioned with his hand. Kayla growled removing her headset. "Just shut up and work dammit" she hissed putting the headset back on, facing the wide screen. "Okay, okay" he mutters putting his headset back on. "Gray have you seen Iris?" Rory asked. "No, she should be around, she should be here with us" Gray said. Rory nods in agreement, he was right, what was keeping her, he had to check on her later after they finish tracing the buildings. The clock read 2am, but everyone was still awake. Riley was seated, a stock pile of papers in front of her, she wrote down everything she could remember about the agency, everything she could render useful. But right now the pen was handing loosely on her hand, a hand against her jaw, her head nodding, her eyes shot close, her lips apart slightly, with a trail of drool at the corner of her mouth. Liam seated in front of her, held a side smirk on his lips, watching her display her sleeping disorder and he thought she couldn''t be more cute right now, his chocolate eyes held life and love just by staring at her, a beautiful picture he would imprint in his head. Chapter 141 - Black Bully Riley''s head nods, her cheek sliding up and down her fists against it. She groaned slightly at the discomfort tensing her bones, her neck was killing her. Liam watched in amusement, never taking his eyes off her, he noticed her discomfort as her mouth forms a thin line. He frowned, her neck must be hurting from the constant nodding but still he didn''t wanna wake her up and disturb her sleep, who knew whether she has had any for the past three days. Riley''s fist suddenly slits from her cheek, her head dropping, Liam quickly used his palm to brace her forehead from slamming on the table. Riley groaned, her eyes flashing open, she raised her head, her red hair jolting backward. "You should have woke me up" she pouts. "Well you were sound asleep" he shrugs. "And uncomfortable," she said with a yawn. "When was the last time you slept?" he asked worried noticing her fatigue. "I can''t exactly remember," she said with wistful eyes, she couldn''t pinpoint the last time she had sleep, wasn''t it after she awoke from the coma as herself? Yes, that should be it, since then to get her eyes close gave her the chills. "Maybe I''m scared". "Scared of what?" "Of sleeping" she gulps. "You''re scared you will get locked up in your own body again," Liam said certainly. "Maybe" she shrugs. "Riley" he began, placing a hand on hers. "You are never falling asleep again, in that way, trust me, whatever Ghost did, he assured him it won''t come back, you''re back as yourself forever" A smile graced her lips. "I believe you," she said. He smiled. She stretched groaning. "Well then, I should have some sleep now my knight in shining armor is here to protect me," she said in amusement. "Knight in shining armor", he raised an eyebrow. "Are you not?", she tilts her head to the side. "No Riley, I''m the opposite, in a good way". "Then you''re the big bad wolf" she comments. "Who''s gonna eat you up," he said huskily. Riley''s heart skipped a bit, she could already imagine it, she could already imagine his bite marks all over her body as it once did, to tell the world she was his only. She bit her lip at the thought, was she truly just his alone? "You know what that does to me," he said as his eyes darken in desire, the beast wanting so badly to claw out of its cage. "I have no idea," she said innocently, but she knew what it does to him and she loved it, but right now sleep, she needed sleep to get her body the rest she needed. "Off to bed, God, I really need sleep," she said rising to her feet. "Where are going?" "What do you mean, the room, where people sleep" she shrugged. "Which room?" "My room" she clarified. "Excuse me?" She frowned, what did she do wrong, she couldn''t talk right now, she was too sleepy to argue with him right now, the look he has was kinda scary, what got him off his toes? "Goodnight" she murmurs turning, still puzzled at his actions and look. She just sighs heading to the door, but suddenly gravity leaves her body as she was swamp off her feet and placed on his shoulder, caveman style, what the fuck? "What the fuck, Liam!" she squealed on top of her voice slamming her fists on his back. This gained the attention of others as they watch in awe. "Uh what, what... I''m awake" Race said jolting awake looking around, but then turned. "Okay what?", his mouth dropped at the scene. "Liam. O''Brien. Put. Me. Down." Riley hissed through clenched teeth, trying to break free, and damn he was strong, he held her waist firm with just one hand. Liam turned to others. "If you would excuse us," Liam said firmly as he walks out, the doors slide shut. A minute of strange silence filled the room. "That was..." Gray trailed off trying to register. "Hot" Kayla said smirking with a nod of her head. All their eyes land on her. "What?" she asked innocently. *** "Liammmmm!" she groans throwing a tantrum, why was he acting like a bully right now. "Just stay still" he growled smacking her ass. She gasps at the sudden impact, it sent a thrilling feeling straight to her core. "Bully" she murmurs moving again but to no process. "Liam put me down, please I need sleep" she pouts. "Sleep you will get... but in my house, what the fuck babe you think I''m gonna let you sleep in some guest room?" he said practically growling. ''So that''s what'' she thought as a smile pursed up her lips. "Well I''m a guest aren''t I?" He growled again, drawing her down, to carry her in his arms, she gasps at the change of position, her arms wraps around his neck to steady herself, he handled her like she weighed no less than a toothpick. "You''re not a guest," he said through clenched teeth. She gulps, why was he throwing a tantrum over this. Their walk continued, which was outside the mansion. "I can walk you know, you don''t have to carry me all the way," she said sighing. He ignored her, Riley just rolled her eyes at his silence, knowing the big bad wolf wasn''t gonna listen to her complaint, he always had his way. They got to a building, Riley gasps at the size of it, she didn''t know his house was that big, it was modern style like a yacht shape, in a two-story building and large, that means the last time she was just downstairs? "This land, how many parts do you own?" she asked curiously. He could possess a wide range of it, due to how big he built the buildings, she was sure other buildings were lying around. "All of them". Her eyes widen in total bewilderment, he practically bought a whole land worth the seize of a town or a country even... How rich was he? "Everything?" He faced her. "Everything" he answers like it was no big deal but to Riley it was. She gulps. Chapter 142 - Black Touch The door automatically shuts close behind. Liam walked straight to his room, upstairs, it was the same format as the one downstairs, glass wall showing the view of the forest but this time it was all around. He drops Riley on the bed, she gasps. He stood up straight with a cocky smile. "So which first, bed or shower?" he asked in amusement. Riley smirks seating up and then standing up in her feet in front of him. "Shower," she said huskily. "Then we better get down to it then". "We?" she said raising an eyebrow. "I intend to shower on my own" she adds walking past him. Liam scoffs at her, turning. "Do you really think I will say yes to that?" She turns. "I don''t expect you to," she said in a teasing manner, as she began striping, Slowly. Liam watched with a heated gaze, a smirk plastered on his lips. She took off her thick sweater, leaving her in just her bra, Liam''s eyes darken with lust when it lands on her fair skin and plump breasts, it never ceased to amaze him. Riley smirks knowing the reaction she had on him, to boost it up, she turns taking off her shorts, drawing it down as well as bending. Liam''s body tensed as he got a better view of her behind. Riley heard him growl behind, she bit her lip, she was amazed he was still standing there, seems like she had to boost his libido more. Not facing him yet, she unclip her bra, slowly taking it off, and then she went for her panties slowly sliding it down, giving Liam a better view of her behind. She stood upright before slowly walking to the bathroom while swaying her hips. She heard nothing from Liam, but she didn''t turn, this was part of her game. She made a turn, she almost gasp at the wide bathroom, she was right, it was this way but she never it was this big, the entire bathroom section made of glass, the walls spotless white, and the bathtub majestic, she observed with awe, the definition of rich was off the charts with Liam. "Like what you see?" She gasps at the sound of his deep voice and turned, low and behold he was naked as the day he was born just like she was. She didn''t dare to let her eyes fall, or else she would meet with his monstrous length practically aroused, she was doing that to him. She just allowed her eyes to travel on his muscles and broad chest, he was perfectly fit and built that could get any woman drooling, she wanted no one to look at him like she did. "Still teasing me are you," he said in a rough voice, Riley could tell he wants to growl along with his words. He strolled towards her. Riley''s heart slammed a hard beat, it felt hard to breathe, his handsomeness was mind-blowing. He stood right in front of her, towering over her, she was almost like a small doll in his present. "Is it just me or are you getting bigger?" Riley said with a sharp breath, though he wasn''t, he was the perfect height and body shape but right now, he seemed monstrous especially with those gawking eyes of his that kept checking her out. "I''m big just the way you want me, babe". And yes he was, she could feel the heat rising to her core. "Shower," she said, was it just her, or was it getting hot by the second. "Let''s shower" she adds gulping. "As you wish," he said in amusement. "Go in" he commands. "I want to watch you," he said, his words leaving no room for question. Obeying, she turned cautiously and slowly walking to the showers, her bare feet marching the tiles as she walks up the small stairs. She didn''t hear him move, what was his aim? Fully inside she started the showers, the water dripping to her body, she moaned at the impact, she gasped feeling his hands on her waist, one hand squeezing her butt. "You love watching me walk don''t you," she said in realization. He just made a hmm sound, burying his face in her neck, his chest vibrating with the sound he made. "Lemme wash you". "I will if you let me too," she said slyly. "Ladies first then," he said in amusement. Oh, she was dying to, grabbing the wash from the stance against the wall, she took some, turning. He watch intensely as she began rubbing his chests, circling, fingering, their eyes locked not tearing gaze. The movement of her hand went to his shoulder blades giving it a gentle squeeze. "Aren''t you gonna go down?" he asked huskily. She smirked. "As you command, my big bad wolf," she said going down. Liam grunted placing his hand on the glass, his wet palm imprinting on it, he closed his eyes his head tilting back as he felt her hand assess him below. "Fuck Riley" he grunts. She rose to her feet smirking. "You asked for it" she shrugs. "Then why did you stop?" "It''s mine turn," she said handing him the wash. Liam smirk in amusement. "Will gladly return the favor," he said taking it, pressing some of the liquid in his palm before dropping it. "But only halfway" he adds. Riley gave him a pouting face. "Don''t give me that look, you started it" he said. Riley just rolled her eyes, his hands found her back, running the liquid against it, she leans in his touch closing her eyes. His hands slid front, she gasps as his fingers circled her breasts, she shivers at the contact, he leans forwards whispering to her ear. "I''m just getting started" Riley shivers at his words, a soft moan escaping her lips. "Yes moan for me babe," he said repeating the action, her knee got weak but she held on to his shoulder blades for support. He then stops abruptly. "Liam" Riley moaned desperately she wanted him to touch her more. Her body ran cold when she felt his palm against her flat stomach. "Liam?" she said puzzled by his action, he was stiff. She pulled back to face him her heart drops when she saw his sad eyes. "Liam," she said, this time worried. He went on his knees, she just watched him with worried eyes. Liam placed a kiss on her stomach, she closed her eyes at the impact, as his wet lips made contact with her skin, she didn''t know it but tears filled her eyes as her heart grew heavy, she knew why he acting this way. Chapter 143 - Black Promise "Liam," Riley said with tears, she slowly opened her eyes. She placed her fingers in his thick hair. She sobs. "What are me gonna with him," she said. They were bound to talk about it no matter how they tried to hide from the truth, their son was on the loose manipulated by their greatest enemy, having no idea who they really were to him, and worse they were his targets. Liam rose to his feet. "If he comes at us, with the intent to kill, I''m not sure I can..." she sobs. "Hey, hey," He said wiping her tears with his thumb, her gaze lands on his. "We don''t have to make that tough choice, if he goes berserk we put him down, not kill him" he states, she nods. "I promise, we will do what we can to save him, and that starts by putting Barbra down, she''s the one pulling the strings". She nods. "I promise" he adds slowly. "We will save him", before claiming her lips with his, it was soft, gentle, reading all his emotions at once, Riley kissed him back with all she had, their heads moving sideways as the kiss deepens. Riley gasped as Liam raised her upwards, leveling her down to his length. She gasps loudly as her back came in contact with the glass pressing against it tightly, he moved slowly and lovingly, pace by pace. He moaned deeply burying his face in her neck. The glass vibrating at his hard slow thrusts. Her moans echos throughout the house, her fingers digging in his back, her head tilting backward, her lips going apart, the pleasure Illuminating her insides, the ecstasy, the movement, the connection, it made her lose her mind. Liam redrew from her neck, their gaze meeting. "I love you" he grunts on edge. "I love you" she gasps as the release washed upon her like a wave, that subtle moment of peace blow her mind, but Liam didn''t stop, he gave her the pleasure of her mind over and over again until only his name lasted on her lips. *** Riley gasps flashing her eyes open, she looks around in her newfound environment, it was white, Illuminating, both the floor everything was bright white, she was in a white dress also. "Where am I?" she said looking around in panic. She felt a presence behind her, she quickly turned, seeing Silver, the divine being that lived inside her. "Silver," Riley said with shaky eyes. Silver tilts her head to the side. "Where is this? Is it real?" she asked desperately. "It depends on you" her voice echoed, sounding like a vibrator and almost angelic also. "Silver never thought...she could finally possess a vessel after all these centuries," she said. Riley blinks. "Silver is reunited with Ghost, and we''re grateful". "Why us? I get your supreme beings from our ancient history but why now? Why choose to awaken now?" Riley asked. "The balance has shifted, Silver knows you feel it too". "The balance?" "The balance of all supernatural power, Genesis is a product of that shift". "My son," Riley said with shaky eyes. "There shall be more to come, Riley, as of now our awaken has been lifted, it calls like a beacon" she states. "A beacon to what?". "A beacon to all supernatural beings". "Ghouls". "Not ordinary Ghouls Riley, beings possing rare powers, they will come as allies or foe to either take the throne, it has always been like that since ancient times... Ghouls aren''t the only threats, we shouldn''t be a threat". "But the beings inside us crave human flesh? There is no peace Silver" Riley said sternly. "There is a way, a way to quench the thirst," "Is that even possible?" "We are supreme beings Riley, we sire all ghouls, they all fall under our command, the thirst was created by Omari because of his hatred for humans, thus it became our nature". "So we can stop it then but how?" Riley demands. "Silver does not know, but I believe a curse can be lifted and you and Liam have the power to do so". *** Riley gasps awake, she took sharp breaths looking around, she was back in Liam''s room, enclosed in his arms. ''Was that a dream?'' Riley thought seating up, it didn''t feel like it, it was so real. She turns to Liam who was fast asleep peacefully. She got off the bed, the cover falling off her body as she walked to the glass view, naked, she stares at the skies lost in thought. "Ghoul''s with rare powers," she said gulping at the thought, how different could they be? * China, Beijing The street light illuminated the city down to the busy streets of China. The chatter going around, of sales and bikes, moving. Down to a dark lonely alley, a man whimpered in the dark, the lights present shaking vigorously, beams of sweat hung his features. "Please" he spoke in Chinese. "I begging you don''t," he said in tears. A figure steps out, it was a young woman, she had short straight hair, fringe at the front, kept in a perfect matter. She wore all black, her ghoul eyes present. "You have been terminated," she said back in the language, tilting her head to the side as a scorpion leg came out at the back of her, about four others came out, circling at her behind her like a tail. "NO PLEASE I''M NOT DISPERSABLE JUST YET" he shouts with wide eyes but it was too late as the scorpion legs came for him, he shouts in horror as blood splashed everywhere on both the walls. "Ha, Li Fen, still taking missions that are not even worth your time" an elderly voice came behind her, in English. Fen didn''t bother to turn, she watch the piece of art in front of her, squatting, placing her palms against her cheeks. "A really beautiful sight isn''t it, Hunter," she said in amusement and awe. Hunter steps out of the darkness, he was around his late 70s but still looked strong, his white hair hide beneath a dark red hat, he wore a matching suit and a red coat jacket also along with red shoes, his eyes covered with round frame black glasses. He set his golden walking stick with several markings on it, in his front setting his hand on it standing upright. "Brea gesh resh mesh sa Silver and Ghost Clover" (The gods have awakened, Silver and Ghost Clover), he said in an ancient language. She faced him. "Yesh tesh yerba nos res" (You felt the connection didn''t you) he said smirking, showing his up teeth replaced with gold. "Res Tina, fros ta" (I felt it), she said back. "But the aura cannot be trace," she said in English. "We must gather the others" "Right after I finish my prey, I''m starving," she said in a bored tone, before turning to face the body in pieces. "Help yourself Fen, I''m a very patient man," he said in amusement. Sounds of flesh and chewing sound could be heard as well as hmm sounds of pleasure. Hunter watches with a sadistic smirk at the pleasant sight. Chapter 144 - Black Past Liam groaned, turning on the bed, he slowly opened his eyes, meeting Riley staring at him. "Riley?" he said as his eyes adjusts. She was just on his black shirt only, reaching her knees, she was seated on the bed watching him. "Hey" she said softly with a smile against her lips. "What time did you get up?" he asked seating up, he looks at the glass window, it was still early, the sun barely setting. "Couldn''t sleep" she admitted with sad eyes. "What''s wrong?" he asked worried. Her gaze drifts to him. "I had a dream, I''m not so sure" she began. "I saw Silver Clover, she said things, a lot of things that got me thinking..." she sighs rubbing her head. "Hey, hey" he said softly, drawing close to her wrapping his arms around her, enclosing her in between, she placed her hands on his bare chest. "Talk to me" he said softly. "Liam, I think its possible for our Claws to stop craving human flesh". Liam raised an eyebrow. "You mean like a vegetarian?" he said in amusement. "Liam" she said punching him lightly on the chest, he chuckles. "I''m serious Liam, what if it''s possible" "I don''t know babe, but if it is? It''s not gonna be easy" he admitted. She nods in understanding. "We have to find a way, to get through to all of them... I mean you have people around the world, this is the next step after we bring down the agency and save our son" she said. Liam blinks at her words, she was right, he had people around the world working for him, allies during his travel for the past three years. "Are you saying we make ourselves known as their leader?" he said puzzled because that was the only way to draw the other ghouls to their side. "That might work" she said. "Babe, I''m not exactly sure Ghouls will agree to a constitutional monarchy" he reasons. "Liam we have to try, you''re the greater power after all, they will listen to you and see you as their leader, you''re ghoul king, my king" she said softly, wrapping her arms around his neck. A smile formed on his lips. ''And you''re my queen''. He thought. "You never told me about how you got this far in three years" Riley said titling her head to the side. "Well you never asked" he said in amusement grabbing her by the butt straddling her on his waist, leaning his back on the bed wood. "I''m curious now, I wanna know what you have been through this past years" she said leaning backwards setting herself comfortable on him. Liam growled at her movement, if it wasn''t for the sweat pants he was wearing all talk would fly out the window and it will just her screaming his name over and over again. "I asked a question, you horny ghoul" Riley said teasing, noticing his length twitching beneath her. He cleared his throat, she giggled. "Well it wasn''t easy" he began. "It was just me alone, traveling, keeping my head down, but I was driven by the purpose of bringing down the agency, that rage and pain was what drove me. I single handlely took down the agency branch in Alaska, I found Kayla there, kept as their lab experiment". "That''s why she''s always so clingy". "Are you jealous?" Liam asked teasing. Riley just rolled her eyes, she wasn''t jealous or anything, she just understood why Kayla was always so respectful. "And Sean? We lost contact with him". "After a year I got some followers on my side, worked my way through, and then in San Francisco I met Sean, we then stumble upon some ghoul gang, a very powerful one, the elder there Maria Garcia, she knew my long line of ancestors, she practically knew me the moment she saw me, she called me Res tar gin". "Res tar gin? " Riley said puzzled. "What does that mean?". "I don''t know but Sean said it was our language, a lost ghoul language untranslated" he said. "And?" Riley said urging him to go on. "Turns out my ancestors had a locked save and she was the keeper" he said. Riley''s eyes widen at his words. "Through generation, adding piling, my family riches, I had no idea we had that kind of wealth existed, my father didn''t know too, I guess I was lucky to have found it". "And she just gave it to you? Like that?", she raised an eyebrow. "The vault requires DNA, my DNA, that was all the prove she needed an then she passed on, handling over to her daughter... Luna Garcia she''s my fortune keeper presently". "Wow, your ancestors really care deeply about their descendants," Riley said amazed. "As will I for my descendants, it''s a tradition of the black ghoul family" he said. "So that''s how you were so sudden a billionaire" she said in amusement. He smirks. "Baby I''m more than a billionaire". Riley eyes widen. "How rich are you really?" she asked stunned. He leaned up, their face inches apart. "Rich enough" he said before pressing his lips against her gently. Riley moaned kissing him back, she always loved his lips on hers, it always sent a tingling feeling to her body. A smile pressed against her lips. "What?" he asked in amusement. "Nothing" she said pecking his lips briefly. "Just love you damn too much" she adds huskily. Liam''s eyes darken with something she couldn''t quite place. "As much as I would love to stay in this bed and let you ravish me, I''m starving" she said with a groan getting off him. Liam looked at the black spiral clock against the wall. "It''s just 5am" he motioned but she was already out of the room. "You never seize to amaze me" he smirks getting off bed. *** "What''s in here..." Riley said opening the cupboards, she gasps seeing the varieties of snacks. "Figure" she said rolling her eyes knowing Liam wasn''t that much of a eater, well that will change now she''s here, she bents down to check the cupboards beneath. A loud growl came behind, she almost jumped at the sound, turning. "Jesus Liam, you sound like a wolf" she hissed halfway pissed. "Bend like that again, then I will be more than a wolf" he said with a dark twisted smirk. Riley raised an eyebrow, folding her arms, as a smirk found her lips. "Is that a threat?" He growled. "Try me" Chapter 145 - Black Attack "Bend like that again, then I will be more than a wolf," he said with a dark twisted smirk. Riley raised an eyebrow, folding her arms, as a smirk found her lips. "Is that a threat?" He growled. "Try me" His tone laced with seriousness, her smirk broaden. "I. Dare. You" she mouths while biting her lips. Before she could blink Liam was in front of her, caging her to the island with his frame. One hand on the back of her neck tightly, Riley gasps placing both hands against the island to steady herself. "You shouldn''t test me, Riley," he said in a rough voice. "I want to see how bad you can be," she said softly. "You will regret saying that," he said darkly. "In a good way," he adds smirking. Riley bit her bottom lip, the sexual tension made the air hot around them. Liam went on his knees, she gasps as her shirt was lifted upwards. "Liam" she gasps digging her fingers in his hair. "Incoming message" a computer voice sounds. "Boss, you have to get here now, we found the drug house" Kayla''s voice sounds. "Oh my God" Riley exclaimed unsteady as she held onto the island for support, Liam rose to his feet in a swift move, smirking. "We will continue this later," he said. "Definitely," she said breathlessly. *** "The drug house is in section eighteen, well-hidden no wires or signal there, it''s like a dead house," Kayla said. "That''s why it was so hard to find" Race said enlarging the view of the building on the widescreen. "There''s one entrance only, it leads straight inside, no hidden door or anything, going in will be just through the front entrance," Kayla said. "It''s okay, I can take it," Liam said. Riley faced him, he got her. "I''m going alone," he said sternly. "Not a chance" she replied her tone laced with seriousness. "I work alone". "Well not anymore," Riley said smirking standing her ground, leaving no room for argument. Kayla cleared her throat, Race shrug his shoulder against hers signifying she should keep quiet, she just rolled her eyes. "Fine" Liam growled tearing his eyes away from her, he faced the others. "We storm the building tonight!". *** Section Eighteen On top of a tree, Riley used her binoculars to spy on the warehouse from a distance. "You think she will send backup?" Liam asked. "Not a chance, this is a secret she can''t expose, we destroy it she won''t even lift a finger," Riley said dropping the binoculars. "Showing this to the world won''t exactly work will it," Liam said. "Trust that bitch, she will bring it down way before it gets to the press, we are up against a tyrant," she said packing her hair in a high ponytail. Liam just made a hmm sound, flapping on his hood. "Shall we?" she said. Liam smirks grabbing her by the waist. "Let''s rain fire" She smirks at his words, instantly his body elopes in a cloak of darkness, covering them both, it emerges in a shadow, in Claw form, black wings spreading behind and then it zaps out into the air in speed heading for the drug house. *** Sensors picked up the sudden approach as all alarms blew. The shadow crash in from above dropping inside the factory. The shape lessens revealing the two. The workers watch in awe at the unexpected entry and then they brough out their guns. Liam''s eyes changed to his ghoul ones, beaming a unique gold along with Riley''s, a tattoo appeared on Liam''s right eye, around, it was a black four-leaf clover symbol, on Riley''s it was white. They opened fire, Riley''s body went up in white electricity, zapping the bullets away. Liam roared deadly as his teeth replaced for claws and sharp canines, his fingernails extended sharply, in a zap of speed he came at them with a cloak of darkness around him. A white rod forged out of Riley''s hand she held onto it, it extends around 20 feet, bending and twisting killing anyone that came at her. Soldiers came forth but they were no match for them, their strength together was inhuman, all dropping dead one by one, some ran out in panic. Riley''s rod weapon came at the machines destroying it, loud clash sounds and explosions could be heard. Liam walked towards Riley, slightly covered in blood, as he stood beside her watching the amount of destruction they caused. "Now we go after Barbra," Riley said, her ghoul eyes beaming dangerously. *Loud Landing Sound* Their head shot up at the sound. "Something is up there," Liam said sternly and then he felt the familiar aura. Riley''s eyes shake in response. "Genesis" The roof ripped open revealing the beast they once fought, extended arms and legs, shadow black in color, sharp claws, sharp canines, the jaw pointy, with only one ghoul eye at the center. He roars deadly at them before dropping downwards causing a loud bang sound. Liam pulled Riley to his arms covering her from the waving boulders and irons around. Genesis came at them on all fours roaring. Riley quickly tied him with her extended white rod, it wraps around him keeping him in place, but he struggled to break free. "It won''t hold" she hissed. In a flash of darkness, Liam came at Genesis. Genesis broke one arm free clawing at Liam but he dodges it with ease, he grabs him by the neck slamming him hard on the ground causing a huge crack to it. Genesis roared using his paws to slam Liam up to the rooftop crushing into it. "LIAM" Riley shouts. Genesis''s attention drift to her as he smirks broadly, he broke free of her restraints. "That is no way to treat your father" she snaps as her body went up in a white electric aura. Genesis growled in disagreement. "I. Do. Not. Have. A. Father" he roars in a deep double inhuman voice, in a zap he comes at Riley, his paws making a loud thud sound that shocks the earth. Chapter 146 - Parent & Son "I. Do. Not. Have. A. Father" he roars in a deep double inhuman voice, in a zap he came at Riley, his paws making a loud thud sound that shock the earth. Her body went up in a white aura of lightning, a shield coming up in front of her, his claws colliding with it, the impact shocking the earth. Riley shouts holding her ground, the ground beneath her feet shocking and cracking. She growled pushing up, the impact making him stumble backward, growling. Riley took a harsh breath. He growled, before roaring, coming at Riley once more, suddenly something came from upwards, coming like a sharp bullet and then pushing Genesis away before he could reach Riley. His back slammed the wall harshly, causing a crack, blood gushing from his mouth. Liam lands on the ground, merged with Ghost fully, hunching, extended arms, and leg, bald head, pointy ears, pointy jaw, ash-like skin covered in bandages that were faded, deadly sharp claws, sharp claw-like teeth with extended canines, his eyes still covered in faded bandages. His vision, in gold color. "Stand down, we do not want to hurt you," Liam said in an inhuman echo voice. Genesis broke out of the wall, snarling loudly at him. "Riley, get back!" Liam hissed as Genesis came for him. "No please Liam don''t hurt him!" she hissed on the verge of tears, she hated this, they weren''t supposed to be fighting, this wasn''t right. Liam roared as they engaged in a heated battle, clawing and snarling at each other. Tears filled Riley''s eyes as she watch them fight. ''Please''. She thought crying. ''Stop''. She broke going on her knees, sobbing, watching as they clawed on each other, blood splashing, it was savage watching them and it broke her heart. Liam roared, pressing Genesis down to the ground, locking him with both arms, while he tried to break free. "STAND DOWN!" Liam roared, it pained him to fight with him but the boy wouldn''t listen, he was on a serious rage rampage, like a mindless beast. He turns seeing Riley on her knees crying, his heart felt like it was breaking into a million pieces. Seeing he was distracted, Genesis used his leg to push Liam off him, Liam lands on the ground hard. *Sounds of Chopper* That was their cue, in a cloak of darkness, he zaps towards Riley in speed grabbing her and then flying up to the rooftop with back wings spread out, zooming into the skies. Genesis roars pissed as he then slowly shifted back to human form, his clothes torn, several wounds from the fight but it closed up all at once, he stared at where they exited with furious eyes, taking hard uneven breaths, his fist clenched tightly. * Section Five Ghoul investigators Headquarters (GIH) Chase in his office lost in deep thought, he heard the news, just a wimp of it, about a warehouse attacked and destroyed by the black ghoul. But why? Why did the black ghoul so suddenly destroyed a warehouse and what''s confusing, he heard it was a drug house, producing some kind of drug and what''s... more the building belonged to Barbra, something was off, he could feel it in his bones and worse he suspects the woman he claims to trust, Barbra Jones. *** Section Eighteen Choppers around, moving in circles around the destroyed warehouse, everything was gone, in ruins with nothing left. Barbra''s fist clenched hard, almost drawing blood, she look pissed. "So that''s how you wanna play it," she said with clenched teeth. "Bring it on!". * Two Weeks Later "As of now, the drug G-st capable of turning humans into Claw Walker have stopped selling on the black market, we don''t know how it so suddenly stops as the city is no longer in threats by the hands of the Claw walkers as it was before and surprisingly enough there are rumors about a cure, capable of turning a claw walker back to human. It''s a shocking discovery as claw walkers so suddenly reduce by an anonymous savior" the newscaster said in the news. * "Rumors have it now that the black ghoul is responsible for stopping the drug market and also for the cure, millions of questions are being asked about whether ghouls are the threat we thought them to be and more what is the agency during all this time?" Sid''s eyes shake on hearing the news, she quickly changed the channel, her baby boy in her arms cooing. "Shh," she made a gentle sound. "It''s alright Oliver, we are gonna be just alright," she said as a smile graced her lips. "Someone is finally fighting," she said rubbing her nose with his tiny ones. He giggled while sucking his thumb. "Honey, I''m home" Trent''s voice came in from the door. *** Outskirts of the city Silver-lining manor "Take it easy Riley don''t overdo it," Sean said worriedly. Riley was seated on the chair, her green long sleeve rolled up to the arm, she placed cotton on the small hole, it then healed. She was paler than usual, her lips pale also, slightly weak. "Will it reach the rest now?" she asked weakly staring at the big jar of blood. Her blood was being made as an antidote for the claw walkers. "Yes, that should be enough," Sean said. Riley gave a slight nod. "I''m sure Liam is crazy pissed at this" he adds. "Very," Riley said rolling down her sleeve. "Since we''re done gotta go," she said rising to her feet but stumbled, Sean quickly held her firm. "I''m okay, I''m okay," she said repeatedly as she closed her eyes groaning. "No you''re not," Sean said with sad eyes. "Both you and Liam aren''t" he adds. Riley sighs as Sean helped her back to her seat, he took his in front of her. "How are both of you holding up?" he asked. "With Genesis" "Not good" she admitted. "Not every parent wanna see their genetically made son a berserk beast," she said sarcastically, her voice holding no humor. Sean gulps at her words. The tears threaten to fall but she held it back in with a sob. "I''m sorry I shouldn''t be-" "It''s okay Riley I''m here, both of you don''t deserve to feel this way," he said rubbing her shoulders, she nods. The doors slide open as Liam walks in, they turned to him, he held an unreadable expression. Riley blinks puzzled. "Is everything okay?" she asked worried. He gulps hard, unable to find the right words. "Liam, what happened?" Sean asked puzzled. "Liam" "Kayla went through some encrypted file... She found out something" he began dryly. "Liam what did she find out?" Riley asked puzzled. "Your mother, she''s alive". Chapter 147 - Black Discovery (Part 1) "Your mother, she''s alive," Liam said. Riley''s breath caught, as everything around her pause, all sounds seize just by the news, her eyes widen with shock, what he said wasn''t possible, it can''t be true. "No," She said in a shaky breath slowly rising to her feet, ignoring how dizzy she was. "My mother" she began as tears filled her eyes. "My mother was killed by agents", the tears fell, that was the only truth she had known all these years. "What you''re saying can''t be true". "Liam''s eyes sadden as he walked towards her. "Riley" he began. Her teary eyes land on him. "She''s alive, she goes by the name Rose," he said. Riley gasps. "Rose Jones" he adds. Sean froze rising to his feet in shock, Riley just stood paralyzed by the discovery. "Jones? Her mother is a Jones?" Sean said stunned. "Yes, Barbra Jones sister, junior sister," he said as his eyes drift back to Riley. "Barbra is actually your aunt, your real aunt". Riley faints, Liam quickly caught her in his arms before she reaches the ground. Sean quickly checked her pulse. "Shit, Anemia," he said facing Liam. "She lost too much blood, she needs rest," he said. Liam held her tightly, Sean placed a hand on his shoulder. "She''s gonna be okay, She''s just weak from donating too much blood..." he trailed. "And the news must have really been a shock to her" he add gulping hard. *** Riley stirred awake, she groaned opening her eyes, she tried to move her left arm but it was connected to a drip. "Hey, easy". She turned seeing Liam seating beside her on the bed. "Liam?" she said as her eyes adjusts. "It''s okay I''m here" She sat up abruptly, taking off the drip, she was about to get off the bed but Liam held her back down. "You need rest" "I''m fine, she was trying to break free of his grip, it wasn''t hurting or anything, she just wants to be alone right now. "Riley!" "He lied to me!" she faced him with tears in her eyes. "My dad told me that... " she broke. Liam quickly embraced in her tight hug, she held unto him tightly. "He told me that she was dead, killed by agents, why did he lie to me, my mom she''s alive, I don''t care about the name, I wanna see her". "You will, Kayla is working on it, we are gonna get her, you''re gonna see her, I promise," he said stroking her hair gently. She sobbed burying her face in his chest. They stayed like that in each other arms, in silence enjoying their company in their own way. Liam placed a soft kiss on her head, continuing stroking her hair. "Everything will be alright" he assured her. She sobs, pulling away slightly so that she can face him. He gently wipes her tears away with his thumb. "How long will we keep enduring this" she began. "Our loved ones, your dad, our son, God Liam... My mother is in the middle of all this now" she sobs. "We are gonna put an end to this" Liam said his tone laced with seriousness. "We are gonna lay waste to the agency, destroy her from the inside out until there''s nothing left" he vouched coldly not taking his eyes off her. She believed him, she believed his words, Liam never backs down, the agency will pay for what they did to them, it was inevitable. *** Iris stood at the manor garden, watering the plants as she always loved to. "Thought I might find you here," Sean said walking towards her but she didn''t turn. "I''m always here," she said. "Haven''t seen you in the meeting room for some time now, everyone is worried" he said. Iris huffed in a sassy manner. "Only Rory is" she murmured but Sean heard her. "I am". She turns the moment he said that. "I''m worried about you Iris," he said sad eyes. She gulps. "Well don''t be," she said dropping the pipe, the sprinkler going off automatically. "I''m fine" she adds turning to leave but Sean held her arm stopping her. "No, you''re not" he urged. "Why do you care?!" she hissed facing him. "I care because you don''t have to live your life like this, you have to move on," he said sincerely. Iris looks away sighing. "Typical, what I have been hearing from my overbearing brother," she said. "Iris," Sean said worriedly. "Don''t give me that look" she said hurt. "What look?" "Like you pity me, you all do". "Iri-" "Funny enough I knew what happened between Liam and I wasn''t gonna be...." she sighs. "I knew it wasn''t gonna be special, but I believed it would," she said biting her lip. "I was a fool to think such", a forced smile found her lips. "You really love him don''t you," Sean said certainly. "Doesn''t matter now, does it? Like you all have been saying, it''s time to move on" she said. "You all say it so easily but it''s not". "I know how you feel" he admitted. "I have never been the same ever since Paige, yes saying you have to move on it''s not gonna be easy, it''s practically words but when you are locked in that time loop of pain, you have no choice but to get back up to your feet, because that pain can''t stay forever, it''s not a part of you Iris which is why you have to let go". Iris''s eyes shake at his words, she could see the pain and loss in his eyes but he wasn''t giving in to it, he was letting go of the pain. Iris sobs, wiping a tear from her cheek with her finger. "Did you come all the way here just to tell me that?" she asked in amusement trying to break the gloomy mood. Sean chuckles slightly. "Maybe," he said tilting his head to the side. A small smile found her lips. "Well, I''m glad you did". Chapter 148 - Black Discovery (Part 2) "Rose Jones has been in the mansion estate owned by the Jones family, no one sees her, only her maid, I was able to hack into the security cameras, and seeing it, you guys will have a chance of getting in, Barbra hasn''t been to that estate for years it''s the least of her concern" Kayla explained showing them the layout. "Like a forgotten memory," Riley said sternly. "How could she do that to her own sister?" Race said unbelievably. "Once a bitch always a bitch" Gray comments. "Riley and I will get her out tonight" Liam states. "It''s an easy pickup, no security or anything, the coasts clear," Kayla said. Liam nods at her words facing Riley. "Are you ready?" he asked. She turned to him. "Are you ready to see your mother?" A small smile found her lips. "I''m". *** Section Ten The Jones Family Estate Rose Jones stared lost in the skies, her eyes assessing the birds gracing the blue skies with their presence, chirps sound from them could be heard, the wind caressing her long light red hair. She hummed a tune, a familiar one, she held a picture close to her chest as she did, she closed her eyes reliving a lost painful memory as tears slide down her cheeks. "Miss Rose, it''s time to go inside," June said grabbing her wheelchair from behind before rolling it into the wide hall. *Ding Sound* They pause at the sound, June blinks puzzled. "Haven''t heard that doorbell in a while" Rose said with a small smile. "Perhaps it''d my sister, coming to grace us with her presence of torture". "I assure you, Miss Rose, we are expecting no one," June said certainly. She turned her head. "Then who is at the door then?" she demands. *** Riley watch the huge trees around, she and Liam strolled to the mansion, they just crossed the gate walking into the estate, on their way they saw a couple of cameras. "Relax, Kayla got them covered there''s no need to be alert" Liam assured her with a small smile, taking her hand in his. She smiled at his action. "I can''t believe I''m finally able to see my mom after all these years," Riley said still amazed at the thought. "I don''t know why my dad never said anything". "Maybe it''s because of her family, she''s a Jones, a long line of descendants who hunts us" he reasons. "Yeah I guess so, it''s odd you know... my dad falling for a human," she said shrugging. "Well you fell for a human too," he said in amusement. Riley rolled her eyes. "You''re a ghoul!" "I was human first" he shrugs. She giggles, as the memory of the past flood in, their first encounter at the coffee shop, and then when she saved him and Jenna from the agents, bringing them into the ghoul underground, their rocky start. "It''s really has been a rough couple of years hasn''t it," she said with a thoughtful face. "Yeah it has," he said as his eyes grew wistful with memories of the past. Riley''s hands tighten against his, bringing him back, he faced her. "Nothing or no one will ever separate us again," she said, her eyes laced with seriousness. "Never," he said as a charming smile graced his lips, but suddenly his smile slowly fades. "What''s wrong?" she asked puzzled. "Do you smell that?" he said as his head turned towards the direction of the mansion now in front of them. Her senses hasten as she took a whiff of the air, her eyes widen in realization. "Blood," she said in a panic. As a cue they both rushed to the mansion, Liam kicks the iron door open, the door fell out from the wall crashing inside. "Upstairs, it''s coming from upstairs," he said as they rushed upstairs following the scent of the blood as a guide. "MISS ROSE" an ear-piercing scream could be heard as they rushed into the hall. They froze at the sight, Riley''s blood ran cold as her lips went apart. On the floor, her mom laid in the pool of her blood, her wheelchair at a corner crushed, her maid kneeling in front of her not knowing what to do as she cried. Riley''s body shakes seeing the state of her mom, she knew it was her, the resemblance was evident, all features just like hers but a much older version. What made her heart sink was the wound on her throat, like it was clawed and then her chest, her crimson blood following endlessly. "MOM!!!" Riley shouts in horror rushing to her side, she didn''t mind the blood that stained her clothes as she took her in her arms, uncontrollable tears gushing out. Rose eyes lands on the young lady and then she knew, just like in the picture she always held, but more mature, her beautiful Riley, her angel, oh she took all her looks, ha yes, she took Allen''s eyes, she missed them, she missed them both. She tried to say something but what came out was blood gushing out, her throat was damaged she couldn''t speak and it pained her to the core, after years she finally saw her daughter but couldn''t utter a word to her, tears slides at the corner of her eyes mixed with her blood turning crimson. Riley cried holding her mom''s body that was now getting cold, she was fading. Rose slowly reach for her cheek placing her hand on it, it was stained with her blood but Riley didn''t care, all she needed was her mother''s touch. And then Riley hummed, the same familiar tone, her dad taught her, it belonged to her mom, a way of honoring her. A smile graced Rose''s lips, now she didn''t regret this moment, she didn''t regret dying, as long as she was now finally able to see her daughter and hold her, one last time. But there was one thing she regrets not being able to say I love you, but there was one thing she could do. She slowly brought Riley''s forehead to her lips, she obeyed not fighting, as she let her mom press her lips against her forehead as a sign of ''I Love You'' Then her hand slides off her cheek, her head turning the other way. ''My Riley, I will always love you my child'' she thought as death took her. Chapter 149 - Black Sorrow Rose slowly brought Riley''s forehead to her lips, she obeyed not fighting, as she let her mom press her lips against her forehead as a sign of ''I Love You'' Then her hand slides off her cheek, her head turning the other way. ''My Riley, I will always love you my child'' she thought as death took her. Riley watch as her mom''s head turned to the side, her eyes closing, her body instantly running cold, the hand against her cheeks dropping. It was like her whole world seized to exists. "MOM!!!" Riley cried painfully, holding unto her lifeless body, she cried and sobbed like a child, why was death so cruel, after all these years she finally got to see her mom and now when she had the chance, she was gone, taken away from her. Her heart ached, a pain so hurtful, like she couldn''t breathe, like all the air dried from her lungs. She wraps her arms around her cold body, tightly, not wanting to let go, she can''t possibly do that not after she found her after years of thinking she was dead. "WHY?!" she cried so painfully. An arm came around her from behind enclosing her, a warmth came from it and she eased into it, it was Liam. Rose body slowly drops to the ground, she enclosed herself in Liam''s arms as she cried. Liam wraps his arms around her tightly, not saying a word, he held an unreadable expression against his features. "Ha so noisy..." a dark sinister voice in. June quivered at the sound, rushing out of the hall in fear, knowing if she stayed it would be the death of her. But suddenly a sharp object looking like a shadow penetrated deeply in her chest, her mouth gushed blood as she dropped to the floor, dead. The shadow slowly retreats inside Genesis back who was seated on the stairs in front. Liam''s cold eyes lands on him, Genesis extended nails had blood and then the realization struck him. Liam slowly rise to his feet. "You did this" he began, his tone cold and distant. Genesis shrug. "I was ordered to" Genesis said, rising to his feet. "How long will you keep getting used by that bitch". "Language" he said in a sing tone. "DON''T MESS WITH ME!" Liam shouts in rage. "The only reason I''m alive is because of Barbra," he said firmly. "And I shall fulfil her wishes" he said slowly transforming into his beast. "By destroying all those who stands in her way, and that includes both of you" he said in a double demonic voice, roaring. "If this is how you want it, then you shall have it, I will make you pay for hurting your mom". "I HAVE NO MOTHER!!!" he roars coming at Liam in anger. Liam merges with Ghost as he snarled coming at Genesis, as they both enagaged in a heated battle, clawing at one another. Riley stood still on her knees, lost. She watch as both Liam and Genesis clawed at one another, she was there stiff, her mind and body unable to function, the tears dried from her cheeks as she no longer cried. All these was Barbra''s way of getting back at them by killing, by killing her own mother and using their son to do it, what a twist of fate, how cruel and inhuman, they weren''t against an ordinary woman, she was pulling dangerous strings while setting comfortably in her office, her eyes drift to her mom''s cold body on the floor, on the pool of her own blood, her eyes grew cold. Liam roared insanely loud grabbing Genesis on the neck and then slamming him hard against the wall causing a huge crack. "Get a hold of yourself" Liam growled. "Can''t you see, she''s using you to get to us". Genesis growled kicking Liam off him, the force pushed Liam across the hall, he made impact with the pillars, breaking them instantly and crashing into it. Genesis roared still inching for a fight as he charged towards Liam aggressively with an intent to kill. But suddenly a lightening white rod penetrated deeply in his chest, blood splashing as it drew him back to the wall pinning him down. Blood gushed out of his lips as his eyes lands on Riley standing, the rod from one of her hand. "Riley what are you doing, you will kill him!" Liam hissed, he was back to human form, his body held wounds as they healed, but the impact really got to him. "He crossed a line" she said sternly. Genesis slowly transformed back to human, the rod still buried in his chest, he held unto it with both hands but the rod wouldn''t budge. His blood everywhere. "Riley" Liam said walking up to her but slowly due to his wounds. The rod moved deeper, Genesis gasps vomiting a ton of blood. "THAT BOY CAN''T BE MY SON" she shouts as the tears fell. Genesis body tensed at her words for a reason he couldn''t understand, ever since he met these two strange people, they were always insisting, he was their son, but somehow hearing that words from her, it made him feel strange. "It''s not possible, I wouldn''t have birth such a monster" she cried. "How could he do this to me". Liam stood beside Riley his wounds fully healed be placed his blood stained hand on her hers, holding the rod, with sad eyes. "He''s not my son" she said with hate, the rod going deeper. Genesis shouts in pain, it was crushing his heart, if it goes any deeper, it would kill him. "Riley!" Liam hissed clenching her hand tightly. "You kill him now, you will regret it" Liam began sternly. ''What''s with this people?'' Genesis thought with shaky eyes, if they want to kill they should just do it already, why were they holding back? "Let. Go" Liam said. Riley''s body trembles, she sobbed, obeying his words as the white rod slowly retreats back inside her hand. "Next time I see him, I won''t hesitant" Riley said dead serious before turning to walk away. She carried Rose''s body in her arms before walking away. Liam stood for a moment, his eyes on Genesis, seated on the floor, holding his bleeding chest. Then he turned about walking away. "Are you gonna kill me too?" Liam halts his steps instantly. Genesis was surprised by his own words, mentally cursing himself for asking such a question, why did he? Without any words Liam continued his work. "Answer me!" Genesis hissed but Liam didn''t stop, he didn''t turn until he walks away, leaving a pissed Genesis. Genesis held his chest in pain, why was he angry and worse why did he feel hurt, this was unlike him, or did Riley Leah words get to him so deeply? "Liam O''Brien and Riley Leah, they are your parents" Or was it Steve words, that was imprinted in his brain, something he couldn''t stop thinking of, a burning memory that can never be quenched. *** Section Five Ghoul Investigator''s Headquarter (GIH) Beneath The Agency "Once again you failed" Barbra said sternly. Genesis was on his bed, several equipment connected to his body, it was pipes, containing black fluid, flowing into him. "They are hard targets" he said faintly. "You have a job, a purpose, I don''t care if they are hard targets" she hissed. "I killed Rose Jones didn''t I? It was part of the mission" he snapts. "An incomplete mission, Rose was bait to lure both of them, the main targets were Liam and Riley" she states. Genesis gulps. "Don''t forget, If it weren''t for me you would be a dead fetus, I gave you life... Hell I extended it," she hissed. "You will fulfil my wishes or you''re considered a failure, an error... And do you know what I do to failures" she said darkly. Genesis eyes shake. "I erase them from existence" she adds with a cold stern look. "Take some rest, I expect good results". "Yes ma''am" he said sternly. "Good" she said walking away. Leaving Genesis in the wide room. "Liam O''Brien and Riley Leah, they are your parents" He growled holding his head in pain, that particular word won''t get off his head, it was like a lingering memory that never seized to exist. His teeth clenched, ''Why am I feeling this way?'' he thought with shaky eyes. What was this lingering feeling he couldn''t explain, why was he now thinking about those two and their words. "THAT BOY CAN''T BE MY SON!". "It''s not possible, I wouldn''t have birth such a monster" "How could he do this to me". "He''s not my son" "Next time I won''t hesitate" The words rang in his head, he held his chest, the lingering pain still evident even now he was all healed. His fist clenched against his chest, he couldn''t explain this odd feeling he felt, what was it?... This deep gloomy feeling, was this... "Pain?" Chapter 150 - Black Genesis (Part 1) Two Years Ago Beneath Steel 7 year old Genesis sat stiff as Steve walks up to him holding a syringe. "Stay still" Steve said, but the boy was already still like a statue. The syringe needle slowly penetrated his forehead, the black substance flowing inside him. "How old will I be now?" he asked curiously. A small smile found his lips, over the years after operating the Fetus out of Riley''s womb, they genetically brought him up, stage by stage, enchancing his growth per Barbra''s orders. "It''s depends how old you wanna grow up to... It''s depends on you" Steve said smiling warmly at his grandson. "I would like to be 13 years old, so that I can look more like my dad" he said with a glint of happiness in his eyes. Steve gave a slight nod as he gave him back the photo he always held, it was a passport photo of Liam and Riley, his fingers ran through them with longing. "You have your mother''s hair but your father''s eyes" Steve said in amusement. "When will I get to see them?" he asked with eagerness in his eyes. But suddenly he felt weak, his head nods from dizziness. Steve swiftly took the picture from him, it was starting. "Soon Genesis, soon" Steve said, as darkness took him. *** Beneath The Agency Genesis gasps awake with a start, he sat up on his bed, holding his head. "That dream" he began with trembling eyes. It felt so real like he actually lived through it, was a memory? What could it be then? "Genesis!" He gasps as he raised his head, his eyes widen in total shock when he saw Dr. Steve standing before him all burnt, and covered in blood, fear grips Genesis body. "Liam O''Brien and Riley Leah are your parents" he said. Genesis trembles, another of Steve stood, they were now two, still in the same state. "Liam O''Brien and Riley Leah are your parents" he chants along with the others. "Stop!" Genesis said holding his head like he was losing it. Another of Steve appeared. "Liam O''Brien and Riley Leah are your parents" he chants. Another appeared chanting the same thing, yet another and another... About twenty filled his room. "Liam O''Brien and Riley Leah are your parents" "Liam O''Brien and Riley Leah are your parents" "Liam O''Brien and Riley Leah are your parents" "Liam O''Brien and Riley Leah are your parents" "Liam O''Brien and Riley Leah are your parents" It went on and on, like a haunted voice, Genesis holding his head tightly, it was almost like his skull would crack from their voice, his breath becoming heavy like he was having a panic attack, and then he lost it. "AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH" He shouts. *** Outskirts Of The City The Silver-lining Manor Riley gasps awake with a start taking harsh uneven breaths, she felt pain, sadness and anger but from where? It was so terrifying. Her breaths calmed down, running her fingers in her red hair. She looked at the side of the bed but was empty, the sheets undone. "Liam" she said haste quickly getting up, grabbing a black robe from the hanger before rushing out of the room. *** She looked around the environment outside, searching, clenching the robe close to her body, she felt like she could have a panic attack just by not seeing him. ''Calm down Riley'' Silver angelic rasp voice sounds in her head. ''Just follow the connection'' Riley took a deep breath closing her eyes. She calmed down allowing her senses to take over. She flashed open her ghoul eyes and then it went back to her green ones, she felt the connection just like Silver said... She automatically walks to the place like a pull. She walked all the way to a secluded area of the mansion, there, there were graves, it was their cemetery, filled with grasses and trees, along with flowers. Riley stared at the place in awe, she has never been here before, this must be their cemetery. And then she saw Liam, dropping a bunch of Lily''s on a grave. She slowly walks towards him, as she came close her eyes found the grave, it was her mother''s, he got a grave specially made for her even though the body was cremeted by her request. Her name written boldly. ''ROSE LEAH'' Tears almost threaten to fall from her eyes. She stood beside Liam, he wore just a loose black pants and a robe he didn''t wrap together, exposing his broad chest and his packs. They both stood in silence, but acknowledging their presence. A small smile found her lips. "You did this for her" Riley began finally breaking the silence. "I''m really grateful" she adds as a tear run down her cheek, but she wipe it off with the black of her hand, sobbing. "Anything for you" he said softly. She turns to him, his gaze still fixed on the headstone, her eyes travelled to another beside, she gasps seeing the name. ''STEVE O''BRIEN'' and then it dawn on her, he didn''t just come to see her mom but his dad too. She took his hand finally making Liam turn to her, she gently lead him so that they would stand in front of his, Liam eyes never left hers. "Is there anything you wanna tell him?" she asked. Liam''s sad eyes lands on the headstone, he gulps. "You know my dad use to say, whenever we come to visit the dead, we say what we wanna say to them, things we never get to say when they were alive" she states. "So tell him Liam... The things you would say if he were alive". A tear fell from Liam''s eye sliding down his cheek. "You were the worst dad I ever had" he began in a crack voice. Riley''s hand on his subconsciously tighten around his. "The worst," the tears falling. "You were never there, mom''s funeral, Jenna''s death, you weren''t there... You betrayed me, you did things to me, no dad would ever do to their son" he sobs as he sighed, holding the tears back. "The worst but the only reason I was reunited with Riley". "If it weren''t for you... I never would have" he sobs. "But that doesn''t change the fact you turned your own grandson to a monster... You took him away from us and turned him against us... Right now I don''t know if I should hate or kill you all over again... myself" he said sternly. "But it doesn''t matter now, you got what you deserved" he said final, taking his eyes off the grave turning. "Liam" Riley said softly. His gaze slowly drifts to her, she placed her hand on his cheek, he leaned into her touch closing his eyes sighing, he bent his head down rubbing his cheek against her palm, exactly what he needed right now, her comfort and presence. "Our parents did things we didn''t understand" she began. "Good, bad, worse... Now they don''t have to do what they think is right... They can rest on now, away from this twisted world". "I don''t wanna lose you" he admits. "You won''t ever again... never" she said slowly going on her tip toes, pressing her lips against his gently. She ran her lips on his softly, Liam slowly closed his eyes kissing her back with all he had, he deepened the kiss devouring every inch of her mouth, his fingers dug in her hair turning her head to the side to gain more assess to her mouth, their kiss went on as they were lost in each other embrace, the moon at it''s highest peak reflected on them, making it seem magical. * Section Five Ghoul Investigator Headquarters Beneath The Agency "What the hell is going on with him?" Barbra hissed on top of her lungs, the doctor shaking at her voice. "We don''t know ma''am he has been like this for day''s now" she as they both turned to Genesis besides his bed at a corner, his knees to his chest, trembling profusely from an unknown cold. "He keeps saying things" she said. "What?!" Barbra demands. "Thing''s like ''stop''... ''Why do you keep saying that... I have no parents" she explained. Barbra froze as her eyes widen. "A memory lock" she said in realization, this could ruin everything, all years of hard work and money spent to make Genesis the perfect killer, the perfect pawn, now it was gonna go down the drain by a memory lock? This was Steve doing no doubt, he did this, by inserting an impenetrable words in his head that can''t be override, even if she wanted to erase it, there was only one thing she could do to erase him. "Prepare for Zoom" she states. The doctor froze at her words, her eyes widen. Zoom the technology they created to enhance Genesis age scientifically over the years the prize was each time his age was increased he would lose his memory and be like a shell void of all memories following only Barbra''s orders once again... But the problem was only Steve could pull that off, and he was dead. "Ma''am we can''t control it, if we do this, he will die or worst, completely lose his mind, the age increase stops at 13, we haven''t improved it yet" she said. "Then improve it!" she snapts facing her. "Improve it Dr.. Malia, or you''re the one who ends up a failure!" she threatens. Chapter 151 - Black Genesis (Part 2) *Heart Beats Slowly* . . . . *Sharp Uneven Breath* . . . . *Continuous Throbbing Heat Beat* Genesis took uneven breath, his knees to his chest, his face buried in his hands, his harsh breath''s increased, like he was having a panic attack, it was loud and harsh, his body trembling excessively... But the sharp breath then stop abruptly, his trembling body still. His hands fell from his face, his brown eyes filled with sadness, he sat there still staring at his hand, that showed blood in his vision. The blood of Rose Jones, he gulps hard as his trembling hands tighten in a hard fist, the blood on his hands made his heart ached... He now knew exactly who he killed... What he did. "THAT BOY CAN''T BE MY SON!". "It''s not possible, I wouldn''t have birth such a monster" "How could he do this to me". "He''s not my son" "Next time I won''t hesitate" Riley''s words rang in his head once more, as well as Liam''s cold glance and silence, they rang in his head like a beating drum slamming hardly in his brain, his trembling body stops as his eyes sadden more, a tear fell from one of his eye, with his thumb, he brushed it off his cheek, assessing it. "A tear..." he said, he has never shed a tear before, this was new to him and it sent a tingling feeling to his body, he felt sadness and sorrow, this tear was as a result of the pain he caused, the inhuman thing he did. The door slide open as Dr. Malia walks in along with two agents behind. Genesis turns to them, then his eyes widen in realization. But it was too late, there was no turning back, maybe this way, there will be peace. *** Genesis was tired to the bed, a leather wrap around his chest, legs and hands pinning him down, he didn''t fight, he didn''t have the will to. Pointy needle''s around thousands were beside him at both sides, containing a black fluid liquid. From the other end of hall, Barbra stood beside Dr. Malia. "Begin!" she said sternly. Malia gulps hard before pushing the button, knowing there was no way she could disagree, it would be the death of her. The machines began moving coming for his body slowly. Genesis closed his eyes awaiting his fate, after this all memory will be gone and he will start anew, but was it really what he wants? What does it matter? He has never wanted anything in his life to begin with, he was a pawn, a pawn to be used and discarded when done with, he didn''t have a say, that has always been his life ever since, why would it change now? "Genesis" A faint voice called for him, it sounded familiar. "Genesis!" Instantly his mind travelled to his subconsciousness. * Genesis slowly opened his eyes, he found himself, in the most beautiful place he has ever seen, it was a beach, the sun at it''s brightest, the sands against his feet felt so real. The ocean blue like the skies, the wind carrying it in waves, the birds gracing the skies with their presence, it smelt refreshing and peaceful, he wished he would just stay here forever, away from all the dark memories. "Genesis", the familiar voice called to him again, he turned, Steve stood beside him wearing a warm smile, staring at him lovingly, wearing his usual lab cloths, but not burnt like he saw him last, he looked okay almost glowing from the sun brightness. "How?" he began in confusion. "This is your subconsciousness as well as mine" Steve said. "But you''re dead" "Yes I''m, but I did something before I dead, I kept some part of me with you" he said. "Why?" Genesis demands. "Beacuse of this moment" he began, with a deep sigh. "What they are about to do to you won''t work, it will destroy, it will kill you" he said sternly. "You have to break free". "I can''t" he said shaking his head negatively as the tears fell. "I remember everything... I have parents... I hurt them so bad, they are never gonna forgive me, it''s better if I just die" he said while sobbing and hicupping. "Your parents will always love you Genesis, they are good people unlike me" Steve said with sad eyes. "I did so many things to them that I regret, but it was for a purpose I was destined to achieve... I did everything I could to protect you, Genesis... But Barbra... That woman left no stones unturned... I''m so sorry I couldn''t protect you my boy, I have failed both a son and a grandson" he said as a tear fell from one of his eye. "With this I can make everything right... You have to reunite with your parents, which is why I''m here to guide you through this, I promise" he said, his eyes laced with seriousness. Genesis stared at him with teary eyes. Steve placed a hand on Genesis shoulder. "You won''t leave pass 13 years, this age is your end cycle, I don''t want you to leave it out alone... I want you to spend it with your parents... If you can grant this old man his wishes, I will be at rest then" he said with a smile against his lips. "But how? How can I? I''m not so sure I can" Genesis said in tears. "Fight Genesis, fight for your will and dignity" Steve said sternly. "Fight!" * *Loud sound Of Heart Beat* "Fight!" Genesis flashed his eyes opens, his right eye turning to his ghoul ones, he growled aggressively as he broke free of the leathers surprising everyone, they watch stunned at his action. He roars using the bed to crash the machines with his inhuman strength. He wasn''t fully transformed, just his sharp claws and nails along with deadly canines present, his ears pointy, his hair wild, his one ghoul eye lands on Barbra who watch with widen eyes. "BARBRAAAAAAA!" he roared. In a flash of speed, he charged towards her, alerted, Barbra brough out a device, it shifted to a long white whip, but before she could use it, Genesis was already close, his sharp claws made contact with her face, connecting with her skin, it moved as it slashed her side face from the the neck up, blood splashing. Barbra shouts in horror as the excruciating pain shock her body, but she didn''t back down, she rotated her whip at Genesis, the force slamming his body against the wall along with other things in the way. "AAAAAHHHHHH!" Barbra screams in pain, going on her knees, blood gushing from her side way, her palm placed on it but it didn''t stop the bleeding. Dr. Malia quickly rushed to her side, thinking of what to do. A group of agents rushed in, seeing the scene. "GET HIM!" she shouts in rage as the agents panicked, rushing to where Genesis was but on getting there he was no where to be seen. *** Above The Agency The elevator made a ding sound revealing Genesis as he steps out, the door shutting behind, he ventured into the lonely hall having no idea where the exit was, his heart slamming soundly in his chest, his breath sharp and uneven. His heard footsteps, his head shot up but it at the sound, some chatting agents came forth, but they were too engross in their conversation to even notice him, so he used the opportunity to hide behind a wall, waiting as his heart slammed loudly in his chest. They passed unaware he was even there, seeing they were gone he continued to walk in the halls, his bare feets making tap sounds against the floor as he walks, he looked side ways, staying alert for any threats, he turned to the next hall, locating an elevator, he pressed the button rushing inside. The doors shut close. He looked at the number of keys but couldn''t figure it out, he didn''t know how to read, he never thought he had to, pressing anything he thought was right, the elevator moved. He waited with anticipation as it did, to get to wherever it has to go, but then it stops abruptly, the door sliding open, revealing a teenage boy, he held a smoov as he drawed the drink through the pipe, he wore blue jeans, dark blue inner long sleeve sweater and dark brown jacket, along with matching shoes, his eyes fixed on his phone as he pressed wirh one hand, smirking, he slowly raised his head meeting with brown ones. The teenage boy blinks puzzled at Genesis on tattered clothes. A dark smirk spread across his lips seeing his clothes, before the boy could react, Genesis grabs him by the collar pulling him inside the elevator as he shrieks, the door sliding shut. A few minutes later Genesis was out fully clothed in the boy''s outfit, leaving the unconscious boy in the elevator in just his boxer''s. Flapping on the hood from the inner dark blue sweater he wore he ventured into the next floor. "Stay together everyone at all times, this is a tour of the agency not a vacation" an agent said leading a group of kids around. Genesis watch them from behind, if he could blend in with the crowd, then his escape would be evident, smirking he walks towards the group of kids already disappearing to the next hall, he tried to keep up. "Hey kid!" A voice halts him instantly, he turns meeting Chase approaching him slowly, an agent. "What are you doing here?!" he demands. Chapter 152 - Black Genesis (Part 3) "Hey, kid!" Chase said puzzled at the boy in the lonely hall, he watch as he halts instantly at the sound of his voice but spared no effort to turn. "What are you doing here?!" Chase demands walking towards him, he stops behind him, the boy reached him at just his chest level, so a teenager maybe? "I asked a question" Chase demands not liking the silence, it was getting suspicious. Genesis fist tightens, his one eye changing to his ghoul ones, series of thoughts running in his head, what should he do? Attack? Run? any decision he makes right now will determine his escape. "Hey!" Chase hissed placing his hand on his shoulder about turning him. "Oh, there you are" a voice came in from the front. Chase''s eyes land on a girl a distance away. Short strawberry brown wave hair and Camel eyes, she wore a white coat jacket buttoned up along with a head warmer, brown pants, and black long boots, her bag crossed against her shoulder. She approached them. "Thank God you found him, I have been looking for him everywhere" she began. Genesis''s shaky eyes were on her, he didn''t talk or move. "And you''re?" Chase asked. "Oh, where are my manners... I''m Heather Miller" she said with a smile. "And this is my brother Josh". Genesis tensed at her words. "Your brothe-" "Alright we gotten go, they said we should be with the others at all times," Heather said quickly rushing out with Genesis. "Hey wait!" But they were already out of the hall. "Sir we need you at the control room," an agent said walking towards him. "Why are kids running around the agency?" Chase asked. "It''s tour day sir" he shrugs. Chase never thought of that, he just gave a nod but there was something about that boy he couldn''t quite place. *** Genesis pulled his hand away from Heather''s. "Why are you helping me?!" he demands. She faced him. "You''re welcome," she said sarcastically. "I''m a ghoul" he hissed. "So? And weird, why is your right eye changed only" she asked curiously. Genesis froze realizing his one eye was still turned, it went back to his normal ones. "And to answer your question I don''t care if you''re a ghoul" she states. "But you''re human... You reek of it" he said wrinkling his nose. Heather frown, sniffing her jacket. "I had my best perfume on today" she murmured. "I have to go human," he said walking past her but she grabs his arm. "Wait!" He growled like an animal facing her with his now claw teeth, snarling dangerously at her. "Whoa! You are a different kind of odd" she said amazed. He gave her a puzzled look, wasn''t she afraid? "If you go out by yourself you won''t make it to the last floor, I can get you out," she said letting go of his arm. "You were part of some kind of experiment weren''t you?" she asked. Genesis froze at her words. "How did you-" "Rumors are going on about the agency, and besides you aren''t part of the tour team... and kids aren''t allowed in the agency" she began before looking around, leaning too close to him. Genesis''s body tensed at her closeness. "I''m here undercover" she whispers before pulling away. "I know they must have done something to you... The agency is a bad place, I came here using the tour as an excuse to gain info of what we could use" she said. "I support the Black ghoul and his people. We support them". "We?" Genesis said puzzle. "Heather, the other levels are a no-go, these people got cameras everywhere," a boy around their age said, walking up to them in a haste. He had dark hair and brown eyes. "Who''s the kid?" he motions with his head. "And why is he on Josh''s clothes?" he adds. "Josh? You saw Josh?... I have been looking everywhere for him" Heather said sighing, but then paused before turning to Genesis, her eyes widen in realization. "You are in Josh clothes," she said puzzled. "I didn''t kill him, he''s just unconscious in the elevator," he said with a shrug. "And you hijacked him of his clothes, it''s degrees out there, he could freeze to death" the boy hissed. "Calm down Dale" Heather hissed, turning back to Genesis. "Which elevator?!" *** Josh groaned seating up while holding his head. "Fuck" he cursed remembering his encounter with that strange kid. Suddenly the elevator door opened revealing Genesis. He gasps in total fear but it died down when Heather and Dale rushed in. "Guys get away from that kid... he''s gonna hit you in the head and grab your clothes" Josh accused. "Shut up Josh and get dressed, you are lucky I bought extra pairs" Dale hissed bringing out some clothes from his bag. "Relax Josh, he had a reason he did that... I think he''s part of the illegal experiment going on here" Heather said. "He looks normal to me," Josh said putting on a pair of jeans and then a sweater. "Trust me he isn''t but we have to get him out of here," Heather said. "He could blend in with us when we get out... the only issue is he got no ID," Dale said. "What about the mission, we can''t just back down now we have this opportunity," Josh said. "We have enough proof... this kid is all we need" Heather reasoned. "What''s an ID?" Genesis spoke up, they turned to him, staring like he had two heads. "Okay that''s weird," Heather said raising an eyebrow. "What''s your name?" Dale asked. "Genesis" "Genesis?" Josh said blinking, "Just Genesis?" Heather asked. "Yes just Genesis... and I''m not going anywhere with you guys," he said sternly. "I have to find my parents" he adds. "Well, you are not getting out of here without us... you need us" Heather said with arms folded. "What she said," Josh said with a shrug. Heather smirks. "I don''t need anybody... I can hang on just fine" Genesis said walking out. Heather rushed to him, the rest steps out of the elevator. "Hey wait... Genesis!" Heather hissed. Genesis sighs turning. "We can help you find your parents... if you come with us" Heather offered. "Heather we can''t exactly do that," Josh said. "Do you suggest anything better? Guys, we need him to come with us" she reasons. Dale folds his arms. "How sure are you we can trust him... remember even though we are on the ghoul''s side, not all are trusted," he said through gritted teeth. "The feeling is mutual, I don''t trust humans," Genesis said sternly. "Alright stop it you two, this won''t help any of us right now," Heather said, she turns back to Genesis. "We can help you, just tell us who your parents are, we can find them" "Liam O''Brien and Riley Leah" he states. Josh busts in a peal of hard laughter holding his stomach, Dale chuckles. Heather covers her mouth holding in her laugh. "What?" he hissed with a frown. "You mean the black ghoul is your dad, and Riley Leah our savior is your mom?" Dale states in amusement. "Yes, why?" Genesis shrugs. They all burst in a peal of laughter that rang in the hall. "Hey! It''s not funny I''m serious" He urged. "Well if they are your parents... then I''m the son of Barbra Jones," Dale said walking ahead of them. "Come on guys let''s move," he said. "That''s not funny Genesis, when we get you out then you tell us your real parent''s names, you don''t have to lie about it," Josh said walking past him. "I''m not lying," he said through clenched teeth. "Liam O''Brien and Riley Leah have no kids," Heather said. Genesis''s eyes were saddened by her words as his fist clenched in a tight hold. "Are you coming?" she asked. "Genesis we''re the only one that can get you out unless you have a better idea" she adds. Genesis just gave a slight nod, a smile graced Heather''s lips. *** Josh checked his watch. "Alright few minutes to go before the tour ends," he said to the others. Genesis felt uncomfortable standing amid other teens and agents. He stayed alert at all times making sure his hood was up properly but what struck him the most was, the agency wasn''t in an uproar like he thought they might be due to his escape, Barbra haven''t sent anyone at him yet. Was his identity really a secret? "Alright everyone, we''re done for today, we hope you all had a studious day today, for all those who wanna be agents this is a big opportunity," Jesse Landon said with a smile against her lips, Peter beside her, they both handled the tour much to her disagreement, but it was a decision from the higher-ups, there wasn''t much she could do about it but bear. "Being an agent sucks!" one of the teens spoke up, others make a woo sound. "God! I hate Kids" Jesse murmured while keeping a smile present on her lips but fuming on the inside. "Well, one day you will have one" Peter whispers to her. Jesse just rolled her eyes. "That''s very motivating, but we keep the city safe" Jesse states. "I''m not so sure about that" Heather spoke up. All attention drifts to her. Chapter 153 - Black Escape "Being an agent sucks!" one of the teens spoke up, others made a woo sound. "God! I hate Kids" Jesse murmured while keeping a smile present on her lips but fuming on the inside. "Well, one day you will have one" Peter whispers to her. Jesse just rolled her eyes. "That''s very motivating, but we keep the city safe" Jesse states. "I''m not so sure about that" Heather spoke up. All attention drifts to her. "Dammit Heather don''t cause attention!" Dale said through clenched teeth. "Why say so young lady?" Jesse asked with a forced smile, she was curious about her thoughts. "My mom was a drug addict" Heather began stepping forward with a stern look. The rest teens whispers at her words. "You know what that means right?" she adds. "G-st" Peter said without a doubt. "Exactly... G-st a drug made by the drug king, capable of turning humans into ghouls known as Claw Walkers" Heather said. "She gets like this" Josh said sighing. "Why?" Genesis asked puzzled. "Her own mom tried to eat her and her little sister". Genesis body tensed at his words, facing him. "What happened then?" he asked curious. "She survived but her sister didn''t". Genesis eyes shakes at his words as he turned, his gaze landing on her back. "The only thing the agency could do was hunt them rather than find a cure" Heather said sternly. The other teens nods in agreement. "And you call that saving?" she said with a huff. "Well I guess not". "Young lady" Jesse began. "The black Ghoul and Riley Leah are our savior" she cuts her off. Jesse froze at her words. "They gave me my mom back... They gave her a chance along with the rest of other kids who would have been orphans or a scared teen or adult who would have to live as a drug addict forever...and what did you guys do?" Peter gulps hard at her words, not knowing what to say. Jesse with a stern look took a step closer to her. "I admire your spirit" she began. "You''re still young... All these burning spirit will quench one day when you realize" "Realize what?" Heather said with an attitude. "That once a ghoul... always a ghoul" Jesse said smirking. Heather gulps hard at her words. *Loud Alarm Siren* "There''s been a breach" Peter hissed in realization. "Ghoul, there''s a ghoul inside the agency" he adds. Jesse turned to the kids. "Everyone to the entrance!" she hissed. They all rushed to the entrance. "This is bad for all of us" Heather said to Genesis, he knew the alert went off because of him, they must have finally caught up to him. "Bad for him not us" Dale said with a shrug as they got to the entrance. There were about five agents there scanning their ID before they walk pass the entrance. "Really bad" Josh said without a doubt. "There''s too much agents, this damn alarm caused it" Heather said. "The alarm, it''s because of me" Genesis said with a stern look. They faced him. "I''m the ghoul they are looking for". "Obviously" Dale said. "Now because this fucking alarm he can''t get through with that many agents" he adds. "I have an idea, but it''s crazy" Genesis said. "Anything crazier than getting caught by agents?" Josh said. "I''m down with it then" he adds. "How crazy?" Heather asked facing him. "Very" Genesis said in an inhuman voice, his right eye changing to his ghoul ones. Their eyes widen in realization, Genesis shifted to his beast form, as a dark aura surrounds him going up in height. The people around screamed at the sudden action all dispersing, except the agents in front bringing their guns out really to fire. "He''s big so freaking big" Dale said in fear. "Is this normal?" Josh said in shock. Genesis roared deadly before grabbing the three as they squeals at the sudden move. The agents shot at Genesis but that didn''t stop him, as he covered the three against his chest, the bullet made impact with his black body but no effect made. Genesis roared increasing his speed. "SHIT! MOVE OUT HE''S GONNA BREAK THROUGH!" Jesse shouts as they dispersed quickly. Genesis with force and density burst through the door and wall causing an amount of destruction, the wave and force blocked every one from seeing, when it dead down Genesis and the other two kids were nowhere to be seen, leaving the rest agents in awe of what just unfold. *** Beneath the agency Barbra roared in extreme pain, holding her wounded side face while taking harsh uneven breath. "Ma''am please stay still so that I can cover it up" Malia urgued. But Barbra wouldn''t seat still because of the intense pain. "Please ma''am I have to wrap it up or it will get infected" she pleased. Barbra took harsh breath, that came out like a growl. "Check it!" she hissed taking her seat, her body trembling. Malia gulps hard, fixing her gloves properly before assessing the wound, Barbra winces in pain as she did. Malia went stiff seeing something, the four slash mark on left face, from her head down to her neck. "What is it?!" Barbra demands impatient. "Y-Y-Your right eye it''s..." she gulps. "It''s what?!" "I-It damaged". Barbra''s body tensed at her words, her fist clenched tightly as rage boiled inside her. "Genesis" she said with gritted teeth. Malia''s body trembled where she was, never seeing her this angry. "Ma''am". Two agents steps in. "We were unable to apprehend the target" one said in guilt. "Useless" Barbra spats. "YOU''RE ALL USELESS!" Barbra shouts scattering the table in front of her. Malia squeaks at the action. It was unlike Barbra Jones to lose her cool like this. "Ma''am!". "What?!" she hissed snaping at the agent who jumped a little at her voice. "It''s the Director Ma''am" he said holding a transperant iPad Barbra froze as her one good eye widen in shock, pure fear griping her insides, she shivered turning to face the agent slowly. "What did you say?!" she asked in a shaky voice, hoping and praying she heard wrong. Chapter 154 - The Director "YOU''RE ALL USELESS!" Barbra shouts scattering the table in front of her. Malia squeaks at the action. It was unlike Barbra Jones to lose her cool like this. "Ma''am!". "What?!" she hissed snaping at the agent who jumped a little at her voice. "It''s the Director Ma''am" he said holding a transperant iPad Barbra froze as her one good eye widen in shock, pure fear griping her insides, she shivered turning to face the agent slowly. "What did you say?!" she asked in a shaky voice, hoping and praying she heard wrong. "It''s the Director ma''am" the agent repeats, turning the iPad to face her. Barbra gasp in panic but it was too late as the video call went through, it came up, revealing a handsome young man, around his late 40s but still looked like he was in his 30s, breathtaking with his looks. His skin paled almost like the moonlight, his lips a lighter shade of pink, his eyes a icy green colour that held danger and wildness, his hair blond and silky, gelled backwards. He was seated in an office just by the first look of it, it looked expensive. He was on a white long sleeve shirt well ironed not s single wrinkle, the buttons undone revealing his paled hard ton chest. "V-Vincent" Barbra said in a shaky breath. Dr. Malia beside her practically just drooled at the man that looked like a goddess, she quickly put on her glasses hanging around her neck just to make sure she wasn''t seeing things. His moist lip pressed in a small smile making him more dashing. "Barbra" he said in a soft tone that held coldness. Barbra gulps hard, why now? After years of staying in the shadows. "My gosh Barbra what happened to your face?" he asked in a tone of worry but everyone across the room could read it was fake. "Nothing" Barbra said with clenched teeth. "Obviously it can''t be nothing... A ghoul maybe?" he said in amusement leading back against his white leather chair. "Or one of your failed experiments" he add. Barbra flinched at his words. He ticks his tongue. "My sweet Barbie, I''ve told you many times, if you want resources of dissecting ghouls, I''m the perfect man to ask" he said huskily. Barbra growled at the nickname, it has been years and she still hated the name, it was like ants crawling up her skin whenever she heard it. "What do you want Vincent?!" she snaps not ready to put up with his sick dilemma. "Now now Barbie is that anyway to speak to your elder brother" he said as his lips pressed in a thin line, resembling a frown but didn''t taint his handsome features. Malia mouth dropped at his words, Barbra Jones has an elder brother? "I apologize brother", the word brother sounding with disgust and resentment. This made Vincent smirk broaden instantly like he acknowledge her attitude. "I heard a rumour, that things aren''t going well for you in New York, or our branches no less" he began. "Rumors like you said" Barbra said sternly. "Haa... Barbie, you know I have eyes and ears everywhere, even that agent over there, the one with the pointed chin" he said with a smirk. Barbra lools darken, in a flash she took her gun off the table, shooting the agent in the head, blood splashed to the other holding the iPad, fear grips his body as his partner drops to the floor, dead. Malia squeak at the sight. "Barbie" Vincent said, disappointment in his tone. "If you go on like this you might end up killing all your agents" he adds smirking. "We agreed I handle the agency, don''t go planting moles in my agency" she hissed. "No Barbra" he said in a serious tone, leaning off the chair, his arms pressing against the glass table. "Under my orders you''re captain of the agency, don''t forget that". Barbra gulps at his deadly words. "Your mismanagement, your style of handling my agency, is not appropriate" he states in a simple tome. "I heard you''re facing series of events that calls to my attention" he began. "Brea gesh resh mesh sa Silver and Ghost Clover" (The gods have awakened, Silver and Ghost Clover), he said in an ancient language, ghoul language. Barbra''s eyes widen in realization, over the years, generations of hunting ghouls, they have grown accustomed to the language, it was no longer foreign to them. "You seem surprised, the entire country or more the colony of ghouls are in uproar, they are saying their god''s has awaken, a connection they all felt... I''m curious barbie, I''m curious to know this folktale, if it''s true" he said. "I might have a hunch... No I have the answer" Barbra said with shaky eyes, how could she not have seen it, they were right in front of her from the very start. Vincent raised an eyebrow. "Tell me... Their identity" Vincent demands. "Atleast now I have something you don''t, relax brother, just as you have entrusted me with the agency, I shall bring honor to the family name" she said in amusement before shooting the agent holding the iPad, a bullet to the head as he drops dead in an instant. The video going off line. *** England Pent House Vincent in silence, his eyes fixed on his apple laptop, the video connection off. "You never seize to amaze me Barbra" Vincent said, his tone laced with seriousness. "She has the answer" a young woman said, seated on the desk in Front of of him, shutting the laptop close. Vincent icy green eyes lands on her, she was a beauty, wearing a purple slender short gown that hung her body perfectly, short straight white hair, kept perfectly, her ghoul eyes evident, the white part of her eyes black, but instead of the center gold like a normal ghouls, hers were purple, a bright shade. A smirk pressed against her red lip. "But she won''t tell us" she adds in a huskily manner, tilting her head to the side. Vincent leans back to his chair. "What do you say about a mission, Six?" he asked. "Anything for you Milord" Six said smirking. Chapter 155 - Black Underground Outskirts Of The City The Silver-lining Manor Operating Hall Kayla''s eyes were fixed on the wide screen. "Okay that weird" She said watching a footage, it was showed a view of the front of the agency before a black creature bust out of it, dashing out in speed, but she couldn''t make it out the strange being out, until the footage turned static. "Kayla check this out" Race said in a hurry rushing to her side, as he drew the info from his transparent iPad to the wide screen, the news played. "Earlier today the agency was attacked by a random ghoul still unidentified, the chaos today got a lot of citizens questioning the event" the newscaster said. "Something''s up... I''m sure of it, I checked the earlier footage, it doesn''t make any sense" Kayla said certain. "My thoughts exactly because the break in came from inside the agency not outside" Race said. "A ghoul from inside the agency" she said. "Exactly" "So Genesis maybe?" she asked. "Most likely" Race said his fingers going fast against the keyboard as the footage zoomed near, mostly focused on the black creature. "Is that?" Kayla said with wide eyes. "Yes, he''s carrying three persons, can''t make out who yet" he said. "He''s taking people hostages?". Race nods. "Should we tell Boss?" she asked. "Not after what he did" he reason. Kayla nods in agreement. "We should keep it down and know what his agenda is... Then we tell Boss" he states. "What do you say about a old school tracking means" he adds facing Kayla. She smirks. *** Somewhere In The City *Wailing Sirens* Heather, Dale and Josh took harsh breath''s, except Genesis who stood assessing the area if it was safe. "That was.." Dale said taking harsh breath. "Insane" Josh finished for him finally calming himself down. "We''re lucky we made it alive, he was so fast so freaking fast" Heather said in a hoarse breath. "What are you?" Dale demands in a serious tone, he wasn''t like the other ghouls. "A ghoul" Genesis said with a shrug of his soldier''s. "Don''t mess with me!" he snaps. "Just one eye changed, you aren''t a normal ghoul" he states. "Calm down Dale! Of course he''s not normal, he was experimented on by the agency, you don''t expect him to be like a normal ghoul" Heather hissed. "Calm down guys, we can''t fight right now, for all we know the agents could be after us right now" Josh said with scared eyes. "I don''t know about this Heather but we can''t take him with us" Dale said sternly. "Really Dale... He''s the proof we have got about the agency illegal experiment, we need him" Heather states in a serious tone. "The Mayor needs prove we can make use of" she adds. ''Mayor?'' Genesis thought puzzled. Dale sighs running his fingers in his hair. Heather turns to Genesis who stood silence. "You will come with us and then we will help you find your parents, you have to tell us your real parents name" she insists. "I have... Liam O''Brien and Riley Leah are my real parents" he states in a serious tone. "And he''s going with that again" Dale said sarcastically, with a eye roll. "But they have no kids, how come we have never heard of you" Josh reasons. "It''s long story, one I will not share with stranger''s" Genesis hissed. "You have to trust us Genesis, so that we can trust you too" Heather pleads. "Forget this kid, he''s nuts" Dale said without a doubt. "I''m not lying" Genesis said through clenched teeth. Heather stared into his eyes and she knew it, hidden away in those cold eyes were genuine. "I believe you" Heather said with a smile against her lips. "We will find a way to contact them when we get to the underground" she said. "Underground?" Genesis said puzzled as he blinks. "What did you expect, that we came from a respectful home... Well Nada" Dale said. "After the incident with the drug and then the cure, homes were lost and some were hunted even after turned human, so we hid" Heather explained. "You could say homeless... The government didn''t recognize the drug addicts as their citizens after the mass destruction they caused because of their hunger" Josh said with sad eyes. "And more to the reason, we support ghouls, so we are considered outcast" Dale states. "Which is why we moved to the underground" Heather said sternly. *** Unknown Neighborhood The sound of dog barking could be heard, it was a lonely abandoned neighborhood with about 15 houses in sight, all worn out. "This is not an underground" Genesis said as they approached the buildings. "We just call it one but it''s actually a neighborhood off the grid" Josh explained. As they got closer others could be seen all doing various things, some scarping for food from the wastes, while some burning wood at the open to keep warm, the setting looked rural like a poor household all in one. "People would just desert other people" Genesis said. "That''s people for you, you support the enemy they see you as one" Dale said. Genesis eyes scanned the area in curiosity. "Everyone here once a Claw walker?" he asked. "Mostly" Heather replied. "Can''t wait to get off this clothes" she murmurs uncomfortable like it wasn''t even hers. "Heather!" a woman called, she looked exactly like Heather but the much older version. "Mom!" Heather said with a smile against her lips rushing to embrace her. Genesis just watch with longing. "Everyone they are back!" her mom called to the others as they gathered. Genesis watch as they engage in a conservation with the three, either asking questions or relieved they were okay. "It''s like we have an unexpected guest" a Deep voice sounds. All attention drift to the big man before them. "Mayor" Heather said with a smile against her lips. Big Guy smirks. "A familiar unexpected guest" Big Guy said never talking his eyes off Genesis. Chapter 156 - Black Guest (Part 1) Genesis watch as they engage in a conservation with the three, either asking questions or relieved they were okay. "It''s like we have an unexpected guest" a Deep voice sounds. All attention drift to the big man before them. "Mayor" Heather said with a smile against her lips. Big Guy smirks. "A familiar unexpected guest" Big Guy said never talking his eyes off Genesis. Genesis gave him a stern look. Big Guy approached him, each footstep made a thud sound, he was indeed a Big Guy. He stops right in front of Genesis looking down at him, signifying how tall he was, he smirks, taking another whiff of air around him. "You smell very familiar, almost like my buddy Liam O''Brien" he states. Whispers filled among the others. "We found him inside the agency, he was trying to escape" Heather began. But Big Guy gaze never left Genesis, as did he. "And?" Big Guy urges. "He''s part of the experiment we believe is held within the agency, he''s the prove we need" Heather said bold. "Project Genesis, well I''ll be damn" Big Guy said as his eyes shined in amusement, this was interesting, the very glorious experiment, Barbra''s experiment was right in front of him. "You seem to know a lot about me" Genesis spoke up. "Not a lot but enough, I was in Steel when rumors were going on about a project, one of Barbra Jones puppet". "I''m not a puppet!" he snaps. "I see" Big Guy said in amusement. Genesis gulps hard. "Maybe I was" he began with clenched teeth. "But I''m not anymore" he adds his eyes laced with seriousness. It took a minute of silence and piercing gaze before Big Guy spoke up. "Follow me, the rest of you go back inside, it''s cold" he orders walking ahead. It took a minute before Genesis followed behind him. "I Hope Big Guy let him stays" Heather said nervous. "Why do you care" Dale said rolling his eyes. "If he''s a threat Big Guy will know and send him out immediately before he can endanger any of us, let''s leave it to him" Josh said with a shrug. "What''s with you guys!" Heather snaps facing them. They froze at her outburst. "He saved us okay, isn''t that enough to see he''s not a threat" she hissed. "Yes he saved us, but one action doesn''t justify the rest" Dale said with a stern look. Heater growled walking past them while making sure she bump Dale''s shoulder as she left. "What''s with her, she''s been defending that kid since the moment she laid eyes on him" Dale said practically growling. Josh just shrugs, having no idea. *** Big Guy and Genesis walked into a house, inside looked like an office, but a worn out one, the walls peeling, the table and chairs looked old. "I apologize for the space, it''s not much but it''s where we live" Big Guy said taking a seat in front. "I''m not bothered" Genesis said. "Of course you''re not, take a seat" he motioned. Genesis did in front of his desk, seating, a bit uncomfortable. "So" Big Guy began. "Tell me why you came here". "They asked and more importantly I came here because the human girl said she will help me find my parents" "Heather you mean" Big Guy said raising an eyebrow. "My parents Liam O''Brien and Riley Leah, I want to find them" Genesis demands. Big Guy eyes widen at his words. "You''re Liam''s son?" he said in shock, that explains the unusual familiar feeling he felt. "No one seems to believe me except the human girl" he said. "Heather you mean". "I don''t care, look can you help me or not" he hissed. "Look kid even if I wanted to I can''t, the Silver-lining isn''t exactly a hot line you can dial, they exist like a ghost that''s why they are untraceable, even when the cure for the Claw Walkers were distributed, they were still untraceable" he said. Genesis fist tighten. "Heather might have said we can, but she doesn''t understand the way the world works, we may support the Black Ghoul but we are unknown and we prefer to keep it that way". "Then why risk the others getting into the agency to find a leak" Genesis hissed. "That was Heather and her team idea, I strongly opposed it but they insisted claiming they wanna find evidence, Heather is a strong head sometimes I wonder what''s going on in that head of hers not to talk more of Dale" Big Guy said sighing like he couldn''t keep up with the kids, it was surprising for someone of his size and wit to be out smarted by teens. "Teens" he said. "They never seize to amaze me". "So there''s no way I can find them" Genesis said breaking Big Guy out of his dilemma. "I''m sorry kid but that''s the truth, their signal is untraceable as well as locating their organization" he said firmly. "You can stay here with us, you''re safer here, as long as you escape from the agency, you''re on their red list" he adds. "Actually I did something worse" Genesis spoke up. "I marked Barbra Jones" Big guy froze at his words, what he said gave him the chills, this kid was as good as dead if he step foot out of here, he did something no other ghoul have ever done, and knowing the bitch very well, she was never gonna let this go. Big Guy smirks broadly. "Now this caught my attention". *** Section Five Ghoul Investigator Headquarters (GIH) Barbra stood in front of the wall mirror in her office. The right side of her face covered in bandaged, she just stood staring at herself in the mirror. The door slide open as Chase rushed in. "I heard what happened" he began haste. Barbra slowly turn go him, he froze seeing the bandage. "It appears I have a lot of enemies, even to the point a ghoul will try to assassinate me in my own office" she said. "I heard" Chase states. "But in your office? There''s no blood or anything" he adds. "Cleaned up" she said, a small smile found her lips. "Are you questioning me now Chase?". He gulps. "Why shouldn''t I?" he reasoned. "I mean" he gave a heavy sigh. "The very city I gave my life and heart to protect is against us, everyone thinks the agency is the enemy, and the black ghoul their savior". "And you think this is my fault?" she said sternly. "There are rumors going on about the warehouse attacked by the black ghoul months ago, I looked up the building and found out it belonged to you" he states. "What rumor?" she demands. "That you''re dealing drugs in that exact place, thus the reason for the attack" he said. Barbra huffed. "They say it''s G-st Barbra". "Call me Captain!" she hissed facing him, fury burning her insides. "The question I have you Captain, are you the drug king?" he asked with a stern look, it was a foolish question but he had to ask, even though he knew he can''t fully trust what comes out of her mouth, he just had to, maybe he was just finding a way or a reason to still trust his Captain. "It''s doesn''t matter what I say Chase, you already have your mind made up, I''m the villain here" she said. A small smile found Chase lips. "You know the only reason I joined the agency was because I wanted to keep the city safe, later on it was all about making the city a better place for Rex... And then he was trapped in a building filled with V-ghoul''s, he barely made it out alive and then he was stuck in a train falling thousands of feet to the ground, and where was I?" he states with wistful eyes. "I have done nothing, absolutely nothing to keep him safe, not even the city, we are still on the verge of tearing ourselves into pieces and the very woman I serve..." he sighs heavily. Barbra''s lips pressed in a thin line. "Keeps so many secrets that I''m not even sure I can keep up with, the very woman who told me we can achieve peace together but what we achieved was no less chaos". "What are you saying Chase" Barbra said faintly, not meeting gaze with him. Chase slowly walks towards her, he stops right in front of her, he brought out his badge and then his registered gun, placing them on the table. Barbra froze at his action as she faced him with shaky eyes. "I''m saying I can''t work for a woman whose heart is not in the right place" he said firmly. Barbra''s lips went apart lightly in shock the words hung in her throat at his statement. "We are not the savior in this city" he states. "No. One. Is" he said final before turning to walk away. Barbra placed her palm on her table for balance, she watch as Chase Wyatt walks away right before her eyes. Chapter 157 - Black Guest (Part 2) "What are you saying Chase" Barbra said faintly, not meeting gaze with him, her heart slamming rapidly in her chest. Chase slowly walks toward her, he stops right in front of her, he brought out his badge and then his registered gun, placing them on the table. Barbra froze at his action as she faced him with shaky eyes. "I''m saying I can''t work for a woman whose heart is not in the right place" he said firmly. Barbra''s lips went apart lightly in shock the words hung in her throat at his statement. "We are not the savior in this city" he states once more, with wistful eyes. "No. One. Is" he said final before turning to walk away. Barbra placed her palm on her table for balance, she watch as Chase Wyatt walks away right before her eyes. She couldn''t act, she couldn''t think, she just watch as Chase left her office, the door sliding shut. Her fist clenched, hard. Pain and anger boiling her insides, she took harsh uneven breath, her eyes clouded with anger. *** Downtown "Kayla are you sure we are in the right place?" Race asked for the tenth time today, they had been out here, tracking Genesis location but he was nowhere to be found, like a ghost. Race just sighed, leaning on the black sports car, watching Kayla in a distance checking her device. "There''s no damn signal" she hissed. Race sighed once more. She turns to him. "Don''t you think maybe we should tell Boss about this?" she reasons. "You know we can''t, not until we know what Genesis is up to" Race said. Kayla sighs. "This doesn''t feel right, I have never done anything without boss permission" she said guilty. "Look Kayla don''t over work yourself over it, we will tell him just when we know what Genesis is after, you remember what happened when they encounter him before" he reasons. "He killed Riley''s mom, his own grand mom in cold blood". Kayla gulps hard, nodding. "So we keep looking, we handle it ourselves, Boss and Riley have been through enough". "Okay" she agreed, there was no other way to see it. **** Unknown Neighborhood Genesis was seated on a rooftop, watching the night skies with dull eyes, the wind blowing harshly around, he couldn''t remember the last time he watch the skies, maybe never. He observed the stars each of them, it was enthralling to watch, as they Illuminate gloriously. "You''re at my spot" Heather said from behind. "You watch the stars too?" he asked without looking back. She approached him, taking a seat beside him but made sure to give him space. "Yes I watch the skies too, its one of my favorite scenery" she said enjoying the view. Genesis eyes sadden. "This is my first time seeing the stars, all I have ever known is white ceiling, medications, syringes, lost of syringes, water tubes" he said faintly but Heather heard him. Her eyes sadden at his words, what could he have possibly gone through in there. "How long have you been inside the agency?" she asked, curious. "2 years I think, ever since I was a fetus". Heather froze, wait a minute. "You said what now?" she asked with a skeptical look. He finally faced her. "A fetus" he said shrugging, wondering what the big deal was. "Oh my God!" she exclaimed stunned. "You were genetically made, gosh... Science is getting more crazy... That explains why just your one eye change, the man behind this is a crazy ass scientist" she said amazed. "It was my granddad" he said with a frown. "Oh" she made a sound in a sad tone. "Sorry I didn''t know". "It''s okay" he states. "I did worse" he adds faintly. "Genesis" she said softly. "I killed... " his teeth clenched tightly, as well as his fist. "I killed my own grand mom" he held his head with both hands lost. "I killed her, with my own hands" he adds staring at his palms, it showed blood in his vision. "I clawed her throat out... And do you know what''s worse, I was myself all along when I did it, if only I knew who she really was then... ", his voice shaky, the tears fell on their own accord. "I tried to kill my own parents too... If I had the chance I would have... They''re... They''re never gonna forgive me... And... And". Before he knew it Heather embrace him tightly wrapping her arms around his neck, Genesis buried his face in her neck breathing in her scent, relief and calmness flushed through his body in a wave, her scent intoxicates him like a drug. She then pulled away, he sobs. "They will forgive you, I''m sure... My mom" she gulps. "My mom ate my sister... I was so hurt about it and confused, she became a drug addict because of my Dad''s abusive nature, he always hit her and did things to her, he hit me too, her only comfort were the drugs" she said on the verge of tears but she held it in. "I don''t hate my mom because I know it wasn''t her fault. It wasn''t your fault Genesis, I believe it wasn''t your fault" she said her eyes laced with seriousness. "You don''t know me" he said with a frown. "You don''t know anything about me". "I believe you''re a good person" she said softly, gently stroking his cheek. Genesis never took his eyes off her as did Heather, she slowly leaned forward gently pressing her lips against his. Genesis froze at her action as his widen in shock, unable to process what she just did, he pulled away, fast. While grasping for breath. "I''m sorry" she began haste, her cheeks flushed with red, she didn''t know what came over her, she just felt the need to kiss him, she was wrong to think Genesis felt the same way, it was practically the opposite. "I shouldn''t have done that, I''m so so sorry" she said embarrassed covering her heated face. "Don''t do that again" he said through clenched teeth. On hearing his word she pulled her hand away from her face, she froze seeing his right eye changed to his ghoul ones, he took slow deep breath, it was heavy and uneven, his fist clenching the roof wood tightly, it cracked from his tight hold. "It makes me feel weird" he adds in a heavy breath. Heather couldn''t help it, she burst in a hard peal of laughter. "Why are you laughing it''s not funny" he hissed. "You really need to keep your emotions in check, I heard when ghouls are emotional they can''t control their powers, it''s what''s happening right now" she explains. "What? I don''t feel any emotion towards you human girl" he hissed. She frowned at his words, going up in her feet abruptly, hurt as she gasp. "It''s Heather!" she hissed. "And of course I won''t even think of kissing you again!" she hissed on top of her lungs as she walks away, sliding down leaving a confused and angry Genesis. * "And I just have to be the one to chop up the woods while he''s nowhere to be seen" Josh said sarcastically while chopping the wood in front of him, other piles was still waiting around, to be chopped and it was all on him because Dale decided to ditch. He growled in frustration. "Human boy!" "AAHH!" he shouts going backwards abruptly while holding his axe up in defense, he then saw who it was. "What the fuck Genesis are you trying to give me a heart attack! " Josh hissed on top of his lungs. "Didn''t mean to, I have a question and I need an answer" He demands. Josh sighs, now this weird kid was here to haunt his day, great just... Great. "What is it dude?" "What happens when a female gives you her lips? " Josh froze at his odd question. "Okay what now?" "The human girl...". "Wait you mean Heather?" he asked with wide eyes. "Heather kissed you?" he adds stunned. "Kiss? So that''s what it is" Genesis said rubbing his chin like in deep thought. "Damn... Dude you kissed Heather?" "No she kissed me" he corrected still puzzled by the word kiss. "That''s so awesome, I knew it, I knew she had a thing for you" he said goofy. Genesis blinks puzzled, Josh caught on. "Except you don''t understand" he said but then smirks, wrapping his arm around Genesis neck. "Relax Gen, I will teach you everything you need to know" he said in a mischievous tone. "Who kissed who?!" a voice came behind, it was Dale. Josh and Genesis pulled away from each other as they faced him. "Uh oh" Josh exclaimed as he freezes. He gave Genesis a look not to talk but the dude just said it anyway. "The human girl kissed me, so I asked Josh to explain it for me" he said so casually with a shrug. Dale saw red as he came at Genesis giving him a hard punch on his cheek. Chapter 158 - Black Outsider "Who kissed who?!" a voice came behind, it was Dale. Josh and Genesis pulled away from each other as they faced him. "Uh oh" Josh exclaimed as he freezes. He gave Genesis a look not to talk but the dude just said it anyway. "The human girl kissed me, so I asked Josh to explain it for me" he said so casually with a shrug. Dale saw red as he came at Genesis giving him a hard punch on his cheek. Josh eyes widen in shock at his action, unable to act or think. Genesis bent head faced Dale not taking his eyes off Dale, as he swiftly wipes the blood off his cheek. "You kissed Heather huh?" he hissed pissed, fury burning inside him just by the thought of it. "Why? Does she belong to you or something?" he states carelessly. Dale growled coming at Genesis once more ready to beat him to a pulp, but instantly a shadow surges out his back, in a crocket shape, pinning his wrist to the ground, blood gushing out, Dale gave a ear piercing scream of pain, alerting the others around as they gasp in shock at the scene. "STOP IT YOU''RE HURTING HIM!" Josh shouts in horror pushing Genesis, the impact making the shadow get off piercing Dale''s hand to retreat. Dale wailing on the ground holding his right hand, all in a bloody mess, Josh rushed to his side applying pressure on the hand, his blood staining his clothes. Genesis just stood immobile watching the scene. Heather rushed forward holding Dale steady, stunned at what was happening. "Human gir-" "DON''T!" she snaps facing him with angry eyes. Genesis froze, as his look darken. "Hold him still" Heather said tearing the skirt she wore at the down, helping Dale tie his hard. "We don''t have any medicine for the pain, what will we do?" Josh said panicking. "He will manage" Heather said tiring the knot of the material tightly. Earning a ear piercing scream from Dale. Genesis eyes shakes as he silently moved backwards, before he turned walking away disppearing in the woods near by. He roamed it alone lost in thought, the birds chipping, the wind whistling around in a calm rhythm, it was cold but Genesis didn''t feel a thing, was he even capable of feeling anything? That though rang in his head like a drum. He halts, staring at his palms, seeing more blood just in his vision, he gulps hard. "Once a ghoul... always a ghoul" he quotes Jesse''s exact words, the agent words ringing in his head, his fist clenched hard as his body trembled, he didn''t have much time left, and still he haven''t found his parents, in anger and frustration he punches the tree beside him, hard. The branch crushing in the process, making a cranking noise like it was about dropping. Was he really angry because he couldn''t see his parents or was he angry that he hurt Dale and Heather, he saw in her eyes she was pissed at him and it was all his fault. *** Downtown Race yawned loudly, getting off the car along with Kayla, her eyes still glued to her device. "Are you sure this is where the signal lead to?" he asked. Kayla gaze drift away from the device to the woods. "Yup" she said. "This is where the signal was jamming, it''s a network dead zone over here" she states. "Why would he come here?" Race said puzzled. "Or someone brought him here, this a no network area, places you wouldn''t have to look beacuse of it''s Tropical region" she explained. "Someone whose hiding" Race said in realization. "Exaclty or a group, it could be ghouls Claw Walkers, I heard of a union of them, hidden away from civilization but a strong support to the black ghoul" she said. "A fan club or something?" he said amuse. "Something like that" she shrugs. "Come on let''s get moving". *** The birds chirping, Heather walks in the woods looking for Genesis but he was nowhere to be seen. "Genesis!" she called. "Genesis!" she looks around. "Why are you calling for me?" She gasps on hearing a voice turning, she looks around before looking up, Genesis was seated on top of a tree branch. "I hurt your friend, you should hate me" he states with a puzzled look. "He hit you first I wouldn''t blame you for retaliating, but your methods were wrong" she said sternly. "You would have rip his hand off!" she hissed. "Well he asked for it!" he snaps back. Heather growls. "Why do you act like you have a box for a brain" she hissed. Genesis fist tighten at her words. "Maybe I do, I wasn''t brought up like a human, I was brought up like a puppet, a monster" he said with gritted teeth, before turning on the tree branch going down, landing in a swift move. She instantly regretted her words. "Wait!" Heather said. As Genesis halts his move. "Where are you going?" she asked with shaky eyes, she had this overwhelm feeling he was leaving. "Your people won''t help me" he began facing her. "I can''t sit around pretending I''m one of you, look Heather I don''t have much time... I have to see my parents" he said. "You called me Heather" she said, a small smile finding her lips. Genesis gulps realizing he did. But then she frowned. "And what do you mean by you don''t have much time?" she asked puzzled. "How touching" a sinister came in. Genesis instantly felt the chills. Him and Heather turned correspondently facing a woman a few distance away from them. She was a beauty, wearing a black leather clothing, consisting of pants and jacket, beneath a purple shirt that hung her body perfectly, short straight white hair, kept perfectly, her ghoul eyes evident, the white part of her eyes black, but instead of the center gold like a normal ghouls, hers were purple, a bright shade, a sick smirk plastered against her lips wickedly. "Her eyes..." Heather began with wide eyes, yes they were ghoul ones, she was sure but a colour she has never seen one like that. "...Are different" she adds in fear, she don''t know why but she felt extreme fear just by staring at the woman. Her dangerous gaze drift to Genesis who stood immobile. "And you must be the failed project of Barbra Jones" she states in amusement, her eyes shinning as well, she observed him with a thought face, her long nails, purple in colour graced her chiseled chin like in thought. "She did quite the work, the only thing missing is loyalty" she shrugs in a simple tone like it was apparent. "You will have to come with me, the Director will love to see you". Heather instinctly stood in front of Genesis, knowing very well that woman was bad news. "He''s not going anywhere with you" she said bold, facing her fear. "That''s a feisty one" she giggled in amusement, the sound was haunting but then the sound died down, replacing a wild range of killing intent as her eyes beamed dangerously. "Well I wasn''t asking" Genesis froze getting the signal. "HEATHER LOOK OUT!" he shouts. *** "Ugh have been walking forever, we are not getting anyway" Race groaned in frustration. "You are really getting on my nerves Race, quit complaining like an old lady and keep up" Kayla hissed, getting fed up with Race rants and complains. They were half way in the woods, with no signal once again, but Kayla was sure, she knew they were heading somewhere, she believed, a civilization could be out here somewhere. Suddenly the birds filled the skies all running from a direction like something scared them away. "What''s with the birds" Race said coming to an halt as did Kayla. "They are running from something" she said certain. Like in response to what she said something shot out like a bullet slamming hard on a tree close to them. Kayla gasps at the sudden action. "Is that" Race said haste. It was Genesis but in his beast form, struggling to get up with a growl. "I wonder what makes you special" a demonic voice came in. Kayla and Race turned in unison, they paled in extreme shock at what was before them. A being Iike anything they have ever seen stood before them, it was Six in her Claw form, it was tall almost as tall as Ghost, it had a slender structure, looking feminine. Wrapped in purple bandages, extended arms and legs, sharp deadly claws purple in colour. Bald head her purple eyes beaming dangerously, one hand held Heather against her throat, her legs wagging back and forth, she tried to break free but it was futile, her life was literally getting drained from her from the tight hold, it felt like her neck was gonna break in a spilt second. Six eyes lands on Kayla and Race. "Well, well, well, it''s like we have guests.... let''s have fun shall we?" she said in a deep melodious deadly voice that made their skin crawl. Chapter 159 - Black Reunion (Part 1) Six eyes land on Race and Kayla "Well, well, well, it''s like we have guests... let''s have fun shall we?" she said in a deep melodious deadly voice that made their skin crawl. "Let. Her. GO!" Genesis roars, getting up on all fours. "Make me" Six said with a sick smirk plastered on her lips as her fist around Heather''s neck tightens, she squeaked in pain. On hearing that, Genesis zaps towards them in speed but with one fling of Six hand Genesis was sent flying like he weighed nothing, slamming the ground in a loud thump sound. "Race?" Kayla said as her feminine Claw surges out of her. "Roger" Race said as his surge out of him, like a extended thread like it came out of his body, standing in front of him in it''s full form. "Now this is interesting" Six said as her eyes shinned in amusement. In a flash the two Claws came at her, still holding Heather at her neck with just one hand she fought them off, their claws not even reaching her. "Dammit she''s persistent!" Kayla hissed. "Kayla" Race called who stood in front of Genesis unconscious body on the ground back at human form. "He''s not moving or breathing" he panics. Six with her extended claws slits the two Claw''s throats as they reversed. Kayla and Race holding their chest in pain, as blood drips from their mouth, their Claws going inside their body. "Where the fun now?" Six said sighing as if bored, was this a sick game to her? Heather didn''t give up she still tried to break free. At the feel of her struggle Six turns to her smirking before turning to the rest. "Give me Genesis or the girl dies, she doesn''t have much time" she said in amusement. In response to that, Heather''s hand drops to her side weak, Tears sliding down her cheek. "Just let her go!" Kayla hissed while holding her chest in pain. "Not until I have the boy" "Why do you even want him anyway! Just let the kid go!" Race hissed knowing the poor girl won''t hold on anymore, he tried to call his Claw out but the damn thing wouldn''t budge, they weren''t as strong as the rest. Genesis stirs awake seating up, his body shocking in pain. "Heather" he said as his eyes lands on her, he froze seeing the state she was in, she was giving up her struggle, any minute now she will be.... "HEATHER!" Genesis shouts. Six growled getting impatient, there was no use for the girl, she will still get Genesis anyway, this girl was just a nuisance. "Time''s up, ghouls" she said about snaping her neck like a pen but instantly a white rod passed through her shoulder, coming out behind, pinning the tree, covered in her blood. Her eyes shakes in horror, so close, her heart would have been a goner. "That''s" Kayla said with wide eyes. *Approaching Footsteps* It came from behind them as Riley emerges, her ghoul eyes present, a four-leaf clover tattoo on her left eyes, her body glowing in white aura. Six gasps, never taking her eyes off her, as the realization struck her in an instance. "That was a warning," Riley said darkly. "Put. The. Girl. Down" she warned with gritted teeth. Six growled deeply as fury burned in her body, she wasn''t ready to be outsmarted. "NEVER!" she roared chaotic, but the sound hung in her throat as in a flash someone was in front of her, her eyes meet with ghoul ones, a beaming unique gold color, a four-leaf clover symbol around his right eye. "That was your last warning" Liam said as in a zap of speed he grabs her by the neck, Heather dropping to the ground, with force he pinned her to a tree branch, cracking it in the process. "Heather!" Genesis hissed rushing to her side, holding her in his arms. "Riley, boss... How?" Race began stunned. "Do you really think you can keep something like this from us" She snaps facing them. Their heads hung down in shame. "Who sent you?!" Liam demands his eyes beaming dangerously. Six smirks as she giggles. "Don''t toy with me" Liam growled, tightening his claw fingers on her back, the nails digging in, blood trailing. "The Director" She states with a smirk. Liam blinks puzzled. "The Director?" Kayla said puzzled. "Liam" Riley urges. "What do you want with Genesis?!" he ask deadly. She smirks giving him a look that she was never gonna answer. "Barbra Jones, did she send you?" Riley demands. Six laughed. "Oh please Barbra Jones isn''t the only badass now is she... Besides why would I take orders from a broken woman" she states between laughter. ''Barbra? A broken woman?'' Riley thought puzzled, did she hear right? "Then who" Liam asked for the last time ready to rip her heart out. "In due time" she states. Liam growled bringing out a small device, slamming it on her neck, it activates as it formed to a ring around her neck, it was Steel, she instantly went back to human form, with widen eyes shocked that the device had an effect on her this much. Liam let go as her body dropped to the ground hard, her body felt weak like was she drunk. "I''m not done with you" Liam said sternly turning to Genesis holding an unconscious Heather in his arms. Genesis didn''t dare to look up at him. "Where''s the rest of the colony hidden away?!" Liam demands his voice cold. Genesis gulps hard. "Heather" he began in a faint voice. "She needs help" he adds finally meeting his dad''s eyes, his ghoul ones stared at him coldly until it drifts tob the unconscious teen in his arms, her neck bruised, showing Six hand around in a mark form. "What happened here?!" a voice boomed as Big Guy rushed to the scene along with five others. "Heather!" Josh and Dale hissed rushing to where they were. "Big Guy?" Liam said stunned. A pissed Big guy turns to him. "Liam" he said surprised. "You two know each other?" Riley asked raising an eyebrow. "Yeah something like that" Liam shrugs. "Prison buddies" Big guy answers. Six growled about crawling away but instantly Ghost was out of Liam jacking her up with his hand around her throat as she struggled to break free. "And where do you think you''re going?" Ghost said in amusement. Six just stared at him with widen eyes, unable to process what was happening. "Okay I need an explanation what the fuck is going on here..." Big guy demands. "I guess we have a lot of catching up to do". *** Genesis stood watching as Heather was carried by Dale to her home, her mom rushing out with tears in her eyes, as they walked in. He was about coming to too, he needed to make sure she was okay, she was hurt because of him, and it made him feel strange. "Please don''t" Josh said, his hand against the door knob. Genesis halts his steps instantly. "You have done enough damage" he states before shutting the door. "Gosh this is a slum, why do they live here..." Race said looking around. "It''s the only hiding place they could get it seems, the city isn''t safe for them" Kayla said with sad eyes. "Hey, hey Kayla check this out" Race said, her eyes drift to the direction he points. Genesis stood in front of a house immobile. "Is he okay? " Kayla asked. "I don''t know, but don''t you think it''s weird, he dosen''t seem like a the cold hearted killer, he seems different" Race said with a thought face. "You mean more human" she states. *** Big guy took his seat in his office, Riley took one in front of his desk while crossing her leg on top the other. Liam stood assessing the place, his eyes found the window as a frown pressed against his features. "Big Guy what the fuck... You should have reach out for me" he said facing him. "It was the safest place, and your organisation is untraceable, remember" he reasons. "Because of the agent''s constant tracking" Riley spoke up. "But we''re here now, just tell us what you need" she adds softly. "First and foremost, you two have a son?" he began. "Yes" Liam answer firm folding his arms. "Wow" "But that''s not our concern right now, the woman Six, she was sent by someone known as the Director, we were hoping you would know more" Riley said sternly. She wasn''t about to talk about her son right now, it just sent a piercing pain to her chest, she made it clear she would kill him the next time she saw him but seeing him on the ground holding a girl with sad eyes, it made her wonder, he looked sort of human in a way and he looked lost and helpless, it was odd because that wasn''t the same Genesis they fought last time, she was sure Liam felt it too because he spared no effort to fight him, he hesitated too. Chapter 160 - Black Reunion (Part 2) Big guy took his seat in his office, Riley took one in front of his desk while crossing her leg on top the other. Liam stood assessing the place, his eyes found the window as a frown pressed against his features. "Big Guy what the fuck... You should have reached out for me" he said facing him. "It was the safest place, and your organization is untraceable, remember" he reasons. "Because of the agent''s constant tracking" Riley spoke up. "But we''re here now, just tell us what you need" she adds softly. "First and foremost, you two have a son?" he began. "Yes," Liam answers firm folding his arms. "Wow" "But that''s not our concern right now, the woman Six, she was sent by someone known as the Director, we were hoping you would know more" Riley said sternly. She wasn''t about to talk about her son right now, it just sent a piercing pain to her chest, she made it clear she would kill him the next time she saw him but seeing him on the ground holding a girl with sad eyes, it made her wonder, he looked sort of human in a way and he looked lost and helpless, it was odd because that wasn''t the same Genesis they fought last time, she was sure Liam felt it too because he spared no effort to fight him, he hesitated too. The big Guy looks back and forth the two, seeing they were clouded with thoughts in their head, he sighed knowing he shouldn''t bring up their son, for now. "The Jones family is a mystery" he began gaining their attention. "I worked for this mafia boss years ago, within I heard the Jones family have a head of the family known as the Director" he states. "Barbra isn''t known as the director, but she''s the head isn''t she?" Riley said curiously. "I don''t know much but I have a reason to believe Barbra isn''t the first child," he said sternly. "That''s unsettling," Liam said sighing, another nutjob to deal with, great. He wondered what gender this time. "I think the Director wants Genesis" Riley spoke up. "I wonder why," she adds in intuition. "I wonder why too, look the kid came here because he was looking for both of you claiming you both were his parents," Big Guy said. They froze at his words. *** Genesis was seated at a corner under a shade, his gaze to the ground. Liam and Riley came in view. "Do you think he''s different?" She said. "I don''t know but Kayla made mention of it, that he was more human," Liam said. She faced him with worried eyes. "I thought he had no idea we were his parents," she said, a wave of confusion and worry flushed her features. "Liam what should we do, what if this is some kind of trap to lure us or..." "Hey hey," he cut her off smooching her as he rubbed her arms at both sides. She sighed in relief leaning in his touch. "I will handle it okay? I will talk to him if he''s on to something I will know" he said softly. She nods, he gently stroke her cheek with his thumb before walking towards Genesis, she watches unease. Genesis was seated in silence he heard approaching footsteps as he turns, he froze seeing Liam as he instantly looks away. "Well that''s odd, the moment you see us you wanna kill us the first chance you get," he said. Genesis gulps hard at his words. Liam gave him a skeptical look seeing his silence, he then took a seat next to him but kept a good distance in alert, his elbows rested on his knees as he leaned down. Genesis steal a glance at Liam, his dad was dashing as always, on black clothing, black jacket, black inner shirt, black jeans, and black shoes, the expensiveness of it evident. "Tell me Genesis" he began in a voice that held power and authority, his gaze still forward not sparing Genesis a glance. "Why are you looking for us?!" he demands firmly. "Because you''re are my parents," he said not taking his eyes off his dad for a second. Liam huff at his words. "So now you wanna be my son?" He states facing Genesis with angry eyes. "After what you did to Rose? Do you have any idea who she was to you, you just went ahead and claw her throat out!" he hissed. "I knew who she was" Genesis replied in a shaky voice. "Fuck this" Liam hissed getting up abruptly as he turned about walking away. "I don''t have much time" Genesis hissed. Making Liam halt his step. "Whatever they did to me, has an expiration date, I...I...I can''t live past 13" he said in a shaky voice. Liam''s eyes shake at his words. Behind a building close by, Heather listened, her throat wrapped with a white bandage. Tears slide down her cheeks, she heard everything. Liam slowly turned to Genesis, he stood before him, tears sliding down his cheeks nonstop. "What do you mean that you won''t live past 13?!" Riley demands she was now beside Liam with a shock expression. Genesis sobs, facing his mom. "I''m so sorry" he began in tears. "I''m sorry for what I did, I know you won''t forgive... But please... Please I don''t wanna die not knowing what having parents feels like" he cried. "I''m so sorry for everything I did, I didn''t mean... Mean to, please please forgive me, I don''t wanna-" Before he knew it Riley pulled him in a tight hug, wrapping her arms around his head, his face buried in her stomach, his tears soaking her sweater but she didn''t care. Liam walks towards them placing a hand on Genesis''s shoulder, wrapping his arm around. They stayed there in silence in each other embrace as Genesis cried his heart out, murmuring the word ''I''m sorry Heather watch where she was with sad eyes, Dale came behind, holding his wounded bandage hand with the other. "Wow... So he was right, Liam O''Brienn and Riley Leah are really his parents" he states in a bored tone. Heather sighs rubbing the tears off her cheeks before walking away in silence. *** It was mid-day, as Race growled one more time. "Why does it have to be us? Why don''t boss just do the interrogation himself?.... I mean come on he''s more intimidating" he said growling once more. "Boss and Riley can''t do that right now remember? They are with Genesis right now" she reasons. "Right" Race said groaning once more. They got to the barn house where Six was tied inside, her back leaning against the wall weakly as she groaned, she felt drunk and weak. Her eyes lands on the two approaching ghouls, she forced a smirk in spite of her condition. "Finally a visitor... I was beginning to feel bored with this animals lying around" she said in amusement. Race just rolled his eyes at her sarcasm. "Well we aren''t here for chitchat... We are here for answers" Kayla began, her tone laced with serious. "Well I''m all ears, talking to you guys is far more better than the black ghoul" she smirks. "We have to be careful, this bitch is crazy" Race whispers to Kayla. "I heard that," she said in a sing-tone voice. "The Director, why does he want Genesis, he''s of no use to the agency, he''s no longer a puppet you guys can use" Kayla began sternly. "Believe me I''m curious myself, I just follow orders" Six said with a shrug of her shoulders. "Told you she''s crazy...now how is that an answer" Race said sarcastically. Six growled at him, making Race jump slightly. "What are you?" Kayla asked with a nudge of her head, referring to her purple ghoul eyes. Six smirk broaden more at her question, seeming interested in her curiosity. "Well I''m a better version," she said in amusement. "A born ghoul? Or a genetically made one" she asked. "Oh sweetie I''m both... I''m both a ghoul and a made one... even better" she states pursing up her lips. Kayla and Race gulps hard at her words. "How many of you did they send here, it can''t be just you?" Race demands, seeming serious now, he felt her spike of confidence it was odd for someone captured, she didn''t feel cornered or anything, like she knew the odds weren''t against her. "Well isn''t it obvious?" She shrugged her shoulders They blinked puzzled by her words. "I''m Six" she states smirking loving the confused look they had on. "Yeah we get the creepy name but what doe-", he froze as his eyes widen in realization. "Shit I have to tell boss" Kayla said bringing out her phone to dial his number, but no fucking service. "Fuck" she cursed. "One. Two. Three. Four. Five" she stat es as they faced her faced her with shaky eyes. "Are already on their way". Chapter 161 - Black Ambush (Part 1) It was mid-day, as Race growled one more time. "Why does it have to be us? Why don''t boss just do the interrogation himself?.... I mean come on he''s more intimidating" he said growling once more. "Boss and Riley can''t do that right now remember? They are with Geneiss right now" she reaosns. "Right" Race said groaning once more. They got to the barn house where Six was tied inside, her back leaning against the wall weakly as she groaned, she felt drunk and weak. Her eyes lands on the two approaching ghouls, she forced a smirk in spite of her condition. "Finally a visitor... I was beginning to feel bored with this animals lying around" she said in amusement. Race just rolled his eyes at her sarcasm. "Well we aren''t here for chitchat... We are here for answers" Kayla began, her tone laced with serious. "Well I''m all ears, talking to you guys is far more better than the black ghoul" she smirks. "We have to be careful, this bitch is crazy" Race whispers to Kayla. "I heard that," she said in a sing-tone voice. "The Director, why does he want Genesis, he''s of no use to the agency, he''s no longer a puppet you guys can use" Kayla began sternly. "Believe me I''m curious myself, I just follow orders" Six said with a shrug of her shoulders. "Told you she''s crazy...now how is that an answer" Race said sarcastically. Six growled at him, making Race jump slightly. "What are you?" Kayla asked with a nudge of her head, referring to her purple ghoul eyes. Six smirk broaden more at her question, seeming interested in her curiosity. "Well I''m a better version," she said in amusement. "A born ghoul? Or a genetically made one" she asked. "Oh sweetie I''m both... I''m both a ghoul and a made one... even better" she states pursing up her lips. Kayla and Race gulps hard at her words. "How many of you did they send here, it can''t be just you?" Race demands, seeming serious now, he felt her spike of confidence it was odd for someone captured, she didn''t feel cornered or anything, like she knew the odds weren''t against her. "Well isn''t it obvious?" She shrugged her shoulders They blinked puzzled by her words. "I''m Six" she states smirking loving the confused look they had on. "Yeah we get the creepy name but what doe-", he froze as his eyes widen in realization. "Shit I have to tell boss" Kayla said bringing out her phone to dial his number, but no fucking service. "Fuck" she cursed. "One. Two. Three. Four. Five" she states as they faced her faced her with shaky eyes. "Are already on their way" she adds laughing. "This was her plan all along and we fell right into it" Kayla said as her eyes widen in realization. "Bingo" six said in amusement. "Do you remember all those ancient folktales about ghouls drawing their power mostly in darkness... a way of honoring the ghoul king" she states in amusement. The sunsets as everywhere darken instantly. "Well let me demonstrate" she said in a demonic voice as her ghoul eyes beamed a dangerous purple in the dark. *** Riley watch a sleeping Genesis, his head against her lap, he was sound asleep his cheeks still wet with tears. Liam watch them, with wistful eyes. "What do you think made him come out of it?" Riley asked facing Liam. "I don''t know, but I think it was my dad" he said sternly. "This is his way" he said his eyes grew more wistful. "So what...turn our son against us and then bring him back... no offense Liam but I hate your dad" A smirk found Liam''s lips. "None taken" A small smile found her lips, she went back to smooching Genesis hair. "His hair is just like mine" she said. "But have your eyes" she adds facing him. "Yes he does" he replied not taking his eyes off her. Her grin broaden. "Why are you staring at me like that Liam O''Brien". "I''m just glad we are back together" "Me too" she states with sad eyes. "But he doesn''t have much time left" she said faintly but he heard. Liam placed his hand on hers giving it a soft gentle squeeze. "We are gonna save him" he began his eyes laced with seriousness. "All those years we missed we are gonna get them back" Riley nods believing his words, she knew he would do anything to save their son. *Wailing Scream* The sound was terrifying giving them alert, Genesis sat awake sensing it. "There''s something out there" he said certain. "Yes I can feel it too" Liam said. Suddenly a house caught fire, another did, along with others as Wailing screams could be heard. They rushed to the scene, everyone running to an opposite direction. And then they saw it, about five dark mist of darkness running around in flash, faster than anything they have ever seen, going about in different direction. "Big Guy!" Riley hissed running to the body on the ground along with Genesis and Liam. When they got to the body they froze, he was on the ground dead, a hole in his chest. "Big guy" Liam said stunned. Riley checked his pulse. "He''s gone" she said facing him. Liam''s fist clenched hard. "Well if this isn''t appealing" a dark sinister voice came from behind, they turned to it. It was Six as she emerged from the darkness standing a few distance away from them, wearing a dark smirk, five mist of darkness beside her. "Kayla and Race" Liam said, he remembered when they said they would interrogate Six, fear of their safety grips his body. "Who?" She innocently. "You bitch" Riley said piased as her eyes changed. She ticks her tongue. "Enough with the chitchat, you will give me Genesis now, milord is waiting" she states. Liam and Riley stood in front of their son their aura around them dangerously. Genesis stood behind immobile, with shaky eyes. "You want him" Riley said pissed. "You will have to get through us" she adds as a lightning white rod forged out of her hand. "Pleasure" she states. As in a flash the five shadows having Claw form charged towards them in speed. Liam growled loudly merging with Ghost as he transforms, his body going up in height. He charged at them, three jumps at him as they engaged in a deadly battle. Two came at Riley, the lightening rod rotates on her hand, ready for battle. "Genesis!" She hissed. Genesis froze knowing what she meant. "But mom!" He began, ready to protest. "Just go your dad and I will handle this" she hissed. The two shadow approaching fast Genesis eyes shake knowing his mom wasn''t gonna back down... but to leave them here? All by themselves to have them defend him, he didn''t like the idea. "Find Kayla and Race... get everyone out" she hissed. He gulps hard nodding before rushing out. The shadows came, with a wave of a hand the rod caused a wide range of destruction. *** In the mist of painic and chaos, everyone running, buildings on fire, Genesis ran as fast as he could in search of Kayla and Race wherever they were, they were the only one that can get everyone out. "GENESIS!" a scream came in. He halts abruptly at the sound of his name, he turns seeing Heather who was holding her mom''s unconscious body, tears in her eyes. "Heather!" he hissed running to her side. She sobbed. "She''s not breathing" she cried Genesis eyes drift to the body on the ground, her skin paled, he shakily checked her pulse. "She''s" he gulps hard facing her with sad eyes. "She''s gone!" Heather broke in endless tears holding her mom''s body tightly. "No" she cried. "She''s the only family I have I can''t lose her too" she broke holding her mom''s body unable to let go. "Heather" he said sadly. "Genesis!" Race hissed behind. He turned, seeing Race, covered in blood, carrying Kayla in his arms, she held her side stomach as it gushed out blood, her mouth gushing blood too, her eyes shut tightly from the pain. He gently set her down on the ground applying pressure to her wound. "Her wound is not healing" Race said panicking. "Mom and dad said I should find both of you" Genesis said taking off his jacket using it to apply pressure on Kayla''s side. "Mom said we should get everyone out" "Already sent a signal, they should be here any moment now" he said. The moment he said that sounds Of choppers could be heard, they all looked up to it, about five came. Genesis turns to Heather who looks back. "You''re gonna be okay" he said, his eyes drifting to her mom''s body for a brief second. "I''m sure your mom will want you to stay alive no matter what" he states. Heather sobs nodding as the tears fell more, believing in his words. Chapter 162 - Black Ambush (Part 2) In the midst of panic and chaos, everyone running, buildings on fire, Genesis ran as fast as he could in search of Kayla and Race wherever they were, they were the only ones that can get everyone out. "GENESIS!" a scream came in. He halts abruptly at the sound of his name, he turns to see Heather who was holding her mom''s unconscious body, tears in her eyes. "Heather!" he hissed running to her side. She sobbed. "She''s not breathing" she cried Genesis''s eyes drift to the body on the ground, her skin paled, he shakily checked her pulse. "She''s" he gulps hard facing her with sad eyes. "She''s gone!" Heather broke in endless tears holding her mom''s body tightly. "No" she cried. "She''s the only family I have I can''t lose her too" she broke holding her mom''s body unable to let go. "Heather," he said sadly. "Genesis!" Race hissed behind. He turned, seeing Race, covered in blood, carrying Kayla in his arms, she held her side stomach as it gushed out blood, her mouth gushing blood too, her eyes shut tightly from the pain. He gently set her down on the ground applying pressure to her wound. "Her wound is not healing" Race said panicking. "Mom and dad said I should find both of you" Genesis said taking off his jacket using it to apply pressure on Kayla''s side. "Mom said we should get everyone out" "Already sent a signal, they should be here any moment now" he said. The moment he said that sounds Of choppers could be heard, they all looked up to it, about five came. Genesis turns to Heather who looks back. "You''re gonna be okay" he said, his eyes drifting to her mom''s body for a brief second. "I''m sure your mom will want you to stay alive no matter what" he states. Heather sobs nodding as the tears fell more, believing in his words. *** Genesis helped Heather get on the chopper, others did too, the chopper ready to take off, others loading. Heather turned to Genesis noticing he wasn''t getting on, he notices her stare. "I can''t leave without my parents" he states. "But they said you should leave," she said worriedly. "I can''t... I can''t leave" he states with wistful eyes. Heather forced a smile nodding in understanding. "Be safe and come back" she said, her tone laced with seriousness, her eyes grew wistful, remembering his words. "Whatever they did to me, has an expiration date, I...I...I can''t live past 13" Her eyes shake. "Come back to me" she adds. Genesis tensed at her words, and then he did the unthinkable, he pressed his palm against the chopper iron, enabling him to go up, his lips reached for hers, pressing against it tenderly. Heather closed her eyes leaning in, their mouths roamed slowly, to them it seemed forever but it was just a second. Heather moaned as Genesis pulled away. "I will," he said moving away from the chopper, Heather watch with sad eyes as the chopper moved up into the skies, everything becoming a bird view. ''Please be safe Genesis'' she thought as the chopper moved away. Genesis dashed after the direction he last saw his parents. *** Six went on her knees coughing a ton of blood as she raised her head. Liam and Riley stood a few distances away, the area containing a wide range of destruction around, the five shadow Claws on the ground, now in human form, but dead, blood flowing everywhere. Six shaky eyes fixed on Liam and Riley. "I''m in the midst of gods," she said astonished. "So glorious" she adds enthralled, their power display was immeasurable, facing just Liam was extremely different from facing both of them, facing both, was an amount of greatness unfolding, she didn''t stand a chance against them, she was just a stick ready to be snapped in their midst, without them lifting much of a finger. Liam waved his claw hand covered in blood, it splashed on the ground. "Now..." Liam began in a deadly tone that sent a shiver down her spine. "...Where were we?" he adds. "The part where she tells us about the Director" Riley said tilting her head to the side. "Before we tear her to pieces" she adds. Six body shock more in fear as she whimpered. ''Is this the end?'' She thought with shaky eyes. *Sounds Of Foot Step Approaching* Riley and Liam got alerted at the sound, both holding a puzzled look. Behind Six a strange man came forth. ''That''s strange, I didn''t feel anyone coming'' Liam thought puzzled. The man came in view standing beside Six, who trembled where she was. Riley studied the man... a handsome young man, around his late 40s but still looked like he was in his 30s, breathtaking with his looks. His skin paled almost like the moonlight, his lips a lighter shade of pink, his eyes an icy green color that held danger and wildness, his hair blond and silky, gelled backward. He wore simple clothing that looked expensive, a jacket, inner shirt, pants, and shoes. Riley stared at him with wide eyes, he was almost like the spitting image of Barbra. He placed his hand on Six head, grabbing her hair lightly. "Now this is embarrassing," he said with a sigh, his gaze on Liam and Riley, not sparing a glance at Six. "Milord" Six said trembling, beads of sweat hung her features. "You''re literary one of my strongest pawns and yet you failed me" he states. "Liam" Riley said sternly. "The must be the Director" she adds. "Could he be... Barbra''s brother?" Liam asked with a skeptical look. "It could," Riley said sternly. Six whimpered where she was, she was scared of something that Liam and Riley couldn''t quite place. Vincent tilts his head to the side, a smirk against his lips. "You may be wondering" he began in a gentle tone. "Who I''m" he adds. "You were the one who sent that bitch after my son" Riley hissed pissed, with a nudge of her head. His icy green eyes lands on Riley, for a minute his body tensed, they looked so alike, the hair, the milky skin... she looks so much like. ''Rose?'' He thought puzzled, just like his baby sister, why the resemblance? Was there something he missed? Barbie will have to explaining to do, he thought certainly. "Why are you after Genesis?!" Liam demands with a growl making Vincent snap out of his trance. He grinned revealing his perfectly white teeth. "I''m a man who loves to toy... and Genesis just seem like the perfect plaything" he shrugs. "An incomplete project made by my dear sister, what happens when I modify it to be even better... a spawn of the black ghoul will surely show promising results" he states. Liam''s ghoul eyes beamed dangerously. "I''m gonna rip you to pieces until there''s nothing left" Liam said dead serious, the words made his blood boil, seeing his son as a tool to use.. there was no difference between the two siblings, they just had fun using people however they want until they were done with them. Vincent smirks. "And you think I''m gonna stand still and let you do that" he motioned with a shrug. "Watch me!" Liam hissed in a double voice. In a flash, Riley took the lead coming at Vincent. A white rod forged on her hand it rotates like a spiral coming for Vincent head, a smirk plastered on his face as he grips Six hair tightly, earning a loud cry from her, with one pull she was raised by the hair taking his place the spiral rod cutting her head off clean, blood splashing to both their faces. Riley froze at the action, Vincent then brought out twin medium seize from behind, the top transparent revealing the gold bullet inside. ''Liam, that bullet!'' Ghost hissed in his head in a warning sound, Liam got alerted. Vincent brought the gun forward shooting before the bullet got to her, Riley was protected with a cloak of darkness wrapping around her as the bullet bounced back. Vincent was amazed seeing this, the cloak dragged Riley back to Liam''s arms. Vincent crocked the twin guns at the handle before firing again but this time he increases the density, as the two bullets zapped out of the hole in speed coming at them with force. Once again the cloak of darkness covered both Riley and Liam bouncing the bullet back but this time it didn''t fall to the ground but bounced all the way to the tree. "Big mistake black Ghoul," Vincent said in amusement as if he knew, the bullet bounced back to them but this time not in one direction but at both sides. Liam''s eyes beamed dangerously as the cloak of darkness came up once more but the bullet didn''t bounce back like it did the first time, it broke through the defenses in split second before jamming together forcing one. "I''m a man of wild things... First thing you should know about me" he said as with a flick of his fingers the merged bullet came at them in speed before they could blink. "MOM! DAD! LOOK OUT!" Chapter 163 - Ryan OBrien "I''m a man of wild things... First thing you should know about me" he said as with a flick of his fingers the merged bullet came at them in speed before they could blink. "MOM! DAD! LOOK OUT!" Genesis shouts jumping in front of them taking the bullet in his chest in an instant, blood splashing. "GENESIS" Riley screamed in horror holding him before he reach the ground, Liam did too, he held him tight apply pressure to his chest, Liam''s hand trembled, now soak in blood, his furious eyes traveled to where Vincent was but he was gone, nowhere to be seen like he just vanished. Genesis coughs blood gaining Liam''s attention, he turns back to him. "Genesis" Riley cried as she sobbed. "The bullet" Liam said in a trembling voice. "Is deep in his heart" Riley''s teary eyes met his. A tear slide down his cheek from one of his eye. "He''s not gonna make it" Riley shakes her head negatively as she cried. "No, No" she sobs. "I can''t... I can''t lose him again not when i have finally found him" she cried. A weak smile found Genesis lips, in the position he laid, he could see his parents face, there was no greater joy than this. "I''m glad" he began weakly. Their attention drifts to him in unison. "I''m glad" he coughed, blood spilling. "I get to spend this little time with you guys". "No No Genesis don''t say that... okay? you''re gonna be alright... you''re gonna be just fine okay?" she sobbed. He shakes his head negatively, as the tears fell, he knew he wasn''t gonna make it. Liam held Genesis hand tightly the tears falling on their own accord. "Mom" he began. "Yes?" she sobs. "What name would you have given me?" he asked with a small smile against his lips. A feeble smile found her lips, stroking his head gently. "I never good with names to began with" she said facing Liam. "When i was pregnant with you, i told myself that i would let Liam do the picking" she adds with shaky eyes. Liam''s eyes sadden. "Ryan" Liam said his eyes drifting to his son. "Ryan" Genesis said with a wide smile a he closed his eyes, the tears dripping from the corner. "I love it, thanks dad" he said snugging himself more in his mom''s arms. "I love it so much" he adds faintly. ''Thank you Mum and Dad'' he thought with a smile against his lips. That moment the first snow of the season fell, the snow flakes drifting downwards in a calm rhythm, some fell on Genesis blood, the white color turning white instantly. In Genesis head he imagined all the years he couldn''t spend with his parents. His first step, His first words, sleeping in-between them on the same bed, his first day at school, his first time riding a bike with the help of his dad, graduation and all the wonderful memories he would spend with them. If only... all these wishes could be fulfilled, his smile fades slowly as his eyes closed. *Heart Stops Beating* Riley broke in painful tears, hugging Liam tightly, she cried and cried burying her head in his chest, Liam wraps his arms around her as he sobs, hugging her back tightly, the pain was unbearable, after finally coming in an understanding with their son, now he was gone, gone forever. *** Ghoul Investigators Headquarters (GIH) Thirtieth Floor (Barbra''s Office) The files scattered on the ground, the glass table now shattered in pieces. Barbra''s back slammed hard against the wall Vincent fist clenched tightly around her neck almost crushing it, her legs wagging back and forth due to the lost of gravity. Vincent was pissed, extremely pissed and furious that his blood boiled. "What did you say?!" He demands in a dark tone. Barbra''s fist clenched around his hand against her neck, squeezing her wind pipe. "Riley is Rose daughter" she answered in a struggling breath. "And I killed her because of that mistake" Vincent growled flinging Barbra across the room like she weighted no less than a pen. Her bandaged right side face grind on the floor as she slide backwards, blood trailing. She growled in extreme pain, holding her now soaked bandage. "All these years you kept this from me, you should have told me Barbra!" He hissed in rage. "She will always be your favorite" Barbra huffed facing him. "Your favorite baby sister". "She was in your care, I left her with you to care for her after I was gone!" He hissed. "Well as soon as dear big brother left she went ahead and fuck a ghoul... tainting our family name and image, I did what any elder of our family would have done... I ended her pitiful life" she spats. "BARBRAAAA!" "OR YOU WOULD HAVE DONE IT YOURSELF" she shouts making Vincent stop abruptly in his steps, at her words. "She was lucky I Let her see every sun rise until now, her time was up and she knew it, she broke our family code, she brought disgrace to our family," she hissed. Vincent fist clenched tightly, almost drawing blood. "Leave Riley to me" he began. "I will end her life myself and fulfill the family code," he states facing the window. "You have a more pressing issue to handle" Puzzled by his words Barbra slowly rise to her feet, walking towards the window she froze seeing the scene outside. "WE NO LONGER WANT THE AGENCY!" "SHUT THIS PLACE DOWN!" "LET GHOULS HAVE THEIR RIGHTS BACK!" "GHOULS AREN''T THE ENEMY, THE AGENCY ARE!" "SHUT THIS PLACE DOWN!" The protesters on front of the agency entrance, shouts and rants, about a dozen of them were outside all holding posters with the agency symbol on it, a red bad mark slashed on it. "SHUT DOWN THE AGENCY!" "SHUT DOWN THE AGENCY!" "SHUT DOWN THE AGENCY!" Barbra watched the scene with shaky eyes of horror. "Seems like the agency is done for" Vincent said sternly. Chapter 164 - Epilogue Week 1 "Hundreds no less thousands of Civilians in New York are protesting against the agency, something that have never happened throughout history... countless voices are speaking up about the injustice of ghouls and demanding that ghouls should no longer be hunted anymore... rumours also have it that Barbra Jones Captain of the G.I agency is responsible for the drug capable of transforming humans into Claws, and also involved in illegal experiments not just discriminating human rights but ghouls too" The newscaster said, the news played across New York City, not just there but across the entire continent. *** Week 2 "Protest still ungoing, citizens are not backing down, now majority of people around the world are deeply supporting ghouls, stating that the government should put an end to the hunt.... After over the pass weeks no ghoul attack have been called in, giving the citizens more morale to fight fight for the ghouls" *** Week 3 "The government just recently called Barbra Jones to trial after gaining enough prove of the agency mismanagement and the illegal experiment done on ghouls... but she''s yet to stand for trial... but recently the agents of the company have been disbanded, not just in New York but throughout the continent as their services are no longer needed by the humans they claimed to protect" *** Week 4 "Protests on both sides are currently happening, both of the ghoul supporters and ghoul haters.. the government is recently trying to keep them at bay with all they can muster, as global protest keeps ungoing" *** Week 5 "Global panic reduces as so suddenly ghouls reduces across the globe, where could they be going? Rumours have it that an organisation ruled by two ghouls rumoured to be known as ghoul gods from their ancient history are taking extreme measure to safe guard all ghouls taking them into hiding and protecting their kinds... seems like some kind of a constitutional monarchy have been created within the ghouls thereby killings and attacks by ghouls have been reduced so far.... this organisation is know as the Black Clover" *** Section Five Former Ghoul Investigators Headquaters Inside the now abandoned skyscraper building, in Barbra Jones office, she was inside, smoking, blowing smoke steams from her lips as she watch the city of New York through the broken wide tall window. *Footsteps Approaching* She smiled knowing who was coming, it was only a matter of time. "Come to pay me a visit now... dear niece" Barbra said drawing deeply on her cigar. The Footsteps halts, Riley stood before her hands in her long coat jacket. Barbra took her lips off the cigar blowing out a steam of smoke before facing her. "What have i been hearing... a constitutional monarchy" she mocked huffing. "Where are you hiding all the ghouls huh? It''s a dead zone out here without them" she adds bringing the cigar to her lips once more. "It''s over Barbra, ghouls aren''t hunted anymore" Riley said sternly. Barbra laughed it was dark and twisted. "But still the mark remains" she said in amusement trailing her left hand on her side face now having a claw mark on it. "No matter what Riley Leah, as long as one offspring still lives... ghouls shall never know peace" she states sternly. "We will be ready" Riley began. "When your brother comes at us, we will be ready" "Oh he will, most especially for you... he will complete the family code by destroying the remaining bad blood of the Jones family" she said through gritted teeth. "That''s one mistake Barbra" she said sternly. "I was never a part of your family, I was never a Jones... I bear my father''s name" she said her eyes changing to her ghoul ones, the right part of her eye creeping up in a four leaf Clover white tattoo around. Barbra huffed sassy the half smoked cigar dropping to the floor. "And I''m not here for chitchat" Riley states as a white aura forged around her. "I''m here to seek justice for my mom and son". "Did you really think..." Barbra began. "I will let myself die at the hands of a ghoul" she adds. "Think again child," Instantly she leaned backwards letting her body fall off the window. Riley froze at her action rushing to the window, she was already on the ground in a distance, her blood around her in a circle, her brain scattered to bits, her eyes wide open, her head turned at the side. The Demise Of Barbra Jones "Farewell Aunt" Riley said turning on her heels walking away, too bad she didn''t kill her herself, too bad. *** Outskirts Of The City Black Clover Hometown The area of bushes now covered in houses, some still in development, ghouls, former Claw Walkers and few humans who turned to their sides roamed around in peace, some chatty, some engaging in various activities. Human kids and ghoul kids playing while making jokes. "Wow I really can''t believe it... we have our own country... a still developing one" Iris said with a smile against her lips. She strolled alongside Sean in the area of flowers, others walking by also. "It''s still a long way though, the global hiding still needs some work, hometown are built across the continent... still more work" Sean said with a heavy sigh. "It''s still better Sean, we get to live freely in these hometown no longer scared of being hunted or of who we are... I mean there are humans siding with us here... its one step closer to peace" Sean smiles nodding, as he faces her. "Yeah you''re right" he states, giving her a charming smile. Iris blushes slightly facing forward, was it just her or was everywhere suddenly hot. She quickly cleared her throat. "How are Liam and Riley holding up, you know with the death of Genesis" she said sad. "Moving on I guess but it''s not gonna be easy not after what they have been through, all we can do is support them" he said. Iris nods. *** Black Clover Cemetery Heather drops a bunch of flowers on Genesis grave, the name on it ''Ryan O''brien''. She sobs squatting. "You said you would come back" she said crying. "I''m gonna keep living Genesis, just like you told me to" she sobs while nodding her head. A figure squats beside her, didn''t even notice his presence until now. "I''m sure Ryan would have want the same thing too" Liam said with sad eyes. "For all of us". She nods wiping her tears. Riley approached them slowly, she watch as they slowly rise to their feets, Heather thanking Liam before walking away. Liam''s attention drift to her, he smiled walking towards her. "So how did it go?" He asked curiously. Riley sighed. "Well thenbitch killed herself... I didn''t expect that" she shrugged as they began strolling. "The almighty Barbra Jones commits suicide... that will surely be the top of the headlines" Liam said. "It was like she knew,", she faced Liam, halting, so did Liam. "That her time was up... Liam she said something about Vincent coming for us" "And we will take him down when the time comes" he assured her. "For now we have to focus on saving our people, we have a bit of a migration problem in Tokyo". "I will handle that country" she states. He raised an eyebrow. "I already called in my flight" he said in amusement. "Well then change it" she shrugs. Liam tilts his head to the side. "Let''s do this then... we flip a coin, if it says tails I go only and if it says heads, we go" he said. Riley raised an eyebrow. "Ready?" he said flipping a coin up to the air. "Hey! I didn''t agree yet" she hissed frowning. "Oh you will" he states the coin lands to hand, he held it up with his fingers for her to see. Riley instantly gasps covering her palm on her mouth in shock. It wasn''t a coin he flipped but a diamond ring. "Liam" she said amazed. With a side smirk, he went down on one knee. "Marry me, Riley Leah" She gasped. Chapter 165 - Prologue (THE FIFTH CHAPTER) This world is black and white... but there''s also the beauty of it The calm wind swirl around Black Clover Town, the area fully developed and more still on construction, the trees made the place more enchanting, the past four months have made the area more lively and well endowed in resources. But funny enough the area was cleared of people, they were gathered in a particular area for an event. *** The O''Brien Mansion Through the large gate entrance to the extra-large compound, embodied with evergreen grasses in some areas and the other areas embodied in a concrete tiled floor, in a large space fully decorated for an event, the chairs white and black, along with the decorations, the area mostly decorated with white flowers and designs. Everyone dressed in uniform, men in black tailored suits, the ladies in white different styled of dresses. "Will you stop shaking Liam O''Brien, you''re about to get married not fight another humanoid ghoul" Sean hissed for the fourth time today, fixing Liam''s tie with so much concentration.. "You can''t blame me, I''m nervous" Liam admitted wiping the sweat against his features with his handkerchief. Sean chuckles deeply. "Our almighty sire is nervous... when he''s finally marrying the girl of his dreams," he said with a smirk. Liam just rolled his eyes, Sean was done with his tie. "All set" "What if she isn''t ready yet?" Liam said nervously. "Liam" he placed a hand on his shoulder. "Riley loves you more than anything... she said yes didn''t she?" Liam nods. "Well Liam O''Brien... you are marrying your soul mate, there''s no greater match than that... I mean your Claws are literally soul mates from thousands of years ago, dude that''s a sure thing" Liam smiled warmly. "Speaking of a sure thing," he said as his eyes lands on the crowd taking their seats, and then it lands on Iris setting the decorative bouquet with Rory. "When are you gonna tell her how you feel" he adds with a nudge of his head. "I don''t know what you are talking about," he said innocently. "Don''t give me that fucking attitude... I have seen the way you look at her this past few months" Liam said in amusement. "Well..." he sighs in defeat knowing he was caught. "Come on Sean tell her how you feel" Liam urged. "I don''t think that''s a good idea I mean look" he points out. That moment she was laughing with Gray at a joke. "They have been awfully close... I mean look at them they almost seem perfect, I wonder if they are dating" he said sternly not liking that idea. Liam sighs. "Dude after my wedding and honeymoon I''m seriously gonna give you counseling, I mean you like her, go make her yours" Liam states. Sean gave him a look. "Yeah sure, great advice, remember I''m not as dominating as you''re... I''m a cool guy" "Well so am I, but you gotta let that wild nature spin-off, who knows you might turn her on with your attitude" Liam shrugs. Sean growled rolling her eyes, Liam was the worst person to seek advice from. *** Inside the mansion is a wide room, Riley was seated all dressed in her white slender wedding gown. Sid doing her hair, she was done before setting her long veil in place. "And done," she said giggly. "You look so beautiful Riley, all thanks to me" "Thanks," Riley said amused, today was the happiest day of her life and she couldn''t stop smiling. "Soon to be Riley O''Brien," Sid said amused. Making Riley blush slightly, but then she frowned. "I wish my mom and dad were here..." Her eyes grew wistful. Sid''s eyes saddened at her words. "And Rylan" she adds faintly but she heard her. "They are Riley, they will always be watching and I''m sure they are happy wherever they are," Sid said gently. A smile found Riley''s lips. "Ugh where is the bride, she''s taking so much time" Kayla pouts walking in along with Iris behind. "Here''s your little monster he can''t just stop crying," Kayla said handling a crying Oliver to Sid who stops crying now finally in his mom''s arms. "Traitor" Kayla hissed at the poor kid who just suck his thumb. Sid just giggled at their antics. "The finishing touches," Iris said walking towards the table to grab a black box, she opened it revealing a shiny diamond necklace. "Oooh... seems like boss is already spoiling our soon-to-be Mrs. O''Brien," Kayla said in amusement while wagging her eyebrow up and down. Riley just rolled her eyes as Iris set the necklace around her neck, pinning it. It was a perfect fit. "You look astonishing," Iris said with a warm smile. "Thank you, Iris," Riley said sweetly, staring at her through the wide mirror, over the past months they have grown pretty close. "Let''s get this wedding started" Kayla growled dramatically. *** Everything was in place, everyone seated waiting for the bride to walk in. Liam and Sean are present at the altar with the priest. "You know ghouls have their own wedding tradition" Sean whispers to Liam. "What? Really? I thought it was the same as humans" Liam said puzzled. "It''s an old tradition, it''s okay... besides it wasn''t celebrating like this... it just requires a ring and an elder blessings and then during consummation, the husband shares part of his Claw with his wife so that they will be one, that''s why ghoul couples are very intimate" he explained. "Wow," Liam said stunned, he had no idea. "Relax Liam, no one will complain about the wedding" he shrugs like it was no big deal but to Liam it was... Riley grew up as a ghoul not human like he did... he was practically doing the wedding in his tradition and his own way, without considering their ways, he frowned, he would have to make it up to her somehow. Getting distracted from his thoughts the sound came up welcoming the bride, the moment he raised his head it was like everything fades around him, just the two of them as he stared at the most beautiful creature he has ever seen, that took his breath away... God, she was perfect. Perfect just for him and the way her hips moved as she walks turned him on more than he can bear, the slender white gown hung her body perfectly, showing all her enticing curves, she looked simply ravishing all for him to devour as he like and she was all his forever starting today and yet it felt like he was falling in love once again. Riley''s eyes never left Liam''s, the hungry look he gave her made her cheeks taint pink a little, he was simply ravishing as always, she couldn''t believe she was getting married to this godlike man that took her breath away every second, sparing no room for her to breath, he was dashing and sexy as always especially in that tux. In response she bit her lip slightly, Liam''s eyes darken in desire, smirking she knew what that does to him. As she got closer by the second, between the two they reminisced all their life history together, the first time they met at Drinks & Dine... their eyes locking that one moment. When she recused Liam and his sister, Jenna, from the agents, taking them into the ghoul underground, their rocky start... always disagreeing with things. Then when he was abducted by the agents and tortured... then the death of Jenna, Ghost awakening for the first time after the massacre, when their eyes locked that moment. Liam coming to her recuse when she was surrounded by agents... then he left her all alone after the ghoul underground was attacked, the tears, the pain, the longing... and then one year later after she was captured by the agents and taken to Steel... Liam coming to her rescue saving her from death. Their feelings confessed... their initiate relationship and then after the attack on the agency, her death, as he cried while holding her in his arms, thinking he had lost her forever. Three years later, they were reunited by unexplained circumstances, her forced identity as Lorna Hart keeping them apart... then she unintentionally betraying him as he gets captured and Ghost giving her back her memories... Liam, taken to Steel and she coming to his rescue as they both unlocked their hidden power together and then the meeting with their son, the painful moments with him and then the good ones. Unexpected to Riley, a tear fell from one of her eyes, she was now at the altar standing in front of him, the priest saying some words. With worried eyes, Liam gently wipes the tear from her cheek. "What''s wrong?" he whispered worriedly. She smiled shaking her head negatively, unable to find the right words to say at this moment, she was both overjoy and slightly sad, they have been through a lot together, forces trying to separate them all the time, she was always scared of losing him. "I don''t wanna lose you," she said softly. "You won''t," he said his eyes laced with seriousness. Chapter 166 - Riley OBrien Reliving all their life history together in less than a second, made her heart ache. Unexpected to Riley, a tear fell from one of her eyes, she was now at the altar standing in front of him, the priest saying some words. With worried eyes, Liam gently wipes the tear from her cheek. "What''s wrong?" he whispered worriedly. She smiled shaking her head negatively, unable to find the right words to say at this moment, she was both overjoy and slightly sad, they have been through a lot together, forces trying to separate them all the time, she was always scared of losing him, that was her greatest fear, he was her anchor, her light in her darkest times, the comfort when she was lost and sad, he was always there for her no matter what and she couldn''t be more grateful... he was her soul mate, her destined. "I don''t wanna lose you," she said softly. "You won''t," he said, his eyes laced with seriousness.. She gave a slight nod, believing his words. After the priest finish saying some words, rings exchanged, he then blesses the couple, joins their hands together, and asks. "Do you take, Riley Leah as your lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish?". "I do" Liam answers never talking his eyes off hers. A sweet smile found her lips. "And do you take, Liam O''Brien as your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish?" he asked once more. "Of course" she answers making the crowd giggled at her antics. Liam chuckles deeply. "You never seem to amaze me" he said in amusement. "So do you" she said winking. "I now pronounce you husband and wife" the priest announced. "You may kiss the bride" Liam smirks, exactly what he wanted to hear, he wrapped an arm around her waist drawing her body close to his, she gasped at his sudden action, placing her hands on either side of his shoulder blades. "You always like dominating" she said amused their faces inches apart. "It''s in my nature" he murmurs before claiming her lips hard, the crowd went loud in a applause and cheer. Liam smiled between kisses, his lips roaming hers nonstop. Before they pulled away so that they can both catch their breath, the crowd still cheering and whistling, along with claps. They were both in each other arms as they faced the cheering crowd, both happy, satisfied. *** The nite skies illuminated with stars, the soft music played in a gentle rhythm. "Alright everyone get seated" Sean said using a spoon to tap his wine glass gently, gaining their attention, everyone seated. Liam and Riley were seated at their table, up front, flowers decorated on the top. "It''s toast time" he said raising the wine glass, earning a giggle from the crowd. "To Liam, my best buddy and also to the ghoul king" he motioned. "To the ghoul king" they cheered, raising their wine glasses. Making a smile curl up Liam''s lips, he raised his glass in acknowledgement. "And also to our queen, Riley O''Brien" They cheered. She giggled, raising her glass in acknowledgement. "Liam, you''re an amazing man" Sean began. "A leader, a friend, and a brother" he said as his eyes grew wistful with memories of the past. "You liberated us, built an entire civilisation around the world just for us, for that I''m grateful... we are grateful" The crowd cheered. * "To my so loving boss, I''m so so happy for you, for both of you" Kayla said. * Rory cleared his throat "Okay um, where do I start" Rory said scratching the back of his head, earning a giggle from the crowd. "Wish you both a happy married life and yeah sure, welcome to the family Riley O''Brien" he said, with his wine glass raised. * "Kids yes lots of kid, maybe I might fall for the little Liam O''Brien running around" Iris said with a wink. The crowd laughed. * "To boss and his wife" Gray said raising his glass. * "I can''t tell how happy I''m for this moment" Heather began. "But I''m sure if Ryan was here, he will be so happy" she said with a smile against her lips. Liam and Riley eyes grew wistful at her words. "Where ever he is I''m sure he''s proud to call you both, mom and dad" * "Liam and I had a rocky start" Riley said tilting her head to the side. "For what it''s worth, it was fun always arguing with him" she adds. The crowd laughed. Liam chuckles deeply, running his chin, not taking his gaze off her for a second. "We have been through so much, hearts broken, betrayal, death," she said with wistful eyes. "But in all this we overcame, because Liam O''Brien you''re my soul mate, I couldn''t ask more than that... let''s start with forever" she said softly. Liam murmured the word forever, with a smile against his lips. * "Riley, you''re amazing, fearless, with the most beautiful heart I have ever seen, you carry the heart of many as well as mine" Liam said, his eyes glued on her. "Never in my entire life did I ever thought I would find someone like you, someone who you could bear your soul with, your entire being with" he states. "You gave me a son, an amazing boy who i will love for the rest of my life, even though he isn''t here right now, I''m sure he will be glad you''re his mom" A tear slide down her eye, she sobbed slightly, her lips pressed in a smile. "All our loved ones who aren''t here to celebrate this joyous moment with us, I''m sure they will be watching wherever they are and proud that I married my destined soul mate. Nothing can ever separate us Riley, not even a thousand years... forget the bond or the connection... I love you Riley O''Brien and nothing will ever change that" he states. "Always and forever" he adds with his glass raised. "Always and forever" Riley said raising her glass. The crowd went in an uproar of cheers and claps. *** Everyone on the dance floor with their partners. Riley in Liam''s arms, their body glued together as they moved to the slow beat, his left arm straddled on her waist, the other enclosed with her right hand, her left hand against his chest, her face buried in his neck, inhaling his wonderful scent, the heels made her reach his neck level, she leaned in his touch more. Liam buried his face in her hair inhaling her scent. "God... you smell wonderful" he murmured. She giggled shifting her head backwards to meet his heated gaze. "I love you" she said softly. "I love you" he said before claiming her lips gently, their lips roaming each other in ecstacy. "Should we take this somewhere else" he whispers in her ear getting a bit impatient and couldn''t keep himself in check. A smile pressed against her lips. "No" she whispers back in his ear. His chest vibrates in a deep growl, but didn''t gain any attention from the others as they were too engrossed in what they were doing. "We can''t leave our guests" she reasons. "Fuck the guests" She ticks her tongue. "That''s not something for a king to say" she said in amusement. "And besides" she adds wrapping her arms around his neck. "We have a whole month of honeymoon... but isn''t that too long Liam, I mean there''s still some matters to attend to" she said tilting her head to the side. "Matters I can attend to any where I want, I need time with my wife" he shrugs. Riley made a hmm sound in suspicion. "You still haven''t told me where we''re going" Liam smirks. "Why should I" he said raising an eyebrow. Riley growled in frustration. "You''re so cute when you growl" he pouted. "Liam!" She hissed. Earning a peal of laughter from Liam, she smiled seeing him laugh, it has been a while she heard it, the past month he has always been crowded with work and always looked serious, his new position wasn''t really easy... realization struck her... so that''s why he wanted a month with her, he was trying to make it up to her. "You never seize to amaze" she said softly. His amused look lands on her, she was lost in those brown eyes of his. "Why should I stop," he states in amusement. "I never plan on stopping" he adds leaning in for another kiss. *** The crowd cheered as they watch the O''Brien''s walk to their private plane, Riley was changed to a short dark blue gown that hung her body perfectly. Liam had on a black long sleeve shirt rolled up at the arms, black pants and shoes. Their hands locked together as they approached the plane. "I trust you will over see matters here" Liam said. "Of course, enjoy your honeymoon" Sean said giving way. "Call me if anything goes wrong, we will come back right then, no offense" he adds the last part facing his wife. "None taken" she shrugged, it was no big deal to her, she was even still complaining about the length of the honeymoon... but still this was a getaway for them, after months of stress, what''s the worse that could happen. Chapter 167 - Black Trip (Part 1) Riley looks out through the plane window sighing, seeing nothing but dark clouds. "Seriously Liam where are we going" she pouts facing a smirking Liam. "Liam" she pouts. He chuckles deeply leaning forward. "When we get there" he states. Riley just rolled her eyes leaning back on her seat. The personal attendants came serving them some snacks and drink on the table in front of them. "I wonder what you''re up to dear husband" Riley began.. Liam raised an eyebrow at her words. "I''m not up anything" he said innocently with a shrug of his shoulders. Riley made a hmm sound. "Then I guess I will have to get it out of you" she states rising to her feet, she took off her heels strolling bare foot to him. Liam never took his eyes off her. She got to him sitting on his lap, Liam''s fist clenched the arms of chair on either side as he leaned backwards. "Well someone is excited" she said in amusement feeling him and glad she had that much effect on him. "Only for you" he said softly. A sweet smile found her lips that he couldn''t resist, she slowly trailled her fingers around his chin feeling the sharp edge of some growing beards, she loved the feel of it against her fingers. She trailed them all the way to his neck and then to his exposed chest from the button down black shirt. "Just kiss me already" he said in a rasped breath. Riley smirks leaning forward, their lips almost touching, but then she moved it to his ears. "I don''t think so" she said huskily before pulling away. "I''m so tired, off I go, wake me up when we get to our mysterious destination" she said tapping his shoulder getting off as she strolled to the door, her hand reach the handle but she gasps when Liam grabs her from behind, pulling her to his body roughly. "Is this your plan" he whispers to her ear making a shiver run down her spine. "I don''t know what you are talking about" she said with a smirk. A deep grow vibrated from Liam''s chest, as he flip her to face him. "Don''t play that game with me" he states with a wicked smirk as his eyes darkens with desire. She bit her lip feeling on edge. "Then tell me where we are going, and then you have me anyway you want" she said with a shrug. "Are you seriously giving me conditions?"he asked with an eyebrow raised. "What if I''m" she states in a simple tone. She gasped as suddenly he swamp her off her feet carrying her in his arms. "Fuck the destination, I can''t contain myself anymore" he said practically growling. "Oh really my big bad wolf" Riley said giggling as she wraps her arms around his neck, their faces inches apart. Liam leans in for a kiss, but she moved bitting his ear lobe slightly. Earning a frustrated growl from him. Before she knew it he walks out of the area they were, the door opening. The next thing she knew was, her back found the bed, she couldn''t see the entire room properly because Liam''s large frame covered her, he then smashed his lips on her, kissing her wildly more than she could contain, all the sexual tension in just one kiss, took her breath away. Ugh forget the plan, he was making her loose her mind, she rips his shirt from behind taking it off him in a split second, her hands now roaming his bare back. She gasps as Liam flips her, her front facing the bed, he then rips the gown off her along with her bra and panties in a spilt second. Riley''s chest rise and fell, the room was suddenly hot, she felt his bare chest against her back making her body burn with desire more, she felt his breath close to her ear. "Tell me if I''m rough" he said huskily. Riley moaned and then it was her screaming his name. *** New York Outskirts Of The City Black Clover Hometown "It''s seems our star couple are off to enjoy themselves" Iris said walking towards Sean with a champagne at hand. They were still present at the event, but the area was free of people, some just stayed to enjoy the rest of the evening. "Yeah" Sean said amused. He watch as Iris took a seat beside him before pouring a glass for him. "Well today is a holiday for us, so let''s get drunk" she said giving Sean the wine glass, he took it gulping on it instantly. He sighs. "Exactly what I needed" he states raising his glass for another, Iris smiled pouring another for him. "So how''s the ancient book coming up, I''m sure you have translated the rest of it" Iris began sipping her drink. "Not really still on it, the language isn''t exactly easy since we ghoul dropped the ancient crips thousands of years ago, Steve O''Brien really did a great job in translating half of it" Sean said with a heavy sigh. "Well I believe you just need more work, translating the rest will really help us understand ghouls better, we can get a better understanding of ourselves" she states. Sean nods in agreement. "Yeah I know, still a long way" he sighs leaning backwards to watch the skies. So did Iris. "I''m really happy for Liam and Riley, this is a big step for both of them" Iris said with a big smile. "Yeah it really is... for the past six months no hunts on ghouls, just us migrating everyone to the safe towns that Liam built across the world" Sean said as his eyes grew wistful. "Judging from your tone, you sound like the no hunt displease you" she said puzzled as she faced him. "Well it kinda does, it only makes things more suspicious, I mean Barbra Jones may be dead but her psycho elder brother is still out there, who knows what he''s plotting" he reasoned. Iris sighs looking back at the skies. "Well the government ordered the agency dissolved, so i don''t think there''s much to be scared about" she states with hope. "Yeah I hope so" he replied with uncertainty. *** The Plane Liam gasp awake, he felt a strange feeling that overwhelmed his insides. He sat up the bed, Riley fast asleep beside him. ''Ghost senses something'' Ghost said in his head. "Yes I do too" Liam said certainly as he got off bed, walking to the mini wardrobe, putting on a pair of jeans and a shirt before stepping out of the room, into the long lobby of the plane. With suspicious eyes he scanned the area for any threats, he slowly strolled, carefully, his ears on alert ready to pick up anything... but nothing, he reach for the door handle, opening it, he steps in but froze when he stepped on blood, his eyes widen seeing the flight attendants on the ground, about five of them, all they had on the plane, dead in the pole of their own blood. "Black Ghoul". His head shot up at the dark sinister voice, recognising it instantly... no way, this can''t be real. His eyes shakes as it lands on Seth Jusdon, seated on the chair, legs crossed, his red seater hood up, his ghoul eyes present, the white part black, the center ruby. "It''s been awhile Black Ghoul" *** Riley tussle and turn against the bed, groaning but then she froze not feeling Liam beside her. "Liam" she sat up looking around the room puzzled but he was nowhere to be found. He knew she hated not seeing him when she wakes up and yet he just went and left. Growling, she got off bed walking to the wardrobe putting on a loose pants and white shirt before walking out of the room. She froze instantly as she walks to the corridor, a strange feeling overwhelmed her. "Liam" she said in panic rushing to the door but instantly something slammed at her pinning her to the plane wall tightly, it was green in colour like a tentacles around her in an unpleasant way. "Not so fast, dearie" a voice came in as a young lady no less around the age of 18 steps out. She wore a black long material shirt, blue shorts jeans, along with black knee length shoes, her hair a dark color but evident of green could be seen from the highlights, her ghoul eyes evident, the white part black, the center green. The weird tentacles pinning her to the wall was from her back. ''Another humanoid ghoul" Riley thought certain, what the fuck was going on and how did they get on the plane? "Stay still dearie, so I don''t have to cut you to bits" she said in amusement. "What the fuck do you want?! You got some nervous coming here" Riley hissed trying to break free but the tentacles was around her tightly, it beamed faintly, she tried again but she couldn''t move... it was like the tentacles was draining her strength. This was not good. Chapter 168 - Black Trip (Part 2) Riley tussle and turn against the bed, groaning but then she froze not feeling Liam beside her. "Liam" she sat up looking around the room puzzled, but he was nowhere to be found. He knew she hated not seeing him when she wakes up and yet he just went and leave. Growling, she got off bed walking to the wardrobe putting on a loose pants and white shirt before walking out of the room. She froze instantly as she walks to the corridor, a strange feeling overwhelmed her. "Liam" she said in panic rushing to the door but instantly something slammed at her pinning her to the plane wall tightly, it was green in colour like a tentacles around her in an unpleasant way. "Not so fast, dearie" a voice came in as a young lady no less around the age of 18 steps out. She wore a black long material shirt, blue shorts jeans, along with black knee length shoes, her hair a dark color but evident of green could be seen from the highlights, her ghoul eyes evident, the white part black, the center green. The weird tentacles pinning her to the wall was from her back. ''Another humanoid ghoul" Riley thought certain, what the fuck was going on and how did they get on the plane? "Stay still dearie, so I don''t have to cut you to bits" she said in amusement. "What the fuck do you want?! You got some nervous coming here" Riley hissed trying to break free but the tentacles was around her tightly, it beamed faintly, she tried again but she couldn''t move... it was like the tentacles was draining her strength. This was not good. She ticks her tongue as Riley''s gaze drift to hers. "Careful dearie... the more you struggle the faster it will drain your life force and we both know what happens when the count hits 0..." she said in amusement. "You. Die" she mouths in a sick matter. Riley growled not heeding her words as she tried to break free but it was futile, it only just took her life force in return, Riley was against the wall weak. "Where is Liam?!... what... what" she groaned. "What did you do to him" she demands with clenched teeth not minding the state she was in, she wanted to know if he was okay, she worried. "Seth is having a little chitchat with him and I don''t want you to interfere" she said with a smirk. What the hell, Seth Judson? Her eyes shakes on hearing his name, it couldn''t be, maybe she heard wrong, Seth Judson was dead, Liam killed him. "Judging by your expression, I''m sure you think he was dead too" she said in amusement. "Everyone did... but that was meant for the world to think" she adds. "What does he want?!" Riley demands trying to break free but it only took her life force in return. "You mean what does he want with the Black Ghoul and you" she said in amusement. *** "Seth" Liam said darkly. His eyes changing instantly as a black aura of darkness swirl around him. "Wow you look strong compared to the last time I saw you" Seth said in amusement tilting his head to the side. "What''s the fuck are you doing here?!" Liam hissed. "Well I''m alive and well thanks for asking" Seth said sarcastically. Liam growled deeply. "A lot have happened since I was asleep, or since I have been in a coma for fucking three years" Seth began rising to his feet. "And while I was away, you killed the only person I care about" he adds darkly. "What are you talking about?!" Liam said puzzled. "I''m taking about Barbra, you killed her... both of you killed her. You and Riley Leah rip her heart out like it was nothing" he states but then his eyes lands on the ring he was wearing. "Or should I say Riley O''Brien" . "As much as I would like to agree with you right now I didn''t kill her, neither did Riley, she killed herself by jumping off a damn building" Liam said sternly. Seth huffed. "Exactly what Vincent said you would say," Seth said in an amusement that didn''t reach his eyes. "Vincent? Vincent Jones... of course he''s the one pulling the strings, he''s as manipulative like his bitch of a sister" Liam spat. Seth saw red as he growled coming at Liam in speed, before his claws could reach him, Liam grabs him by the neck, raising him off his feet. Seth growled trying to break free but it was futile. "I don''t appreciate you coming here and ruining my honeymoon... how did you even get in here" he said sternly, and then his eyes lands on the plane hatch. "You have been keeping tabs on us haven''t you" Liam growled. Seth''s eyes beamed dangerously as something like a long extended bone looking like a spider leg but it was flesh-less, budge out of his back, about five of them. Before Liam could blink the force pushed him to the other side of plane crashing into things in the process, due to the force. *** On hearing that sound, worry flushed through Riley, using that as the strength and force she needed, she broke free making the humanoid ghoul gasps in surprise. Riley lands on her feet, instantly the humanoid ghoul came at her with kicks and punches, Riley deflected them quickly but she kept coming with force giving Riley no time to think, she was fast and steadfast, not backing down even for a minute, she rotates sending a hard kick to Riley''s face, she growled as was sent backwards in an uneven step, she faced the humanoid ghoul while wiping the blood off her lips with her finger, the wound healed instantly. "You got guts I will give you that" Riley comments as her eyes changed to her ghoul ones, the white part darkens, the center beaming a unique gold color, a four leaf clover symbol formed around her left eyes beaming. "But that''s not enough to make you get out of here alive, ghoul" Riley said darkly as a swirl of white aura moved around her. She growled as about ten tentacles came out of her back in green colour swirling behind her, she transformed into a green feminine Claw, tall and long, skinny, extended arms and legs, bald head, pointy jaws. "The name''s Jade, don''t forget that" she said in an inhuman voice. "Well then Jade any last words" Riley said as a five feet long rod forged on her hand from inside her. Jade roared coming at Riley in speed. Riley braced herself. *** Liam dodged a bone that almost cut his head off clean, his body stiffen when he heard the roar, ''Riley'' he thought worried, of course Seth didn''t come alone, there was someone else in this plane. And what''s more the pilots, what happened to them. In response to that, turbulence struck the plane, everywhere shaking tremendously. "Well it seems we are out of time" Seth said smirking. *** In the cockpit of the plane the two dead pilots head rested on the control handle before slipping down, making the plane wave out of order, going off coordinates. *** "We will continue this next time, black ghoul" Seth said as the bones on his back plunged a hole in the plane, the wild breeze zap in, scattering everything in place. "I hope you survive a plane crash black ghoul... so I get to kill you myself" Seth hissed before jumping out. Liam held on to something due to the breeze. "Riley" he said as his body covered in a dark cloak of darkness, zapping out to the other side of the plane. *** Riley''s back slammed hard against the plane wall, due to the breeze from the hole Jade plunged, the damn bitch was out already, Riley braced herself from flying out of the plane, but the grib on her rod wasn''t enough to hold her weight, her grib slipped, she gasps as she almost flew out of the plane but strong arms caught her before she reach the hole, he held her firm in his arms, the harsh breeze couldn''t lift him. "Liam" she gasps facing him. "Are you okay?" She nods. "The pilots are dead, the plane will crash any moment now" he said. "Some honeymoon this is" she said sarcastically. Liam smiled faintly. "We will talk about that after we survive this" he states. "Got any ideas? We are running out of time" Riley said. "Yeah, but it''s crazy" he said. "Well it''s better than dying here" she said. Liam made a hmm sound. "I figured you would say that" the moment he said that, he leaned backwards as they both fell out of the plane into the air. Riley held onto him tightly as his body covered in a cloak of darkness, enclosing them both, black wings spread out as they zapped in the air in speed. The plane crashed in a distance going up in flames. Chapter 169 - Black Unknown In an unknown island, Liam and Riley landed there, the ocean river carrying waves to the sand, making it mushy, Riley''s bare feet march on it. "Ugh worse honeymoon ever" Riley growled pissed trying to walk her way through the sand. "Babe, slow down" Liam called from behind. "Oh great on our way to our romantic getaway for a month to an unknown trip my husband prepared, only to get interrupted by a sick teen killer, who we thought was dead for years only to be back and found his way into our private flight and ruin everything" she rants while throwing a fit. "Babe!" Liam called once again. She turned to him. "Liam when are we gonna have a normal life for once" she began. Making Liam halt his step.. "I mean from one enemy to another, if its not the world hunting us, its a sadistic killer kid or my crazy uncle or those close to us" she said. Liam sighs. "When will it stop Liam... I''m" she sighed. "I''m tired Liam, this marriage was suppose to be a next step for us... i mean we are gonna create a family won''t we" she said sad. Liam walks up to, rubbing her shoulders gently, Riley leaned into his touch. "Yes we will, nothing will stop that I promise" he assured her. "But the hunt won''t stop... unlocking our powers simply just called all threats at us like a beacon, it was just like Silver said... Liam, more will come" she said. "And we will fight them off, every last one of them, none of them are gonna stop us form moving forward or starting a family" he assured. A small smile found her lips, on hearing his soft gentle words. "So" she began trying to lighten the mood. "Where were we going for our honeymoon?"she asked sneaky. Liam sighed in defeat. "Bali" Riley gasps. "Seriously Bali? I have always wanted to go there" she squealed as her face lit up but then it sadden. "But then the sadistic kid went ahead and ruin it. They were humanoid ghouls both of them" she said. "I only saw Seth" Liam said puzzled but he was sure another was in the plane. "Well I saw another sadistic Teen, her powers were unique, her tentacles could literally drain someone''s life force, if it was an ordinary ghoul they would have been a goner" she states. "Now we have two humanoid ghouls after us" Liam said not liking the idea. "And my hunch is, Vincent Jones is controlling them, he''s most certainly is the one behind this, the hunt is over but this is his method now," Riley said biting her bottom lip. "As much as it pains me to say this we have to go back, no more Bali no more honeymoon, Liam we have to find out what he''s up to, now we know he''s coming after us". "Babe" Liam began. "Please let''s go back" she said in a heavy breath, as much as she hated to say this, now they knew what they were up against, they couldn''t just go an island for a month and pretend that nothing happened, they had to face the threat before they get them with their tactics, they have faced Barbra Jones, they both knew what she was capable of, most likely her brother was even more dangerous... and much worse Seth Judson was back to life, that kid was a nightmare, a tyrant equal to Barbra in manipulating and coming up with deadly tactics to out run them. Liam''s eyes sadden at her words, he had a hunch she would say that, could they ever have a normal life? Riley looks away turning, the cold breeze blew as she rubbed her arms together shivering slightly, her heart ache deciding this but they had no choice, they can''t turn a blind eye to this. "We have to go back" she adds, her tone laced with seriousness. *** England Unknown Facilty Seth barged into the office, Jade beside him trying to keep up, with Seth''s menacing steps. "The door is for knocking" Vincent states facing them, a stack of files on his hand as he went through them not bothering to spare them a glance. "We have to go back to New York" Seth hissed. Vincent gaze lands on a pissrd Seth. "I guess the plan didn''t go well" he comments certainly. "Liam is stronger, stronger than I have fought before" Seth said with clenched fist, his power, he felt it, it was more dominating and wild almost like he faced a god. "Well you have been in a coma for three and the half years, it''s only neutral your opponent did a few upgrades... yes I enhanced you... enough if I might add, but the rest of your power is up to you" Vincent states in a simple tone. "Then we have to go to New York so that I can finish what i started " Seth hissed in rage, he hated it, he despise it, Liam O''Brien his greatest enemy was stronger than him. "Even if we get there, there''s no chance of finding their location" Jade spoke up with a strong voice. "They are well hidden, they spared no room for mistakes" she reasons, facing Seth. "You may be an expert during your time... you may be called the Ghoul Killer, but this time they are hidden off the radar, not even you can locate them". Seth growled facing her, her words made his skin crawl, he wondered why he was partnered up with this girl. "That''s enough you two!" Vincent hissed. Their attention drift to them. "Jade is right Seth, we can''t locate them, they are off the grib, but we can draw them out" he states. "What do you have in mind?!" Seth asked. Vincent smirks mischievously. "Believe me I have plenty" he states boldly. "But you will follow my every order for this to work" he adds sternly, leaving no room for questions. Chapter 170 - Black Mark "Seth wait up..." "Seth!" "Ugh... Will you slow the fuck down Seth Judson" Jade hissed on top of her lungs. Seth growled facing her. "What is it?!" He hissed. "We are partners, we have to work together on this" she reasons.. "In case you haven''t noticed, I don''t do partners, I just stuck up with you because Vincent says so, and the only reason I''m listening to him, is because he''s my one way ticket of killing the black ghoul" he said sternly as he turns to leave. "He saved your life Seth" she said. Making Seth halts his step. "He saved both of us" she adds as her eyes grew wistful. She sighed heavily. "You don''t remember me do you" she began with arms folded. Gaining no response from him she continued. "10 years ago, USA secret research facility". Seth body tensed as his eyes widen at her words. "Only it wasn''t just a regular research facility," she said in a heavy breath. Seth turned abruptly to face her, in a sharp breath. "There were illegal experiment going in there, on kids with no parents, it was the perfect guinea pigs they could use, children without identity". "You were part of the project" Seth said in realization, how could he has missed this, she was unique just like he was. "Every day, every night, they would take one of us to that room and perform all series of things, males got lucky with just a few needle and dissection but the female didn''t," she states as a tear slide down her cheek. "The doctors always gets handsy" she adds on an amusement that didn''t reach her eyes. "As usual no one survived the fluids they inject inside us, but I did but my process didn''t start on time, I was piled up with other dead bodies, kids my age no less than 12 or 9" she scoffs. Seth expression darkens at her words. "I managed to escape, and with anger in my heart, i came back to kill all those fucking doctors but when i got there, the place was burnt to the ground". "Barbra Jones came, that''s when she took me in and burnt everything to the ground, I was the only surviving project or I least I thought I was" Seth said not taking his eyes off her. "I thought I was too... I was left to wander the streets begging for survival" she said sternly taking steps towards Seth. "Slept in the slum, killed if i had to" she states standing front of him, even though he was a foot taller than her she didn''t back down. "Until Vincent found me almost freezing to death, he gave me a hand and took me in, he showed me the light and ways I could ever imagine" she said with a smile against her lips. "Which is why" she adds in a serious tone. "I won''t let anyone hurt him or disobey his orders not even you... I don''t care if you''re the ghoul killer" she said darkly. "Are you threatening me?" Seth said with a stern look not liking the idea of that, no one threatens Seth Judson. But Jade didn''t back down. "No Seth, I''m simply not... I''m just making sure we understand each other and know what''s at stake here" she said in amusement. "We are partners after all". Seth gave her a look, this girl was sick as he was but hers was on a different level, she was protective of Vincent, that he knew now, most likely obsessed, she was will go through all lengths to carry out his orders, and Seth was going through all lengths to kill the Black Ghoul, there seem to be a problem here and Seth wasn''t exactly a play well person. *** Portland, Oregon A set of three SUVs waited at the border, about five men was standing in waiting, one of them sights Liam and Riley walking towards them in a distance, the man smiled, approaching them. "It''s an honor to see our liberators" the man said with a smile against his lips, bowing slightly. "Miles it''s been years" Liam said as they both shock hands, Riley just stared at them puzzled. Miles dark brown eyes lands on her. "We heard the news on your wedding, congratulations sir" he said sweetly. "Thank you Miles, Riley, this is Miles Smith, he''s the Mayor incharge of Black Clover Hometown in portland" Liam introduced. "Nice to meet you" Riley said with a smile against her lips as they both shock hands. "So why did you call for me so sudden sir, you usually send a signal weeks before your arrival but this is so sudden" Miles said sounding worried. "We will talk when we''re in a much safer place, we have a reason to believe we''re being tracked" Liam said in a serious tone. "Of course sir, right this way" Miles said leading them inside the SUV. *** Outskirts Of The City Black Clover Hometown (Portland Branch) The three SUV drove into the town, it was lively and well hidden. "Wow this place is good" Riley comments facing Liam. "You really did a great job out" she adds. He smiled. "It isn''t much, the migration process is still ungoing" he said with a small smile. "It was really hard here... the place went on a hunger strike for months, it took some time before the money I wired got here...and then the supplies delayed, it really was a tough couple of months, I''m glad they are back in shape" Liam said as his eyes grew wistful. "That''s why you travelled" Riley said faintly, he was gone for months before coming back in preparation for their wedding. Liam just gave a slight nod. Riley gulps hard facing the window, staring at the civilisation that Liam worked so hard to build. She only just supported him with his idea and carry out some duties back at New York but she knew now that she was married to him, she had to step up in her game even if no one told her, she had to do more, but what more can she do to support her husband, when he has already got everything under control? Chapter 171 - Black Sidetrack Outskirts Of The City Black Clover Hometown (Portland Branch) The three SUV drove into the town, it was lively and well hidden. "Wow this place is good" Riley comments facing Liam. "You really did a great job out" she adds. He smiled. "It isn''t much, the migration process is still ungoing" he said with a small smile. "It was really hard here.... the place went on a hunger strike for months, it took some time before the money I wired got here...and then the supplies delayed, it really was a tough couple of months, I''m glad they are back in shape" Liam said as his eyes grew wistful. "That''s why you travelled" Riley said faintly, he was gone for months before coming back in preparation for their wedding. Liam just gave a slight nod. Riley gulps hard facing the window, staring at the civilisation that Liam worked so hard to build. She only just supported him with his idea and carry out some duties back at New York but she knew now that she was married to him, she had to step up in her game even if no one told her, she had to do more, but what more can she do to support her husband, when he has already got everything under control? *** After the small drive around, Liam and Riley were both in the Mayor''s Office. *** "You were attacked by the ghoul killer?" Miles said stunned, not believing his ears. "I thought he was dead?!" "That''s what we thought too, until he showed up on our plane like nothing happened" Riley said crossing her leg, leaning back on her seat, still pissed their honeymoon was ruined. "We have a reason to believe Vincent Jones is behind this" Liam said sternly. "Vincent Jones, Barbra Jones brother?... but I thought the hunt was over, the government made that very clear, what we are dealing with is the opposing party who still don''t accept our kind" he states. "That''s what we thought too, but it seems like Vincent has something up his sleeves, I''m sure Seth does too" Liam said certainly, that sadistic Seth always outsmarted them, but definitely not this time he hoped. "The ghoul killer believes we killed Barbra, surely its Vincent doing, manipulating runs in the family" Riley said sarcastically. "This is too much, if he decides to start up the hunt..."Miles said as his eyes widen in horror, he was in fear, he knew how much loved ones he had lost when the hunt was still on, it was one of his darkest days. "Relax Miles, this Hometown is off the radar, I made sure of it, its off the grib, even if they come here by chance as long as they don''t have the passage they will meet nothing here, this place is well hidden" Liam assured him, he made sure all the Hometowns were lying off the grib, his experience with the former ghoul underground taught him that, thank God technology was rapid these days or he wouldn''t have pulled it off. Miles sighed nodding, but fear was still evident in his eyes. "My wife and I have to go back New York, but we can''t do that when we know they are still out there tracking us, we have to be on the low for now, until we''re sure it''s safe" Liam states. "Sure, tell me how many days are you staying, i will ensure we prepare a building to your taste" Miles said more than happy to have them, it was an honor to have them both. "A week or so" Liam shrugged. "It''s no problem I will have the others get your place ready" Liam gave a slight nod with a smile against his lips as the man rushed out, Miles was always loyal as ever, even though he was twice Liam''s age. His gaze drift to his wife. "What''s wrong you seem quiet than ever" Liam said puzzled. Riley gave a heavy sigh before facing him. "I''m fine just wanna get off this clothes as soon as possible"she said. She was right, they had to get off these clothes, it was still wet from when Liam land in the water after flight. But for some reason Liam felt there was something more bothering her. *** "I hope its to your taste" Miles said as he lead the couple to a modern bungalow, it was a bit far ahead in the woods. "Of course it''s okay" Liam said as they stood at the entrance. The skies getting dark. Miles gave a slight bow before walking away, leaving Liam and Riley alone, until he was out of sight. They faced each other, a moment of silence between them, then like a clash of thunder they came at each other with mouth watering kiss, Riley moaned loudly as Liam ravished her lips like a mad man, her arms wrapped around his neck tightly so eager to feel his lips more, but she couldn''t have enough, she wanted him so badly that it made her heart ache. Like Liam could read her thought, she swamp her off her feet, straddling her on his waist, her legs wraps tightly on his waist tightly. Liam turned using his back to open the door, the door shutting close behind them. The light went on automatically, unaware of where they were going as they both consumed each other in their hot kiss. Riley moaned as her butt found the table, her legs still wraps around his waist tightly. Liam''s hand slide under her shirt lifting it above her head, flinging it at a corner. "Wish our honeymoon wasn''t ruined" Riley said as Liam trailed hot kisses on her neck, she moaned loudly, loving the feel of his lips against her skin. "It doesn''t have to be ruin" Liam said trailing kisses all the way down to her chest and then her breasts. Riley moaned in ecstacy as her head drew backwards her lips went apart, as her fingers duck in his hair. "Liam!" She gasps. Lima pulled away, his gaze meeting hers. "Will you tell me what''s going on in your head?" He asked curiously. "It''s nothing" Riley said looking away. "Babe" he began. "I have to take a shower" she said haste. "Then we will" "Alone" she said clearly, making Liam blinks puzzled by her words. In silence he moved away so that she can climb down from the table. Liam watches as a half naked Riley walks to the lobby, leaving him puzzled. *** Riley took a deep breath sighing, she loved the feel of the warm water pouring down her head. Her eyes grew wistful, she didn''t know why she acted that way, she have been a bit off ever since she had those thoughts today, about being in the side lines and the desire to support her husband more, and she stepping up her game now she was officially an O''Brien. Riley groaned in frustration, placing her head on the tile wall. "Stupid" she cursed herself for acting that way towards Liam. She took a deep breath once more as she got out the showers, wrapping a white towel around her frame stepping into the room. She froze when she saw Liam on the couch beside the bed, his gaze on hers. She noticed his clothes changed, for some reason the air around them was hot and tensed, she wondered why... oh right it was her fault. Riley cleared her throat hoping to ease the hot air around them, but it didn''t seem to help. "Where did you shower?" She asked a bit shaky. Damn his gaze was intense and his silence was even more deadly than normal. "The visitors" he answered in a firm tone. "Oh" she just made a sound with shrug before walking to the wardrobe. The room was wide and well furnished, but it wasn''t compared to their''s back in New York. Riley opened the wardrobe still feeling his intense gaze on her back, it burned!. "Okay... is everything okay?" She hissed facing him. "Why are you staring?" she asked. "I should be the one to ask if everything is okay with you" he said raising an eyebrow. Riley just looks away. "Come here" he ordered, sending a shiver down Riley''s spine, she always loved it when he uses his authority tone on her, it turns her on. "In the towel or off the towel?" She said huskily as a smirk spread her lips. Liam smiled but it didn''t reach his eyes and then Riley knew she hurt him with her actions, he was probably just trying to get it out of her. With a heavy sigh, she walks towards him, she sat on his laps, leaning down, the towel almost sliding off. But none of them cared. "I''m sorry" Riley said faintly. "You know you can tell me anything" Liam said softly as he gently stroke her cheek with his thumb, Riley leaned in his touch. "Is it about the honeymoon?!" "Fuck no" Riley said haste. Liam chuckles slightly at her outburst. "Then what''s wrong?!" He asked once more in a serious tone. Chapter 172 - Black News Riley took a deep breath sighing, she loved the feel of the warm water pouring down her head. Her eyes grew wistful, she didn''t know why she acted that way, she have been a bit off ever since she had those thoughts today, about being in the side lines and the desire to support her husband more, and she stepping up her game now she was officially an O''Brien. Riley groaned in frustration, placing her forehead on the tile wall. "Stupid" she cursed herself for acting that way towards Liam. She took a deep breath once more as she got out the showers, wrapping a white towel around her frame stepping into the room. She froze when she saw Liam on the couch beside the bed, his gaze on hers. She noticed his clothes changed, for some reason the air around them was hot and tensed, she wondered why... oh right it was her fault. Riley cleared her throat hoping to ease the hot air around them, but it didn''t seem to help. "Where did you shower?" She asked a bit shaky. Damn his gaze was intense and his silence was even more deadly than normal. "The visitors" he answered in a firm tone. "Oh" she just made a sound with a shrug before walking to the wardrobe. The room was wide and well furnished, but it wasn''t compared to their''s back in New York. Riley opened the wardrobe still feeling his intense gaze on her back, it burned!. "Okay... is everything okay?" She hissed facing him. "Why are you staring?" she asked. "I should be the one to ask if everything is okay with you" he said raising an eyebrow. Riley just looks away. "Come here" he ordered, sending a shiver down Riley''s spine, she always loved it when he uses his authority tone on her, it turns her on. "In the towel or off the towel?" She said huskily as a smirk spread across her lips. Liam smiled but it didn''t reach his eyes and then Riley knew she hurt him with her actions earlier, he was probably just trying to get it out of her. With a heavy sigh, she walks towards him, she sat on his laps, leaning down, the towel almost sliding off. But none of them cared. "I''m sorry" Riley said faintly. "You know you can tell me anything" Liam said softly as he gently stroke her cheek with his thumb, Riley leaned in his touch. "Is it about the honeymoon?!" "Fuck no" Riley said haste. Liam chuckles slightly at her outburst. "Then what''s wrong?!" He asked once more in a serious tone. She sighed. "It''s just..." she began but couldn''t find the right words to say. "Talk to me babe" he said softly. Her gaze met his. "I''m just pissed off at myself that I can''t do anything to support you... I mean Liam you literally carry all the load, and I''m not doing anything, it hurts to feel that way not being able to support the one person I care about" she said. Liam''s eyes soften at her words. "Babe why do you think that way?!" "Because Liam, I''m an O''Brien now, I have to do more as your wife". "We only just got married yesterday" he states. "It still doesn''t matter, I wanna be more helpful" she urged. "Babe you are helpful, you''re my anchor, you fortify my ideas, think of ways to make me come out of a dire situation or when I can''t think for myself" he explained. Riley got off him in silence, her back faced him, Liam rose to his feet behind her, approaching her slowly, he rubbed her shoulders from behind. "Then why do I still feel that it''s not enough" she said faintly but Liam heard her. With a swift move he turned her to face him, he cupped her cheeks with both hands. "You have no idea how much you mean to me Riley O''Brien" he began. "You''re far more than just my wife and you know that... you have no idea how much you support me... how much it feels to have you by my side every day and every night" Riley smiled sweetly at his words. "Never feel that you aren''t enough for me, because you''re more than that" he states. "But I wanna do more" she pouts. He chuckles slightly. "And you will, for fuck sakes we just got married and you are already thinking about your responsibilities... fuck you''re one hell of a woman" he said before pressing his lips against hers. "We aren''t done talking" Riley said between kiss as she moaned. "Fuck the talk" Liam growled impatient going in for another kiss. * New York Outskirts Of The City Black Clover Hometown "The ghoul killer is alive?" Iris said stunned. "Boss honeymoon was ruined" Kayla pouts. "Is that seriously what you''re thinking right now?" Race said giving her a look. Kayla just shrugged like it was nothing, Race sighs. On the wide screen a video chat was going on, Liam present. "I want everyone to handle all perimeters of the town, make sure no exit or entrance are detectable from the outsiders" Liam said sternly. "You got it boss!" Race said as his fingers went fast against the keyboard. "Aye sir" Kayla said joining Race. "Sean" Liam said facing him. "Are you guys okay?" Sean asked worried. "We''re fine, how are things over there?" Liam asked. "We''re good you have nothing to worry about, hope you guys are coming back soon, its not safe out there" he said. "We''re in the safest place we can be, a Hometown here in Portland, but we can''t move now, we were tracked, so we have to be careful, a week from now, we will be back" Liam said. Sean nods in understanding. "I will leave everything to you" Liam said as the video went offline. "This is terrifying if the ghoul killer is back" Rory said. "We all know that, Liam said he could be working with the Vincent Jones and that doesn''t sound too good on our end" Sean said in deep thought. "You think they are plotting something?" Iris asked certainly. Sean faced her. "He''s a Jones Iris, they are always plotting something" he said facing forward. "We just have to find out what". *** Portland, Oregon Outskirts Of The City Black Clover Hometown (Branch) "Yes, I think the immigration should pause for now, there''s an ungoing threat out there... we can''t risk it... yes... thank you... of course... yes... speak to the others.... hmm... all perimeters must be secured" Liam said on the phone before ending the call, he took a heavy sigh before turning. His gaze lands on his wife, seated on a wooden bench watching the kids a few distance away playing, a smile on her lips. Liam smiled too knowing exactly what she was thinking, she wanted a family as much as he did, in due time they will, they just had to sort out all this craziness first. He was about going to her when Miles rushed to his side. "You have to see this" he began in a serious tone. Liam stared at him puzzled. *** Operating Room "From this very moment onward the government have agreed to restart the hunt on ghouls, after millions of protest around the world it have soon be understood that ghouls and humans can''t coexist as long as the being inside them thirst for our flesh... the agency shall see to it but it shall be ruled and managed by the real successor" the newscaster said, it didn''t just show in one country but across the globe, like a fire beacon rising with just their words. "He''s starting the hunt again" Liam said sternly. "How did he even pull this off, I thought the government came to an understanding" Miles said in shaky, his eyes coated in fear, the hunt was restarting. "Seems like no matter how we try, their hearts will always be sway, by fear... yes fear, he''s making use of that to over power them, the very tool he needs to make the world sire to him, he will use it to get what he wants... what have always made humans been against us is fear... he''s using it again just like his sister did" Liam said sternly. Another news came up but this time it was Vincent Jones present with several reporters, it played across the globe. "My sister Barbra Jones went against everything we have been taught by our ancestors, she did unspeakable things wheb I left the agency in her care" Vincent said with sad eyes. But Liam knew damn well he was faking it, making Liam so badly wanting to punch that look off his face, he was using his sister demise to get what he wants, to sway the hearts of the humans in fear, to tell them that it was all her doings so that he can resume the hunt, he was manipulating everyone without lifting much of a finger. Chapter 173 - Black Worldwide Alarm Operating Room "From this very moment onward the government have agreed to restart the hunt on ghouls, after millions of protest around the world it have soon be understood that ghouls and humans can''t coexist as long as the being inside them thirst for our flesh... the agency shall see to it but it shall be ruled and managed by the real successor" the newscaster said, it didn''t just show in one country but across the globe, like a fire beacon rising with just their words. "He''s starting the hunt again" Liam said sternly. "How did he even pull this off, I thought the government came to an understanding" Miles said in a shaky voice, his eyes coated in fear, the hunt was restarting. "Seems like no matter how we try, their hearts will always be sway, by fear... yes fear, he''s making use of that to over power them, the very tool he needs to make the world sire to him, he will use it to get what he wants... what have always made humans been against us is fear... he''s using it again just like his sister did" Liam said sternly. Another news came up but this time it was Vincent Jones present with several reporters, it played across the globe. "My sister Barbra Jones went against everything we have been taught by our ancestors, she did unspeakable things when I left the agency in her care" Vincent said with sad eyes. But Liam knew damn well he was faking it, making Liam so badly wanting to punch that look off his face, he was using his sister demise to get what he wants, to sway the hearts of the humans in fear, to tell them that it was all her doings so that he can resume the hunt, he was manipulating everyone without lifting much of a finger, this was how cunning he was. "But now I shall erase all that she has done by creating a much safer world for humans, I shall cleanse this world of this blood thirsty beings once and for all, so that we may remain the only rightful species to inherit this world like we were born to" he said, his hands spread out on either sides of him like a preacher. The reporters taking their shots as the light reflection showed on the screen. "To do that we shall eradicate the king and queen the ghouls claim they have as a leader, the face of the ghouls, we eliminate their gods, we eliminate all of them" Vincent said darkly as then their picture came up for the world to see. "This two are the ghouls anchor, their very will for living and we shall take it, we shall quench the fire and let them know that even if we don''t posses supernatural traits like they do, we still have the burning desire to survive and that burning desire is all we have to eradicate the ghoul from the surface of this earth, I shall ruled a just agency to see to this matter at hand and I promise you''ll, I promise the world we shall have a more just world inhabited by just us humans". the crowd in the background went in an uproar of cheers. "So this is his plan then" Riley said stepping forward. "Making us targets for the whole world" she huffs. She faced Liam and Miles as their gaze lands to her, she folded her arms. "Well he picked the wrong people to deal with, we kill him before he destroys us". *** Heart Beats Slowly The news played across the continent, worldwide, the declarations of the hunt restarting, got everyone up their toes, this sudden news sent a spark to the world, fear, confusion and hate it spread. * New York "From this very moment onward the government have agreed to restart the hunt on ghouls, after millions of protest around the world it have soon be understood that ghouls and humans can''t coexist as long as the being inside them thirst for our flesh... the agency shall see to it but it shall be ruled and managed by the real successor". "I, Vincent Jones shall erase all that my sister, Barbra Jones as done by creating a much safer world for humans, I shall cleanse this world of this blood thirsty beings once and for all, so that we may remain the only rightful species to inherit this world like we were born to" he said, his hands spread out on either sides of him like a preacher. "To do that we shall eradicate the king and queen the ghouls claim they have as a leader, the face of the ghouls, we eliminate their gods, we eliminate all of them" Vincent said darkly as then their picture came up for the world to see. "This two are the ghouls anchor, their very will for living and we shall take it, we shall quench the fire and let them know that even if we don''t posses supernatural traits like they do, we still have the burning desire to survive and that burning desire is all we have to eradicate the ghoul from the surface of this earth, I shall ruled a just agency to see to this matter at hand and I promise you''ll, I promise the world we shall have a more just world inhabited by just us humans". It showed on the billboards around New York. Chase Wyatts halts watching the news on the pedestrian lane along with other crowd, who watch in awe and uncertainty, some pleased of the news. "Uncle Chase" little Rex said pulling on his hand. Chase attention drift to him. "I don''t want ghouls to be hunted, i don''t want the black ghoul to be hunted" he pouts sadly. Chase eyes shakes at his words. "Why do you say so Rex?!" Chase asked curious of why he said those words. "Because he''s our saviour, he saved my life twice, uncle Chase" he said sadly as he looks away. Chase hand subconsciously tightens on Rex own. "He''s not the bad guy" he adds faintly but Chase heard him. If only he understood the true meaning of what he said, if only he knew that the black ghoul was the reason he was fatherless, If only he knew... then would his perspective change? He was still young, too young for all this but yet he had been through alot. "Let''s go Rex" he said as they both continued their walk along the busy streets of New York. *** Outskirts Of The City Black Clover Hometown "I, Vincent Jones shall erase all that my sister, Barbra Jones as done by creating a much safer world for humans, I shall cleanse this world of this blood thirsty beings once and for all, so that we may remain the only rightful species to inherit this world like we were born to" he said, his hands spread out on either sides of him like a preacher. "To do that we shall eradicate the king and queen the ghouls claim they have as a leader, the face of the ghouls, we eliminate their gods, we eliminate all of them" Vincent said darkly as then their picture came up for the world to see. "This two are the ghouls anchor, their very will for living and we shall take it, we shall quench the fire and let them know that even if we don''t posses supernatural traits like they do, we still have the burning desire to survive and that burning desire is all we have to eradicate the ghoul from the surface of this earth, I shall ruled a just agency to see to this matter at hand and I promise you''ll, I promise the world we shall have a more just world inhabited by just us humans". "This is declaration of war" Gray said sternly. Sean sat in the middle lost in thought, his eyes fixed on the wide screen, showing the news across the globe, this was a beacon. "It is" Sean said sternly. Kayla''s shaky eyes on the screen, along with Race and the others. "The hunt is back" Rory said as his hands subconsciously tightens around Kayla''s, hers did too. *** Uptown "One hot dog please" Chase said bringing out his wallet, they were seated in an outside eatery. The hot dog was served in Rex front as he smiled taking a bit from it with his small mouth. Chase paid the chef before turning on his seat to face the billboard once more, the news still played. "One more extra hot dog for the cute kid" a voice said. "I''m sorry thanks, but one is enough, he has had enough junk food for today" Chase said politely as he turned to the figure that seat beside him, but then he froze seeing Seth Judson in all his glory, more matured than he last saw him and as usual a smirk plastered on his lips. Chase''s eyes shakes on seeing him, more he was stunned that he was alive, he last saw him in coma barely alive and now here he was, healthy. "Hello Chase Wyatts, it been awhile" he said in amusement. "Partner" he adds as his smirk broadens more. Chapter 174 - Black Partners Uptown "One hotdog please" Chase said bringing out his wallet, they were seated in an outside eatery. The hot dog was served in Rex front as he smiled taking a bit from it with his small mouth. Chase paid the chef before turning on his seat to face the billboard once more, the news still played. "One more extra hot dog for the cute kid" a voice said. "I''m sorry thanks, but one is enough, he has had enough junk food for today" Chase said politely as he turned to the figure that sat beside him, but then he froze seeing Seth Judson in all his glory, more matured than he last saw him and as usual a smirk plastered on his lips. Chase''s eyes shakes on seeing him, more he was stunned that he was alive, he last saw him in coma barely alive and now here he was, healthy. "Hello Chase Wyatts, it been awhile" he said in amusement. "Partner" he adds as his smirk broadens more. Chase looks darkens instantly. "Aww come on, you haven''t seen me for years, not a hug or anything" he said sarcastically. "You haven''t changed a bit..." Chase began sternly. "What do you want?!" He adds in a demanding tone, he knew this wasn''t exactly a coincidence that he was here, the fucking kid must have kept tabs on him before he can get to him, it made Chase blood boil, and he knew exactly who he was working for now. "I heard you left the agency... I was shocked, i mean Chase Wyatt in all his glory just walked out of something like that, I''m disappointed" Seth said tilting his head to the side, he didn''t understand it either, why Chase would do that it wasn''t like him. "I asked a question" Chase said with clenched teeth, practically growling, impatient, he wanted to know what he was up against if necessary. "You know what I''m here for" Seth began in a serious tone. "I see... its been all over the news... you siding with Vincent Jones now? A brother we never she had who was the actual owner of the agency" Chase said. "I knew" Seth said. Chase huff. "Of course you''re the precious son she never had" Chase said finally meeting gaze with him. "You and I both know how cunning she can be, that woman was full of lies... so do her brother, it runs in the family" he states tearing his eyes away. "You still don''t know do you" Seth began. "Know what!" He snaps facing Seth. "Barbra, she had feelings for you" he said. Chase body tensed at his words, he wasn''t so surprised because there was a time thou, he caught a wimp of it, it was faint and hard to notice, it was the day he left the agency, after he left her office, when he shut the door, he waited behind, he didnt know why but he just did and then he heard her cry her heart out while saying his name. Chase gulps hard at the memory. "It doesn''t matter now does it" he said faintly. He face Seth once more. "I don''t wanna be part of any of this anymore" he began sighing heavily. "After today I''m leaving the city" he adds. Seth froze at his words. "Renee, Rex too, once I get them settle away from all this madness then I leave, i leave all this behind, it will only be a bad memory" he said. Seth eyes shakes at his words. "I don''t even know who the enemy is anymore" he said with a scoff. "I mean the black ghoul i resented so much, saved millions of lives in this city, he saved all the drug addicts transforming into Claws... I don''t even know how how did it" "So what now? You''re taking his side?" Seth hissed. "I''m taking not taking sides, and I don''t intend on doing so, because I don''t wanna be a part of this anymore" Chase said sternly. "They killed Barbra," he hissed. "It was suicide Seth, we all heard the news" "It wasn''t, they killed her and made it seem that way" he said with clenched teeth. "Seth" Chase said rising to his feet, he took Rex hand, he done with his hotdog. "It''s over, rather than keep chasing after vengeance, live the teenage life you missed out on because you were trying to please a woman who turned you into a weapon", those were his words as they left. Leaving Seth to his thought, his fist clenched in a tight hold as his body boiled. "One hamburger please" Jade said to the chef who nods at her request. She took a seat next to Seth. "It didn''t work did it" Jade began in a bored tone. Seth didn''t even spare her a glance. "Vincent allowed you to come here, because he believed you would be able to convince Chase Wyatt to come back" she said. "You know what happens when he says no". On hearing that, Seth faced her with an emotionless face. "I know" he said in a simple tone. Jade smirks as her burger was served. "Well then... let''s get to work" she said chewing on her burger not taking her eyes off Seth as she licks her lips, the action sent a strange feeling to Seth''s body. *** The Cody''s Residences "Hey there my little firecracker" Renee said giggling as Rex rushed to hug his mom tightly, he wrapped his arms around her waist, making her giggle more. She look up to a smiling Chase. "So how did the outing go" she asked. "Good, exactly what he needed" he shrugged. Renee nods, "Now off you go, go meet grandma for the rest of the packing" Renee said sweetly to her son. He nods rushing upstairs. Renee sighs facing him. "You heard the news didn''t you" she began in a heavy breath. "Yeah" "Not yeah Chase... you were a former agent... don''t you think they are gonna recruit you or something? The contract you signed was for life" she ranted. "Hey, hey, hey, calm down okay" he said softly. She sighs once more. "What happens when you say no" she demands. Chapter 175 - Black Contract The Cody''s Residences "Hey there my little firecracker" Renee said giggling as Rex rushed to hug his mom tightly, he wrapped his arms around her waist, making her giggle more. She look up to a smiling Chase. "So how did the outing go" she asked. "Good, exactly what he needed" he shrugged. Renee nods, "Now off you go, go meet grandma for the rest of the packing" Renee said sweetly to her son. He nods rushing upstairs. Renee sighs facing him.. "You heard the news didn''t you" she began in a heavy breath. "Yeah" "Not yeah Chase... you were a former agent... don''t you think they are gonna recruit you or something? The contract you signed was for life" she ranted. "Hey, hey, hey, calm down okay" he said softly. She sighs once more. "What happens when you say no" she demands. "I can say no Renee... If i don''t wanna go back, its all written there, so don''t worry, I have served my term enough" he states. "But do you?" She asked. "Do you wanna go back to that place?!" "Of course not Renee I''m done, we are leaving this hellhole tomorrow" he assured her. She sighed once more. "You know... I had a feeling you didn''t really wanna leave, that you were just doing it for us" she began, her voice a bit shaky. "Renee" he said walking close to her placing a hand on her shoulder, her teary eyes met his. "If i don''t make it to the plane you have to promise me one thing". "No, No, No" she cried. "Don''t say that because we are leaving this fucking city". "And we will, and you didn''t let me finish" he said amused. She sobbed. "I don''t wanna hold you guys back, so do me a favour and get on that plane and don''t look back No matter what, don''t come back to this city no matter what, I will board the next flight if I''m delayed, I promise" he said. Renee nods as the tears kept falling, she quickly hug him tightly. He did too. "I will meet you guys at the airport okay?". She nods as she cried silently. *** Few minute''s later, Chase was off in his car, Renee stood at the door as she watch him drove away. Chase sighs as he turned to the next block, driving into the lonely road surrounded by bushes. His eyes found the skies it was pitch black, his eyes still on the road, he reach for a small space bringing out a gun, it wasn''t the agency type but it was something he could use to defend himself, incase they came for him, he knew they would come back, he had a feeling they would, he had a feeling Vincent Jones wasn''t the type to honor contracts especially if it was made by Barbra and he knew her own brother hated her. His heart slammed loudly in his chest as he studied the dark road being enlighten by the street lights. But suddenly the lights went off like the power died, but Chase knew that wasn''t the case. Everywhere around him was now pitch black. He quickly turned on his car light and then he saw Jade standing in front smirking, her ghoul eyes present. Pissed he got out of the car pointing his gun at Jade. She huffs at his futile actions. "Do you really think that will work on me?" She said in a mocking tone. "I''m counting on it" Chase states shooting at her countless times, she stumbled backwards with each shots, blood splashing. But then he was out of bullets. Jade growled facing Chase as green tentacles came out of her back, he froze with widen eyes, seeing this. "Remember the old saying, Chase", a voice came behind him, it was Seth. Chase sighs in defeat, his hands fell at his side. "Ride or die" Seth said darkly. "Vincent doesn''t take no for an answer " Jade said smirking. "You know you were the only one he asked to be recuited" she adds in amusement. Chase scoffs. "Why?" "Aww, seems like Seth didn''t tell you... you were the best candidate, if you know what I mean" she said. "Don''t fight us Chase or Renee and her son won''t step a foot out of this city" Seth threatened. Chase finally turned to Seth, facing him with sad eyes. "Even after being used by her... you still wanna be used again" Chase said in pity, he drops his gun. "I pity you Seth, you know why?!" Chase said taking a step closer. Seth eyes changed to his ghoul ones beaming dangerously. "Because once a puppet, always a puppet" Seth roared loudly as bones budge out of his back coming at Chase, blood splashed everywhere. * Airport "Passengers for flight 728, please board your plane immediately" the computer woman said repeatedly, above. Renee''s teary eyes at the entrance, her eyes searching for even a glimpse of him. "Mummy where is uncle Chase?!" Rex asked pouting. Renee sobbed deeply, as she wipes her tears away. She took her son hand along with their bags. "Let''s go Rex" she said in a strong tone as they walked away. "But mummy uncle Chase, he''s not here yet, uncle is not here yet, he promised, he promised mummy" Rex cried his heart out but there was nothing he could do but only let his mom lead the way. Renee broke in tears but she didn''t turn back, she had to keep her promise, even though it killed her to. * Inside The plane got ready to board, everyone settling in, from constant crying Rex was fast asleep, his head rested on his mums arm to keep him steady. Renee smooched her son, she then adjusts his jacket so that it would cover him properly, but then she found something in his jacket, like a paper. She sighed knowing it was her son being naughty again, it was the same jacket he wore yesterday for his outing. Without much thought she pulled it out only to find out it was a letter, stunned she quickly opened it and found out it was from Chase. Her heart ached when she read the contents, the tears falling uncontrollably. Renee I can''t tell you how sorry I''m for saying this... but I might not make it to the airport with you guys, I had an encounter today, and I have a feeling i still have some unsettled business, but I will try to board the next plane and meet up with you guys, I won''t ask you to wait for me, but I will try my best so that I can make it you guys. She broke in silence tears covering her mouth to keep her from screaming in pain, she took deep breath calming herself down as she sobbed, she felt empty like she knew he wasn''t gonna make it back to them but she had to stay strong. "We will wait" she nods sobbing. "So come back to us". The plane left the city. Chapter 176 - Black Return Airport "Passengers for flight 728, please board your plane immediately" the computer woman said repeatedly, above. Renee''s teary eyes at the entrance, her eyes searching for even a glimpse of him. "Mummy where is uncle Chase?!" Rex asked pouting. Renee sobbed deeply, as she wipes her tears away. She took her son hand along with their bags. "Let''s go Rex" she said in a strong tone as they walked away. "But mummy uncle Chase, he''s not here yet, uncle is not here yet, he promised, he promised mummy" Rex cried his heart out but there was nothing he could do but only let his mom lead the way. Renee broke in tears but she didn''t turn back, she had to keep her promise, even though it killed her to.. * Inside The plane got ready to board, everyone settling in, from constant crying Rex was fast asleep, his head rested on his mum arm to keep him steady. Renee smooched her son, she then adjusts his jacket so that it would cover him properly, but then she found something in his jacket, like a paper. She sighed knowing it was her son being naughty again, it was the same jacket he wore yesterday for his outing. Without much thought she pulled it out only to find out it was a letter, stunned she quickly opened it and found out it was from Chase. Her heart ached when she read the contents, the tears falling uncontrollably. Renee I can''t tell you how sorry I''m for saying this... but I might not make it to the airport with you guys, I had an encounter today, and I have a feeling i still have some unsettled business, but I will try to board the next plane and meet up with you guys, I won''t ask you to wait for me, but I will try my best so that I can make it you guys. She broke in silence tears covering her mouth to keep her from screaming in pain, she took deep breath calming herself down as she sobbed, she felt empty like she knew he wasn''t gonna make it back to them but she had to stay strong. "We will wait" she nods sobbing. "So come back to us". The plane left the city. *** A week Later Portland, Oregon Outskirts Of The City Black Clover Hometown (Branch) "I can''t believe you guys are leaving soon" Miles said with sad eyes, he was expecting they would stay longer because of the crisis going on. "We have to, the world is unstable for ghouls as it is, I can''t just sit still" Liam said. "The best place to operate from is our headquarters" he adds. Miles nods in understanding. "Don''t worry everything is gonna be okay" Liam assured him with a hand on his shoulder, he knew Miles was scared of the hunt, but he was safe here, every ghoul was safe in their Hometown, he just had to end the hunt sooner. "Are you really gonna fight him back, what if it''s what he wants" Miles said. "I''m done running Miles, sooner or later we are gonna have to fight back, the last hunt we didn''t, we barely finished what we started, but this time it gonna be different" Liam said certainly, he was damn serious about what he said, enough was enough, this man killed their son in cold blood and now he was coming after them, this craziness has to stop. Miles watch as Liam got into the SUV, it drove off. *** New York Outskirts Of The City Black Clover Hometown "Kayla, I want our eyes in every City, search for any ghouls that haven''t migrated yet, the city isn''t safe for them" Sean said. "You got it" Kayla said as her fingers went fast against the keyboard. Iris rushed into the operating room. "Liam and Riley are arriving soon, I just got their text" Iris said. "And" she adds. Sean faced her. "All registered plane landing are off by the government because of the hunt, Liam and Riley private plane can''t land anywhere but the airport" Iris said. "Shit" Sean cursed. "This is bad" Gray said. "They must have got the airport surrounded with agents, this is their plan, I think they know they aren''t back... of course this was a perfect timing for the hunt" Rory said rubbing his chin in thought. "This is Vincent doing, he wants to kill them at the airport" Sean said sternly. "Why do i have the feeling that Liam and Riley knows that" Iris said folding her arms. *** Airport About twenty agents pointed their guns at the plane that landed not too long ago. "Hold fire" one of them said as they walked to the hatch, their guns points at high alert. "Steady" the agent said once more. The plane hatch made a sound as the door slide open, they waited in high alert, anticipation kicking in, all waiting until they sight any threat. The hatch fully open but no one came out. "Five of you with me" The agent said as they approached the stairs, going inside the plane. They pointed their guns in every area but inside was empty. "Check the cockpit, and check the other sides" the agent ordered as the rest Investigated the entire plane, but no one, not a single soul was in here. "Sir do you hear that?" One said. "Hear what?" He puts his ear down for any sound and then he heard it... Beeping sound. He froze as his eyes widen in realization. "GET OUT OF THE PLANE NOW!!! MOVE AWAY" he shouts alerting everyone as they rushed out in a hurry. But then the plane exploded, flames consuming everything in an instance going up into the skies. *** A Few Distance Away "That should keep them off our tails for now" Riley said sighing, arms folded, watching the explosion. Liam typed a message on his transparent iPhone. "Let''s hope so" he said shoving his phone inside his pocket. "He wants war" Liam said sternly a they turned to walk away. "Well he''s gonna get just that". Chapter 177 - Black Game Of Tag (Part 1) Airport About twenty agents pointed their guns at the plane that landed not too long ago. "Hold fire," one of them said as they walked to the hatch, their guns points at high alert. "Steady," the agent said once more. The plane hatch made a sound as the door slide open, they waited in high alert, anticipation kicking in, all waiting until they sight any threat. The hatch was fully open but no one came out. "Five of you with me," The agent said as they approached the stairs, going inside the plane. They pointed their guns in every area but the inside was empty. "Check the cockpit, and check the other sides" the agent ordered as the rest Investigated the entire plane, but no one, not a single soul was in here. "Sir do you hear that?" One said. "Hear what?" He puts his ear down for any sound and then he heard it... Beeping sound. He froze as his eyes widen in realization. "GET OUT OF THE PLANE NOW!!! MOVE AWAY" he shouts alerting everyone as they rushed out in a hurry. But then the plane exploded, flames consuming everything in an instance going up into the skies. *** A Few Distance Away "That should keep them off our tails for now," Riley said sighing, arms folded, watching the explosion. Liam typed a message on his transparent iPhone. "Let''s hope so," he said shoving his phone inside his pocket. "He wants war," Liam said sternly they turned to walk away. "Well, he''s gonna get just that". *** England Unknown Facility Vincent''s eyes fixed on the screen, watching the footage of the explosion in New York, his little plan didn''t work... what a shame, he was simply just testing the loyalty of the agents who came back and they were just waste, it seems like he will have to rebrand the agency into his style, he wasn''t about to use weak humans to kill the Black Ghoul and his wife, he had other plans, better plans. He minimized the screen, to look up a file of profile info of all the agents that came back, waiting for him in New York, everything was going according to plan. He pressed a button against his desk. "Prepare my flight back to New York," Vincent said in amusement. "Right away Sir" a female voice sounds. "For a short amount of time or..." "I''m simply relocating there, I have some business to attend to," he said in amusement. The door of his office slides open. "Daddy, Daddy, Daddy" a cute little girl, the age of four squeals as she ran towards her dad, she had short blond hair and green eyes. Vincent chuckled deeply as he got off his office set, walking down allowing the girl to pounce on him. "There''s my Angel," Vincent said embracing her tightly. A beautiful young woman walks in, holding her fur coat on her arm along with her bag, she had brunette hair and cat eyes. She smiled at the action between her husband and their daughter. "Angel, don''t squeeze the life out of your dad, he''s been working all day, give him some space," she said in amusement walking towards them. "Relax Kate, I''m always on full energy for my daughter," Vincent said lovingly, pecking her tiny nose before dropping her, Angel giggled at her father''s action, he always does that. "Hey, handsome" Kate said huskily. A warm smile pressed against Vincent''s lips, she moved to him, pressing her lips gently on his softly. "I miss you" she pouts, it''s been months since she saw him and it was killing her. "I miss you more, my love," he said leaning in for another kiss, loving the feel of it on his. "I''m still here, you always seem to forget me when you see mummy" Angel pouts making a cute face. They both giggled at her action. "Alright go look at daddy''s collection," Vincent said with a nudge of his head. "Awesome" she squeals in excitement running to a different area of the office that had a miniature setting of the world, all countries before her eyes in a miniature layout, her face beamed in joy. "Hmm, letting her see your collections, I wonder what you''re up to," Kate said facing her husband while tilting her head to the side. Vincent took a deep breath. "I''m moving to New York" He began in a serious tone. Kate''s smile slowly fades. "I know," she said, she knew this would happen, it was only a matter of time when she saw the news, she knew her husband had a duty to the world, she knew the moment she took the name Jones, she wasn''t just marrying him but bearing the name came great responsibility, she also knew when the time comes, her daughter will lead too. "But we''re coming with you" she adds in a serious tone. "My love you can''t, you have to stay here in England with our daughter, I have so many enemies, it''s not safe, the safest place is here," He said rubbing her arms to ease her worry, but her features just formed in more worry. "Why should you have enemies? You''re only protecting the world, I still don''t get it" she said sadly. "I know my love, no matter what I will always have enemies, as long as I oppose ghouls" he states. "So get rid of them so that we can be free of this, get rid of the black ghoul they worship so much," she said with hate. Vincent smirks broadly. "I will my love, I will... I will make the world a better place for our daughter" he assured her. She smiled sweetly, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Yes destroy them all," she said huskily as she smashed her lips on his in a mouth-watering kiss, Vincent obliged as he deepen the kiss with force and eagerness. Angel stared at the miniature world smiling, she always loved staring at it because she knew her daddy owns it. Chapter 178 - Black Game Of Tag (Part 2) Airport The Plane lands at the wide space area, the hatch opened as Vincent Jones steps out, about 10 agents was out, waiting for him. "Welcome to New York, Director" one of the agent greeted. Vincent smirks coming down the stairs. "Yes i believe so" Vincent said in amusement. "Your car is waiting sir". *** Streets of New York Uptown about five SUV drove on the free road.. Vincent eyes scanned the city through the window, his gaze then lands on the Statue of Liberty, distances away. "The Statue of Liberty... hmm" Vincent said facing the agent seating next to him. "Sir?" "Your name" "Oh its Ardolf Noah sir" he replied. "Noah huh... you have been in New York in all your life?!" he asked. "Yes sir" "I believe your statue indicate freedom" Vincent said in amusement. Noah nods. "A universal symbol of freedom. Originally conceived as an emblem of the friendship between the people of France and the U.S. and a sign of their mutual desire for liberty, over the years the Statue has become much more. ... It represents the United States itself" he said. Noah nods puzzled of why he was discussing this. "Also peace if i might add, what a fetish insight, this city is nowhere near peace" he adds like it was an obvious predicament. Noah gulps hard facing the window, he didn''t doubt it, he didn''t argue with it, because he knew he was right. "Yes, you''re right sir, this city needs to be cleansed for peace" He said as he fist tighten, his eyes grew wistful with the memories of the past. "I like the way you think and i believe we will work quite well together" Vincent states in am amused tone, he lived person who had a destructive mind and Noah seemed to be one of those people he considered rare. "Tell me Noah, what made you come back to the agency?!" "Revenge, i want justice for my loved ones taken away from me by ghouls... when the agency was dissolved i was furious, i didn''t understand why it had to happened, i worked my ass out for the agency, i risked my life to protect this city away from ghouls and yet they just chose their side just because the black ghoul supplied the cure for the Claw Walkers" Noah said as his fist tightens hard in anger, after all the ghouls did to them, people just accepted them with open arms. "Its funny isn''t it... the very same people you try to protect just turn on you and acknowledge the very monsters you fight" He adds with shaky eyes. "I saw the news, I saw you, then I knew hope was here, I knew someone was finally stepping for us humans, to resume the hunt and terminate the ghouls once and for all" But then he froze when he realized he said too much, he turned to face Vincent who had an amused look. "I''m sorry sir, i said too much" he said. "Not at all" Vincent said facing the window, his cold gaze against the city once more. "I admire your hatred for ghouls and your strong desire to eradicate them all... i just hope the rest of the agent have the same burning desire or else there will be much work to do, don''t you think?" He adds facing Noah who now had his gaze on him, in a skeptical look. He was about saying something but then a loud boom sound came in like an explosion happened, in panic they turned to the front mirror, the three SUV in front of them were caught up in a explosion.... an explosion? No.. it most certainly wasn''t, it was like it was flipped with an immense strength. The driver quickly steps on the brake before they got to the cars now on fire. "Agents come in we''re under attack, i repeat we''re under attack!" Noah hissed to his comm. "Protect the Director!" That moment the remaining SUV behind them stops as the agents came out on full gear and started shooting at their attacker. "Sir, i must get you out" Noah said in panic, knowing it was his duty to protect him. "Whose attacking us?!" Vincent demands pissed, he didn''t expect this, he was sure his coming to New York was kept off the raider and secured, how was it leaked?! Like in response to his unanswered question, a figure lands in front of the car bonnet, smashing the window glasses from the hand impact. Stunned, their eyes lands on the figure, it appears to be a woman, from the shorts she was wearing and the long knee black boots along with long black leather jacket. She leans down. Riley smirks, her ghoul eyes present, the left part of her eyes embodied in a four leaf clover symbol looking like a tattoo. Her smile the vanished as she used her immense strength to rip the car front window off, flinging it somewhere, she grabs the driver who shouts in horror, flinging him also. "Hello Vincent Jones... or should I say uncle" Riley said darkly. In high alert Noah brought out his gun shooting at Riley. A white rod forged on her hand from inside her body as she rotates it in front of her deflecting the bullet. "Allow me Noah, those bullet don''t work on this type of ghoul" Vincent said as he brought out a device that shifts into a gun having gold bullet inside, Riley''s eyes widen in realization on seeing the bullet but then, Vincent fired the shot she used her hand to deflect it as it embodied in her flesh, the force pushing her off the car, but she then her stood her ground as she slides backwards then stopped. "Now you got me pissed" Riley said pissed. "Silver!" She called on the being within her as she awoke and then merged bodies with Riley as they grew in height, in a Claw form, white in color wrapped in bandages, bald head holding a rod crown around with thorns, the head giving off electricity, she stood high and tall in a feminine structure, white aura around her, a rod at hand embodied with white thorns, her ghoul golden eyes beaming dangerously. She growled deeply. Chapter 179 - Black Game Of Tag (Part 3) "Who''s attacking us?!" Vincent demands pissed, he didn''t expect this, he was sure his coming to New York was kept off the raider and secured, how was it leaked?! Like in response to his unanswered question, a figure lands in front of the car bonnet, smashing the window glasses from the hand impact. Stunned, their eyes land on the figure, it appears to be a woman, from the shorts she was wearing and the long knee black boots along with the long black leather jacket. She leans down. Riley smirks, her ghoul eyes present, the left part of her eyes embodied in a four-leaf clover symbol looking like a tattoo. Her smile vanished as she used her immense strength to rip the car front window off, flinging it somewhere, she grabs the driver who shouts in horror, flinging him also. "Hello, Vincent Jones... or should I say uncle" Riley said darkly. On high alert Noah brough out his gun shooting at Riley. A white rod forged on her hand from inside her body as she rotates it in front of her deflecting the bullet. "Allow me, Noah, those bullets don''t work on this type of ghoul," Vincent said as he brough out a device that shifts into a gun having gold bullet inside, Riley''s eyes widened in the realization on seeing the bullet but then, Vincent fired the shot she used her hand to deflect it as it embodied in her flesh, the force pushing her off the car, but she stood her ground as she slides backward then stopped. "Now you got me pissed," Riley said pissed. "Silver!" She called on the being within her as she awoke and then merged bodies with Riley as they grew in height, in a Claw form, white in color wrapped in bandages, bald head holding a rod crown around with thorns, the head giving off electricity, she stood high and tall in a feminine structure, white aura around her, a rod at hand embodied with white thorns, her ghoul golden eyes beaming dangerously. She growled deeply. Vincent and Noah step out of the car. Noah stares in awe of the being before him that almost seemed heavenly, his eyes shake just by the mere sight of it. He then looks around as he gasps, all agents on the ground either unconscious or dead, he gulps hard... did this lady just take them out all by herself? "What a pleasant surprised, Riley O''Brien in all her glory" Vincent began stepping forward, and then he halts. Noah''s shaky eyes lands on Vincent... this man...even before this being, even when the odds were against them, he was calm like nothing affected him. "Where''s the husband... he doesn''t seem to be here," Vincent said his eyes moving around for Liam but he was nowhere to be seen... so she came alone then. "Is it wrong I came to see you alone, Uncle?" she said in a demonic voice that almost seem angelic and deadly at the same time. "Is that so? You came all this way just to see me?" He said with an eyebrow raised in amusement. "No! To kill you" she hissed coming at him at lightning speed. Noah panicked not knowing what to do. With one wave her rod came at Vincent, he smirks as he then brought out a slender shaped rod that shifted into a scythe, the curved blade embodied with net gold lines around, with one swing it slit the rod in two, stunning Riley but she didn''t back down as she sent her sharp claws at him, Vincent dodged it with a speed that almost match hers. Riley roared as her claws extended like a long wire, they waved coming at Vincent at lightning speed, but he slides down behind her, dodging the impact, it then slit the car in pieces. Noah quickly went on his knees ducking before the claws cut his head off clean. Riley growled turning to face Vincent who was now behind her. He rotates the scythe around his fingers effortlessly. "Do you really think you can just come here and kill me?!" He said sternly. "Don''t forget dear niece, I''m not Barbra who always let her guard down" he adds sternly. Riley growled deeply. "You''re only human" she growled. "Yes which is why I will always remain the superior being, observe" Instantly from nowhere, a bone came at her dipping in her side as blood slashed, the force pushed her to the ground, she growled in pain holding her bleeding side. "Wow... "Seth''s voice came in as he came in view. "The Riley I saw years ago wasn''t as strong as this" Seth said smirking. "The rumors are true, you really are a supreme being now" he adds as the bones waved around his back dangerously, back and forth. Riley stood to her full height, the wound healed, closing up like it wasn''t even there to begin with. "Seth Judson," she said sternly as another rod forged in her hand, clenching it tightly. Seth smirks broaden. "How much fun will it be when I kill Liam''s queen, I know exactly how he will feel, after all, he lost you for 3 years, but what happens when you''re actually dead," he said in amusement as his eyes beamed dangerously. "Come and try" she hissed. Instantly Vincent was beside her in flash, she froze, there was no way in human possible he should be that fast, his scythe blade came for her head, but she quickly dodge it, the blade slashing her shoulder, she wailed in pain drawing back, holding her wounded shoulder, but it wasn''t healing like it suppose to. In a flash Seth came at her aiming the bones behind his back at her, the aura around her became more intense as the force pushed him away, slamming him hard to the ground. The wild white aura lessen... she was nowhere to be seen. "Fuck" Seth cursed knowing they missed her. "She came here alone," Vincent said sternly. "Why?!" Seth said. "That I don''t know..." Vincent said as his cold eyes landed on Noah who still stared at the scene in shock, it then drifts to Vincent''s gaze, he shivers in fear. Chapter 180 - Black Rogue (Part 1) Vincent rotates the scythe around his fingers effortlessly. "Do you really think you can just come here and kill me?!" He said sternly. "Don''t forget dear niece, I''m not Barbra who always let her guard down" he adds sternly. Riley growled deeply. "You''re only human" she growled. "Yes which is why I will always remain the superior being, observe" Instantly from nowhere, a bone came at her dipping in her side as blood slashed, the force pushed her to the ground, she growled in pain holding her bleeding side. "Wow.... "Seth''s voice came in as he came in view. "The Riley I saw years ago wasn''t as strong as this" Seth said smirking. "The rumors are true, you really are a supreme being now" he adds as the bones waved around his back dangerously, back and forth. Riley stood to her full height, the wound healed, closing up like it wasn''t even there to begin with. "Seth Judson," she said sternly as another rod forged in her hand, clenching it tightly. Seth smirks broaden. "How much fun will it be when I kill Liam''s queen, I know exactly how he will feel, after all, he lost you for 3 years, but what happens when you''re actually dead," he said in amusement as his eyes beamed dangerously. "Come and try" she hissed. Instantly Vincent was beside her in flash, she froze, there was no way in human possible he should be that fast, his scythe blade came for her head, but she quickly dodge it, the blade slashing her shoulder, she wailed in pain drawing back, holding her wounded shoulder, but it wasn''t healing like it suppose to. In a flash Seth came at her aiming the bones behind his back at her, the aura around her became more intense as the force pushed him away, slamming him hard to the ground. The wild white aura lessen... she was nowhere to be seen. "Fuck" Seth cursed knowing they missed her. "She came here alone," Vincent said sternly. "Why?!" Seth said. "That I don''t know..." Vincent said as his cold eyes landed on Noah who still stared at the scene in shock, it then drifts to Vincent''s gaze, he shivers in fear. *** Outskirts Of the City Black Clover Hometown Riley groaned leaning on the wall, her blood stained it. "Oh my God!" Iris exclaimed panicking as she rushed to her side. "I got your text, why aren''t you healing?" she asked worried holding her steady. "I don''t know why" Riley began in a harsh breath, she felt extremely weak from losing too much blood. "He used some kind of blade" She adds as her mind replayed the events. "Dammit Riley you should have told Liam about your plan, you should have told the others, i don''t like this... I''m getting Liam this instant" Iris said both pissed and worried. "No please don''t" Riley hissed pulling her back down. "For God sake Riley, we should have told him about the info we got of Vincent coming back to New York... both of you would have stopped him together, not going on this suicide mission by yourself" She hissed. "I can''t Iris, i can''t let him bear this alone this time, i can''t just sit around and watch him carry the load and leave me out of it like it doesn''t affect me too". "He''s trying to protect you Riley... we are coming after your uncle for fuck sake and he knows you''re the major target, he''s protecting you!" Iris reasoned. "Fuck that Iris, i can''t just sit back down... i can''t do that" Riley snaps but then she growled in pain clenching her bleeding shoulder. "Please Iris" she began in a shaky voice. "Liam can''t know about this... please" she adds with pleading eyes. Iris gave a heavy sigh. "Fine... but what are we gonna do about your shoulder, its not healing". *** Operating Room "It''s on the hotline, twitter, everywhere, Vincent Jones is officially in New York to set up the agency" Race said. "How did we miss this" Rory said puzzled. Liam stood at the middle, arms folded his stern eyes fixed on the wide screen. "This time its gonna be different" Liam spoke up, their attention drifts to him. "This man... he knows what he''s doing, he''s leaving no tables turned, its gonna be hard to overpower him" Liam admitted. "Then we go full power on him, we bring the war to him" Gray suggested with a shrug. "Funny enough... he might have already know we will think of that... his defenses is probably up, we could be walking into a trap, a straight war won''t cut it" Liam explained. The others nodded in agreement. "Then a sneak infiltrate then?" Kayla suggested. "Those won''t work, he may be different from Barbra but probably still thinks like her" Liam said. "He will be one step ahead from us" Rory said in realization remembering their previous encounter with Barbra Jones. "Which is why the best way is to know his plan, know how he''s planning on coming after us, we need someone on the inside" Liam said. "But that isn''t exactly gonna work because all of our faces have been exposed literary" Race said motioning with his hand. "But there is someone who''s good at implanting moles in big organizations just to get what she wants" Gray said. "Who?!" Liam asked rising an eyebrow. Gray sighs. "Linda Sanford" he states. The room fell silent. "Obviously not that woman" Kayla said. "Liam killed her only son, I''m not so such she''s gonna help us with open arms" Rory reasoned. "Well he tried to kill me first and Riley" Liam clarified. "Yeah i know... bad idea, but she''s the only one that can pull this off" Gray said. "The fancy old lady who like holding fancy parties, it just had to be her" Kayla said rolling her eyes. "I think Gray maybe right... after all she did worked with Barbra on selling G-st just to make money, she would definitely have someone on the inside" Race states. Liam gave a heavy sigh knowing Race was right. That moment the door slides open as Riley and Iris walks in. Chapter 181 - Black Rogue (Part 2) "Then a sneak infiltrate then?" Kayla suggested. "Those won''t work, he may be different from Barbra but probably still thinks like her" Liam said. "He will be one step ahead from us" Rory said in realization remembering their previous encounter with Barbra Jones. "Which is why the best way is to know his plan, know how he''s planning on coming after us, we need someone on the inside" Liam said. "But that isn''t exactly gonna work because all of our faces have been exposed literary" Race said motioning with his hand. "But there is someone who''s good at implanting moles in big organizations just to get what she wants" Gray said. "Who?!" Liam asked rising an eyebrow. Gray sighs.. "Linda Sanford" he states. The room fell silent. "Obviously not that woman" Kayla said. "Liam killed her only son, I''m not so such she''s gonna help us with open arms" Rory reasoned. "Well he tried to kill me first and Riley" Liam clarified. "Yeah i know... bad idea, but she''s the only one that can pull this off" Gray said. "The fancy old lady who like holding fancy parties, it just had to be her" Kayla said rolling her eyes. "I think Gray maybe be right... after all she did worked with Barbra on selling G-st just to make money, she would definitely have someone on the inside" Race states. Liam gave a heavy sigh knowing Race was right. That moment the door slides open as Riley and Iris walks in. "Nice of you to join us sis" Rory said smirking, Iris just rolled her eyes not ready to deal with her overbearing brother right now. "Hey" Liam said turning to his wife. Riley forced a smile. "Hey" "So have you guys thought of anything yet?" Riley asked facing the wide screen. "Yeah we-" he paused for a minute as his nose caught a scent. He turned to Riley once more, observing her, she was on a black over seized sweater, along with black shorts. Riley caught his stare, "What?!" "I smell blood, are you okay?!" Liam asked worried. Shit... she forgot that Liam had a high sense of smell. "Yeah!" she answered more haste than she intended on, making her seem suspicious. Liam raised an eyebrow at her reply, facing her fully, gaining the attention of the others. "Are you sure you''re okay?!" he asked once more in a more serious tone. "Of course". "Then the blood" he urged. "My period" she snaps at him. "Okay this is getting awkward" Race said grimacing. Kayla elbowed him. ''Crap'' Iris thought in her head panicking. A smile that didn''t reach Liam eyes found his lips, he took a step forward leaning close. "I know when you''re on your period" he whispers close to her ear. Riley shivers, she didn''t know if it was from how close he was or the fear of getting caught... she gulps hard at her husband''s words. She quickly pulled away, clearing her throat. "Well I''m so.. that''s the end of it... now tell me what you guys have come up with in destroying Vincent Jones" she said in a serious tone not taking her eyes off his, as did Liam. "We thought Linda Sanford would help in gaining info inside the agency" Rory spoke up trying to break the tight air around due to Riley and Liam discussion. "Wait what? Linda?" Riley said blinking, breaking gaze with Liam. "That fancy woman?!" she adds. "Exactly what i said" Kayla said. "She''s the only one that can get us in" Liam said facing others. Riley could feel he was tensed, he wondered if he knew, she couldn''t tell, he was keeping that damn unreadable expression again. "Well to get to her, we will have to attend this ball, its the only way we can gain contact, she''s a ghost just like us" Kayla said as her finger''s went fast against the keyboard. An invite came up. "This invitation was sent in the ghouls website, a royal ball as she puts it, a week from now... inviting all ghoul... millionaires... those cheesy ass people who loves staying in the dark and can''t even fight for their own kind, all they care about is their wealth," she adds rolling her eyes. "Wait, Ghouls have a website?" Rory asked stunned. Everyone nods like wasn''t it obvious? "I had no idea!" "We attend the ball, Iris, Rory, Kayla, you''re coming with me" Liam states. Riley blinks like she heard wrong facing him. "And what about me?" "You aren''t attending" he said not sparing her a glance. "Excuse me?" Riley said as her looks turned pissed. "Uh oh" Race made a sound in a sing tone voice. "I think we better leave" Gray said. The others nods in agreement as they scatter, the door sliding shut. Riley heated gaze still fixed on Liam''s face. "Why won''t you let me attend the ball" Riley demands. He finally faced her. "I need you here, to care for the affairs within" he states. "That''s bullshit Liam, we always go on missions together, you can''t keep me out on this" she hissed. "Really now" he hissed back. She looks away. "Babe are you keeping something from me because i will like to know" He demands as calmly as he could. "I don''t get why you''re keeping this from me, when we should be working together Liam, since the moment we came back to New York, you''re keeping me away from this fight... its unfair" "I''m trying to protect you" he said through clenched teeth. "Why, because its my uncle coming after us?!" she hissed. He looks away. "I don''t need your protecting, i can take care of myself" she said turning to leave. "Babe wait!" he said grabbing arm, she winced in pain holding her shoulder. "What''s wrong, are you okay?" he demands in a serious tone, he smelt more blood. "Let go of me" Riley said trying to break free from his hold. "Riley" he growled. She yanked her arm off his grip, holding her shoulder in pain, staring at him with furious eyes Chapter 182 - Black Tiff "Wait what? Linda?" Riley said blinking, breaking gaze with Liam. "That fancy woman?!" she adds. "Exactly what i said" Kayla said. "She''s the only one that can get us in" Liam said facing others. Riley could feel he was tensed, he wondered if he knew, she couldn''t tell, he was keeping that damn unreadable expression again. "Well to get to her, we will have to attend this ball, its the only way we can gain contact, she''s a ghost just like us" Kayla said as her finger''s went fast against the keyboard. An invite came up. "This invitation was sent in the ghouls website, a royal ball as she puts it, a week from now... inviting all ghoul... millionaires... those cheesy ass people who loves staying in the dark and can''t even fight for their own kind, all they care about is their wealth," she adds rolling her eyes. "Wait, Ghouls have a website?" Rory asked stunned. Everyone nods like wasn''t it obvious? "I had no idea!" "We attend the ball, Iris, Rory, Kayla, you''re coming with me" Liam states. Riley blinks like she heard wrong, facing him. "And what about me?" "You aren''t attending," he said not sparing her a glance. "Excuse me?" Riley said as her looks turned pissed. "Uh oh" Race made a sound in a sing-tone voice. "I think we better leave," Gray said. The others nod in agreement as they scatter, the door sliding shut. Riley''s heated gaze was still fixed on Liam''s face. "Why won''t you let me attend the ball!" Riley demands. He finally faced her. "I need you here, to care for the affairs within" he states. "That''s bullshit Liam, we always go on missions together, you can''t keep me out on this" she hissed. "Really now" he hissed back. She looks away. "Babe are you keeping something from me because i will like to know" He demands as calmly as he could. "I don''t get why you''re keeping this from me, when we should be working together Liam, since the moment we came back to New York, you''re keeping me away from this fight... it''s unfair" "I''m trying to protect you," he said through clenched teeth. "Why, because it''s my uncle coming after us?!" she hissed. He looks away. "I don''t need your protecting, i can take care of myself" she said turning to leave. "Babe wait!" he said grabbing her arm, she winced in pain holding her shoulder. "What''s wrong, are you okay?" he demands in a serious tone, he smelt more blood. "Let go of me," Riley said trying to break free from his hold. "Riley" he growled. She yanked her arm off his grip, holding her shoulder in pain, staring at him with furious eyes. "Riley!" he urged coming a step closer once more to touch her. She took a step backward. "I said don''t touch me" she hissed on top of her lungs making Liam halts his steps abruptly. Riley sighs realizing what she has done. "I''m sorry I just..." she gave a heavy sigh. With one stroll Liam was in front of her with an unreadable expression. "Liam?" She said puzzled. He removed her hand from her shoulder, her black sweater was already drenched in blood. "What happened to your shoulder?!" He asked as calmly as she could. "I..." she began, she raised her gaze to meet his. "I don''t wanna talk about it," she said sternly. Liam just made a hmm sound. "Then get your arm treated" he said sternly as he pulled away from, walking out. Riley body trembled, as she took a heavy breath, the back of her head met the wall as she nudge it backward, seriously hating herself right now, but it was better this way, if he knew what really happened, she knew Liam he won''t be happy she went off on her own to kill her uncle, he wouldn''t understand like she chose that path, he will think that she did it out of negligence when she was only doing it to lessen the burden on him. *** The O''Brien Mansion The thunder strikes loudly, the skies pitch black as the rain poured heavily. Riley was alone in their master bedroom as she watch the rain pour at the glass windows, she just on the bed watching. She pulled the covers more to her body as she sighs, she was only on a lavender silk nightie, stopping at the knees, her hand found the small bandage on her shoulder, it was replaced by a new one with the help of Sean, she could still remember their encounter. *** Hours Ago Riley gave a slight groan as Sean removed the gold bullet from her shoulder. "Well this bullet is surely different" Sean said studying it. "It was very deep in your shoulder, but now it''s out you will heal but slowly" he said. "I guess it won''t be the same for the one in my hand," Riley said as her nails extended. "Wait what?" Sean said dumbfounded but then he froze when Riley dug her nails in her palm bringing out a gold bullet. "That will make it two," she said dropping the bullet on the pan. Her palm wound healed. "Guess it wasn''t too deep then" she said. "Wow... okay how the fuck did you get 2 bullets inside you" Sean demands. "It''s a long story," she said. "No it wasn''t because Iris told me, she was worried for you". "Shit" "Riley why would you do something like that, Liam is gonna be furious when he finds out". "He won''t, okay" Riley snaps. "You won''t tell him?" "I don''t have to" she looks away. Sean sighs. "What''s going on with you two Hmm?" Sean demands. "Nothing that will lead to divorce" she said shrugging. "Riley" he scolds. She sighs. "You have to tell him so that both of you can have an understanding, that''s very important," he clarified. "It doesn''t seem like we have an understanding now, since he''s not talking to me," she said with a sigh. *** Present Day. The sun shined brightly inside as the sun rays came in through the windows indicating it was dawn. Riley fast asleep tussle and turn on the bed, a smile graced her lips as she felt the side of the bed, but frowned when she found it empty, she opened her eyes seeing the empty space, she sighed realizing she fell asleep alone last night. "He didn''t come in last night," she said faintly observing the room, sensing his present wasn''t here throughout the night, then where did he sleep? Searching for her husband in the mansion, she couldn''t find him anywhere, she was getting frustrated by this, she found her way to the kitchen seeing him there making himself breakfast, wearing just loose pants only. "Where did you sleep?!" Riley demands letting her anger get the best of her, she folded her arms. He flipped the pancake on the frying pan, before facing her. "Not even a good morning," he said sternly. She gulps hard. "Good morning," she said through gritted teeth. Liam just huffed. "And I asked a question... how come you didn''t come to bed" she demands once more. "The guest room seemed comfortable," he said pressing a button, the fire went off. "Oh really?" "Someone said I shouldn''t touch her," he said placing his pancake on a plate. Riley''s shoulders fell at his words. "You know I didn''t mean that," she said. He dropped the plate. "Now i don''t have the appetite" He said turning to leave. She held his arm with both her hands making him halt his steps. "I''m... I''m sorry okay... i had it, i thought i did" she sighs. "I thought i could kill him and save us all the trouble" she adds. He faced her with furious eyes. "Vincent Jones?" he demands. She gave a slight nod. "Why would you do something like that without telling me, you could have been killed!" he hissed. "I know, I know, i wasn''t suppose to act out like that... but i couldn''t just sit till and allow you carry all the load yourself" "Riley i thought we talked about this, there''s no need feeling inferior cause you''re not" "Its not just about feeling inferior Liam... you''re keeping me away from this fight and i hate it, you''re not the only one whose lives were ruin by them.. you''re not the only one who lost a son" she hissed as the tears threatened to fall, she sobbed. "You can''t protect me from everything Liam, you can''t... you know sooner or later I''m gonna join the fight" she sobbed. "I didn''t wanna tell you about what i did because i knew you gonna be furious". "Well too late... I''m furious" Liam said sternly, her shaky eyes met his. "If i had lost you again... do you think I''m gonna ever recover from that?" he states with hurtful eyes. "I guess you didn''t think of that" he said with a nudge of his head as he walks away. Riley held unto the island to steady herself, the tears fell silently as she sobbed. Chapter 183 - Black Hole The sun shined brightly inside as the sun rays came in through the windows indicating it was dawn. Riley fast asleep tussle and turn on the bed, a smile graced her lips as she felt the side of the bed, but frowned when she found it empty, she opened her eyes seeing the empty space, she sighed realizing she fell asleep alone last night. "He didn''t come in last night," she said faintly observing the room, sensing his presence wasn''t here throughout the night, then where did he sleep? Searching for her husband in the mansion, she couldn''t find him anywhere, she was getting frustrated by this, she found her way to the kitchen seeing him there making himself breakfast, wearing just loose pants only. "Where did you sleep?!" Riley demands letting her anger get the best of her, she folded her arms. He flipped the pancake on the frying pan, before facing her. "Not even a good morning," he said sternly. She gulps hard. "Good morning," she said through gritted teeth. Liam just huffed. "And I asked a question... how come you didn''t come to bed" she demands once more. "The guest room seemed comfortable," he said pressing a button, the fire went off. "Oh really?" "Someone said I shouldn''t touch her," he said placing his pancake on a plate. Riley''s shoulders fell at his words. "You know I didn''t mean that," she said. He dropped the plate. "Now I don''t have the appetite," He said turning to leave. She held his arm with both her hands making him halt his steps. "I''m... I''m sorry okay... I had it, I thought I did" she sighs. "I thought I could kill him and save us all the trouble" she adds. He faced her with furious eyes. "Vincent Jones?" he demands. She gave a slight nod. "Why would you do something like that without telling me, you could have been killed!" he hissed. "I know, I know, I wasn''t supposed to act out like that... but I couldn''t just sit still and allow you carry all the load yourself" "Riley I thought we talked about this, there''s no need to feel inferior cause you''re not" "It''s not just about feeling inferior Liam... you''re keeping me away from this fight and I hate it, you''re not the only one whose lives were ruined by them.. you''re not the only one who lost a son" she hissed as the tears threatened to fall, she sobbed. "You can''t protect me from everything Liam, you can''t... you know sooner or later I''m gonna join the fight" she sobbed. "I didn''t wanna tell you about what I did because I knew you gonna be furious". "Well too late... I''m furious" Liam said sternly, her shaky eyes met his. "If I had lost you again... do you think I''m gonna ever recover from that?" he states with hurtful eyes. "I guess you didn''t think of that," he said with a nudge of his head as he walks away. Riley held onto the island to steady herself, the tears fell silently as she sobbed, her body trembling. *** Sean''s Private Lab "Calm down Liam, she told you didn''t she," Sean said trying to reason with a frustrated Liam. He growled. "Why would she do something like that, what if she was taken or killed... Sean what if it was more than a bullet what if it was a bullet to her heart" he hissed both terrified and angry. "Liam, relax for the 20th time, maybe she did what she thought was right okay" he reasons. "What she did was a risk none of us was willing to take, she went off on her own for fucks sake!" "Have you thought why she did that?" he asked. Liam sighed taking his seat, he had been pacing ever since he got to Sean''s Lab. "We had this discussion when we were in Portland, she felt the need to do more, to put herself out there, she''s so convinced that I''m carrying all the load," he said with a heavy sigh. Sean made a hmm sound, nodding in understanding. "You know way before you met Riley, back then we were in the ghoul underground, she was more like a leader there, she oversees what her dad couldn''t" he explained. "I''m aware of that" Liam said. "Yeah but do you understand it" he states making Liam pause for a minute. "Riley is like a natural leader on her own, she always wants to do more than she can offer... the moment you told her to back down from the fight... fuck Liam you were only stirring a flame that can never be quenched" he states. Liam gulps hard at his words. "But how..." his eyes shake as it lands on Sean''s. "How am I gonna protect her if I leave her in the middle of this, I''m the man, I should handle all the threats coming at us" he states Sean gave a heavy sigh rising to his feet, he placed a hand on his shoulder. "That''s where your wrong Liam... Riley Leah or better Riley O''Brien isn''t gonna sit still and let you do all the work" he says. "Rather than push her away from this and protect her, you both should work on this and protect each other" he adds tapping on Liam''s shoulder before walking out. Leaving Liam to his thoughts. *** It was mid-day but the skies were almost pitched black as the rain poured once more, along with heavy breezes and whistling winds, and striking lightning, the weather freezing cold. Riley laid on the majestic bed, watching the well-designed wall, the lights in the room dimmed and giving a sensual atmosphere, she had no desire to watch the TV or engage in any activity, she prefer the silence and the calmness it brought, she pulled the covers more to her body feeling cold and empty, it was like her heart was plunged with a hole in it, she felt empty and lost but that feeling suddenly died down when she heard the door open, his wonderful scent filled her nose and the warmth it brought to her body straight to her core, she never stopped feeling this way any time he was close, she wondered if it would ever end not that she wanted it to, never. She felt the bed deepen from his weight, she quickly shut her eyes closed pretending she was asleep, she didn''t have anything to say, her heart felt heavy, she didn''t know how to face him. "Babe," he said. He called her babe, at least he wasn''t pissed at her right now.. that was a good start, she hoped, but she didn''t have any intention of speaking to him, she would just have to play the safer mode. "Babe?" he said once more. She gulps hard not daring to open her eyes and making sure her breath was steady like she sleeping... hell her heart was beating like she ran a thousand miles, but she had to calm it down, she had to. There was a moment of silence, she wondered if he left having not gotten an answer from her, maybe he did, at least a little space can help ease their tiff right? "I know you aren''t sleeping" his deep voice sounds but this time close to her ears. And crap... she almost moved but kept herself in check not daring to, or her little pretend will be over too soon. She heard him make a Hmm sound, she felt a glint of amusement to the tone. "So that''s how you wanna play it," he said huskily, more close to her ear this time, she could feel his warm breath on her neck making her shiver.... oops... she prayed and hoped he would believe it was from the cold or he has already caught her and was playing along.... yes playing along... she would see how this goes, it was childish but still she wanted to see the end of it, she stayed still. "Let''s see how long you will last," he said faintly, almost too faintly that she couldn''t hear but thanks to the enhanced hearing she did. She almost gasps when she felt his hand on her bare legs, oh the feeling, she missed it, it was warm against her skin and pleasant. Lucky her, she was on her silk nightie... everywhere was exposed to his touch, only for him. In the nail-biting silence, his hand moved to caress her lap like he owned the body like he owned every inch of her... he most certainly did! She bit her lip to hide back a moan that was threatening to roll off her lips, she had to stay still, so that this little game can go on.. yes this has most certainly turned into a game. His hand went further, then moved between her legs.... crap, no panties... why should she. Her heart was slamming loudly in her chest almost like she couldn''t breathe, was it just her or was everywhere now hot rather than the cool atmosphere it was just a moment ago, she felt his hand move once more and she then heard him chuckle deeply. "I thought you said you were on your period," he said in beaming amusement Oh he knew she lied then why was he bringing it up as if he believed her, he was teasing her right now... he always loved teasing her and she had a feeling more teasing was coming... how long will she last? Chapter 184 - Black Game It was mid-day but the skies were almost pitched black as the rain poured once more, along with heavy breezes and whistling winds, and striking lightning, the weather freezing cold. Riley laid on the majestic bed, watching the well-designed wall, the lights in the room dimmed and giving a sensual atmosphere, she had no desire to watch the TV or engage in any activity, she prefer the silence and the calmness it brought, she pulled the covers more to her body feeling cold and empty, it was like her heart was plunged with a hole in it, she felt empty and lost but that feeling suddenly died down when she heard the door open, his wonderful scent filled her nose and the warmth it brought to her body straight to her core, she never stopped feeling this way any time he was close, she wondered if it would ever end not that she wanted it to, never. She felt the bed deepen from his weight, she quickly shut her eyes closed pretending she was asleep, she didn''t have anything to say, her heart felt heavy, she didn''t know how to face him. "Babe," he said. He called her babe, at least he wasn''t pissed at her right now.. that was a good start, she hoped, but she didn''t have any intention of speaking to him, she would just have to play the safer mode. "Babe?" he said once more. She gulps hard not daring to open her eyes and making sure her breath was steady like she sleeping.... hell her heart was beating like she ran a thousand miles, but she had to calm it down, she had to. There was a moment of silence, she wondered if he left having not gotten an answer from her, maybe he did, at least a little space can help ease their tiff right? "I know you aren''t sleeping" his deep voice sounds but this time close to her ears. And crap... she almost moved but kept herself in check not daring to, or her little pretend will be over too soon. She heard him make a Hmm sound, she felt a glint of amusement to the tone. "So that''s how you wanna play it," he said huskily, more close to her ear this time, she could feel his warm breath on her neck making her shiver.... oops... she prayed and hoped he would believe it was from the cold or he has already caught her and was playing along.... yes playing along... she would see how this goes, it was childish but still she wanted to see the end of it, she stayed still. "Let''s see how long you will last," he said faintly, almost too faintly that she couldn''t hear but thanks to the enhanced hearing she did. She almost gasps when she felt his hand on her bare legs, oh the feeling, she missed it, it was warm against her skin and pleasant. Lucky her, she was on her silk nightie... everywhere was exposed to his touch, only for him. In the nail-biting silence, his hand moved to caress her lap like he owned the body like he owned every inch of her... he most certainly did! She bit her lip to hide back a moan that was threatening to roll off her lips, she had to stay still, so that this little game can go on.. yes this has most certainly turned into a game. His hand went further, then moved between her legs.... crap, no panties... why should she. Her heart was slamming loudly in her chest almost like she couldn''t breathe, was it just her or was everywhere now hot rather than the cool atmosphere it was just a moment ago, she felt his hand move once more and she then heard him chuckle deeply. "I thought you said you were on your period," he said in beaming amusement Oh he knew she lied then why was he bringing it up as if he believed her, he was teasing her right now... he always loved teasing her and she had a feeling more teasing was coming... how long will she last? Guess she would have to find out. He ticks his tongue. "You know you shouldn''t lie to your husband" he states. She couldn''t help it, she gulps hard but didn''t dare to open her eyes. "There are consequence" he said so close to her ears and then he did what she didn''t expect, he nibbled on her ear, gently and slowly, a deep shiver ran down her spine in a fast wave making her jolt a bit but she used that like an excuse to groan in sleep while shifting her body lightly, going forward, away from his touch. This earned a deep chuckle from Liam, the sound thrilled her insides. "You are really good at this" he said in amusement. A small smile found her lips a bit. "You know how i love games" he said but this time in a more huskier tone. Riley couldn''t help herself from gasping as Liam pulled her against his frame from behind, roughly, but she still stayed still pretending, His lips found her neck giving gentle kisses to it, and bites, sucking her skin slightly. Riley bit down her bottom lip, holding off a loud moan. "Moan for me Babe" he urged as then his finger slide between her legs. Unable to hold it in, she moaned as it moved in an amazing rhythm she couldn''t keep up with, the bliss of his movement sent her mind ablaze, the motion, the feel, the pleasure building like wildfire, he had out bested her with his wicked moves, this man will surely be the death of her. The next thing she knew was she came while screaming his name, as the pleasure washed upon her in a wave, her cover was blown, and she couldn''t even think of it, all she did was pant. "You know i love it when you scream my name" he said as a deep growl rumbled from his chest, he loved the sound, it enticed him, it calmed him and also stir up a flame inside him. Unable to contain himself, he nibbled her ear once more. "Liam" she moaned still feeling the tingling feeling between her lips, she wanted him so badly that it was hard to breathe. She gasps when he turned her in a swift move to face him, so suddenly, even in the dim light, she could see the dark glint in his eyes, the desire that burned in it, she was sure she had them too because all she could think about was him right now and all the things he could do to her body, he always had a way of making her want him to a point of no return, he was indeed Liam O''Brien, the man that continued to capture her heart over and over again, it always seem like it was yesterday they fell in love. "I''m not gonna push you away from this anymore" he confessed. "I thought that I was doing it to protect you but i was wrong" he adds with shaky eyes. Riley stared at him wide eyes, she couldn''t believe her ears, this was not what she expected after what transpire... but for some weird reason the mood was still on and she ever so wanted him badly. "I''m sorry... I''m sorry for going out like that without thinking of the risk" she said placing her hand against his bare chest, she loved the feel of his hard ton muscles. Liam placed his hand on hers against his chest. "From now on we do it together, no more secrets, no more taking such risks" he states. Riley nods impatient, seeing there were in an understanding, he let loose as he smash his lips against hers in a ravishing manner. Riley moaned deeply as her hands traveled up and down his chest wildly. Liam grunted as he pulled her legs up to position himself properly, Riley wraps her legs around his waist tightly. Her moans echoed through the walls nonstop, it lasted that day and all through the night as Liam showed her how much she mean to him and how much he loved her over and over again. * Operating Room "Its gonna be a simple operation, all we just have to do is meet with Linda Sanford, without raising much alarm... which is why there have been a change of plans" Liam announced to the rest of the team. "Riley and I will be up front followed by Iris and Sean" he states. They both nodded in agreement. "Kayla, Race, you will be our eyes and ears throughout the night" he states. They nod in agreement. "Lets hope nothing goes wrong when we try to talk with a fancy woman who hates us" Riley said sarcastically while forcing a smile. Liam cleared his throat. "Let''s hope not" he said with a shrug of his shoulder. Linda Sanford was the only one they needed to gain insight of the agency within. Chapter 185 - Black Mask "I''m not gonna push you away from this anymore" Liam confessed. "I thought that I was doing it to protect you but i was wrong" he adds with shaky eyes. Riley stared at him wide eyes, she couldn''t believe her ears, this was not what she expected after what transpire... but for some weird reason the mood was still on and she ever so wanted him badly. "I''m sorry... I''m sorry for going out like that without thinking of the risk" she said placing her hand against his bare chest, she loved the feel of his hard ton muscles. Liam placed his hand on hers against his chest.. "From now on we do it together, no more secrets, no more taking such risks" he states. Riley nods impatient, seeing there were in an understanding, he let loose as he smash his lips against hers in a ravishing manner. Riley moaned deeply as her hands traveled up and down his chest wildly. Liam grunted as he pulled her legs up to position himself properly, Riley wraps her legs around his waist tightly. Her moans echoed through the walls nonstop, it lasted that day and all through the night as Liam showed her how much she mean to him and how much he loved her over and over again. * Operating Room "Its gonna be a simple operation, all we just have to do is meet with Linda Sanford, without raising much alarm... which is why there have been a change of plans" Liam announced to the rest of the team. "Riley and I will be up front followed by Iris and Sean" he states. They both nodded in agreement. "Kayla, Race, you will be our eyes and ears throughout the night" he states. They nod in agreement. "Lets hope nothing goes wrong when we try to talk with a fancy woman who hates us" Riley said sarcastically while forcing a smile. Liam cleared his throat. "Let''s hope not" he said with a shrug of his shoulder. Linda Sanford was the only one they needed to gain insight of the agency within. * From the outside a classical music could be heard playing, outside was packed with several cars, a limo stops in front of the wide entrance, the chauffeur opened the door as Liam steps out, he was dressed in a black expensive suit, he buttoned the jacket properly before adjusting the black mask he wore, that covered just half of his face. He then turned pulling his hand out, Riley grabs it stepping out, she wore a slender white silk gown that fit her body perfectly, all her enticing curves to the display. She adjusts the white designed mask properly, her long red hair was let down all the way to her waist, straight. Her eyes studied the big building looking like an auditorium, but she was distracted when Liam grabs her by the waist pulling her body close to his. "You look gorgeous" he said huskily. Riley giggled at his words. "That''s the 5th time you''re saying this... since the moment you laid eyes on me this evening" she said in amusement. "That because i can''t get enough of your beauty" "Easy there tiger, we have a mission to complete" she states smirking. Liam simply just growled making Riley giggle once more. "Kayla?" Liam said faintly. "On it boss, Sean and Iris are already inside as planned" Kayla''s voice sounds from the small ear plug Liam wore. "Perfect" Liam said pulling his arm out for his wife. "Shall we?" he said with a dashing smile. "Most certainty" she said winking placing her hand in his arm as they both walk into the wide building. Inside was stunning and decorated majestically, the hall chatty with ladies and gentlemen all dressed fancy. "Linda Sanford do love holding fancy parties" Riley comments. "It''s like she got all the higher up ghouls under her finger tips" Liam said looking around also, observing the elegance around. "A strong woman with deep connections, are the ones you should fear most" Riley said. "Riley" Liam said making her turn to the direction he was staring at. At the stairs Linda Sanford was present ever so fancy, around her 60s, paled skin, her white hair matches the color of her skin, packed in a bun, she was on slender red gown, a black mask against her face. She engaged in a conservation with another, a wine glass at hand. "We have to meet up with her now" Riley said with haste. "Everyone" Linda announced to the crowd. The chatter died down as they all looked up. "The show is about to start" she said smirking. "A show?! There was a show?" Liam said puzzled. "Seems like this isn''t just a ball after all" Riley said. *** An Hour Later At the wide stage, an opera singer was present, her long enchanting voice graced the hall, in echos and rhythm, she was dressed elegantly in a gold slender gown, her skin painted gold and her hair the same, her voice echoed and echoed, following the rhythm of the piano perfectly. "This is getting longer than expected" Riley said getting bored, they were seated at the congregation, watching the performance. "Sean?" Liam said. "Yeah we''re here keeping a low profile" his comm sounds. "Linda Sanford is at the top" Sean said. Their eyes drift there, she was at the edge of the curve pillar watching the performance. "I could go to her" Riley suggested. "No, we''re doing this together" Liam said not liking the idea of her going out on her own. Riley placed her hand on his. "Relax Liam, I got this... it will just be a friendly chat, woman to woman" she shrugged. Liam frowned, she leaned forward, their faces inches apart, luckily the hall lights were darken because of the performance. "Trust me" she said. Liam stared deep into her green eyes before nodding. "I got this" she assured him before rising to her feet, walking out, Liam eyes on her the whole time. The ghoul guys smirks while licking their lips staring at the beauty that passed them. Liam growled deeply, they jump slightly while turning to Liam in awe that such a sound came from him, it was like a wild animal was in the seats with them. They didn''t dare to take their eyes off the stages again, no matter how alluring the lady was, scared that if they so much have turned their heads, it will be rip off their shoulder. Liam was counting on it, he didn''t care of the risk, he would rip their hearts off of they so much stared at his wife with lustrous stares again. *** "And where do you think you''re going?! This place is for VIPs only" a man on suit said, wearing a black mask. "VIP, you say" Riley said raising an eyebrow. "Yes and if you would, please go back down now" "Riley O''Brien" she said abruptly. He froze as his eyes widen. "Tell Linda Sanford that Riley O''Brien wants to see her" she adds sternly. The man gulps hard. "The wife of the black ghoul" a voice came in from behind, it was Linda as she steps forward with a smile against her lips. "Aka, ghoul Queen" she adds bowing slightly. Okay Riley did not expect that. "It''s an honour, if you told me you were coming surely you''re a VVIP" she states in amusement. Riley gulps hard but then she composed herself. "I believe a low profile is necessary" Riley said. "Ah yes the hunt, we all heard" Linda said smirking. "Come seat with me" she adds. "I apologise ma''am" the masked man said bowing slightly, in atonement to his rudeness. "It''s okay" Riley said faintly before walking past him to Linda. Riley took a seat at the chair set facing the stage, Linda at the other end drinking her champagne. "Champagne?!" She asked. "No I''m good" Riley replied. Linda just made a hmm sound. "Wonderful singer isn''t she" Linda states referring to the opera singer. "Is there something you wanna say" Riley began in a serious tone. "Say it" she urged. Linda huffed, dropping her wine glass on the glass table. "You came to mine party and you ask such a question... I should be the one asking if you have something to say" she said in amusement. "My husband killed your son" Riley said. But she didn''t fuzz a bit, strange. "Surely you must have something to say" she adds. Her smirk broadens. "Sweetheart... my son was a fool to even think he could kill Liam and claim the title, I should have taught him better". "You seem displeased with him, rather than angry that Liam killed him" Riley said skeptical. "Why should I?!" She shrugs. "You and your husband merely just defended yourself, when my son acted out on his own" she states. Riley scoffs at her words... was she really a mother?! Her lips still pressed in a smirk as she brough her wine glass containing champagne close to her lips. Chapter 186 - Black Alliance "And where do you think you''re going?! This place is for VIPs only" a man on suit said, wearing a black mask. "VIP, you say" Riley said raising an eyebrow. "Yes and if you would, please go back down now" "Riley O''Brien" she said abruptly. He froze as his eyes widen. "Tell Linda Sanford that Riley O''Brien wants to see her" she adds sternly. The man gulps hard. "The wife of the black ghoul" a voice came in from behind, it was Linda as she steps forward with a smile against her lips. "Aka, ghoul Queen" she adds bowing slightly. Okay Riley did not expect that. "It''s an honour, if you told me you were coming surely you''re a VVIP" she states in amusement. Riley gulps hard but then she composed herself. "I believe a low profile is necessary" Riley said. "Ah yes the hunt, we all heard" Linda said smirking. "Come seat with me" she adds.i "I apologise ma''am" the masked man said bowing slightly, in atonement to his rudeness. "It''s okay" Riley said faintly before walking past him to Linda. Riley took a seat at the chair set facing the stage, Linda at the other end drinking her champagne. "Champagne?!" She asked. "No I''m good" Riley replied. Linda just made a hmm sound. "Wonderful singer isn''t she" Linda states referring to the opera singer. "Is there something you wanna say" Riley began in a serious tone. "Say it" she urged. Linda huffed, dropping her wine glass on the glass table. "You came to mine party and you ask such a question... I should be the one asking if you have something to say" she said in amusement. "My husband killed your son" Riley said. But she didn''t fuzz a bit, strange. "Surely you must have something to say" she adds. Her smirk broadens. "Sweetheart... my son was a fool to even think he could kill Liam and claim the title, I should have taught him better". "You seem displeased with him, rather than angry that Liam killed him" Riley said skeptical. "Why should I?!" She shrugs. "You and your husband merely just defended yourself, when my son acted out on his own" she states. Riley scoffs at her words... was she really a mother?! Her lips still pressed in a smirk as she brough her wine glass containing champagne close to her lips. "A woman who don''t have the faintest affection for her son" Riley said. "I wouldn''t be the first" Linda states dropping the glass on the table. "Now... tell me why you are really here... not alone of course... you graced my party with your husband" she said in amusement. Riley gulps hard. "Of course, I know you didn''t come here alone" she adds smirking as her eyes want back on the congregation below, Riley followed. Liam seated watching the performance, his arm rested on the chair arm, his fingers lining his jaw. "You''re lucky Mr''s. O''Brien, you caught such a handsome figure" she states as her eyes darken. They turned to Riley''s unreadable ones. "Wish I was 20 years younger would have done the privilege of seducing your husband... would have been the greatest accomplishment of my youth, don''t you think". Riley made a hmm sound, forcing a smile. "I would take that as an innocent theory" she states in am unpleasant matter. Linda giggled. "Now tell me why you are really here... Mr''s. O''Brien, I''m curious to know" she said in amusement. "You worked with Barbra Jones on dealing drugs, an amazing fact that a ghoul worked for a Jones without getting her heart ripped out" Riley said. "I see my reputation proceeds me" "We need someone on the inside, we believe you still have some strings attached to the agency". "So you need that mole from me" Linda said in amusement. "Yes" Riley said with a straight face. *** Liam shifts uncomfortable on his seat, the performance was finally over and the bright lights came back up, the crowd giving a clap. "Finally" Liam murmured rising to his feet, he was already sick and tired of hearing long prolong voice and series of melodies, it was annoying to him. He turn, seeing his wife approaching him. "Riley, what happened? Did you talk to her?" He asked with anticipation. Riley took a deep breath. "What?" He demands. "What''s wrong?" "She will help us but under one condition" Riley states. "Under what condition?!" Liam said sternly. Riley stares into his eyes. "If the higher up ghouls have assess to the homeland for their safety" she states. Liam scoffs. "Aren''t they already safe under their wealth?" "It''s appears not... Linda doesn''t have a connection with the agency anymore, but she is willing to risk her men getting in there, to gain info for us" she said. Liam sighed. "Liam she''s willing to help us... even though we thought she wouldn''t, we need someone on the inside if we want to take the agency down, this is the only way" Riley reasoned. Liam gave a deep sigh. "Fine" he growled. "But we are giving them a separate Hometown, I don''t want any divisions in status" Liam said. "I''m down with that" she shrugs. "I''m glad we get to work together black ghoul" Linda Sanford voice sounds as she came behind along with two men in suit behind her. Liam and Riley turned in unison. The hall was empty already as everyone scattered after the show ended. "The uniting of V-ghouls and ghouls... we are the same but also different" she said in amusement. "We never said anything of uniting, I''m only granting them sanctuary" Liam said sternly. "Well of course" "You eat ghouls... i can''t take that risk" he adds. Linda made a hmm sound. "Then it appears we will have to turn vegans then" she states. "Why are you so eager to form an alliance" Riley said puzzled, she knew Linda wanted to join them so badly, she even went as far as stopping their thirst for ghoul flesh... at least that''s what she said for now, their actions will tell later. "Because desperate times calls for desperate measures" she said smirking, but then it faded. "A hunt have been called for the termination of ghouls by a tyrant who preys on fear to get what he wants, he must be stopped, rather than sit around and await the very extinction of our kind... we get to fight back" she states sternly. "End the Jones line once and for all" "Are you saying you will fight with us?" Liam asked sternly. "Yes ghoul king!". *** "Liam and Riley should be done by now" Sean said checking his watch. "Relax Sean, let''s enjoy the evening, you''re too uptight" Iris said drinking her champagne, she knew Liam and Riley have everything under control, they always do, they were the power couple after all, together they were like a tornados hitting a city, together they were able to eliminate any target, she envied the both of them but in a good way, she longed to have a relationship such as that. "Uptight huh?" Sean said raising an eyebrow, his eyes traveled to her body, she was stunning as always, the gold dress she wore brough out her light skin colour along with her mask. She smirks. "Why did you say I''m too uptight?" He asked curiously. Iris rolled her eyes. "Because Sean Carlos you hardly go out, always locked up in your lab, you spent months on that book trying to translate it, you hardly have time for yourself or anyone" she said. "Well I''m close to translating the other half I just need more time... Iris I''m this close to discovering ghouls history, isn''t this more important than anything?" He reasons. Iris frowned. "Yes it really is" she states looking away. Sean was puzzled by her actions. "Iris" he began. "It''s very important Sean" she said haste as she faced him with a forced smile. "Riley and Liam should understand their powers better along with their history" she said and then she sighed. "I need a minute" she said turning to leave but Sean grabs her arm, making her turn to face him, they stared into each other eyes for what seemed like forever. "There''s something I hold in first importance more than anything" he said. Iris rolled her eyes. "First importance... then your life''s work is second?" She said skeptical. "You" he said bluntly. Iris froze at his words as her smile slowly fades. Sean smiled charmly as his eyes lands on the dance floor that played a slow beat, the couples dancing, it then drifts back to Iris. "I believe I shall give you at least one dance... to prove to you I''m not so uptight" he said in amusement. Iris gulps hard. "How can I say no to that" she said as a small smile found her lips. She never took her eyes off Sean as he lead her to the dance floor. His hands straddled on her waist, hers on his shoulder as they both moved to the beat slowly, not taking their eyes off each other for a second. Chapter 187 - Black Beast (Part 1) "Liam and Riley should be done by now" Sean said checking his watch. "Relax Sean, let''s enjoy the evening, you''re too uptight" Iris said drinking her champagne, she knew Liam and Riley have everything under control, they always do, they were the power couple after all, together they were like a tornado hitting a city, together they were able to eliminate any target, she envied the both of them but in a good way, she longed to have a relationship such as that. "Uptight huh?" Sean said raising an eyebrow, his eyes traveled to her body, she was stunning as always, the gold dress she wore brough out her light skin colour along with her mask. She smirks. "Why did you say I''m too uptight?" He asked curiously. Iris rolled her eyes. "Because Sean Carlos you hardly go out, always locked up in your lab, you spent months on that book trying to translate it, you hardly have time for yourself or anyone" she said. "Well I''m close to translating the other half I just need more time... Iris I''m this close to discovering ghouls history, isn''t this more important than anything?" He reasons. Iris frowned. "Yes it really is" she states looking away. Sean was puzzled by her actions. "Iris" he began. "It''s very important Sean" she said haste as she faced him with a forced smile. "Riley and Liam should understand their powers better along with their history" she said and then she sighed. "I need a minute" she said turning to leave but Sean grabs her arm, making her turn to face him, they stared into each other eyes for what seemed like forever. "There''s someone I hold in first importance more than anything" he said. Iris rolled her eyes. "First importance... then your life''s work is second?" She said skeptical. "You" he said bluntly. Iris froze at his words as her smile slowly fades. Sean smiled charmly as his eyes lands on the dance floor that played a slow beat, the couples dancing, it then drifts back to Iris. "I believe I shall give you at least one dance... to prove to you I''m not so uptight" he said in amusement. Iris gulps hard. "How can I say no to that" she said as a small smile found her lips. She never took her eyes off Sean as he lead her to the dance floor. His hands straddled on her waist, hers on his shoulder as they both moved to the beat slowly, not taking their eyes off each other for a second. "Tell me Sean" Iris began as their bodies moved to the slow beat. "Do you really mean what you said?!" She asked blinking. A smile found Sean''s lips. "Why would I lie" he said his eyes laced with seriousness. He stops moving, so did Iris, their eyes lingering in each other. "I meant every I said... i never realize it until now" he adds cupping her cheek with his hand. "Iris I-" *Loud Crash Sound* The sound, it came from above at the glass ceiling, they all looked up in awe. Something penetrated in... no someone, as the bones from his back penetrates the glass smashing it in an instance... revealing Seth Judson wearing a smirk against his lips as he slowly descend. *** Where Liam and Riley were, the alarms went off, alerting of an intruder. "Someone is here" Linda said in realization. "The agency" Riley said certain. "Impossible... this maybe a party but this location location is highly secured... it couldn''t be" Linda said fearing for the worst. "Sean and Iris" Liam said haste as they both rushed to the other side of the building. *** They both barged the door open, the lights flicks, they froze when they saw.the scene before them, blood, bodies on display on the floor. Some struggled to move while some stayed still, dead. Liam and Riley looks around for Sean and Iris. "SEAN!!!" They heard Iris shout in horror. They rushed towards the location. Iris, kneeling on the floor close to Sean body, turned her teary eyes to meet theirs. "He''s not breathing" she said with a deep sob, her hands applied pressure to his chest, but the blood kept gushing out. Riley gasp as her eyes shakes at the scene. Liam stood still his mind unable to process what was unfolding before him, his best friend was the floor bleeding to death and there was nothing he could do about it. "The ghoul killer, he came out of nowhere" she cried and sobbed. "Sean he... he protected me and now he''s gonna die" she cried "Iris, Iris... look at me!" Riley hissed going on her knees beside Sean''s bleeding body. Her teary eyes met Riley. "Do not take your hand off" she warned. "Or he will die" she adds. Iris nods applying more pressure. "Liam we have to get him out of here, now!" Riley said but no answer. "Liam!" She turns. Liam stood still as a wind but Riley knew fury burned his inside, his ghoul eyes present staring at a distance. Riley eyes followed the direction of the gaze seeing Seth Judson. Seth stood there, wearing a smirk, about 10 of the spider leg bones behind him, swaying back and forth, covered in blood. "Black Ghoul... there was a party and you didn''t even bother inviting me" he said in beaming amusement as his red eyes beamed more. "Liam" Riley began. "Leave" it was a simple order that left no room for question... she knew Sean was his best friend and he was angry... but there was something off, he wasn''t just angry, his intent to kill was high. He took off his jacket, handling it to Riley without even sparing her a glance. Riley took it in silence, turning back to Sean using it to apply pressure more on his chest. "Signal the rest" Riley whispered to Iris who nods. Liam took off his mask flinging it to a corner. "Isn''t the power couple gonna face me this time? I was hoping for it" Seth said in amusement as in a flash he was beside Liam, he looks down, hoping to find them but they no where to be seen, like they just disappeared. "Seth Judson" Liam said sternly not sparing him a glance as his whole body erupts in black shadow. "You made a big mistake coming here" he hissed. Seth growls using his claws to dug in Liam''s chest, he smirks at his accomplishment but it fades when Liam grabs the hand connecting to his chest, blood splashing. Liam''s dangerously ghoul eyes lands on him and then he shift, his body increasing in height, in Ghost form, extended arms and leg, bald head, with a black spiky crown around his head, black aura around it, his body wrapped in black black bandages, his body erupting in black aura, he stood high and tall no longer hunching. His eyes covered with black bandage. Seth quickly drew back, as fast as he could, the bone retreat back inside him. Liam growled deeply... it shock the earth around them. "You really aren''t the Black Ghoul I faced three years ago" Seth said in amusement. Liams claws extended, ready to rip Seth to pieces without blinking. "Good thing I brought backup...let''s say someone who can match up to your strength" Seth said smirking. As suddenly like a sharp bullet a being lands beside him, Liams body tensed on seeing it... it was unlike any ghoul he has ever seen. It stood high and tall the same 10 feet as he was, the body covered in something like a coil, dark brown in colour, a horn at the center. It looked more like a beast than a ghoul, having no eyes but sharp deadly fangs for a mouth. ''That thing is unlikely anything we have ever seen'' Ghost said in Liam''s head. ''Wouldn''t be the first'' Liam replied not trembling a bit, but there was this odd feeling he felt when he saw that being. "I present to you The Beast... amazing isn''t he?" Seth said admiring the piece of art before him, Vincent Jones really was a prodigy at what he does. "I wonder what innocent human you had to disect to create such Beast" Liam said in a deep demonic voice. "Why Don''t we see what''s he''s capable of then... I might interest you on a story of how it came to be" Seth said smirking. Liam stood on high alert. "Let''s dance!" The Beast zapped towards Liam in lightning speed that he almost didn''t see him coming. ''LIAM LOOK OUT!" Ghost shouts in Liam''s head as in a flash the Beast was behind Liam, the claws fused with gold substance slits Liam''s back, he roared in pain but that didn''t stop Liam as with one kick the Beast was sent flying across the wall, breaking them instantly, waving backwards as the sound kept fading from the constant crashes it had to endured. Liam went on one knee, the pain on his back was excruciating. ''The substance is the same with the bullet that hurt Silver and Riley'' Ghost snarled. He heard tongue ticks... it was coming from Seth. "Pity" Seth said tilting his head to the side. "I waged the Beast''s claw wouldn''t pirece you.... too bad" he mocked. Chapter 188 - Black Beast (Part 2) "Iris, Iris... look at me!" Riley hissed going on her knees beside Sean''s bleeding body. Her teary eyes met Riley. "Do not take your hand off" she warned. "Or he will die" she adds. Iris nods applying more pressure. "Liam we have to get him out of here, now!" Riley said but no answer. "Liam!" She turns. Liam stood still as a wind but Riley knew fury burned his inside, his ghoul eyes present staring at a distance. Riley eyes followed the direction of the gaze seeing Seth Judson. Seth stood there, wearing a smirk, about 10 of the spider leg bones behind him, swaying back and forth, covered in blood. "Black Ghoul... there was a party and you didn''t even bother inviting me" he said in beaming amusement as his red eyes beamed more. "Liam" Riley began. "Leave" it was a simple order that left no room for question... she knew Sean was his best friend and he was angry... but there was something off, he wasn''t just angry, his intent to kill was high. He took off his jacket, handling it to Riley without even sparing her a glance. Riley took it in silence, turning back to Sean using it to apply pressure more on his chest. "Signal the rest" Riley whispered to Iris who nods. Liam took off his mask flinging it to a corner. "Isn''t the power couple gonna face me this time? I was hoping for it" Seth said in amusement as in a flash he was beside Liam, he looks down, hoping to find them but they nowhere to be seen, like they just disappeared. "Seth Judson" Liam said sternly not sparing him a glance as his whole body erupts in black shadow. "You made a big mistake coming here" he hissed. Seth growls using his claws to dug in Liam''s chest, he smirks at his accomplishment but it fades when Liam grabs the hand connecting to his chest, blood splashing. Liam''s dangerously ghoul eyes lands on him and then he shift, his body increasing in height, in Ghost form, extended arms and leg, bald head, with a black spiky crown around his head, black aura around it, his body wrapped in black black bandages, his body erupting in black aura, he stood high and tall no longer hunching. His eyes covered with black bandage. Seth quickly drew back, as fast as he could, the bone retreat back inside him. Liam growled deeply... it shock the earth around them. "You really aren''t the Black Ghoul I faced three years ago" Seth said in amusement. Liams claws extended, ready to rip Seth to pieces without blinking. "Good thing I brought backup...let''s say someone who can match up to your strength" Seth said smirking. As suddenly like a sharp bullet a being lands beside him, Liams body tensed on seeing it... it was unlike any ghoul he has ever seen. It stood high and tall the same 10 feet as he was, the body covered in something like a coil, dark brown in colour, a horn at the center. It looked more like a beast than a ghoul, having no eyes but sharp deadly fangs for a mouth. ''That thing is unlikely anything we have ever seen'' Ghost said in Liam''s head. ''Wouldn''t be the first'' Liam replied not trembling a bit, but there was this odd feeling he felt when he saw that being. "I present to you The Beast... amazing isn''t he?" Seth said admiring the piece of art before him, Vincent Jones really was a prodigy at what he does. "I wonder what innocent human you had to disect to create such Beast" Liam said in a deep demonic voice. "Why Don''t we see what''s he''s capable of then... I might interest you on a story of how it came to be" Seth said smirking. Liam stood on high alert. "Let''s dance!" The Beast zapped towards Liam in lightning speed that he almost didn''t see him coming. ''LIAM LOOK OUT!" Ghost shouts in Liam''s head as in a flash the Beast was behind Liam, the claws fused with gold substance slits Liam''s back, he roared in pain but that didn''t stop Liam as with one kick the Beast was sent flying across the wall, breaking them instantly, waving backwards as the sound kept fading from the constant crashes it had to endured. Liam went on one knee, the pain on his back was excruciating. ''The substance is the same with the bullet that hurt Silver and Riley'' Ghost snarled. He heard tongue ticks... it was coming from Seth. "Pity" Seth said tilting his head to the side. "I waged the Beast''s claw wouldn''t pirece you... too bad" he mocked. Liam growled pissed, rising to his feet. "WELL I''M JUST GETTING STARTED" Liam roared coming at Seth who didn''t flinch at the plague coming at him. In a zap of speed the Beast pushed Liam before he got to Seth, they both engaged in an animalistic battle as they both clawed at each other while roaring. The Beast several claws found Liam''s body, marking, clawing and none healed due to that strange substance, but Liam didn''t back down, he put up much of a fight than they expected. Liam grabs the Beast by the neck slamming him to the ground, he then tightens his hand in a fist, punching... each punch sent the Beast head deep into the ground crater, he kept punching and punching as hard and fast as he could to overpower this thing but the Beast was stubborn and aggressive just as he was. The Beast roared loudly... and then biting down on Liam''s shoulder, making he roar in pain. Liam growled digging his claws in the beast chest but surprisingly enough he went further... he froze. "No heart?!" Liam said in shaky breath... how was this possible. Now caught off guard, Seth bones came for Liam in a fast speed without him realising it. *** Outside "Take everyone out... clear the building" Riley said, Linda nods walking out. Riley turns to Iris inside the SUV with Sean''s head lying on her lab. "Take him back to the Hometown" she said. "What about you?!" Iris asked worried. "Liam is still in there" Riley said sternly closing the car door. It drove off. She turns to the building walking in. *** Inside Bodies still on the ground, blood trails everywhere, the lights flicking. Riley looks around in high alert, she then heard crashing sounds from the next entrance. "Liam" Riley panics rushing towards there but instantly a tentacles slammed her against the wall. Riley growled turning meeting with Jade, a smirk plastered on her lips. Riley sighs seeing the troublesome girl once more. "I''m sorry Jade... but I don''t have time to play" Riley said as her body erupts in white aura, her eyes changing to her ghoul ones. "But I wanna play... you are a worthy opponent" she states as 10 green tentacles came out of her back swaying behind her dangerously. "Tell me dearie... have you seen me in my true form" Jade said smirking as she transformed. Riley watches with unreadable eyes as the girl transformed to her claw form, extended arms and leg, tall in height, in feminine structure, green bandages wrapped around her skin from head to toe. Her tentacles covered in green bandages also. "Do I look like a more worthy opponent now ?!" She said in deep double voice, her ghoul green eyes beaming dangerously. "Far from it" Riley said sternly. *** Blood trailed on the floor, leading all the way to where Liam was against the wall, still on his Claw form, his head bent down as he took harsh breath, his body had several claw marks that bled all over. "You may be a god Liam, or the reincarnation of a being as the ghouls say" Seth said sternly, the Beast beside him, growling. "But you will always fall to your enemies feet". Liam growled deeply at his words. "Just like your mother did" Seth began taking a step closer making Liam''s body tensed. "Your sister Jenna... your father" he chuckled. "Your son... and then soon enough the only family you have left" he states smirking. "Riley O''Brien" Liam snaps as roared at them in a loud deadly sound that shock the earth, all memories of their deaths played over and over again in his head... as well as a mirage vision of Riley''s death. * Liam''s consciousness In a dark endless void, the ground like glass water, in space, an ash big tree lies there, containing four-leaf clovers, some witters dropping to the ground in ash and as it did, another grew in replacement, emerging out of the branch. Ghost was present as his body tensed. "This feeling" he said as his body shock more, his heart slamming loudly in his chest. His smirk always present on his lips fades, his fist clenched in a tight hold as he turned to the illuminating dark figure behind him, this presence, this familiar feeling, one he haven''t felt since centuries not until he met Liam, the very first human to call upon him. "Omari!" Chapter 189 - Black Divinity Blood trailed on the floor, leading all the way to where Liam was against the wall, still on his Claw form, his head bent down as he took harsh breath, his body had several claw marks that bled all over. "You may be a god Liam, or the reincarnation of a being as the ghouls say" Seth said sternly, the Beast beside him, growling. "But you will always fall to your enemies feet". Liam growled deeply at his words. "Just like your mother did" Seth began taking a step closer making Liam''s body tensed. "Your sister Jenna... your father" he chuckled. "Your son... and then soon enough the only family you have left" he states smirking. "Riley O''Brien" Liam snaps as roared at them in a loud deadly sound that shock the earth, all memories of their deaths played over and over again in his head... as well as a mirage vision of Riley''s death. * Liam''s consciousness In a dark endless void, the ground like glass water, in space, an ash big tree lies there, containing four-leaf clovers, some witters dropping to the ground in ash and as it did, another grew in replacement, emerging out of the branch. Ghost was present as his body tensed. "This feeling" he said as his body shock more, his heart slamming loudly in his chest. His smirk always present on his lips fades, his fist clenched in a tight hold as he turned to the illuminating dark figure behind him, this presence, this familiar feeling, one he haven''t felt since centuries not until he met Liam, the very first human to call upon him. "Omari!" *Loud Sound Of Heartbeat* * "Out of my way" Riley hissed most likely growling as the white rod she held pushed Jade out of her sight. She was getting tired of being held back by that bitch, making sure she was buried in the rumbles, knowing it would take time before she got out. Riley walks out, pulling her mask off her face, her looks worried, suddenly she felt a deep shiver overwhelmed her body. ''This feeling... it feels so familiar'' Silver said in her head. "Liam? Is it Liam?" Riley demands out loud. ''No... this is different'' Silver said. ''Omari'' she adds. ''Omari?'' Riley thought puzzled, wasn''t that the first ghoul? In anticipation, she rushed to next hall where she left Liam in but then she froze when she saw the scene before her. The whole area destroyed, everything in rumbles it was a miracle the ceiling still stood but for how long? it made a cranking sound... but that wasn''t the only thing that made her heart slammed loudly but the being before her, the mere sight of it sent fear and chill to her insides. This was Liam?... there was no way that unearthly being was her husband, was she mistaken? Before her was a tall figure, 10 feet tall but not in claw form but rather a male figure, shirtless, skin black like coal and smooth, pants made of dark aura as it waved, his hair black and long like a dark aura waving like flames, a spiky crown around his head, simply levitating on top, with his budged and tan muscles he stood high and tall like a divine being, black dangerous wings graced his back, spread out dangerously, a staff at hand taller than him, the body embodied with a symbol she couldn''t quite make of. Riley stood behind this being unable to even move an inches from where she was. Her eyes then traveled to Seth against the wall, compressed in it, bleeding out endlessly, spike rods pinned him down, his shoulders, and legs, his head bent downwards, she couldn''t tell if he was alive or not. Her shaky eyes then drifts back to the being. "L-L-Liam?" She said shaky. The being head snaps to where she was, Riley gasp when she stared into his void eyes, the color gold. He growled deeply, his canines at front long and deadly. He flings the head of the Beast to a corner, it rolled close to the headless body, unknown to them it regenerates. The being never took his eyes off Riley as she stood there immobile. A wide smirk spread across his lips in a dangerous twisted matter. ''RILEY GET OUT OF HERE NOW'' Silver shouts in her head. Riley was puzzled by her words, there was no way that being or most likely her husband would hurt her right? Well she thought wrong as with one plunge of the staff he held, it came at Riley with lightning speed, she didn''t almost see it come as it plunged the wall behind her, the force slit her cheek... she was lucky it was just that or it would have taken her head. "What''s happening?!" Riley said widen eyes. ''That''s not Liam... that''s Omari!'' Silver hissed. "What?" Riley said stunned. ''He has taken over his body he''s not in his right senses, he will kill anyone in sight'' Silver hissed. "No" Riley shakes her head unable to believe it. Omari growled deeply, he stretched his hand forward calling his staff, it shakes. Riley''s eyes widen in realization as she quickly duck, the staff coming for her head from behind. She raised her head but all air from her lungs left her as she was smashed against the wall hard, his fist around her neck tightly as she struggled to break free. She would have fought back yes... but how can she bring herself to. "L-L-Liam" she said in a struggle, her hand tightly against his hand crushing her wind pipe. Tears filled her eyes. Omari''s smirk broaden more, he held up his staff with his right hand ready to pierce her head, as he drew it back. "L-L-Liam" Riley said as the tears fell more, hoping and praying that his name got to him but it was like she was speaking to a wall, he didn''t flinch, he didn''t stop, he was ready to plunge her head to pieces with that staff. Omari growled deeply moving. "My, my... I didn''t expect this to happen so soon" a voice came in. Making Omari freeze his action of plunging his staff at Riley''s head, Omari''s head snaps to where the voice came form. A man was present, on a black tux, his hands behind his back covered in white gloves, his face could not be seen, it was hidden behind an Anubis mask, it almost seemed like his head, maybe it was. "Least be careful Omari or you will strangle your wife to death" the man said. Omari growled. "Ges tes rastin verina gos ris" Omari said in a demonic double voice, but also had a male voice to it. "Res fres et des runa tin Omari" the strange man said. "ANUBIS!!!" Omari roared. "Ah you remember me now... then there''s no need for reintroduction... so I will ask for the last time," Anubis said in calm tone. "Let. Her. Go. Before you do something you will regret" he said. Omari''s smirk broaden. Riley still struggling for breath was unable to keep up with what was unfolding, all she needed right now was air. But Omari didn''t seem to move an inch. "Ah as stubborn as ever... as you wish then you asked for it" Anubis said as as an unknown wind blew around him. "Omari" Anubis hissed. In flash of speed Omari was pushed off away from Riley, slamming to the wall hard. Riley gasps for breath as she coughed holding her sore throat, his claw marks still evident on her neck... it didn''t seem to heal. "Take a deep breath Riley... you''re gonna be okay" Anubis said now in front of Riley. Still holding her throat, she raised her head staring into his masked face. "Who... who are you?!" She asked in pain from her sore throat. That moment Omari broke free, roaring dangerously. "Your question will answered in due time... for now I have a seal to tighten" he said, even with his mask face, Riley could tell he was smiling. "Let''s get your husband back shall we" he states standing upright while cracking his knuckles. "The longer he stays in that form the longer he will be consumed in Omari''s essence, and that won''t end well for any of us" he said. Riley''s shaky eyes fixed on the strange man that seem to know more than them, who was he? Her eyes then drifts to her husband, going on a rampage with his deadly roar that shock the very earth they stood on. Riley shaking in extreme fear at the mere sound... Anubis didn''t seem to flinch at the sound. "After centuries of slumber... its only neutral his blood lust is as high as this" Anubis said, his tone laced with seriousness. The thunder strikes as the skies darken instantly at something ominous, the lightning flicker around, the ever black skies was now covered in dark clouds. "Ha curse it Omari.... its time to go back to sleep" Chapter 190 - Black Wrath (Part 1) ''RILEY GET OUT OF HERE NOW'' Silver shouts in her head. Riley was puzzled by her words, there was no way that being or most likely her husband would hurt her right? Well she thought wrong as with one plunge of the staff he held, it came at Riley with lightning speed, she didn''t almost see it come as it plunged the wall behind her, the force slit her cheek... she was lucky it was just that or it would have taken her head. "What''s happening?!" Riley said widen eyes. ''That''s not Liam... that''s Omari!'' Silver hissed. "What?" Riley said stunned. ''He has taken over his body he''s not in his right senses, he will kill anyone in sight'' Silver hissed. "No" Riley shakes her head unable to believe it. Omari growled deeply, he stretched his hand forward calling his staff, it shakes. Riley''s eyes widen in realization as she quickly duck, the staff coming for her head from behind. She raised her head but all air from her lungs left her as she was smashed against the wall hard, his fist around her neck tightly as she struggled to break free. She would have fought back yes... but how can she bring herself to. "L-L-Liam" she said in a struggle, her hand tightly against his hand crushing her wind pipe. Tears filled her eyes. Omari''s smirk broaden more, he held up his staff with his right hand ready to pirece her head, as he drew it back. "L-L-Liam" Riley said as the tears fell more, hoping and praying that his name got to him but it was like she was speaking to a wall, he didn''t flinch, he didn''t stop, he was ready to plunge her head to pieces with that staff. Omari growled deeply moving. "My, my... I didn''t expect this to happen so soon" a voice came in. Making Omari freeze his action of plunging his staff at Riley''s head, Omari''s head snaps to where the voice came form. A man was present, on a black tux, his hands behind his back covered in white gloves, his face could not be seen, it was hidden behind an Anubis mask, it almost seemed like his head, maybe it was. "Least be careful Omari or you will strangle your wife to death" the man said. Omari growled. "Ges tes rastin verina gos ris" Omari said in a demonic double voice, but also had a male voice to it. "Res fres et des runa tin Omari" the strange man said. "ANUBIS" Omari roared. "Ah you remember me now... then there''s no need for reintroduction... so I will ask for the last time," Anubis said in calm tone. "Let. Her. Go. Before you do something you will regret" he said. Omari''s smirk broaden. Riley still struggling for breath was unable to keep up with what was unfolding, all she needed right now was air. But Omari didn''t seem to move an inch. "Ah as stubborn as ever... as you wish then you asked for it" Anubis said as an unknown wind blew around him. "Omari!" Anubis hissed. In flash of speed Omari was pushed off away from Riley, slamming to the wall hard. Riley gasps for breath as she coughed holding her sore throat, his claw marks still evident on her neck... it didn''t seem to heal. "Take a deep breath Riley... you''re gonna be okay" Anubis said now in front of Riley. Still holding her throat, she raised her head staring into his masked face. "Who... who are you?!" She asked in pain from her sore throat. That moment Omari broke free, roaring dangerously. "Your question will be answered in due time... for now I have a seal to tighten" he said, even with his mask face, Riley could tell he was smiling. "Let''s get your husband back shall we" he states standing upright while cracking his knuckles. "The longer he stays in that form the longer he will be consumed in Omari''s essence, and that won''t end well for any of us" he said. Riley''s shaky eyes fixed on the strange man that seem to know more than them, who was he? Her eyes then drifts to her husband, going on a rampage with his deadly roar that shock the very earth they stood on. Riley shaking in extreme fear at the mere sound... Anubis didn''t seem to flinch at the sound. "After centuries of slumber... its only neutral his bloodlust is as high as this" Anubis said, his tone laced with seriousness. The thunder strikes as the skies darken instantly at something ominous, the lightning flicker around, the cloud pitch black. "Ha curse it Omari... its time to go back to sleep! Don''t cause trouble for the mortals!" Anubis hissed, he knew Omari wasn''t on his right mind right now, Liam O''Brien the present black ghoul simply just tapped into his rage. "Bress ses des fig gos res" Omari hissed. "Don''t stand in my way, dog!" Anubis flinched at the name he called him, getting slightly pissed, this was definitely Omari on a rampage. "What is he saying?!" Riley said trying to keep up with the language but didn''t seem to. "It''s ghoul language, too bad the present society of ghouls has dropped it" Anubis said. Omari rotates the staff he held around his hand an unseen force coming around him. The dark aura coming more around him in a most dangerous way. Anubis made hand signs Riley couldn''t keep up it. Anubis murmured some words as he did like a chant. Omari''s pitch gold eyes widen in realization. He growled as his wings spread dangerously, he zoomed off to the air, clashing into the ceiling flying out. "Liam!" Riley called. "Ha curse it... we have a more menacing problem on our hands... its not just about him going berserk now" Anubis said. Riley rise to her feet. "What do you mean?!" She demands. Anubis turned to Riley. "His appetite isn''t exactly pleasant in this age" he states. Then Riley eyes widen in realization. "Oh my God!" She claimed. *** Screams and shouts could be heard, on the road in a hold up of cars, everyone exited their cars as they ran from the most terrifying human being they have ever seen. Omari roared dangerously as he bust through a car front window... the man inside screaming for his lips, Omari rips the window out. "NO PLEASE DONT HURT ME! PLEASE DON''T!" he shouts with tears in his eyes. Omari tilts his head to the side, before smirking, his mouth widen as he devoured the man whole, leaving bloody mess. A woman close to the car screamed in horror. Omari''s head snaps to the woman, her eyes widen as he turned to dash out but she was caught instantly, living the same fate. More screams and panic could be heard also. "Mummy" a girl around the age of 5 cried, lost in the panic. She sobbed and cried searching for her mom. Omari growled deeply turning to the little girl, smirking. The girl turned seeing the monster a few distance away, she gasp drawing back slowly. Omari approached her as his bare black feet made loud thud sound as he walked. Uncontrollable tears gushed out of her eyes her body now paralysed in extreme fear, she lands on her butt, her hands behind her back as she took heavy uneven breath. The monster that would hunt her dream for eternity was before her. She screamed as Omari lashed at her. "G.I AGENTS STEP DOWN NOW!" one of the agents shouts as about 30 of them clustered the scene. Omari''s attention snaps to them, the little girl used the opportunity to run, meeting at mom at the far end, who had tears in her eyes as she grabs her dashing out of the place. "OPEN FIRE!" an agent shouts as they did, shooting at Omari with countless bullets. Omari just stood high and tall with a smirk against his lips. Watching at the lowly beings firing an unusual weapon at him. The bullets unable to pirece his coal skin as they drop flat to the ground. He caught now bullet assessing it. The agents instantly seized fire seeing nothing they did cause even the faintest damage. "Per ras tins restin gresint beus seu" he said in a loud demonic voice tilting his head to the side. ("Is this the weapon the mortal have built to destroy us now?") The agents stared at the being before them, nothing they did penetrated his body. Omari flings the bullet he held to a corner. "Tesrin" (Pity) "Jo''s ros tes frin gest" (I expected more, mortals) The agents panicked as Omari lashed at them devouring... leaving nothing but blood trails the rest panicking a they ran. "I call upon the Surrey of Bind, hold thus that have awakened from his slumber... amin tin bes". On hearing towards words Omari head snaps at Anubis in a far distance, making hand signs as he chants. In a flash of lightning Anubis zapped towards him, before Omari could blink, Anubis white claw now present dugged in his chest. "Go back to sleep!" Anubis hissed. Omari''s head shock backwards as he roared loudly, it could be heard throughout the whole city, it shocked with the menacing sound. Chapter 191 - Black Wrath (Part 2) "Mummy" a girl around the age of 5 cried, lost in the panic. She sobbed and cried searching for her mom. Omari growled deeply turning to the little girl, smirking. The girl turned seeing the monster a few distance away, she gasp drawing back slowly. Omari approached her as his bare black feet made loud thud sound as he walked. Uncontrollable tears gushed out of her eyes her body now paralysed in extreme fear, she lands on her butt, her hands behind her back as she took heavy uneven breath. The monster that would haunt her dreams for eternity was before her. She screamed as Omari lashed at her. "G.I AGENTS STEP DOWN NOW!" one of the agents shouts as about 30 of them clustered the scene. Omari''s attention snaps to them, the little girl used the opportunity to run, meeting at mom at the far end, who had tears in her eyes as she grabs her dashing out of the place. "OPEN FIRE!" an agent shouts as they did, shooting at Omari with countless bullets. Omari just stood high and tall with a smirk against his lips. Watching the lowly beings firing an unusual weapon at him. The bullets unable to pirece his coal skin as they drop flat to the ground. He caught now bullet assessing it. The agents instantly seized fire seeing nothing they did cause even the faintest damage. "Per ras tins restin gresint beus seu" he said in a loud demonic voice tilting his head to the side. ("Is this the weapon the mortals have built to destroy us now?") The agents stared at the being before them, nothing they did penetrated his body. Omari flings the bullet he held to a corner. "Tesrin" (Pity) "Jo''s ros tes frin gest" (I expected more, mortals) The agents panicked as Omari lashed at them devouring... leaving nothing but blood trails, the rest panicking a they ran. "I call upon the Surrey of Bind, hold thus that have awakened from his slumber... amin tin bes". On hearing those words Omari head snaps at Anubis in a far distance, making hand signs as he chants. In a flash of lightning Anubis zapped towards him, before Omari could blink, Anubis white claw now present dugged in his chest. "Go back to sleep!" Anubis hissed. Omari''s head shock backwards as he roared loudly, it could be heard throughout the whole city, it shocked with the menacing sound. Anubis growled digging his claws more into his chest to assss the seal. ''Almost there'' he thought growling but Omari was berserk, he didn''t back down neither did he want to go back to sleep. Omari''s head snaps to face him, roaring. "Omari!" Anubis hissed. "Ges tis gush tum fin gin tur" he hissed. ("Unhand me this instance!") Using his other hand the staff on it spin, pushing Anubis off him, the force pushed to to clashed into a building going deep clashing into another in the fast east side. Omari growled holding his chest, the Claw mark closing instantly. In a zap of speed Anubis came forth sending a hard punch to his face, sending Omari backwrad in a huge amount of force, his body clashing with the cars, somersaulting and destroying at the same time. More screams heard, as more people exited the road and shops in panic. Omari''s void golden eyes feasted upon the people, his elongated tongue came out in hunger. "Oh no you don''t!" Anubis hissed now on top of him where he laid, he aimed for the chest again but Omari kicked him off him, he zoomed to the air in force, but he descend back with force. Omati used his staff to block the attack, pushing him backwards. Anubis was becoming a nuisance to him, his black wings flapped ready to zoom out a he levitated into the skies. But suddenly something like a white chain wraps around his wings, plunging him to the ground with force, he slammed hard on it, the ground cracking in the process, deepening. Anubis held unto the chain firmly, he yanked tightly, making Anubis roar. "Don''t tempt me Omari!" He hissed spinning him clockwise as Omari''s body clashed with the buildings around in a circle form, the glass and blocks going out of place, the area around destroyed in an amount of second. Anubis growled as he plunged Omari back to the ground hand causing an even more wide wave of destruction to the ground. Anubis sighed, standing upright as he retreats the chains around his hand. Omari on the ground, amidst the crater struggling to get up. "What you are feeling right now is nothing but rage and pain... you must free yourself from that or suffer the consequences" Anubis states. "You time has ended, give way for your descendants to set things right" he hissed. Surprisingly to Anubis, Omari chuckles deeply, the sound became loud as he laughed a dark twisted laugh that could send chills to anyone body. His head snaps to face Anubis. "There you''re mistaken... Anubis" Omari said in English, his accent too strong for it. "He called me" he states with a smirk. Anubis knew he was referring to Liam O''Brien. "You both share the same essence.. he probably just tapped into the wrong power" Anubis said sternly. "You know better than to answer that call... rather than treat your descendant as a vessel, treat him with the respect he deserves after all he''s the one who''s gonna continue your lineage, if he dies now with you then it''s all over" Anubis reasoned. Omari growled deeply rising to his feet, standing high and tall. His eyes drift to his staff behind Aunbis for a brief second. He growled deeply. "Liam!". His head snaps to the direction of her voice, Riley came forth. "Please Liam" she began in a shaky breath. Omari growled. "Come back" she said walking towards him. "Lady O''Brien that will be a mistake, his mind is in a blur, he doesn''t know who you are" Anubis said. "Maybe he will remember her then" Riley states as she shifts to her claw form. She grew in height, in a Claw form but not as tall as Omari, white in color wrapped in bandages, bald head holding a rod crown around with thorns, but then her bald head grew in a long white aura signifying hair, she stood high and tall in a feminine structure, white aura around her. Omari eyes widen. "Akila?!" He called a name in a daze. She slowly walks towards him, her body trembled in fear but she had to keep it in for this to work. She stood right in front to him, she hesitantly reach for him. Omari growled, but still she placed her hand against his cheek, she gasps as instantly a memory that wasn''t hers flashed in head. It was blurry but she could make some of it, she saw a view of a forest, no... more like an island and in that island there were people... no ghouls, Claws to be exact inhabited the area, different colours, consisting of both feminine and male structures, they stood watching something at the top. At the top, a white and black Claw was present just as they were... Silver Clover and Ghost Clover. And then like a zap of memory flash she saw a man, he looked Egyptian, he stood before Ghost as their fingers touched. She was brought back to reality as Omari roared, Anubis was now inbetween them, his white claws digging in his chest. "Done excellently lady O''Brien" Anubis said, this was just the perfect distraction he needed, he turned his hand digging in his chest clockwise. Omari snarled as a white symbol came around his chest, he roared more as he went on his knees. "Liam!" Riley panics as she shifts back to human form, staring at the scene with wide eyes. The aura and Omari''s form retreated back within, revealing Liam, his white shirt torn along with his black pants. Liam shouts in extreme pain as the being retreats inside him. Anubis growled as he retreats his claws, blood splashing.h "Liam" Riley said going on her knees as she embraced him tightly, he leaned on her body weak. "Riley" he murmured in a daze. Anubis gave a heavy sigh. "Well the hard part is out" he said. ''For now'' he add in his head, when he sealed back Omari.... he felt it, what he feared for worst was mostly about to happen. Chapter 192 - Black Dark "You both share the same essence.. he probably just tapped into the wrong power" Anubis said sternly. "You know better than to answer that call... rather than treat your descendant as a vessel, treat him with the respect he deserves after all he''s the one who''s gonna continue your lineage, if he dies now with you then it''s all over" Anubis reasoned. Omari growled deeply rising to his feet, standing high and tall. His eyes drift to his staff behind Aunbis for a brief second. He growled deeply. "Liam!". His head snaps to the direction of her voice, Riley came forth. "Please Liam" she began in a shaky breath. Omari growled. "Come back" she said walking towards him. "Lady O''Brien that will be a mistake, his mind is in a blur, he doesn''t know who you are" Anubis said. "Maybe he will remember her then" Riley states as she shifts to her claw form. She grew in height, in a Claw form but not as tall as Omari, white in color wrapped in bandages, bald head holding a rod crown around with thorns, but then her bald head grew in a long white aura signifying hair, she stood high and tall in a feminine structure, white aura around her. Omari eyes widen. "Akila?!" He called a name in a daze. She slowly walks towards him, her body trembled in fear but she had to keep it in for this to work. She stood right in front to him, she hesitantly reach for him. Omari growled, but still she placed her hand against his cheek, she gasps as instantly a memory that wasn''t hers flashed in head. It was blurry but she could make some of it, she saw a view of a forest, no... more like an island and in that island there were people... no ghouls, Claws to be exact inhabited the area, different colours, consisting of both feminine and male structures, they stood watching something at the top. At the top, a white and black Claw was present just as they were... Silver Clover and Ghost Clover. And then like a zap of memory flash she saw a man, he looked Egyptian, he stood before Ghost as their fingers touched. She was brought back to reality as Omari roared, Anubis was now inbetween them, his white claws digging in his chest. "Done excellently lady O''Brien" Anubis said, this was just the perfect distraction he needed, he turned his hand digging in his chest clockwise. Omari snarled as a white symbol came around his chest, he roared more as he went on his knees. "Liam!" Riley panics as she shifts back to human form, staring at the scene with wide eyes. The aura and Omari''s form retreated back within, revealing Liam, his white shirt torn along with his black pants. Liam shouts in extreme pain as the being retreats inside him. Anubis growled as he retreats his claws, blood splashing. "Liam" Riley said going on her knees as she embraced him tightly, he leaned on her body weak. "Riley" he murmured in a daze. Anubis gave a heavy sigh. "Well the hard part is out" he said. ''For now'' he add in his head, when he sealed back Omari... he felt it, what he feared for worst was mostly about to happen. "Liam" Riley said in tears pulling away to face him, he cupped his cheeks with her hands. She was finally able to stare into those chocolate brown eyes of his, a smile found her lips, he was back, he was finally back. Liam''s eyes lands on her neck, seeing the claw mark, his body tensed as rage boiled inside him. "Who did this?!" He demands assessing her neck. Riley gulps hard, not knowing what to tell him. He then looks around, seeing the wide range of destruction, he wondered what kind of explosion happened. "What happened?!" He demands facing her back, he needed some kind of explanation. Riley silence wasn''t helping, the last thing he remembered was fighting Seth and then everything went blank. "Riley talk to me" he asked with pleading eyes. She didn''t meet his eyes, her gaze to the ground. "You did this" Anubis said. Liam''s gaze finally travelled to Anubis, he was puzzled by the Anubis mask he wore that seem like his head. But he was more puzzled by the words he said. "What do you mean?" He said with a shaky voice. He faced his wife back eager for some kind of explanation. Her sad eyes finally met his, and then without her saying anything, he could tell from her eyes, what the strange man said was true, he paled. * "We are still recovering from the shocking incident that transpire last night... suddenly a monster unlike anything we have ever seen emerge, destroying almost half of section 11, about 20 lives lost from this monster attack, agents sent to take down this monster were devoured on sight... this new incident have sent fear to every citizens in New York of this new threat that emerge from nowhere... what could be this monster that caused such amount of destruction" the newscaster said as they showed the view of the destroyed area. *** Outskirts Of The City Black Clover Hometown *Beeping Sounds* Iris watch Sean with sad eyes, she was seated on the bed he laid on, he was currently in a coma. Riley steps in. "How is he?" She asked with sad eyes. "The doctor said..." she sighed, sobbing as she faced her. "He was too hurt in his chest, his heart..." she sobbed. "They don''t know when he will wake up" she cried. "Iris" Riley said placing a hand on her shoulder to console her. "He''s gonna be okay" she assured her, Sean was a fighter and she knew he was gonna overcome this. "I love him, Riley" she said in tears. "I don''t wanna lose him" she cried more wrapping her arm around Riley''s waist burying her face in her stomach, Riley embrace her head as she cried. "It''s okay" she chants. "He''s gonna be okay". Chapter 193 - Black Sins "We are still recovering from the shocking incident that transpire last night... suddenly a monster unlike anything we have ever seen emerge, destroying almost half of section 11, about 20 lives lost from this monster attack, agents sent to take down this monster were devoured on sight... this new incident have sent fear to every citizens in New York of this new threat that emerge from nowhere... what could be this monster that caused such amount of destruction" the newscaster said as they showed the view of the destroyed area. *** Outskirts Of The City Black Clover Hometown *Beeping Sounds* Iris watch Sean with sad eyes, she was seated on the bed he laid on, he was currently in a coma. Riley steps in. "How is he?" She asked with sad eyes. "The doctor said..." she sighed, sobbing as she faced her. "He was too hurt in his chest, his heart..." she sobbed. "They don''t know when he will wake up" she cried. "Iris" Riley said placing a hand on her shoulder to console her. "He''s gonna be okay" she assured her, Sean was a fighter and she knew he was gonna overcome this. "I love him, Riley" she said in tears. "I don''t wanna lose him" she cried more wrapping her arm around Riley''s waist burying her face in her stomach, Riley embrace her head as she cried. "It''s okay" she chants. "He''s gonna be okay". *** The O''Brien Mansion The skies darken as it rain heavily, along with the harsh wind blowing around, carrying the rain into all corners. Liam was seated on a chair facing the window, at the lobby, the rain pouring on the glass but couldn''t get in, Liam head was bent, his arms rested on his knees, his head lost in deep thought... trying to remember what happened after he blanked out but he couldn''t, it was a lost memory to him, a memory that wasn''t his. Riley approached him seeing his down expression, her eyes sadden. "Hey" she began softly, taking her seat next to him but Liam didn''t acknowledge her presence, he has been like this since the past few days, avoiding her, not sparing her a glance not coming to bed, it broke her heart to see him this way. "Liam" she began once more but still no answer. She sighs. "Sooner or later you are gonna have to talk to me... you can''t avoid me forever" she said but then she wince in pain rubbing her throat, it still burned and hurt almost like Omari''s claws were still there, the mark still present and it didn''t seem to heal, not anytime soon. She moaned slightly in pain as she opened her eyes, meeting with Liam''s gaze now on hers, his chocolate eyes were darker than ever, his eyes had bags from lack of sleep. "When was the last time you slept?" she asked worried as she reach for him, but Liam held her hand back, making Riley hurt at the action. "Don''t" he drawled with pleading eyes. "So what I can''t touch you now?" She snaps both in pain and anger. She tried touching him again. "Riley don''t" he growled. She jumped slightly, imagining the voice as Omari, she took a harsh uneven breath before gulping hard. Liam studied her all the way, no matter how she tried to hide it, she was afraid of him and that torn Liam apart from the inside out. With sad eyes Liam moved away turning to leave. "Liam" she called standing up abruptly. "I hurt you!" He snaps facing her, his eyes on the verge of tears. "I hurt you..." he drawled. Riley stared at him with sad eyes. "I can never forgive myself for that... I killed innocent people Riley, killed..." he broke. "I killed children..." "It''s wasn''t your fault" she said taking a step closer. "I saw the fucking news" he hissed. "Liam that wasn''t you... that was Omari, he took over your body Liam... there was nothing you could do about it" she said. He shakes his head negatively as the tears fell. "It still doesn''t change anything" he said turning to leave before she could even reach him. Tears filled Riley''s eyes as she watches him walk away. *** Operating Room "We are still recovering from the shocking incident that transpire last night... suddenly a monster unlike anything we have ever seen emerge, destroying almost half of section 11, about 20 lives lost from this monster attack, agents sent to take down this monster were devoured on sight... this new incident have sent fear to every citizens in New York of this new threat that emerge from nowhere... what could be this monster that caused such amount of destruction" the newscaster said as they showed the view of the destroyed area. Kayla and Race shaky eyes fixed on the news. "Boss did this?" Race said with widen eyes. "We can''t exactly say that for sure... you heard, a demon took over his body" Kayla snaps. Race huffed. "It''s wasn''t a demon Kayla it was his ancestor... Omari the first ghoul, he literally took over Boss body" Race states. "Hey guys turn that off will ya" Rory said with a frown, they did. "Hearing that just makes things worst than it already is" he states. "I suppose" a voice came in from Roy''s back. In response he jumped with a squeaking as he turned. A tall weird man almost the same height as a Claw, wearing a tux was present and worst he had an Anubis mask for a face. "You" Rory said taking a deep breath of relief. "Hey Kayla check this out... it''s Anubis the one who brought Boss back" Race said. "Quit it Race... I know... we all saw" Kayla said with a eye roll. "Oh right... but don''t you think it''s weird, his head is made out of a mask" Race said. "So it that what the mortals are saying about Lord O''Brien?" He said with a nudge of his head referring to news. "The press will say anything" Riley said walking in. "Liam didn''t kill up to that number of people... the rest was fabricated to cover the attack at the ball, the agencies doing" she adds. "Ha mortals... they never seem to change" Anubis said staring into space. "Race have you gotten any Intel on the Seth?" Riley asked. "Yes ma''am... the ghoul killer was no where to be seen along with the Beast that attacked Boss" Race states as his fingers went fast against the keyboard. "Hence the ghoul killer and the Beast might still be alive... the Beast is a whole ghoul in a whole new level" Race said as footage of the Beast crashing down from the ceiling showed. "Such excellent device for discovering things" Anubis said rubbing the chin of his dog mask mask. "I should get out more" he adds with a thought. "You said your name was Anubis" Riley began facing him, her head tilting backwards to meet his face, due to his insane height. "You knew of Liam... more you know about the black ghoul... you know Omari" He faced her. "Most certainly yes" he states. "Who are you? You don''t smell like a ghoul then what are you? I need answers, answers to why my husband is able to tap into the first ghoul power that has been dead for centuries" she demands. "First of Lady O''Brien... I shall tell you of me" he states in amusement. Riley folded her arms listening, others present were eager for an explanation too. "I''m neither ghoul nor human" he said making them more confused. "Aren''t you like Anubis? The jackal-headed deity who presided over the embalming process and accompanied dead kings in the afterword?" Rory said making Race and Kayla turn to him in awe. "What?" He shrugs. "I pay attention to history" "Certainly not that Anubis... I''m called many names in centuries of living... but I''m known mostly as Anubis by Omari... there is this saying that what you are called... you appear as the name" he states. "So you look like this because Omari the first ghoul named you Anubis?" Kayla said getting more confused. "It appears so" Anubis said with a shrug. "Cut the chase, what are you?" Riley demands. "I''m a druid... a ghoul druid to be precise" he said with a shrug. "A druid?" Riley said. "Yes I have been with the ghouls since the very beginning... Omari to be precise, I acted as his judge, teacher, container as you might add" he states. "How come you weren''t there for Liam until the very last minute, there were no mention of you even during Lucas Carter" Riley said puzzled. "Ha Lucas Carter a fine man he was" he said staring into space before facing her. "I only appear when there''s a balance to be kept" he adds. "A balance? So when my son was made into a killer and killed... there wasn''t a balance to be made... or when Liam father did unspeakable things just to awaken the beings inside us... there wasn''t a balance to be made" Riley said pissed. "Where were you when all this happened?!". Chapter 194 - Black Call "So it that what the mortals are saying about Lord O''Brien?" He said with a nudge of his head referring to news. "The press will say anything" Riley said walking in. "Liam didn''t kill up to that number of people... the rest was fabricated to cover the attack at the ball, the agencies doing" she adds. "Ha mortals... they never seem to change" Anubis said staring into space. "Race have you gotten any Intel on the Seth?" Riley asked. "Yes ma''am... the ghoul killer was no where to be seen along with the Beast that attacked Boss" Race states as his fingers went fast against the keyboard. "Hence the ghoul killer and the Beast might still be alive... the Beast is a whole ghoul in a whole new level" Race said as footage of the Beast crashing down from the ceiling showed. "Such excellent device for discovering things" Anubis said rubbing the chin of his dog mask mask. "I should get out more" he adds with a thought. "You said your name was Anubis" Riley began facing him, her head tilting backwards to meet his face, due to his insane height. "You knew of Liam... more you know about the black ghoul... you know Omari" He faced her. "Most certainly yes" he states. "Who are you? You don''t smell like a ghoul then what are you? I need answers, answers to why my husband is able to tap into the first ghoul power that has been dead for centuries" she demands. "First of Lady O''Brien... I shall tell you of me" he states in amusement. Riley folded her arms listening, others present were eager for an explanation too. "I''m neither ghoul nor human" he said making them more confused. "Aren''t you like Anubis? The jackal-headed deity who presided over the embalming process and accompanied dead kings in the afterword?" Rory said making Race and Kayla turn to him in awe. "What?" He shrugs. "I pay attention to history" "Certainly not that Anubis... I''m called many names in centuries of living... but I''m known mostly as Anubis by Omari... there is this saying that what you are called... you appear as the name" he states. "So you look like this because Omari the first ghoul named you Anubis?" Kayla said getting more confused. "It appears so" Anubis said with a shrug. "Cut the chase, what are you?" Riley demands. "I''m a druid... a ghoul druid to be precise" he said with a shrug. "A druid?" Riley said. "Yes I have been with the ghouls since the very beginning... Omari to be precise, I acted as his judge, teacher, container as you might add" he states. "How come you weren''t there for Liam until the very last minute, there were no mention of you even during Lucas Carter" Riley said puzzled. "Ha Lucas Carter a fine man he was" he said staring into space before facing her. "I only appear when there''s a balance to be kept" he adds. "A balance? So when my son was made into a killer and killed... there wasn''t a balance to be made... or when Liam father did unspeakable things just to awaken the beings inside us... there wasn''t a balance to be made" Riley said pissed. "Where were you when all this happened?!". "I was only awoken from my slumber when both of you awakened the divine being inside you... it was a call to all supernatural being... alerting everyone that the ghoul king and queen has been restored... but it was an indirect beacon, it wasn''t positioned, it took sometime before I realize the location" he said. "But still you disconnected yourself away from all this in the first place... how could you call yourself a druid if you were so naive" she states. Silence brood around the operating room. "Like I said lady O''Brien, I only come when a balance is to be made" he states. Riley huffed, looking away. "It''s not in my nature to tell when there is a balance to be needed... we simply get called when there''s a shift and Lord O''Brien is that right now... what he did should have never happened... its something even Lucas Carter wasn''t capable of". "What do you mean?!" Riley demands facing him. "Lord O''Brien and Omari share a connection I do not understand and that not a good thing" he states. Riley''s eyes shakes at his words. "It won''t end well for any of us" he adds. "But you sealed him back" "That''s the point lady O''Brien... there shouldn''t be a seal to close because something like this shouldn''t have happened, it''s not possible... Lord O''Brien did something no other black ghoul should do... seal or not it can''t be sure Omari is back to sleep.... he shouldn''t be even in Lord O''Brien body to begin with... he tapped into the consciousness of Omari, there''s this connection with the previous black ghouls and their ancestors, its like a power lineage but its just there dominant... but this wants to consume him" Riley gasps. "Omari is still inside Liam" Riley said in realization. Anubis gave a slight nod. "Is this a good thing or a bad thing" Rory said. "We can only hope its neither" he said facing Riley back. "Have both of you consummate the right ritual for ghoul marriage?" Anubis asked. "No we haven''t... there was no need, we were both married in the human tradition" Riley explained. "Alas I see why... you shouldn''t have abandoned that important part... it is known throughout history for ghouls that as husband and wife, you both share part of your Claw... in most cases its a way of calming the dominant part of the man" he said. "Then this is the way then... of calming Liam''s berserk power?" "I hope its still a useful trait for the deed has already been done" Anubis said sternly. Riley gulps hard at his words. *** Section 25 New Agency Location Medical Facility Vincent covered the sheets over Seth lifeless body. "He''s dead" Jade said gulping hard. "What are we gonna do now?" She ask as her eyes drifts to Vincent unreadable ones. "You said it was unlike anything you have ever seen" Vincent said as she walks to the wide tube in a corner... a gold fluid inside, the Beast within it undergoing treatment with several wires connected to his coil like body. "Yes" Jade said with shaky eyes as her mind relieved what she saw. She saw the presence of Omari before he flew out of the building. Making sure Riley and the strange masked man were nowhere to be seen... she then approached Seth but it was already too late. "It was like I was in the presence of some kind of demonic being" she said in a shaky voice. "Get some rest" Vincent said turning to leave. *** Vincent sit on his chair, running his chin, he then turned it to face the window staring at the city of night lights of New York. The lights in his office suddenly flickered. He smiled turning his seat. "Anubis what a pleasant surprise" Vincent said in amusement, seeing the suited man wearing an Anubis mask, before him, his white gloves hands behind his back. "I believe there''s no need for introduction, as you already know who I''m" Anubis said sternly. "Really there''s no need... I know what you are and what you''re capable of" Vincent said smirking. "You appear to know more about ghouls than I thought" Anubis said. "Is that why you purposely made Lord O''Brien go berserk" he adds. Vincent''s smirk broaden more. "It was your plan wasn''t it... you predicted all this will happen... the Jones family never seem to amaze me" "Isn''t it fun? I get just seat in my office and watch as Liam destroys everything he loves while I watch" Vincent said smirking. "Once again you underestimate the black ghoul" Anubis said darkly. In a blink of an eye Vincent brought out a gun, he fired a shot as the golden bullet came for Anubis but it passed through him like he was invisible... digging in the wall behind him. Vincent stared amazed. "Then it''s true then... you''re more than a ghoul and a human, a being known as the Druid" he said in awe. "Your reign shall come to an end Vincent Jones... know that, the black ghoul shall be your downfall" Anubis said. Vincent chuckled darkly as he rose to his feet. "Why don''t you save your precious king the trouble, and end me right here... right now" he states cocking his gun. "You of all people shall know I don''t meddle in an uncalled affair" Anubis said. "Ha yes... you respond only to the duty you are given... pity it would have been an honor to fight a being such as you" he said laughing. ''The more...'' Anubis thought sternly. ''The more he becomes a monster... perhaps this is what the stars have foreseen... is it time?... is time for the battle that is destined to shock the earth, I shall make sure of it'' his hand behind his back tightens in a fist. "It''s was an unpleasant meeting seeing you" Anubis said as his body disappeared in a mirage. Vincent looks around he was nowhere to be seen. "This is only the beginning" Vincent said with a smirk against his lips, his plan shall be realized without him lifting a finger, he shall bring an end to the ghouls. Chapter 195 - Black Darkness Section 25 New Agency Location Medical Facility Vincent covered the sheets over Seth lifeless body. "He''s dead" Jade said gulping hard. "What are we gonna do now?" She ask as her eyes drifts to Vincent unreadable ones. "You said it was unlike anything you have ever seen" Vincent said as she walks to the wide tube in a corner... a gold fluid inside, the Beast within undergoing treatment with several wires connected to his coil like body. "Yes" Jade said with shaky eyes as her mind relieved what she saw. She saw the presence of Omari before he flew out of the building. Making sure Riley and the strange masked man were nowhere to be seen... she then approached Seth but it was already too late. "It was like I was in the presence of some kind of demonic being" she said in a shaky voice. "Get some rest" Vincent said turning to leave. *** Vincent sit on his chair, running his chin, he then turned it to face the window staring at the city of night lights of New York. The lights in his office suddenly flickered. He smiled turning his seat. "Anubis what a pleasant surprise" Vincent said in amusement, seeing the suited man wearing an Anubis mask, before him, his white gloves hands behind his back. "I believe there''s no need for introduction, as you already know who I''m" Anubis said sternly. "Really there''s no need... I know what you are and what you''re capable of" Vincent said smirking. "You appear to know more about ghouls than I thought" Anubis said. "Is that why you purposely made Lord O''Brien go berserk" he adds. Vincent''s smirk broaden more. "It was your plan wasn''t it... you predicted all this will happen... the Jones family never seem to amaze me" "Isn''t it fun? I get just seat in my office and watch as Liam destroys everything he loves while I watch" Vincent said smirking. "Once again you underestimate the black ghoul" Anubis said darkly. In a blink of an eye Vincent brought out a gun, he fired a shot as the golden bullet came for Anubis but it passed through him like he was invisible... digging in the wall behind him. Vincent stared amazed. "Then it''s true then... you''re more than a ghoul and a human, a being known as the Druid" he said in awe. "Your reign shall come to an end Vincent Jones... know that, the black ghoul shall be your downfall" Anubis said. Vincent chuckled darkly as he rose to his feet. "Why don''t you save your precious king the trouble, and end me right here... right now" he states cocking his gun. "You of all people shall know I don''t meddle in an uncalled affair" Anubis said. "Ha yes... you respond only to the duty you are given... pity it would have been an honor to fight a being such as you" he said laughing. ''The more...'' Anubis thought sternly. ''The more he becomes a monster... perhaps this is what the stars have foreseen... is it time?... is time for the battle that is destined to shock the earth, I shall make sure of it'' his hand behind his back tightens in a fist. "It''s was an unpleasant meeting seeing you" Anubis said as his body disappeared in a mirage. Vincent looks around he was nowhere to be seen. "This is only the beginning" Vincent said with a smirk against his lips, his plan shall be realized without him lifting a finger, he shall bring an end to the ghouls. *** Anubis stood at the rooftop of the highest building, his hands behind his back as the wing swirl around him, flapping his clothes. ''Could this be it?'' He thought staring into the pitch black skies illuminated by stars. ''The prophesied battle from centuries ago... what Omari himself prophesied would happen after his demise... could this be why? Why Omari is so suddenly manifesting the present black ghoul?'' His hand tightens in a fist. ''I must find answers'', he vanished in thin air like a mirage. *** Outskirts Of The City Black Clover Hometown The O''Brien''s Mansion Riley stir awake as she slowly opened her eyes, she groaned sitting up, turning to the side. A frown formed against her features when she saw the empty space beside her, for the past week it has been like this, she always woke up in an empty bed, she rarely saw her husband, it was like they were both strangers in their own home. She heard the door open, she quickly turned seeing Liam. "Liam," she said with shaky eyes. He turns to her, the black bags under his eyes becoming more evident, his skin paler than usual. He had on just a loose pants and a shirt. "You''re awake" he states. "Yes". He gave a nod. "I went to see Sean" he said walking to the chair set close to the window. Riley got off bed walking towards him. "His condition doesn''t seem to improve" he adds. "Liam" she began walking close to him but he drew back instinctively. It was like a spear was driven to her heart by the action. "How long are you gonna be like this?" she asked. "Riley, don''t-" "Don''t what huh? is this how we are gonna live now?" she said in a hurtful tone, her fury gaze meeting with his. "Liam what happened wasn''t your fault!" "You don''t know that!" "You know what... this is what Vincent wants... the past week we haven''t been working our plans against the agency... how long will you keep doing this" she hissed with sad eyes. "I talked with Anubis... Riley, I''m a threat to my own kind, I can''t even trust myself anymore because of what happened and what could happen" he states. Riley sighs. "I could hurt you again or worst... i could" "Liam please stop," Riley said taking his hand. He tried to pull it off but she held it firm. "Liam please" she said with pleading eyes, there was no way this will tear them apart not after everything they have been through together. He looks away, not meeting gaze with hers. She slowly reach and placed her hand on his cheek. "Look at me" she urged but he didn''t even flinch. "Please Liam look at me... please" she said with pleading eyes. He slowly turned to meet her gaze. "Don''t do this to me Liam..." she said taking a step forward. "Don''t do this to us" she adds softly. Liam''s eyes sadden at her words. "Don''t let someone as Omari come between us... its not worth it... not after everything we have been through" she sobs. "Riley" he began. "Please Liam don''t... let it come between us, don''t let it tear us accept... don''t let it hinder our revenge on the agency... we can''t-" He cut her off as he smashed his lips on hers, Riley gasps on the sudden action making him gain more assess to her mouth, their lips both roamed together in longing, the feelings and emotions of their lost time together bubbling up. With eagerness Riley wraps her arms around his neck tight, going on her tip toes as she deepened the kiss, Liam''s hands straddled on her waist firmly, before he pulled away. "Liam" she said puzzled as she stared at him, his eyes closed like he was refraining from something. "Liam?" "Riley I can''t" he sighs. "I can''t" he adds opening his eyes meeting with her sad ones. She scoffs turning to leave but he grabs by the arm. "The let me go!" She snaps facing him. "I-I-I can''t" he stammered. "I don''t get it... what are you so afraid of, you can''t even touch me anymore" she said. "Omari" he said, his gaze on her "There''s this... heavy feeling... this darkness within me, I don''t know I can''t explain it... Babe I''m scared of losing myself to this darkness" he said. "You won''t Liam" she said placing a hand on his chest. "Not while I''m here" she adds sternly. His sad eyes met hers, he slowly reach for her cheeks. "You''re not in this alone" she said. "There''s no need to be scared... everything is gonna be alright". "Promise me something" he began in a serious tone. "Anything" she said softly. "Promise me that no matter what happens to me you will bring down the agency and free the ghouls" he said. "Liam nothing is gonna happen to you" "Just promise me... please" he said with pleading eyes. "I promise". He nods, she went on her tip toes pressing her lips against his. He kissed back without holding back anymore, as he let his desire spawn free. Riley moaned as he grabs her by the butt straddling her on his waist, she eagerly wraps her legs around his waist as he took her to bed. The kiss went on in a fury match, containing their longing they both held for each other. Liam trailed his hands to her laps gently raising her silk night gown off her body, leaving her body exposed for him. He pulled away taking off his shirt, Riley''s eyes lands on his bare chest, how she missed her eyes trailing on it and her fingers exploring. "Anubis told me something" Riley began as her eyes met his once more, his chocolate brown eyes were dark with lost, she could already picture the wicked things he had in mind.... but right now there was something more Important. Chapter 196 - Black Desire "I could hurt you again or worst... i could" "Liam please stop," Riley said taking his hand. He tried to pull it off but she held it firm. "Liam please" she said with pleading eyes, there was no way this will tear them apart not after everything they have been through together. He looks away, not meeting gaze with hers. She slowly reach and placed her hand on his cheek. "Look at me" she urged but he didn''t even flinch. "Please Liam look at me... please" she said with pleading eyes. He slowly turned to meet her gaze. "Don''t do this to me Liam..." she said taking a step forward. "Don''t do this to us" she adds softly. Liam''s eyes sadden at her words. "Don''t let someone as Omari come between us... its not worth it... not after everything we have been through" she sobs. "Riley" he began. "Please Liam don''t... let it come between us, don''t let it tear us accept... don''t let it hinder our revenge on the agency... we can''t-" He cut her off as he smashed his lips on hers, Riley gasps on the sudden action making him gain more assess to her mouth, their lips both roamed together in longing, the feelings and emotions of their lost time together bubbling up. With eagerness Riley wraps her arms around his neck tight, going on her tip toes as she deepened the kiss, Liam''s hands straddled on her waist firmly, before he pulled away. "Liam" she said puzzled as she stared at him, his eyes closed like he was refraining from something. "Liam?" "Riley I can''t" he sighs. "I can''t" he adds opening his eyes meeting with her sad ones. She scoffs turning to leave but he grabs by the arm. "Then let me go!" She snaps facing him. "I-I-I can''t" he stammered. "I don''t get it... what are you so afraid of, you can''t even touch me anymore" she said. "Omari" he said, his gaze on her. "There''s this... heavy feeling... this darkness within me, I don''t know I can''t explain it... Babe I''m scared of losing myself to this darkness" he said. "You won''t Liam" she said placing a hand on his chest. "Not while I''m here" she adds sternly. His sad eyes met hers, he slowly reach for her cheeks. "You''re not in this alone" she said. "There''s no need to be scared... everything is gonna be alright". "Promise me something" he began in a serious tone. "Anything" she said softly. "Promise me that no matter what happens to me you will bring down the agency and free the ghouls" he said. "Liam nothing is gonna happen to you" "Just promise me... please" he said with pleading eyes. "I promise". He nods, she went on her tip toes pressing her lips against his. He kissed back without holding back anymore, as he let his desire spawn free. Riley moaned as he grabs her by the butt straddling her on his waist, she eagerly wraps her legs around his waist as he took her to bed. The kiss went on in a fury match, containing their longing they both held for each other. Liam trailed his hands to her laps gently raising her silk night gown off her body, leaving her body exposed for him. He pulled away taking off his shirt, Riley''s eyes lands on his bare chest, how she missed her eyes trailing on it and her fingers exploring. "Anubis told me something" Riley began as her eyes met his once more, his chocolate brown eyes were dark with lust, she could already picture the wicked things he had in mind... but right now there was something more Important. He lavished her neck with kisses and nibs. "About the final consummation of our marriage" she moaned, placing her hands on his shoulder so she could get a better look at him. "It''s about the ghoul tradition, the real way to a marriage" she said in serious tone. "Sean told me about something like that... he said something about sharing Claws" he states. She nods. "Liam, if we share our Claws right now... it could stop what ever is happening to you, it can calm the aura inside you... we can become one... and fight this together" she said. He gulps hard. "I don''t know how i can-" "Trust me Liam... trust me" she said gently. He nods, he trusted her with his life there was no doubt about that. "It''s all about calling forth our Claws while we..." she bit her lip. "Make love" he said smirking devilishly. Riley rolled her eyes. "The Claws will take over from there" she said. "Let''s get on with it then" Liam said not able to contain the burning desire within him anymore. He ravished her lips once again, they collided in a perfect rhythm. Riley''s body went in a white aura swirling around, Liam body did the same too, in a black coat of darkness. Riley moved loudly as things got heated between them, his hands on her body, his lips on hers, the movement of their bodies, the rubbing together sent her body on fire as much as it did for Liam, it went on nonstop. Unknown to them Liam''s body suddenly phase to black at the back, running around and spreading. Riley''s hands in ecstasy roamed his back unaware of the starting disaster. Things got more intense as Riley wraps her legs around his waist, urging him to push forward but what she got in return wasn''t what she expected. Liam grabs her wrists pinning them down to the bed on either side of her. In confusion she flashed her open and gasps. She was once again met with pitch black coal skin and void golden eyes. Omari smirks broaden, Riley tried to move but her hands were pinned tightly. "Liam" she said taking deep breaths. "You''re hurting me". She was unable to move her body, his weight left no room for her to move. She was within his deadly jaws. "Akila" he said in a demonic voice. Chapter 197 - Black Body? "Anubis told me something" Riley began as her eyes met his once more, his chocolate brown eyes were dark with lust, she could already picture the wicked things he had in mind... but right now there was something more important. He lavished her neck with kisses and nibs. "About the final consummation of our marriage" she moaned, placing her hands on his shoulder so she could get a better look of him. "It''s about the ghoul tradition, the real way to a marriage" she said in serious tone. "Sean told me something like that... he said something about sharing Claws" he states. She nods. "Liam, if we share our Claws right now... it could stop what ever is happening to you, it can calm the aura inside you... we can become one... and fight this together" she said. He gulps hard. "I don''t know how i can-" "Trust me Liam... trust me" she said gently. He nods, he trusted her with his life there was no doubt about that. "It''s all about calling forth our Claws while we..." she bit her lip. "Make love" he said smirking devilishly. Riley rolled her eyes. "The Claws will take over from there" she said. "Let''s get on with it then" Liam said not able to contain the burning desire within him anymore. He ravished her lips once again, they collided in a perfect rhythm. Riley''s body went in a white aura swirling around, Liam body did the same too, in a black coat of darkness. Riley moaned loudly as things got heated between them, his hands on her body, his lips on hers, the movement of their bodies, the rubbing of their skins together sent her body on fire as much as it did for Liam, it went on nonstop. Unknown to them, Liam''s body suddenly phase to black at the back, running around and spreading. Riley''s hands in ecstasy roamed his back unaware of the starting disaster. Things got more intense as Riley wraps her legs around his waist, urging him to push forward but what she got in return wasn''t what she expected. Liam grabs her wrists pinning them down to the bed on either side of her. In confusion she flashed her open and gasps. She was once again met with pitch black coal skin face and void golden eyes. Omari smirks broaden, Riley tried to move but her hands were pinned tightly. "Liam" she said taking deep breaths. "You''re hurting me". She was unable to move her body, his weight left no room for her to move. She was within his deadly jaws. "Akila" he said in a demonic voice. ''Akila... its that name again'' Riley thought gulping hard, her whole body was on high alert, she felt like she was in the presence of a stranger, a stranger who was her husband and not at the same time. What was she to do in this situation? Omari tried to kill her once... won''t he try the same thing again? "Hes tas res ji rinesta" he said inhaling her scent from her neck, Riley felt a deep shiver ran through her whole body, her body trembled, she didn''t know if it was fear or cold, neither she felt both, she felt vulnerable right now in the presence of this man. "You smell so much like her... even look like her" he said in a daze pulling away, as his void gaze met with hers. "Is this how reincarnation works" he said in amusement as if almost amazed, like he was staring at something very familiar, maybe he was. Riley gulps hard. "Why are you doing this to Liam?" She asked shaky. Omari growled deeply. "You intend to subdue me" he began ignoring her question. "You shouldn''t have thought of that little one... I have no intention of going back to sleep" he states. ''The ghoul consummation would have worked'' Riley thought in realization, she and Liam had to share their Claws right now... but Omari was getting in the way. "Why won''t you go back to sleep?!" She demands, she had to know why Omari was so bent of staying awake within Liam, she had to find out, she tried to move but Omari didn''t budge, her wrists were killing her from his tight hold. Omari growled deeply. "I cannot go back to slumber... not now not ever" he growled. "So what now... you''re gonna destroy my marriage because you want my husband body to possess?!" She hissed, trying to move once again. "Be still woman!" He hissed. "I cannot go back to sleep not until I fulfilled Doomsday" he hissed once again. ''Doomsday?''. "I will let you do this to this to him!" She snaps. Omari roared at her fiercely but Riley stood her ground as her body went up in white aura pushing Omari off her. Riley quickly wraps the sheet around her naked body standing up, a white rod forged on her hand, she got ready for anything or any attack, she made a promise to Liam, they will both handle this darkness together, she didn''t mind if she had to tire him up until he had awoken as Liam. Omari chuckled deeply as he slowly rose to his feet in all his naked glory, his skin black as coal, his eight packs exposed for her eyes to feast upon, his muscles broad fitting his tall frame. She tilt her head backwards just to meet his gaze. "As feisty as ever" he said with a growl. "Go back to sleep Omari" she said, no matter how afraid she was, she wasn''t gonna back down just yet. "Not consummating anymore?!" he asked with a wicked smirk. "Well thank you Omari... but I will like my husband back" she snaps pissed... this man sense of humor was twisted. "And if I don''t?" He said in a teasing matter. Was this Omari? She wasn''t so sure, because the Omari she saw a week ago was driven by rage and a bloodthirsty hunger... Anubis did say the reason for that was because Liam tapped into his centuries of rage... which made him go berserk and unstable but still that theory wasn''t too sure... because Omari was a dark man in the past... but right now, could this be Omari when he was not driven by rage? Because right now he was so much like Liam, but the more darker part that can be monstrous. "I''m waiting little one!". Chapter 198 - Black Hide And Seek Riley quickly wraps the sheet around her naked body standing up, a white rod forged on her hand, she got ready for anything or any attack, she made a promise to Liam, they will both handle this darkness together, she didn''t mind if she had to tire him up until he has awoken as Liam. Omari chuckled deeply as he slowly rose to his feet in all his naked glory, his skin black as coal, his eight packs exposed for her eyes to feast upon, his muscles broad fitting his tall frame. She tilt her head backwards just to meet his gaze. "As feisty as ever" he said with a growl. "Go back to sleep Omari" she said, no matter how afraid she was, she wasn''t gonna back down just yet. "Not consummating anymore?!" he asked with a wicked smirk. "Well thank you Omari... but I will like my husband back" she snaps pissed... this man sense of humor was twisted. "And if I don''t?" He said in a teasing matter. Was this Omari? She wasn''t so sure, because the Omari she saw a week ago was driven by rage and a bloodthirsty hunger... Anubis did say the reason for that was because Liam tapped into his centuries of rage... which made him go berserk and unstable but still that theory wasn''t too sure... because Omari was a dark man in the past... but right now, could this be Omari when he was not driven by rage? Because right now he was so much like Liam, but the much darker part that can be monstrous. "I''m waiting little one!". Riley gulps hard, her hand against her rod tightly, his void eyes caught that. "Seems like you want to play then" he adds smirking. "I''m not here for games" Riley said through clenched teeth, she tried her best to fix her gaze on his face and not his monstrous arousal, she was sure he was still feeling the after effect of Liam''s presence. "You really want to consummate and share Claws" he states. His English accent was becoming more pronounce but there was a native accent in it that still gave him away. "Isn''t it obvious" Riley said sarcastically. He growled. "Lets bargain then" he said. "Bargain?" "Yes," he said in amusement. Was she seriously gonna bargain with him? she gulps hard at the thought. "What''s the catch?!" she demands, she needed to know what she''s getting herself into. "You win... you get what you want... i win and i get what i want" he said in amusement. "And what exactly do you want?!" "That little one is for after i win, I have 2 request" he states. "Then i will add one more condition if i win" she said, He raised an eyebrow. "And what''s that?!" "And that Omari is for when i win" she said using his own word against. "Ha... pes geas tey rues tino des" he said in ghoul language his eyes beaming dangerously but his smirk was still evident. At this point in time Riley wished she at least knew some ghoul language and since Silver''s memory was still rusty she couldn''t learn from her. "So what''s the game about then?!" she asked. Omari made a hmm sound rubbing his chin. "Been going through this child memories" he referred to Liam making a thought face. "The world has really evolved in centuries" he said in amusement as his eyes lands on her, they raked her for head to toe in a lustful look. "But somethings never change" he adds. Riley felt a cold air hit her skin, she felt vulnerable and exposed to this man before her, even though the covers were still around her, it was transparent also, she knew Omari saw everything and it made her body boiled... but funny enough she wasn''t uncomfortable as she thought she might be, his stare felt like that of Liam like he owned the body... she felt this faint connection to Omari that she couldn''t quite place. Their gaze then locked in a swift motion and then she felt the strange connection again, along with a faint vision of a woman in a woods, her back turned, her dark hair with strand of white long reaching her waist, she was only on a white clothing that looked Egyptian, she then turned, the very look alike of Riley. Riley gasp as she was brought back to reality. Omari now stood right in front of her, her back now pressed against the wall, her rod nowhere to be seen. "You feel the connection don''t you" he said. "The same with my Akila" he add as his black claw hands trailed her stomach up her chest. ''Of course it make sense now... I''m Akila''s reincarnation, that''s why I''m so drawn to him'' she thought in realization. Omari growled using his fingers against her chin to tilt her face upwards so that she could look at him, he licks in lips in response, she wondered if in hunger for her flesh or something else, she couldn''t tell. All she knew was her mind was in a daze in the presence of this man, the heat rising in this position was too much to bear, she could feel his rock hard body against hers and it sent an odd feeling to her body. ''Curse this ghoul connection'' she thought in her head. "Let''s play hide and seek" he said in amusement knowing the reaction he caused to her body. "You run, I follow" he adds leaning close to her neck inhaling her scent once more. How much it reminded of Akila, he could get lost and wild just by inhaling this scent. "And if you catch me?" She asked gulping hard. "I win" he growled. Using the strength she could muster, she places her hands on his hard chest, jolting him backwards. Omari chuckles as he stumbles backwards. "First I need to change to something comfortable" she states. "Don''t you dare little one! Or else i will decide on something more than playing games" he warned in a deep deadly voice making Riley shivers at his harsh words. "Fine then" Riley said with clenched teeth wrapping the sheets around her body more. "Good girl". Practically growling she walks out of the room. "Es... joi...Ui...hos" She heard him behind, counting in ghoul language, this was sick but Riley had to oblige if she wanted this to work. And she was gonna win no matter what, this was her house after all, she knew it like the back of his hand. *** The thunder strikes loudly, the lighting reflecting in the house, loud thud sound could be heard as Omari strolled on the wide lobby decorated with modern antiques he has never seen before. His claw fingers felt the wall, enclosed with wallpaper, consisting of black colour and golden designs, his void eyes traveled through the entire environment, feasting his eyes upon it and studying. "Brilliant girl" he said with a smirk, he couldn''t detect her by smell, her presence was simply like she vanished but he knew she was still within the house. All her actions simply reminded her of Akila, exactly as she did when they played this game but it wasn''t called hide and seek then. He stops for a second titling his head to the side when he saw a wide picture in the lobby, a well framed picture of Liam and Riley O''Brien, of their wedding day, they simply posed in the picture, Riley on her beautiful wedding gown well designed, Liam on his tux beside her smiling wonderfully, his lips on her cheek. It was like he was staring at the splitting image of himself through Liam from centuries ago, he growled continuing his stroll, at least the child took his good looks, he was proud for that fact. *** Riley''s heart slammed loudly in her chest, her eyes fixed on the small board space in her front of where she hid. "This is ridiculous" she said faintly, this was the worst night of her life ever since their wedding night, she thought that night was the worst day of her intimate section with Liam due to the ghoul killer attack but she was wrong, this was the worst ever. "Silver are you sure he can''t trace our scent?" Rikey asked the being withing her. ''Trust Silver, he won''t, Silver remembers a memory of this game'' Silver said in her head, with her deep angelic voice. "He played this with Akila?" ''Yes... a game they loved to play... Silver don''t fully remember but Silver helps her mask her scent so that her destined wouldn''t find her'' "Well what happens if he finds her?" Riley asked. ''That was the fun part of game... Akila would want to be found, because after that they both mate under the moonlight, the most intimate part of their relationship and also the way of the ghoul king and queen to enjoy their time together''. "You have got to be kidding me... there''s no way I''m sleeping with that beast!" Riley said pissed. ''You both bargain didn''t you? Then rest assure nothing like that will happen'' "Screw this" Riley said still pissed about the game meaning. Suddenly she heard thud steps, her whole body froze, as her breath caught. She knew it was Omari and he was coming. Chapter 199 - Black Bargain Riley''s heart slammed loudly in her chest, her eyes fixed on the small board space in her front of where she hid. "This is ridiculous" she said faintly, this was the worst night of her life ever since their wedding night, she thought that night was the worst day of her intimate section with Liam due to the ghoul killer attack but she was wrong, this was the worst ever. "Silver are you sure he can''t trace our scent?" Rikey asked the being withing her. ''Trust Silver, he won''t, Silver remembers a memory of this game'' Silver said in her head, with her deep angelic voice. "He played this with Akila?" ''Yes... a game they loved to play... Silver don''t fully remember but Silver helps her mask her scent so that her destined wouldn''t find her'' "Well what happens if he finds her?" Riley asked. ''That was the fun part of game... Akila would want to be found, because after that they both mate under the moonlight, the most intimate part of their relationship and also the way of the ghoul king and queen to enjoy their time together''. "You have got to be kidding me... there''s no way I''m sleeping with that beast!" Riley said pissed. ''You both bargain didn''t you? Then rest assure nothing like that will happen'' "Screw this" Riley said still pissed about the game meaning. Suddenly she heard thud steps, her whole body froze, as her breath caught. She knew it was Omari and he was coming. Riley''s heart slammed loudly in her chest the thud sound got louder and louder... but she had to calm herself down because there''s no way he would find her, she got her scent covered and her hiding space was undetectable. "Where are you little one, come out come out, wherever you are" Omari''s loud voice boomed in the hallway, in a sing tone, his voice in amusement. Riley almost snorted at his undeniable amusement of playing this sick game but she retrain herself from doing so. ''Sick bastard!'' She cursed in her head. The thud sound fades into a distance. ''He will be back, we should change the hiding spot'' Silver said in her head. "When does the game even end?!" Riley asked faintly, she needed to know how long this was going to go on. ''Dawn'' "Great" Riley said opening the box space sliding it open as she crawled out from inside the wall, out fully, she quickly close the space, turning to leave but a nail caught her sheet. "Fuck" she cursed pulling it but then it rips all the way to her body as she gasps. "Found you" Omari''s voice came in with beaming amusement. With widen eyes of horror she turned to him. "I win" he said in a simple tone as his void golden eyes beamed. In fear Riley quickly pulled back but in result her sheet rips entirely, she trips falling to the ground but instead of her back head slamming to the floor it lands on a hand instantly. Omari''s was so suddenly on top of her, pining her body to the ground. "What are you gonna do to me?" Riley asked shaky as her mind played Silver''s words. "Whatever do you mean little one" he said smirking. "You know what I mean" Riley growled moving. But he instantly grabs her hand and pinned it above her head, slamming it to the floor, Riley groaned in response. Omari growled. "Now for what we bargained" he said as his chest vibrates in a growl. Riley shifts uncomfortably beneath him, there was no space between them at all, and she could feel all him. "Be still woman!" He snaps, snarling as if refraining himself. Riley was still as water instantly as her heart slammed in her chest, her body trembling. "Heed my words" he began in a much softer tone. "There will be no sharing of Claws... I shall remain until I have fulfilled doomsday". "Doomsday?" Riley couldn''t stop herself from asking, this was the second time he said something like this. Omari growled at her disrespectfulness for interrupting him, but as if he knew the mystery was killing her, he respond. "My greatest foe small rise again, the battle between two deities shall shook the earth, this child cannot defeat it alone so I shall accompany him" Riley''s eyes widen at his words. "This child didn''t just tap into my rage by mere chance but I chose to be awaken so i may fulfill doomsday... a battle I predicted doing my time" "Then who is this foe? Who is the other deity?" She demands, she needed to know if Liam was in danger. "Apophis... god of Chaos, my enemy since the very beginning, he has no form or shape but still finds a way to crawl into the hearts of people, I sealed him once but yet again he manages to come back, this time I must kill him and end his reign" Omari said with a growl. Doomsday, Apophis, god of chaos, this was all too much for her to take in. "Listen to me little one" Omari began in a more serious tone not tearing gaze with hers. "Every foe this child has ever fought since the moment he awaken his Claw" Riley gasps as series of images played in his void eyes. ''Xavier Jose, Seth Judson, Wayne Sanford, Barbra Jones, even their own son Ryan O''Brien'' she saw all their faces, she couldn''t believe it, they were all the twisted manipulation of Apophis, the poison in their thoughts, the dark desire for blood they were driven by, everything. And then she saw a snake snarled. She gasps looking away, taking harsh breath of what she just uncovered. "Apophis will not stop until he ends my reign, my descendant... which is why I cannot go back to sleep, I must merge with this child and become one, with our powers collide I shall be able to erase Apophis once and for all". Tears filled Rileys eyes, this was bigger than them combined, this was a long destined battle between two deities. She faced Omari as the tears fell, this was the reason all this was happening, it all made sense now. "What happens..." she sobs. "What happens when you merge with Liam and fufill doomsday?!" She saw a flick of emotion in his eyes but as soon as it came, it was gone. "This child will die" "No... no" she cried forcing her grip off his hold, hitting his chest as her chest tighten in pain. "He won''t survive it, his body shall merge with mine, we shall both cease to exist" "No please... just stop" she cried. Omari growled. "Listen to me little one!" he hissed pining her hands back to either side of her, close to her head, but not as hurtful. Her teary eyes met his. "This cannot be undone" he said softly, he releases one of her hand slowly wipping her tears from her cheeks. Riley close her eyes as she sobs, the pain unbearable. Omari leans close. "Which is why I have a second request" he said close to her ear that sent shivers to her spine. "Bear my heir... give birth to my next descendants" Riley flushed her eyes open upon his request. "Secure the next line of the black ghoul" he said burying his face in her neck. In response to that, the black skin retreated back within, the black shadow retreated revealing Liam. He groaned in her neck, his eyes blinked puzzled of the hard floor, weren''t they on bed? He raised his head. "Babe what happened?!" He asked looking around seeing they were in the hall. "What are we doing here?" He asked. But Riley only just stared at him with sad eyes. "Riley?" But then his eyes widen in realization. "Omari" "Did omari did something? Did he hurt you?" He demands. "Riley talk to-" She smashes her lips on his, all questions went out the window as Liam got drown in, Riley ravished his lips like it was the last thing she would ever do, Liam tried to pull away but his body wouldn''t respond. He felt her hands trailed his back hotly... all he could only do was moan deeply, her hand got to his waist as she pushed him downwards to her core. She moaned in ecstacy as she felt whole again. Liam broke the kiss, his feature covered in lust, he could''nt think, he couldn''t say anything as he moved in a hard fast rhythm. Riley''s lips went apart as her moans echoed in the hall, it was intense and mind blowing. She wraps her arms around his neck as she turned in a swift move, flipping him and straddling on top of him, her head shock backwards in pleasure as the movement went on. Liam growled as his nails dug in her waist almost drawing blood. But all that was pleasure, enthralling pleasure that got his body burning for more. He could only growl and grip as Riley took the lead. Chapter 200 - Black Destinys "Apophis will not stop until he ends my reign, my descendant... which is why I cannot go back to sleep, I must merge with this child and become one, with our powers collide I shall be able to erase Apophis once and for all". Tears filled Rileys eyes, this was bigger than them combined, this was a long destined battle between two deities. She faced Omari as the tears fell, this was the reason all this was happening, it all made sense now. "What happens..." she sobs. "What happens when you merge with Liam and fufill doomsday?!" She saw a flick of emotion in his eyes but as soon as it came, it was gone. "This child will die" "No... no" she cried forcing her grip off his hold, hitting his chest as her chest tighten in pain. "He won''t survive it, his body shall merge with mine, we shall both cease to exist" "No please... just stop" she cried. Omari growled. "Listen to me little one!" he hissed pining her hands back to either side of her, close to her head, but not as hurtful. Her teary eyes met his. "This cannot be undone" he said softly, he releases one of her hand slowly wipping her tears from her cheeks. Riley close her eyes as she sobs, the pain unbearable. Omari leans close. "Which is why I have a second request" he said close to her ear that sent shivers to her spine. "Bear my heir... give birth to my next descendants" Riley flushed her eyes open upon his request. "Secure the next line of the black ghoul" he said burying his face in her neck. In response to that, the black skin retreated back within, the black shadow retreated revealing Liam. He groaned in her neck, his eyes blinked puzzled of the hard floor, weren''t they on bed? He raised his head. "Babe what happened?!" He asked looking around seeing they were in the hall. "What are we doing here?" He asked. But Riley only just stare at him with sad eyes. "Riley?" But then his eyes widen in realization. "Omari" "Did omari did something? Did he hurt you?" He demands. "Riley talk to-" She smashes her lips on his, all questions went out the window as Liam got drown in, Riley ravished his lips like it was the last thing she would ever do, Liam tried to pull away but his body wouldn''t respond. He felt her hands trailed his back hotly... all he could only do was moan deeply, her hand got to his waist as she pushed him downwards to her core. She moaned in ecstacy as she felt whole again. Liam broke the kiss, his features covered in lust, he couldn''t think, he couldn''t say anything as he moved in a hard fast rhythm. Riley''s lips went apart as her moans echoed in the hall, it was intense and mind blowing. She wraps her arms around his neck as she turned in a swift move, flipping him and straddling on top of him, her head shock backwards in pleasure as the movement went on. Liam growled as his nails dug in her waist almost drawing blood. But all that was pleasure, enthralling pleasure that got his body burning for more. He could only growl and grip as Riley took the lead like the wild fire she was. In the midst of passionate movement, she leans down stealing a hot kiss from his lips. "I love you Liam O''Brien" she said before moaning deeply as the ecstasy shock her body. Liam flips her, him now on top as he gave hard thrust, she grabs her waist, his nails digging on her skin at the intense pleasure. Riley could only moan and call his name like it was the only thing she ever knew in her entire life. "I love you Riley O''Brien" he said in a daze unable to take his eyes off her, seeing her helpless by what he was doing to her always gave he edge, she was the most beautiful thing when she was drench in pleasure, the pleasure only he could give her. "I own all of you... never forget that!" he growled. "Your heart, your soul, your body!". "Yes... yes! I''m yours... only yours forever!" she moaned as her eyes met his. "No matter what" she adds in a harsh breath. Liam was puzzled by her words because he felt a certain meaning to it, but he couldn''t understand. "Forever yours!" She moaned loudly. Liam smashed his lips on hers, as he drove her body to the point of breaking pleasure... showing her exactly how much he owned her body. * The sun rose high, illuminating everywhere with its brightness. Riley slowly opened her eyes, she laid on the center in the midst of messed up sheets, her naked body barely covered. She slowly sat up, the sheets falling but she didn''t care, she sat immobile before looking around briefly. The empty feeling and then it dawn on her, she draw deeply on breath feeling a sharp pain to her chest. The tears threaten to fall but she held back the tears, she shut her eyes tightly "Be strong Riley O''Brien" she said faintly to herself taking a deep breath, she had to be strong for Liam''s sake, she flashed open her determined eyes, it was time to get to work. Few minutes later she was done taking her bath, she steps out of the majestic bathroom naked as she walks to their wide wardrobe. She opened, her eyes travelled to Liams clothing, with sad eyes her hand felt it, the scent, oh the scent that always got her body on fire. She took a black long sleeve shirt bringing to her nose inhaling deeply, she sighs, opening her eyes. *** Riley dressed in Liam''s black shirt walks the hall, it was big against her body but still fit her perfectly, she wore black shorts along with it and knee length boots. Others passing all seemed like ghosts to her, even as they bowed, everything seemed in a daze to her, her looks lost and deep in emotion. * "Promise me something" Liam began in a serious tone. "Anything" Riley said softly. "Promise me that no matter what happens to me you will bring down the agency and free the ghouls" he said. "Liam nothing is gonna happen to you" "Just promise me... please" he said with pleading eyes. "I promise". Liam nods as their lips collided. * Riley remembered his words clearly, her eyes harden, it was a promise she was gonna keep. She walks straight to the operating room, the door sliding open as she walks in, all attention drifts to her, as she walks to the center. Rory, Kayla, Race and Gray stared at her with puzzled eyes, they felt this certain strong aura around her they couldn''t quite place, it gave off like that of Liam whenever they were in his presence. Riley took a seat on Liam''s black office chair, with a swift spin, she turns to face the wide wall computer. She crosses her leg on top the other. "Let''s get started!" she began ternly. *** Black Clover Hospital Iris sighs as she strolled along the hall carrying a change of sheets to Sean''s room, the door slide open as she walks in, it shut close behind her. But then she drops the sheets seeing an empty bed, she gasps as her eyes travelled to the window where Sean stood, he turns to her with with a smile against his lips. "How-" She began loss for words, the doctor didn''t say anything about him waking up, it was almost impossible due to his critical condition but yet here he was standing before her all healed up like nothing happened, like he wasn''t in a life or death situation a moment ago. Ha fuck it! She rushed to him in a swift motion wrapping her arms around his neck, going on her tip toes and smashing her lips against his with longing. She could feel Sean smile at her action but she didn''t care neither did he as he kissed her back with all he had, he moved her backwards while they kissed, to bed. *** Operating Room "We will start with the most important factor," Riley said. "The press... and the government". She rose to her feet, turning to them, arms folded. "We are gonna use those two things to our advantage" she states. "You mean we come at the agency publicly?" Rory asked puzzled, could it work? "No... we bargain with the government" Riley said. "Is the government gonna wanna bargain with ghouls?" Kayla said puzzled, wondering if what they were about to pull off will work. "Oh he will" she said smirking. "I have learnt a few things about bargain" she adds. *** Anubis stood on top of a tree watching Black Clover Hometown, hands behind his back, wearing his usual tux and glove. He raised his head staring into the bright blue skies. "It''s getting close" he said. "Doomsday!" Chapter 201 - Black Plan Riley dressed in Liam''s black shirt walks the hall, it was big against her body but still fit her perfectly, she wore black shorts along with it and knee length boots. Others passing all seemed like ghosts to her, even as they bowed, everything seemed in a daze to her, her looks lost and deep in emotion. * "Promise me something" Liam began in a serious tone. "Anything" Riley said softly. "Promise me that no matter what happens to me you will bring down the agency and free the ghouls" he said. "Liam nothing is gonna happen to you" "Just promise me... please" he said with pleading eyes. "I promise". Liam nods as their lips collided. * Riley remembered his words clearly, her eyes harden, it was a promise she was gonna keep. She walks straight to the operating room, the door sliding open as she walks in, all attention drifts to her, as she walks to the center. Rory, Kayla, Race and Gray stared at her with puzzled eyes, they felt this certain strong aura around her they couldn''t quite place, it gave off like that of Liam whenever they were in his presence. Riley took a seat on Liam''s black office chair, with a swift spin, she turns to face the wide wall computer. She crosses her leg on top the other. "Let''s get started!" she began ternly. *** Black Clover Hospital Iris sighs as she strolled along the hall carrying a change of sheets to Sean''s room, the door slide open as she walks in, it shut close behind her. But then she drops the sheets seeing an empty bed, she gasps as her eyes travelled to the window where Sean stood, he turns to her with with a smile against his lips. "How-" She began loss for words, the doctor didn''t say anything about him waking up, it was almost impossible due to his critical condition but yet here he was standing before her all healed up like nothing happened, like he wasn''t in a life or death situation a moment ago. Ha fuck it! She rushed to him in a swift motion wrapping her arms around his neck, going on her tip toes and smashing her lips against his with longing. She could feel Sean smile at her action but she didn''t care neither did he as he kissed her back with all he had, he moved her backwards while they kissed, to bed. *** Operating Room "We will start with the most important factor," Riley said. "The press... and the government". She rose to her feet, turning to them, arms folded. "We are gonna use those two things to our advantage" she states. "You mean we come at the agency publicly?" Rory asked puzzled, could it work? "No... we bargain with the government" Riley said. "Is the government gonna wanna bargain with ghouls?" Kayla said puzzled, wondering if what they were about to pull off will work. "Oh he will" she said smirking. "I have learnt a few things about bargain" she adds. *** Anubis stood on top of a tree watching Black Clover Hometown, hands behind his back, wearing his usual tux and glove. He raised his head staring into the bright blue skies. "It''s getting close" he said. "Doomsday!" *** "Get everything ready, we need to find a way so that we can gain assess" Riley said walking along the halls with Kayla and Race. "So suddenly requesting to meet the government isn''t exactly gonna be easy" Race states. "We aren''t doing it public so it''s gonna be easy, just say a strong influential person wanna meet up, they will buy that... and" she halts facing them. They did too. "Say we are requesting to donate some money, a huge amount of money, they will agree without question" she adds before turning to walk. "Does boss know about this?" Kayla asked making Riley halt instantly in her steps. "Where''s boss, we haven''t seen him for quite some time, is he gonna draft out the plan also?" Race asked, they never worked on a plan without him. Riley took a heavy breath as her eyes sadden, she didn''t know how to tell them, how could she bring herself to, she was lost for words. Her mouth almost moved. "Liam won''t be around for a couple of day" Sean said stepping in. They all stared at him wide eyes that he was standing before them. "Sean" Riley said with wide eyes, she couldn''t believe it. "Work on the plans as ordered" he adds. They nod still shock. He smiled as his eyes lands on Riley. "Come on let''s go" Kayla said dragging Race with her. Instantly Riley hug him, he chuckled slightly at her actions, she broke the hug. "How-" "It was Liam... Omari to be exact" he said still puzzled by who visited him last night. "I don''t know how he did it, he made me better... so here I''m" he adds. "I don''t understand" Riley said puzzled. "He said something about fulfilling your second request" Riley froze at his words, Omari knew about her second request during their bargain, it was for Sean to get better. "Riley what the fuck is going on?" He asked worried, he was so confused right now, how was his best friend suddenly possess by the first ghoul. "Doomsday" she said. "He''s awake because of Doomsday" "I saw something like that in the book but the rest are still untranslated, it said something about-" "Apophis" she cut him off. "Sean it has been the god of Chaos all these time, he has been the one manipulating our enemies and installing fear in the heart of humans, it what he does and for some reason he''s getting stronger" "The more he feeds on fear, the more he gets stronger" Sean said as his eyes widen in realization. "But what does all this has to do with Liam?" "Liam can''t defeat it alone, that''s why Omari had to come forth... Apophis is Omari''s enemy since ancient times, he''s bent on destroying the last of the black ghoul lineage" she said. She sighs deeply. "But there''s a prize if Omari should be of help" "What? What is it?" Sean demands. "They will merge bodies and become one to defeat Apophis but it comes with a price... " she said sternly as her lips pressed in a thing line. "Liam will ease to exist, both of them". Sean froze as his eyes widen with shock, his mouth hung not knowing any words to say. "Liam will die". *** Riley stood watching the skies, arms folded, saying the news to Sean was a shock to him, she knew how he felt, this was a truth they will have to live with. Doomsday was coming, a crisis they were unaware of until the very last minute, she will do what she can to assist Liam, which is why their plan has to work. "You bargained with Omari... didn''t you?" Anubis appeared beside her from nowhere. Riley turns to him, facing the unusual tall man. "How did you know?" She asked puzzled. "I don''t feel Lord O''Brien''s shared Claw in you, which means the consummation didn''t happen" he states facing her. "Well it did happen but not the Claw sharing one" Riley said facing the view back. "You knew didn''t you" she said for certain as she faced him back. "You knew about Doomsday" "I only just figured it out, I never knew the battle Omari himself prophesied will come to pass and the price it will take" Anubis said. "You have to be strong lady O''Brien" he adds. "You have to be strong for your people, you''re their queen". Riley gulps hard at his words. "Where is he? Can you tell where Liam is?" She asked. Anubis sighs. "I''m afraid I can''t, his aura is faint, I''m sure Omari is masking it up pretty well... he''s awaiting, awaiting for the destined day" "Doomsday" Riley said for certain. "But how will we know when it''s the day? How will we be prepared for it" "When Apophis choose his vessel" Anubis said sternly. Riley gulps hard, she could still remember the snake image she saw in Omari''s eyes, how great was this foe? That Omari couldn''t even defeat him during his time but rather sealed himself away, only for Apophis to break free... wait the seal. "How was the seal broken... yes you said Omari prophesied doomsday but like you said you were certain it would actually happen" she demands. "Ths seal was broken the day both of your awoken your powers as Silver Clover and Ghost Clover... it was also a beacon that called the uncalled" he states. "Then why did Liam''s father went through so much to awaken us if it will put us in such mess" Riley said pissed, she hated this... she hated everything. "Lord O''Brien father only did what he was destined to do... the rest fell into place according, I have no say in this matter... but your awakening also gave a spark of hope to ghouls and many good things". Riley sighs holding her head, it was a hard truth she will have to embrace sooner or later. Suddenly a feeling overwhelmed Anubis body, the aura that came with it shock his body, it was familiar and somewhat strange. The realization struck him. "Lady O''Brien" he said startled. Riley faced him puzzled. "May I?" "May I what?" She said getting more confused. To her surprise he placed a hand on her stomach, she froze at his actions. Chapter 202 - Black News Riley stood watching the skies, arms folded, saying the news to Sean was a shock to him, she knew how he felt, this was a truth they will have to live with. Doomsday was coming, a crisis they were unaware of until the very last minute, she will do what she can to assist Liam, which is why their plan has to work. "You bargained with Omari... didn''t you?" Anubis appeared beside her from nowhere. Riley turns to him, facing the unusual tall man. "How did you know?" She asked puzzled. "I don''t feel Lord O''Brien''s shared Claw in you, which means the consummation didn''t happen" he states facing her. "Well it did happen but not the Claw sharing one" Riley said facing the view back. "You knew didn''t you" she said for certain as she faced him back. "You knew about Doomsday" "I only just figured it out, I never knew the battle Omari himself prophesied will come to pass and the price it will take" Anubis said. "You have to be strong lady O''Brien" he adds. "You have to be strong for your people, you''re their queen". Riley gulps hard at his words. "Where is he? Can you tell where Liam is?" She asked. Anubis sighs. "I''m afraid I can''t, his aura is faint, I''m sure Omari is masking it up pretty well... he''s awaiting, awaiting for the destined day" "Doomsday" Riley said for certain. "But how will we know when it''s the day? How will we be prepared for it" "When Apophis choose his vessel" Anubis said sternly. Riley gulps hard, she could still remember the snake image she saw in Omari''s eyes, how great was this foe? That Omari couldn''t even defeat him during his time but rather sealed himself away, only for Apophis to break free... wait the seal. "How was the seal broken... yes you said Omari prophesied doomsday but like you said you were certain it would actually happen" she demands. "Ths seal was broken the day both of your awoken your powers as Silver Clover and Ghost Clover... it was also a beacon that called the uncalled" he states. "Then why did Liam''s father went through so much to awaken us if it will put us in such mess" Riley said pissed, she hated this... she hated everything. "Lord O''Brien father only did what he was destined to do... the rest fell into place according, I have no say in this matter... but your awakening also gave a spark of hope to ghouls and many good things". Riley sighs holding her head, it was a hard truth she will have to embrace sooner or later. Suddenly a feeling overwhelmed Anubis body, the aura that came with it shock his body, it was familiar and somewhat strange. The realization struck him. "Lady O''Brien" he said startled. Riley faced him puzzled. "May I?" "May I what?" She said getting more confused. To her surprise he placed a hand on her stomach, she froze at his actions. "You are pregnant, Lady O''Brien" Anubis said elated. Riley froze as her eyes widen in shock, her lips went apart slightly unable to say the right words to describe this moment. Anubis retreats his hand. Riley placed hers on her flat stomach, she felt a movement, a slight jolt, she gasps as she smiled, Ghoul babies had the habit of being wild in the stomach, it was another different thing about them. "It''s great news, Lady obrien, you bear the future" he states. "And I will protect it" Riley said sternly. * Skyscraper Building Heels clicking could be heard along the halls. Riley walks dressed on a black short gown that hung her body perfectly, her long red hair packed up neatly. Sean behind her dressed formally, along with five other ghouls behind them. They got to a door as it was opened by a guard, Riley steps into the wide office, smirking. "Hello Mr. President" she said in amusement staring at the men before her. The president and the officials present were stunned, they came solely for the meeting because a business woman happened to donate a huge sum of money to their long holding project... not knowing it was the ghoul Queen herself. "We have have lot of catching up to do" Riley said stepping in fully along with the others behind her as the door shut behind. *** Section 25 New Agency Location Vincent roared as he scattered the papers on the his table to the ground. "What do you mean the government are no longer supporting us!" Vincent hissed pissed, his body boiling with anger. "I don''t know sir, the supplies stopped, the new recruits stopped coming" his secretary explained. What the fuck was going on. "LEAVE!" he barked. Quivering in fear she dash out. Vincent picks up his phone dialing the president line, it rang and rang but he didn''t pick. In rage, he slammed the phone on the ground as it smashed to pieces. "Liam O''Brien" he said darkly, this must be his doing, he must have pulled some kind of strings to get the government on his side but how was he able to pull such an impossible thing off. Vincent He froze when he heard a voice, he looks around in his wide office but he was alone. Vincent The faint voice came again, he looks around once more but still nothing. Vincent It came again but this time he was able to detect where it was coming from and it was coming from his mirror? In confusion and alert he walks towards the majestic mirror at a corner, he only saw his reflection but a voice came from it. Vincent He stood right in front of his reflection, nothing was unusual but the voice that came from it. He raised his hand to reach for it but then his eyes widen in shock, his reflection didn''t do the same action but rather it stood still with a smirk against his lips. "Vincent Jones" he said in a dark deep demonic voice that sent a shiver than his spine. "Who are you?" Chapter 203 - Black Vessel Skyscraper Building Heels clicking could be heard along the halls. Riley walks dressed on a black short gown that hung her body perfectly, her long red hair packed up neatly. Sean behind her dressed formally, along with five other ghouls behind them. They got to a door as it was opened by a guard, Riley steps into the wide office, smirking. "Hello Mr. President" she said in amusement staring at the men before her. The president and the officials present were stunned, they came solely for the meeting because a business woman happened to donate a huge sum of money to their long holding project... not knowing it was the ghoul Queen herself. "We have have lot of catching up to do" Riley said stepping in fully along with the others behind her as the door shut behind. *** Section 25 New Agency Location Vincent roared as he scattered the papers on the his table to the ground. "What do you mean the government are no longer supporting us!" Vincent hissed pissed, his body boiling with anger. "I don''t know sir, the supplies stopped, the new recruits stopped coming" his secretary explained. What the fuck was going on. "LEAVE!" he barked. Quivering in fear she dash out. Vincent picks up his phone dialing the president line, it rang and rang but he didn''t pick. In rage, he slammed the phone on the ground as it smashed to pieces. "Liam O''Brien" he said darkly, this must be his doing, he must have pulled some kind of strings to get the government on his side but how was he able to pull such an impossible thing off. Vincent He froze when he heard a voice, he looks around in his wide office but he was alone. Vincent The faint voice came again, he looks around once more but still nothing. Vincent It came again but this time he was able to detect where it was coming from and it was coming from his mirror? In confusion and alert he walks towards the majestic mirror at a corner, he only saw his reflection but a voice came from it. Vincent He stood right in front of his reflection, nothing was unusual but the voice that came from it. He raised his hand to reach for it but then his eyes widen in shock, his reflection didn''t do the same action but rather it stood still with a smirk against his lips. "Vincent Jones" he said in a dark deep demonic voice that sent a shiver than his spine. "Who are you?" Vincent demands shaky, but he still stood strong. "Wonderful, extremely wonderful... others would have cower away after sensing my presence" he said in amusement. "Which makes you the perfect vessel" he adds as his tongue ticks out like that of a snake. Vincent stared at him puzzled. "Who are you?" Vincent demands sternly. "I''m the power that lies within you" he began in a strong voice plunging forwards like a surreal. Vincent watch with wide eyes as his reflection came out of the mirror. "I''m the very glimsp of hope you need" he states now standing fully in front of him. "I''m Chaos, the very plague that can destroy everything that comes your way, I''m Apophis". "Impossible" Vincent said stunned. "I shall bring your enemies to ruins, I shall destroy the black ghoul once and for all". "Why should I trust you?" Vincent said sternly. "Riley O''Brien was the one who turned the government against you, she made a bargain they couldn''t resist, now the city with be feasted with those flesh eating beast!" He spats. Vincent body stiffen at his words, it was Riley that pulled such a thing off, his fist clenched tightly in response. "How did you-" "I see many" he said as his eyes changed to that of a snake. "Revenge shall be yours, just say yes". "Is there a price? I''m a very cautious man" Vincent said sternly, he wasn''t just gonna trust this being easily, but yet here was power before him, offering him a chance of revenge, a chance to wipe ghouls off the face of this earth. "For there is no price but a gain... power, endless youth, influence, you shall have it all, all your fears will disappear and be replaced with nothing eternal satisfaction" he said in amusement, without question, with sincerity to it. Vincent gulps hard at his words. Apophis smirks knowing he got him good, for he could see it in his eyes, the lust for power, he was the perfect vessel. "Yes" Apophis smirk broaden more. "Then we have a deal" he said with a snap of his finger. *** Outskirts Of The City Black Clover Hometown Riley stood in front of the mirror, studying her stomach while titling her head to the side, she rubbed the bare skin of her flat stomach, she felt the movement again, she smiled. "The results are good, the baby is healthy" Sean said walking in, he was very happy for Riley, at least this way she was closer to Liam, carrying his lineage. She turns to him. "Are you sure you don''t wanna know what you''re expecting?!" Sean said raising an eyebrow. She smiled. "No" she said staring at her stomach at the mirror once again. "I want it to be a surprise". Iris walks in. "Congratulations Riley, the government is on our side" she states still amazed at the fact, she steal a glance at Sean who did too as he wink. "You two get a room" Riley said facing them, but deep down she was beyond happy for them. "I''m still amazed Riley, how did you do it?" Iris asked in wonder. "Made a bargain" Riley said in a simple tone not willing to spill the beans. Iris rolled her eyes in response. "Well what ever the bargain was, it worked, the agency will no longer hunt ghouls, we are all officially off the radar" Iris said. "Rest assure Iris, that''s just one side of the bargain" Riley said smirking. Chapter 204 - Black Ambush "Riley O''Brien was the one who turned the government against you, she made a bargain they couldn''t resist, now the city with be feasted with those flesh eating beast!" He spats. Vincent body stiffen at his words, it was Riley that pulled such a thing off, his fist clenched tightly in response. "How did you-" "I see many" he said as his eyes changed to that of a snake. "Revenge shall be yours, just say yes". "Is there a price? I''m a very cautious man" Vincent said sternly, he wasn''t just gonna trust this being easily, but yet here was power before him, offering him a chance of revenge, a chance to wipe ghouls off the face of this earth. "For there is no price but a gain... power, endless youth, influence, you shall have it all, all your fears will disappear and be replaced with nothing eternal satisfaction" he said in amusement, without question, with sincerity to it. Vincent gulps hard at his words. Apophis smirks knowing he got him good, for he could see it in his eyes, the lust for power, he was the perfect vessel. "Yes" Apophis smirk broaden more. "Then we have a deal" he said with a snap of his finger. *** Unknown Location Liam could heard water dripping, he felt he was lying on a hard surface, he groaned in response as he slowly opened his eyes, seeing his surroundings was that of a cave. He blinks puzzled seating up. The cave was wide, walls smooth black. The path in front of him filled with water. "Where am I?" He said puzzled, the last thing he remembered was being with Riley, watching her sleep against the ground after their sessions and then carrying her to bed, the rest blank. His puzzled eyes then drift to his body, he was on a black shirt that hung his frame perfectly and black pants, barefoot. The last thing he remembered was being naked, how did he end up with clothes? "Take a deep breath child" Omari''s deep voice came in. Liam looks around searching for where the voice was coming from but then it lands on a figure in front of him but the water separated their paths. It was Omari, he was seated just like he was, a knee raised, his arm resting on it. His eyes golden, His skin black like coal, shirtless showing his hard ton muscles, pants made of dark aura as it waved, his hair black and long like a dark aura waving like flames, a spiky crown around his head. His wings and his staff wasn''t present. Liam knew it was Omari without blinking, his looks turned stern. "Did you hurt her?" Liam demands, knowing what he did last time. "Of course not she''s our destined" he states. "But you did" Liam growled. "That''s was a very unstable awakening" he said taking a deep breath. "And I apologise for that". Liam froze at his words, was the almighty Omari apologising? "We need to talk about Doomsday" he began in a serious tone. "Doomsday?!" Liam said puzzled. "A day and battle destined to shock the earth, the day we put a stop to Apophis, the god of chaos once and for all and redeem your people from fear and hatred" Omari said. Liams eyes widen at his words. "Ghouls can be liberated?" "Yes... and our destined is already setting the first plan in motion in her own way, the rest is left for us, to see to the end" he said. Liam gulps hard. "For both of us to fufill doomsday, we have to merge bodies, which means our mind, bodies and soul will become one. There are two prices for this, first you will lose Ghost because of merging and second after that we will both seize to exist". "Hold on" Liam said still trying to take in what he just said. "Lose Ghost, ease to exist?" Liam said with wide eyes. "Yes child" Omari said firmly. "I don''t understand" "If we don''t do this, Apophis will rule this world with fear, destroy it from the inside out once he gets his hands on a vessel, it will all be over, everything you love and care about will be gone, everything" he said clearly. Liam was still like ice, taking in everything he said. "Unless we make the ultimate sacrifice" *** Outskirts Of The City Black Clover Hometown Riley stood in front of the mirror, studying her stomach while titling her head to the side, she rubbed the bare skin of her flat stomach, she felt the movement again, she smiled. "The results are good, the baby is healthy" Sean said walking in, he was very happy for Riley, at least this way she was closer to Liam, carrying his lineage. She turns to him. "Are you sure you don''t wanna know what you''re expecting?!" Sean said raising an eyebrow. She smiled. "No" she said staring at her stomach at the mirror once again. "I want it to be a surprise". Iris walks in. "Congratulations Riley, the government is on our side" she states still amazed at the fact, she steal a glance at Sean who did too as he wink. "You two get a room" Riley said facing them, but deep down she was beyond happy for them. "I''m still amazed Riley, how did you do it?" Iris asked in wonder. "Made a bargain" Riley said in a simple tone not willing to spill the beans. Iris rolled her eyes in response. "Well what ever the bargain was, it worked, the agency will no longer hunt ghouls, we are all officially off the radar" Iris said. "Rest assure Iris, that''s just one side of the bargain" Riley said smirking. Iris froze at her words, that was just the beginning?, what exactly did Riley pulled off. Suddenly a distress alarm went off. They froze at the sound. "The Hometown is under attack?!" Sean said in realization, stunned, there was no way that was possible. "Sean there''s no way that''s possible" Riley said hissed. Instantly a explosion came in, it wasn''t from a distance but rather their building, everything went blank. *** *Loud Siren* * * * *Electricity Sparks* * * * *Metal Cranking* * * * *Distant Shooting and Roar Sounds* * * * "Riley!" "Riley!" "Riley!" Riley''s eyes slowly opened, her vision blurry until it cleared seeing her white Claw before her, holding a boulder in place from crushing her. "Silver" Riley said weak as she groaned on the rough ground. Blood trailed from her head but then it healed. "RILEY!" Sean shouts in horror as he got to her lifting her up away from the boulder. Silver let it slide as it slammed to the ground crushing it. Riley gulps hard knowing it would have been her, her claw retreats inside her. "The Hometown is under attack" Iris said rushing towards them. "It''s the agency, I don''t know how they got the location but they are here, the ghouls are trying to hold them back but we don''t know for how long" Iris said in horror, she couldn''t believe this was happening. Sean turns to Riley. "I have to get you to safety" Sean said sternly. "No, No I''m not hiding, I''m fighting with you guys" she snaps. "Riley we can''t risk that" Iris reasons. "I''m just 2 weeks pregnant!" She snaps again. "The agency made a big mistake coming here and they are gonna pay" "They will... but Riley you have to understand, for the sake of your unborn child don''t do this, what would Liam think" Sean said with pleading eyes. Riley gulps hard at his words, giving a slight nod, even though her body screamed at her not to do so. "Get her out of here, will hold off any incoming agents" Sean said to Iris, she nods. "Be careful" she said with pleading eyes. "I will" he said stealing a kiss from her lips before retreating. They rushed out of the destroyed buildings. * Outside was chaotic, gunshots, Roars could be heard, the ghouls holding off the agents, while the rest took the woman and children who couldn''t fight to a safe place. Riley eyes sadden when she saw the scene, houses on fire, destroyed buildings. Her heart felt heavy. "Protect the queen" Sean said. About 10 ghouls came forth, circling her as they walked out. But then a piercing roar came in, stopping them in their tracks. "What is that?!" Iris said shaking at the mere sound. Riley turns, staring at a distance. "The Beast" she said without a doubt, remembering when Liam told her about the Beast he fought, unlike anything they have ever seen. "We have to get out of here" Sean said knowing that sound wasn''t good news at all. But instantly like a sharp bullet something lands in between them, making them disperse. Riley lands on the ground hard with a groan. The 10 ghouls covered her ready to fight the monster before them. Iris and Sean stares at the being with wide eyes. It stood high and tall the same 10 feet as he was, the body covered in something like a coil, dark brown in colour, a horn at the center. It looked more like a beast than a ghoul, having no eyes but sharp deadly fangs for a mouth. It roared an insanely loud sound. Chapter 205 - Doomsday "RILEY!" Sean shouts in horror as he got to her lifting her up away from the boulder. Silver let it slide as it slammed to the ground crushing it. Riley gulps hard knowing it would have been her, her claw retreats inside her. "The Hometown is under attack" Iris said rushing towards them. "It''s the agency, I don''t know how they got the location but they are here, the ghouls are trying to hold them back but we don''t know for how long" Iris said in horror, she couldn''t believe this was happening. Sean turns to Riley. "I have to get you to safety" Sean said sternly. "No, No I''m not hiding, I''m fighting with you guys" she snaps. "Riley we can''t risk that" Iris reasons. "I''m just 2 weeks pregnant!" She snaps again. "The agency made a big mistake coming here and they are gonna pay" "They will... but Riley you have to understand, for the sake of your unborn child don''t do this, what would Liam think" Sean said with pleading eyes. Riley gulps hard at his words, giving a slight nod, even though her body screamed at her not to do so. "Get her out of here, will hold off any incoming agents" Sean said to Iris, she nods. "Be careful" she said with pleading eyes. "I will" he said stealing a kiss from her lips before retreating. They rushed out of the destroyed buildings. *** Outside was chaotic, gunshots, Roars could be heard, the ghouls holding off the agents, while the rest took the woman and children who couldn''t fight to a safe place. Riley eyes sadden when she saw the scene, houses on fire, destroyed buildings. Her heart felt heavy. "Protect the queen" Sean said. About 10 ghouls came forth, circling her as they walked out. But then a piercing roar came in, stopping them in their tracks. "What is that?!" Iris said shaking at the mere sound. Riley turns, staring at a distance. "The Beast" she said without a doubt, remembering when Liam told her about the Beast he fought, unlike anything they have ever seen. "We have to get out of here" Sean said knowing that sound wasn''t good news at all. But instantly like a sharp bullet something lands in between them, making them disperse. Riley lands on the ground hard with a groan. The 10 ghouls covered her ready to fight the monster before them. Iris and Sean stares at the being with wide eyes. It stood high and tall the same 10 feet as he was, the body covered in something like a coil, dark brown in colour, a horn at the center. It looked more like a beast than a ghoul, having no eyes but sharp deadly fangs for a mouth. It roared an insanely loud sound, charging at them in speed, the 10 ghouls came in front but in a blink of an eye he fought them off, pushing, and clawing at their Claws. Sean came in between but with one plunge of the beast hand Sean was sent flying on the air smashing into a building on fire a distance away. "SEAN!" Iris shouts in horror. "IRIS LOOK OUT" Riley shouts as the Beast almost smashed her but then a rod wraps around the Beast hand, stopping it. It snaps facing Riley and then roaring with one fling of its hand Riley was sent flying on the air, still holding onto the rod, as did the Beast. "RILEY" Iris shouts in horror about attacking the Beast but it held her by the throat lifting her off her feet. It then turns to Riley pulling the rod down as well as Riley, she plunged forward to the Beast as he grabs her by throat. He flings Iris off with its other hard as she stumbled backwards against the ground. The Beast growled facing Riley, tighten his claws her neck eagerly wanting to crush her throat, Riley struggled for breath as her legs wagged from the lost of gravity. The Beast then points, it''s extended nails on her chest before drawing it back ready to plunge her heart. Riley eyes widen in horror, knowing the fate that awaits her. Roaring the fist came for her chest but instantly like a sharp bullet, the Beast was pushed off Riley. She gasp almost getting to the ground but strong arms caught her. "Liam" she said in shock staring at him with wide eyes. Liam''s looks were emotionless, the killing intent he had shock the whole area. "Liam?" She said once again, she wasn''t even sure of the name she was calling anymore. The Beast rose to its feet roaring. Liam drops Riley down walking forward covering her with his frame. Riley stares at his back with sad eyes. "Don''t move" he said sternly. The Beast roars once more. In a zap of speed Liam came at him, they collided in a fury battle. Riley stood stunned watching, she couldn''t believe her eyes, Liam was fighting the beast head on with using his power, it was almost like he was the power himself. Liam grabs the Beast on the throat slamming it hard against ground causing a huge crack to it. "I know where your heart It" Liam hissed before digging his now claw hands in the beast stomach pulled out something that looked like a heart, before moving away. The Beast growled in extreme pain going on it knees. "You were mechanically made not genetically" Liam said as the Beast kept roaring. In turmoil it rips the face off with its claws revealing Chase, he took harsh breath, his face was embodied with red veins, his head bald. "You" Liam said puzzled, he remembered the agent, the first agent he ever met. "Please" Chase said in tears his head bent as tears fell. "Make it stop, I can''t... I can''t live like this" he cried. "Renee" he sobbed. "I can''t face Renee and Rex like this... please make it stop" he cried more, the skin of the beast also consuming his head again. "Chase" Riley said with sad eyes. At the sound of her voice he turns to her, their eyes met. "I''m sorry for everything" he said. Liam''s hand changed to that of a Claw, black in colour. He turns to Liam. "I''m sorry too" he closed his eyes. "For everything". Suddenly Liams claw hand went deep into his chest aiming at his own heart hiding deep inside. Chase smiled as his body cracked. "Thank you" he murmured as blood spilled also. His body broke to pieces, his heart turning to dust. Liam watches with sad eyes as everything about Chase Wyatt fades away. Riley walks up behind him. "It''s today" Liam said not turning to her. "This is doomsday" he adds. Her eyes shakes at his words as the tears fell. She walks up behind him, grabbing on his black shirt from behind. She knew what she had to go, what this moment meant, she has to let go. Liam''s body slowly consumed in darkness. "I''m pregnant Liam, you''re gonna be a father " Riley said in tears. A tear fell from one of Liam eyes as he close his eyes. He turned slightly before the darkness consumed his face. "Thank you Riley" he said with a smile against his lips. On hearing his voice Riley slowly raised her head as the wind blew around slowly. Her teary eyes meant his, the tears flowing down his cheeks but yet he smiled. "Liam" she said in tears. The darkness consumed him, going up in height and then black wings spreading, as he flew out. "LIAM!!!" she screamed as she broke in tears, holding her chest as she cried and shouts in pain. *** The shadow flew into the woods, where the agents were storming from, he halts right in front of them, his void golden eyes lands on Vincent. "Sir permission to fire" an agent said. Vincent steps forward. "Sir?" "Let''s end this" Liam said in a demonic voice as he transforms into Omari, standing tall and high with his staff at hand. Vincent shifts to a giant snake shocking the agents but before they could react he consumed they all as they shout and screamed, only blood remained of them. "We meet again Omari" Apophis said hissing. "Yes... and this is the end, for both of us" Omari said sternly. Apophis chuckles. "I''M COUNTING ON IT!" he roars coming at him as they clashed in a heated battle that shook the earth, the cloud turned black as the lightning strikes and the rain poured heavily. *** The agents retreats as the news spread of their monstrous captain, all losing the ability to fight as they retreats, the ghouls let them, seeing it was no use fighting them anymore. Riley stood in the rain her clothes drenched her cheeks still wet with tears. Anubis walks up behind standing beside her. "I shall remain with you Lady O''Brien, rest assure, even thought I''m not permitted to touch the affairs I shall at least be by your side" he states. The thunder strikes deeply at a particular area, signifying the battle between deities. With clenched teeth Riley ran towards the direction. "LADY O''BRIEN" Anubis shouts. *** "Liam" Riley said with tears in her eyes as she ran and ran, in the woods, the rain pouring nonstop and heavy, the thunder striking. "Please Liam" she cried. "Please Liam I can''t loose you" she broke. *** Liam fell to the ground, back to his human form, his body covered in blood. Apophis snake form against the ground, torn in two as it decayed. Vincent on the ground dead, his skin dried out in a mummy form, his mouth wide open like a hollow. Liam weak eyes stares at the dark cloud, he was dying, he felt it and knew it was only a matter of time, his body slowly cracks. That moment the skies clears as the bright blue skies came forth and the sun, he watches the scene with shaky eyes as tears slide at the corner of his eyes. ''Is this what it feels like to die'' he thought. ''You have done well child'' Omari weak voice sounds in his head. ''It''s time to rest'', it fades. Liam eyes slowly close, ''Riley'' That was his last thought as darkness consumed him. Chapter 206 - Prologue (THE FINAL CHAPTER) Years Ago Doomsday The agents retreats as the news spread of their monstrous captain, all losing the ability to fight as they retreats, the ghouls let them, seeing it was no use fighting them anymore. Riley stood in the rain her clothes drenched her cheeks still wet with tears. Anubis walks up behind standing beside her. "I shall remain with you Lady O''Brien, rest assure, even thought I''m not permitted to touch the affairs I shall at least be by your side" he states. The thunder strikes deeply at a particular area, signifying the battle between deities. With clenched teeth Riley ran towards the direction. "LADY O''BRIEN" Anubis shouts. *** "Liam" Riley said with tears in her eyes as she ran and ran, in the woods, the rain pouring nonstop and heavy, the thunder striking. "Please Liam" she cried. "Please Liam I can''t loose you" she broke. *** Liam fell to the ground, back to his human form, his body covered in blood. Apophis snake form against the ground, torn in two as it decayed. Vincent on the ground dead, his skin dried out in a mummy form, his mouth wide open like a hollow. Liam weak eyes stares at the dark cloud, he was dying, he felt it and knew it was only a matter of time, his body slowly cracks. That moment the skies clears as the bright blue skies came forth and the sun, he watches the scene with shaky eyes as tears slide at the corner of his eyes. ''Is this what it feels like to die'' he thought. ''You have done well child'' Omari weak voice sounds in his head. ''It''s time to rest'', it fades. Liam eyes slowly close, ''Riley'' That was his last thought as darkness consumed him. *** Present Day 13 Years Later New York City The Year 2039 "This is your favorite girl Wendy Olsen, giving you the latest news in New York, isn''t that right Todd" Wendy said with a smile against her lips facing him. "Yes Wendy, right you are there, today is another bright sunny day and also 12 years peace with the ghouls" Todd said amazed by the fact. "Yes straight 12 years of unbelievable peace throughout the entire continent, the world has finally known peace, no more hunts, no more fear of ghouls, we practically live as one right now and they are no longer in hiding" Wendy said. "We definitely gotta celebrate this tremendous event" Todd said. "We sure will Todd" Wendy said. They both giggled. The news aired on the billboards in New York, everyone undergo their various activities, cars on the road, shops opened, New York, the city doomed by the laws against Ghouls was no longer practiced, New York looked more peaceful as well as being developed over the years with technology. *** Skyscraper Building Rooftop A chopper lands swiftly, the spinning fans making the wind around blew heavily, the door slide open as a Japanese man around the age of his late 60s steps out, with a smile against his lips he steps down adjusting his tux properly, about five bodyguard behind. He smiled more warmly when he saw the beauty before him, an aspiring woman he admired, in her late 30s, she had short red hair, cut in a bob style with waves. She was on a black and white knee length gown that hugs her body perfectly, showing all her wonderful curves, along with black heels. About five bodyguard with her and a lady beside her, dressed smartly too. "Mrs. O''Brien an honor" the elder man said in Japanese. "It''s a pleasure Prime Minister" Riley O''Brien said in Japanese also, bowing slightly with a smile against her lips. "You should have let me come to Japan" she adds. "I wanted to move around a little, i was getting a little cooped up in my office" he said in English. Riley giggled at his response. "Shall we?" she said. "Of course" he said as they both strolled out of the rooftop, now walking along the halls. "I really admire you Mrs O''Brien" He began. "12 years of peace wasn''t something I thought the world would achieve with ghouls, you made it possible" he adds in beaming amusement. "It was my husband who broke the chain of fear, the rest came easily" Riley said. The Prime Minister halts his steps facing her with sad eyes, she did too. "I''m sorry Mrs. O''Brien your husband was a great man, he put an end to a villain far worst than anything we have ever seen" he states. Riley gulp hard as her eyes grew wistful with memories of the past but she quickly shoves it off, composing herself while clearing her throat. Iris behind stares at her with sad eyes. "There''s no need to apologize Prime Minister" she said with a forced smile. "My husband is the reason all these is possible, rather than think of it that way, we should honor the memory" she adds The Prime minister nods. *** Inside a wide room, decorated with several antiques the small meeting commenced, the office had a wide view of New York City. "I''m impressed, Mrs. O''Brien, you befriended all the government around the whole, not only that you donated across the continent" he said leaning against his couch more. Riley seated in front of him had a smile against her lips, her legs crossed. "Yes, it was necessary to gain the favor of the world if peace can be achieve, i won''t deny that" The Prime Minister nods in understanding. "But it was hard, achieving all that by myself" she adds. "I understand, as a mother, a Queen, a face of the ghouls, i can imagine how much toll it will take" he adds in reason. Riley licks her lips, nodding as her mind traveled. *** The Year 2026 The O''Brien''s Mansion A loud menacing scream shook the entire household. Sean was outside the door of the room pacing as he ran his fingers in his head. "Why is it taking so much time" he hissed. "You need be relaxed, childbirth takes a lot of time" Anubis said as calmly as he could, but he wasn''t so sure anymore, her sound wasn''t just of the pain, but of something deep and he feared for the worst, for her sake and the future. *** "Riley, Riley, look at me, you have to keep pushing no matter what" Iris said holding her hand tightly. Sid was on the other side, her eyes lands on the bed, she was bleeding, real bad. "Riley, you have to stay strong" Sid said. "Lady O''Brien, you have to push" The doctor said with pleading eyes. "I can''t" Riley cried in pain, her hair and body drenched with sweat, her cheek wet with tears. "I can''t" she sobbed. "I can''t, not without him" she broke more in tears. "Riley, listen to me" Iris said squatting next to her, with their hands locked tightly together. "You have to be strong Riley" she adds. "Not without him... i can''t... i cant" she broke in more tears. "I can''t, not without him" Iris hush her. "Riley you''re not alone in this okay, we''re here for you no matter what, which is why you can''t give up no matter what, you have to be strong, you have to be strong for Liam''s sake and for the baby" Iris said on the verge of tears herself. Riley sobs deeply with shaky breath. "You have to push, you have to keep moving no matter what, because that''s what Liam would have wanted you to do, to push no matter what!" Riley gave loud menacing scream, fortified by Iris words as she pushed with all her might, her eyes turned to her ghoul ones as white aura swirl around her in waves. She gave a earth piercing scream. *Baby Cries* *** Present Day Riley smiled at the memory. "I wasn''t exactly alone" she began. "I had friends... friends turned family... and i also became a mother, i never thought i would get to this point but i did with the help of my family" she add. The Prime Minister nods with a smile against his lips. "You''re a strong woman Mrs. O''Brien" he began. But Iris came from behind leaning down to whisper in her ear. Riley''s expressed changed in less than a second. The Prime minister frowned seeing her change of mood. "Is everything okay, Mrs. O''Brien?" he asked worried. Riley faced him smiling but she was pissed on the inside. "Everything is perfectly fine, Prime Minister" Riley said rising to her feet in swift move adjusting her gown. "I''m afraid our meeting will be shorter than expected, there''s a matter that calls my attention immediately" she said politely. "Of course i understand, you''re a busy woman" The prime minister said with a smile against his lips as they shock hands. "Thank you so much, will make it up" Riley said as in a swift move she walks out of the office, Iris behind her. The door slide shut. "What did the twins do again?!" Riley demands practically growling. Chapter 207 - Black Twins (Part 1) The Year 2026 The O''Brien''s Mansion A loud menacing scream shook the entire household. Sean was outside the door of the room pacing as he ran his fingers in his head. "Why is it taking so much time" he hissed. "You need be relaxed, childbirth takes a lot of time," Anubis said as calmly as he could, but he wasn''t so sure anymore, her sound wasn''t just of the pain, but of something deep and he feared for the worst, for her sake and the future. *** "Riley, Riley, look at me, you have to keep pushing no matter what," Iris said holding her hand tightly. Sid was on the other side, her eyes lands on the bed, she was bleeding, real bad. "Riley, you have to stay strong," Sid said. "Lady O''Brien, you have to push," The doctor said with pleading eyes. "I can''t" Riley cried in pain, her hair and body drenched with sweat, her cheek wet with tears. "I can''t" she sobbed. "I can''t, not without him" she broke more into tears. "Riley, listen to me," Iris said squatting next to her, with their hands locked tightly together. "You have to be strong Riley" she adds. "Not without him... I can''t... I can''t" she broke in more tears. "I can''t, not without him" Iris hushes her. "Riley you''re not alone in this okay, we''re here for you no matter what, which is why you can''t give up no matter what, you have to be strong, you have to be strong for Liam''s sake and for the baby," Iris said on the verge of tears herself. Riley sobs deeply with a shaky breath. "You have to push, you have to keep moving no matter what because that''s what Liam would have wanted you to do, to push no matter what!" Riley gave a loud menacing scream, fortified by Iris''s words as she pushed with all her might, her eyes turned to her ghoul ones as white aura swirled around her in waves. She gave an earth-piercing scream. *Baby Cries* *** Present Day Riley smiled at the memory. "I wasn''t exactly alone" she began. "I had friends... friends turned family... and I also became a mother, I never thought I would get to this point but I did with the help of my family" she add. The Prime Minister nods with a smile against his lips. "You''re a strong woman Mrs. O''Brien" he began. But Iris came from behind leaning down to whisper in her ear. Riley''s expression changed in less than a second. The Prime minister frowned seeing her change of mood. "Is everything okay, Mrs. O''Brien?" he asked worried. Riley faced him smiling but she was pissed on the inside. "Everything is perfectly fine, Prime Minister," Riley said rising to her feet in swift move adjusting her gown. "I''m afraid our meeting will be shorter than expected, there''s a matter that calls my attention immediately," she said politely. "Of course I understand, you''re a busy woman," The prime minister said with a smile against his lips as they shook hands. "Thank you so much, will make it up," Riley said as in a swift move she walks out of the office, Iris behind her. The door slide shut. "What did the twins do again?!" Riley demands practically growling. "Well, it''s Ethan again," Iris said with a sigh "Ugh that kid will be the death of me" Riley groaned as they walked along the hall, this was the sixth time this month, that''s kid was walking trouble. *** May-field Junior/ High School About 10 boys groaned on the ground all beaten up, other kids watching as they whisper and took pictures with their transparent, all mostly amazed at the scene. "You ever try to steal my sis homework again... I''m gonna do more than just beat you up," A boy said, squatting in front of the beaten group said. He had dark brown hair in a messy style that fit his boyish charms, the back well barbed leaving the front thick and full, he also had bright green eyes, he wore all black clothing, a black sweater reaching his fingers, and a black jacket on top, black pants, and shoes "Dude we literary just copied some" one on the ground said, holding his leg. "It''s not our fault she''s a nerd," another said. He snaps. "Now you better watch it or I will snap each of your bones and trust me it''s not gonna heal that fast given the fact you''re ghouls" he hissed. "I''m human... leave me outta it," He said practically with tears. Making the small crowd around giggle. "Hmmm, yours? it will take years to heal, trust me" he hissed, growling like an animal making them shake in fear. "Stop it Ethan it''s not worth it," A girl the same age as the boy said stepping in, she had long curly light brown hair, and chocolate brown eyes, she adjusts her geeky glasses, she wore a pink long sleeve sweater and a jean blue jacket on top, along with a short jean jacket and black knee-length boots. At the sound of her voice, Ethan turned, rising to his feet. "It''s damn well worth it, it''s what they do with other homework, but when it comes to yours they are dead," Ethan said sternly. "Ethan" she pouts grabbing his jacket. He growled. "At least let me break one or two bones, it will teach them a lesson," he said. Her mouth dropped at his words, he was dead serious. The 10 boys shiver in fear. "I''m never stealing her notes again" "I''m never stealing any notes again" Ethan faced them, giving them a look that almost made them pee their pants... oops seems like one already did. "Ethan Liam O''Brien" an angry voice came in. They turned as Riley walks towards them in fury. The rest of the kids quickly disperse. "Mom" Eden muttered. "Mo.... ouch, ouch, ouch," he said in pain as Riley grabbed his ear pulling on it. "We are so sorry Lady O''Brien, we won''t copy Eden''s note again, or any at all" one said as they all went on their knees. Riley sighs, knowing Ethan has really roughed them up. "Serves you right," Ethan said smirking deviously. Riley pulled on his ear more. "Mom, please take it easy" Eden pleaded. "All of you, off you go," Riley said with a nudge of her head. "You have a lot of questions to answer in the principal''s office," she said as they nod quickly dispersing in spite of their aching bodies. Riley turns to Ethan letting go of his ear, he rubs the now red ear. "You''re grounded and you''re gonna answer for this" Riley said without question. "Then it''s worth it because those guys picked on Eden," he said sternly. "Ethan honey you can''t use brutal force to solve a problem, next time you think before you act," she said sighing. "I had to end a very important meeting because of your wild behavior, this is not the first, not the second, and most certainly not the third" she hissed. "Well you''re always on those meetings, good thing we caught your attention" Ethan hissed grabbing his sister by the hand as they walked out back inside the school building. Riley took a deep breath. "Now both of you are grounded" she hissed. Ethan just gave a thumbs up, signifying he wouldn''t have it any other way. Riley scoffs. *** School Bells Everyone gathered back in class. "Did you really have to say that to mom... you hurt her feelings" Eden said seating on the same roll with him. Ethan leaning on his chair sighed. "Now we''re both grounded" she pouts, placing her cheeks on her palms, her glasses shifting upwards at the action. "I know... I''m sorry" he murmured. She mimics his words making a face. "Will you stop that you look like Pikachu," he said chuckling at her cuteness as he pinched her cheeks with his thumb and index finger on either side of her cheeks. "Pika who?" Eden asked as he kept rubbing her cheeks. "The anime with the cute yellow pokemon, I heard it was one of the best in the past, there''s a site for it," he said stopping his action. "You watch an old movie without me?" she said with a frown. "I own you one," he said without a doubt knowing she gonna throw a tantrum very soon unless he made it up to her. She smirks. "Then you make it up by apologizing to mom," she said in a serious tone. "Ugh," he growled. "You know this is not the first time you have pulled her out of the meetings" she urged. "Are the meetings so suddenly important," he said sarcastically with an eye roll. Eden placed her hand on his, causing his green eyes to land on her chocolate ones. "We both know why she goes to all those meetings," she said as her eyes grew wistful with memories of the past. "Yeah," Ethan said sternly. "How could I forget". Chapter 208 - Black Twins (Part 2) "We are so sorry Lady O''Brien, we won''t copy Eden''s note again, or any at all" one said as they all went on their knees. Riley sighs, knowing Ethan has really roughed them up. "Serves you right," Ethan said smirking deviously. Riley pulled on his ear more. "Mom, please take it easy" Eden pleaded. "All of you, off you go," Riley said with a nudge of her head. "You have a lot of questions to answer in the principal''s office," she said as they nod quickly dispersing in spite of their aching bodies. Riley turns to Ethan letting go of his ear, he rubs the now red ear. "You''re grounded and you''re gonna answer for this" Riley said without question. "Then it''s worth it because those guys picked on Eden," he said sternly. "Ethan honey you can''t use brutal force to solve a problem, next time you think before you act," she said sighing. "I had to end a very important meeting because of your wild behavior, this is not the first, not the second, and most certainly not the third" she hissed. "Well you''re always on those meetings, good thing we caught your attention" Ethan hissed grabbing his sister by the hand as they walked out back inside the school building. Riley took a deep breath. "Now both of you are grounded" she hissed. Ethan just gave a thumbs up, signifying he wouldn''t have it any other way. Riley scoffs. *** School Bells Everyone gathered back in class. "Did you really have to say that to mom... you hurt her feelings" Eden said seating on the same roll with him. Ethan leaning on his chair sighed. "Now we''re both grounded" she pouts, placing her cheeks on her palms, her glasses shifting upwards at the action. "I know... I''m sorry" he murmured. She mimics his words making a face. "Will you stop that you look like Pikachu," he said chuckling at her cuteness as he pinched her cheeks with his thumb and index finger on either side of her cheeks. "Pika who?" Eden asked as he kept rubbing her cheeks. "The anime with the cute yellow pokemon, I heard it was one of the best in the past, there''s a site for it," he said stopping his action. "You watch an old movie without me?" she said with a frown. "I own you one," he said without a doubt knowing she gonna throw a tantrum very soon unless he made it up to her. She smirks. "Then you make it up by apologizing to mom," she said in a serious tone. "Ugh," he growled. "You know this is not the first time you have pulled her out of the meetings" she urged. "Are the meetings so suddenly important," he said sarcastically with an eye roll. Eden placed her hand on his, causing his green eyes to land on her chocolate ones. "We both know why she goes to all those meetings," she said as her eyes grew wistful with memories of the past. "Yeah," Ethan said sternly. "How could I forget" he adds knowing it was necessary, their mom was ghoul queen after all. "Then let''s not make it difficult for her okay?" Eden said. Ethan sighed. Their teacher walks in, the rest of the students settled down. "Ethan O''Brien" the teacher said. Ethan raised his gaze to meet her. "The principals office". And his mom was right, he was gonna answer for this. *** Hours Later Eden was seated outside the classroom, her eyes drifts to the clock, she sighs. "Miss Eden" a man said walking towards her, Eden turns to the tall man on black suit and shoes, he had shoulder length dark grey hair, and brown eyes. "Hey Earl" Eden said. "School was over Hours ago, what are you guys still doing in?" He asked puzzled. "Oh Ethan... detention" she explained. He raised an eyebrow in response. "Yes again" she grumbles. "I will be at the car then" he said with a slight bow as he walks away. Eden sighs staring at the clock once again. *** "I''m sorry Eden, you should have just gone home" Ethan said as they step out of the school building. "It''s no problem" she shrugs. "As long as you apologise to mom" she adds. "Oh Eden" Ethan said rubbing his forehead. They got to the black SUV, Earl inside waiting for them. They got in as the car drove out of the school grounds. Eden rested her head on Ethan shoulder. "Should we go see dad?" Ethan asked knowing it will cheer her up. Eden quickly sat up. "Let''s go! But with flowers this time" she said as her face lit up. Ethan smiled. "Earl" he said. "As you wish" Earl said making a turn away from the direction of home. *** The car pulled up at a building, it was wide and white in color, looking like a hospital. They twins got down as they walked towards the building with locked hands, Earl behind him. Inside was white in color, several people on white lab coats walking to and fro in the hallway. "Get the equipment really, we still have a lot of things to do" Sean said, he was on white lab coat also, he talked with his assistants. His eyes then lands on the twins, Eden carrying a bunch of flower. He dismissed the rest as they nod, walking away. "And what are you two mischievous twins doing here" Sean said in amusement stopping in front of them. "Hi uncle Sean, looking handsome as always" Eden said with a smile against her lips. "Thank you little flower that''s why you''re my favourite" he compliments. Ethan just rolled his eyes. "You heard didn''t you" he said without a doubt. "Yes you little devil... how long will you continue with your tantrums" he said drawing Ethan nose. "Ouch" he exclaimed. "I''m not throwing a tantrum okay? Those sucker stole Eden''s note". "Language young man, language" Sean warned. He rolled his eyes again. "Geez you are so dark like your dad" adds. "So I have been told" "Who am I alike then" Eden asked. "Well you young lady definitely do not take after your mom" he said without a doubt, knowing that Riley has a dark nature too that was almost terrifying like Liam, Ethan was the one who took both their attitudes all at once, the kid was a small devil in disguise. "You are more like your grandmom, from your granddad, she was sweet and beautiful like a flower" Sean said with a smile against his lips. His eyes lands on their wirsts, the silver band around, with a blue beeping light. "How''s it going with the braclet?" he asked squatting as it he asked. "Don''t feel fuzzy anymore?" he asked once again. "No we''re good, that last one was surely outta juice" Ethan said with a shrug. "I see" Sean said with a puzzled look, then to his own bracelet, a device invented by the government to keep their Claws within, it was part of the treaty, ghouls no longer had to call out their Claws out again, the new generation was a free Claw one, no more bloodshed. But for Ethan and Eden was a different case, ever since they were born they had it on along with other ghoul babies, but the rest of the ghoul babies as they grew didn''t have trouble with theirs, but for Ethan at the age of 5 which was the Claw manifestation period, they woke up to find Ethan''s hand wearing the bracelet, was coal black in color while Eden fell seriously ill, they were convinced it was just the bracelet malfunction but Sean believed it to be something more. "That''s good to hear" Sean said rising to his feet. "We wanna see dad" Eden said. "Sure, I do too, shall we?"Sean said with a nudge of his head, they nod as they followed behind him. *** Through the elevator they got to the highest floor of the building, the elevator door slides open as they walked into the extra large room. It was comfy and well organised, at the center was a majestic bed. Liam O''Brien laid on it, his head resting on the pillow, he was unconscious as he gave feeble breath, his nose and mouth covered with oxygen, several wires connected to his chest and head, all the way to the equipements keeping him alive, as it showed his heart rate and BP. He was on a black long sleeve shirt, the rest of his body was covered by the white covers of the bed, his dark brown hair was shoulder length packed neatly behind, his skin was extra pale and thin. Eden quickly rushed to the stance beside the bed as she changed the flowers. Ethan slowly strolled to the bed. Eden walks to the bed as she took off her boots, before lying beside her dad on the bed, smuggling herself to the side feeling his warmth. Sean smiled at the action, he watched as Ethan sat on the other side of the bed, placing the covers more on his body. Sean almost went teary at the sight. ''Your kids are here to see you.... Liam'' he thought sadly. Chapter 209 - Black Twins (Part 3) The car pulled up at a building, it was wide and white in color, looking like a hospital. They twins got down as they walked towards the building with locked hands, Earl behind him. Inside was white in color, several people on white lab coats walking to and fro in the hallway. "Get the equipment really, we still have a lot of things to do" Sean said, he was on white lab coat also, he talked with his assistants. His eyes then lands on the twins, Eden carrying a bunch of flower. He dismissed the rest as they nod, walking away. "And what are you two mischievous twins doing here" Sean said in amusement stopping in front of them. "Hi uncle Sean, looking handsome as always" Eden said with a smile against her lips. "Thank you little flower that''s why you''re my favourite" he compliments. Ethan just rolled his eyes. "You heard didn''t you" he said without a doubt. "Yes you little devil... how long will you continue with your tantrums" he said drawing Ethan nose. "Ouch" he exclaimed. "I''m not throwing a tantrum okay? Those sucker stole Eden''s note". "Language young man, language" Sean warned. He rolled his eyes again. "Geez you are so dark like your dad" adds. "So I have been told" "Who am I alike then" Eden asked. "Well you young lady definitely do not take after your mom" he said without a doubt, knowing that Riley has a dark nature too that was almost terrifying like Liam, Ethan was the one who took both their attitudes all at once, the kid was a small devil in disguise. "You are more like your grandmom, from your granddad, she was sweet and beautiful like a flower" Sean said with a smile against his lips. His eyes lands on their wirsts, the silver band around, with a blue beeping light. "How''s it going with the braclet?" he asked squatting as it he asked. "Don''t feel fuzzy anymore?" he asked once again. "No we''re good, that last one was surely outta juice" Ethan said with a shrug. "I see" Sean said with a puzzled look, then to his own bracelet, a device invented by the government to keep their Claws within, it was part of the treaty, ghouls no longer had to call out their Claws out again, the new generation was a free Claw one, no more bloodshed. But for Ethan and Eden was a different case, ever since they were born they had it on along with other ghoul babies, but the rest of the ghoul babies as they grew didn''t have trouble with theirs, but for Ethan at the age of 5 which was the Claw manifestation period, they woke up to find Ethan''s hand wearing the bracelet, was coal black in color while Eden fell seriously ill, they were convinced it was just the bracelet malfunction but Sean believed it to be something more. "That''s good to hear" Sean said rising to his feet. "We wanna see dad" Eden said. "Sure, I do too, shall we?"Sean said with a nudge of his head, they nod as they followed behind him. *** Through the elevator they got to the highest floor of the building, the elevator door slides open as they walked into the extra large room. It was comfy and well organised, at the center was a majestic bed. Liam O''Brien laid on it, his head resting on the pillow, he was unconscious as he gave feeble breath, his nose and mouth covered with oxygen, several wires connected to his chest and head, all the way to the equipements keeping him alive, as it showed his heart rate and BP. He was on a black long sleeve shirt, the rest of his body was covered by the white covers of the bed, his dark brown hair was shoulder length packed neatly behind, his skin was extra pale and thin. Eden quickly rushed to the stance beside the bed as she changed the flowers. Ethan slowly strolled to the bed. Eden walks to the bed as she took off her boots, before lying beside her dad on the bed, smuggling herself to the side feeling his warmth. Sean smiled at the action, he watched as Ethan sat on the other side of the bed, placing the covers more on his body. Sean almost went teary at the sight. ''Your kids are here to see you... Liam'' he thought sadly. "His beards are growing again" Ethan said with a sigh. "Right... Will work on that" Sean said scratching the back of his head. "When was the last time mom came?" He asked knowing she was always the one who shaved it. Sean sighs. "Not since this month, you should know Ethan, it''s hard for her seeing him like this, there''s no improvement of in his body condition for years" Sean said sadly. "Well it''s hard for both of us too!" He hissed. "She should at least still come to see him like we do" he said faintly but Sean heard him. Sean walks towards him slowly as he placed a hand on his shoulder. "For the past 13 years" Sean began. "She has come here every night, everyday tending to him" he said in a heavy breath. "I was the one who said she should take a month break, its not easy for her Ethan you have to understand that" Sean reasons. Tears filled Ethan eyes. "I hate seeing dad like this, it''s so unfair" he said with clenched teeth, his teary eyes drifts to a sleeping Eden, clenching onto their dad''s shirt as she slept soundly. "Eden misses him.... I do too... we have never heard the sound of his voice or feel touch" Ethan said sadly. Sean squats in front of him, Ethan turns to him. "Whick is why i built this place" Sean began, his eyes laced with seriousness. "I will do everything in my power to bring him back, I promise" Sean said without a doubt, he had spent 13 years figuring out a way to wake him up, doctors around the world, ghoul doctors too, scientists also, they have been able to keep his body and heart running ever since that day, but the one thing they couldn''t do was wake him up and it pained him to the core. Ethan nods at his words. Sean embraced him tightly as Ethan cried silently. "It''s gonna be okay" Sean assured him, he will surely find a way to bring his best friend back, no matter what. *** Sean watches a the twins steps into the SUV as Earl drove out. He watches the car drive into the busy road. He sighs as his eyes lands on the dark skies illuminated by stars, his eyes grew wistful with the memories of the past. *** Years ago The O''Brien''s Mansion "I''m gonna get you Eden" 4 years old Ethan growled like a monster, as Eden screamed while giggling, as her brother came at her. They both wore a cute animal over all, Ethan''s was a lion over all, with hood for a lion face and Eden''s was cat. "Yes Mr. President, you have nothing to worry about, a deal is a deal" Riley said walking to and fro, the earplugs in one of her ear as she made a call with the President of United States while walking to and fro. She was just on a white thick sweater and blue pants, her red shoulder length hair was packed in a messy burn. "Yes of course... the braclets are already distributed around the world, I have already talked with my people and gain understanding, you have nothing to worry about" she states. Eden loud scream came in. "Sweetie could you keep it down, mummy is trying to work" Riley said sweetly to the twins but they still continued their tantrums. "Yes of course I look forward to it" she said back to call. "And where are my mischievous twins" Sean''s voice came in as he steps into the wide room. "Uncle Sean" Ethan and Eden called in a high pitch voice as they rushed to their uncle embracing them tightly. "Ugh... both of you weigh a ton now" Sean growled carrying both of them at once as they giggled before bringing them down. Riley ended the call. "Thank God you''re here Sean... I''m trying to do work but the twin are being mischievous as always" Riley said. "Is that true?" Sean said staring at both them, they gave him puppy dog eyes he couldn''t resist. "It was Ethan''s idea to disturb while mummy worked" Eden confessed. "Not it wasn''t" Ethan pouted. "Come here you little devil!" Riley growled as she grabs Ethan who screamed and giggled as she tickles him. "Where do you get this your devilish mind from" Riley said with a sigh, straddling him properly on the side of her waist, arranging his messy curly dark brown hair, beneath the hood. "Well you know who he took it from" Sean said. Riley''s eyes instantly went sad as she forced a smile. "Okay... who want to have some fun let mummy work" Sean offered. They cheered happily. Riley smile as she drops Ethan down, as the twins followed Sean out the door. Riley murmured a ''thank you'' to Sean, he murmurs a ''no problem'' to her, before turning back. *** Present Day Sean smiled at the memory, he placed his hand in his coat jacket before walking back into the building. Chapter 210 - Black Twins (Part 4) "When was the last time mom came?" He asked knowing she was always the one who shaved it. Sean sighs. "Not since this month, you should know Ethan, it''s hard for her seeing him like this, there''s no improvement of in his body condition for years" Sean said sadly. "Well it''s hard for both of us too!" He hissed. "She should at least still come to see him like we do" he said faintly but Sean heard him. Sean walks towards him slowly as he placed a hand on his shoulder. "For the past 13 years" Sean began. "She has come here every night, everyday tending to him" he said in a heavy breath. "I was the one who said she should take a month break, its not easy for her Ethan you have to understand that" Sean reasons. Tears filled Ethan eyes. "I hate seeing dad like this, it''s so unfair" he said with clenched teeth, his teary eyes drifts to a sleeping Eden, clenching onto their dad''s shirt as she slept soundly. "Eden misses him.... I do too... we have never heard the sound of his voice or feel touch" Ethan said sadly. Sean squats in front of him, Ethan turns to him. "Whick is why i built this place" Sean began, his eyes laced with seriousness. "I will do everything in my power to bring him back, I promise" Sean said without a doubt, he had spent 13 years figuring out a way to wake him up, doctors around the world, ghoul doctors too, scientists also, they have been able to keep his body and heart running ever since that day, but the one thing they couldn''t do was wake him up and it pained him to the core. Ethan nods at his words. Sean embraced him tightly as Ethan cried silently. "It''s gonna be okay" Sean assured him, he will surely find a way to bring his best friend back, no matter what. *** Sean watches a the twins steps into the SUV as Earl drove out. He watches the car drive into the busy road. He sighs as his eyes lands on the dark skies illuminated by stars, his eyes grew wistful with the memories of the past. *** Years ago The O''Brien''s Mansion "I''m gonna get you Eden" 4 years old Ethan growled like a monster, as Eden screamed while giggling, as her brother came at her. They both wore a cute animal over all, Ethan''s was a lion over all, with hood for a lion face and Eden''s was cat. "Yes Mr. President, you have nothing to worry about, a deal is a deal" Riley said walking to and fro, the earplugs in one of her ear as she made a call with the President of United States while walking to and fro. She was just on a white thick sweater and blue pants, her red shoulder length hair was packed in a messy burn. "Yes of course... the braclets are already distributed around the world, I have already talked with my people and gain understanding, you have nothing to worry about" she states. Eden loud scream came in. "Sweetie could you keep it down, mummy is trying to work" Riley said sweetly to the twins but they still continued their tantrums. "Yes of course I look forward to it" she said back to call. "And where are my mischievous twins" Sean''s voice came in as he steps into the wide room. "Uncle Sean" Ethan and Eden called in a high pitch voice as they rushed to their uncle embracing them tightly. "Ugh... both of you weigh a ton now" Sean growled carrying both of them at once as they giggled before bringing them down. Riley ended the call. "Thank God you''re here Sean... I''m trying to do work but the twin are being mischievous as always" Riley said. "Is that true?" Sean said staring at both them, they gave him puppy dog eyes he couldn''t resist. "It was Ethan''s idea to disturb while mummy worked" Eden confessed. "Not it wasn''t" Ethan pouted. "Come here you little devil!" Riley growled as she grabs Ethan who screamed and giggled as she tickles him. "Where do you get this your devilish mind from" Riley said with a sigh, straddling him properly on the side of her waist, arranging his messy curly dark brown hair, beneath the hood. "Well you know who he took it from" Sean said. Riley''s eyes instantly went sad as she forced a smile. "Okay... who want to have some fun let mummy work" Sean offered. They cheered happily. Riley smile as she drops Ethan down, as the twins followed Sean out the door. Riley murmured a ''thank you'' to Sean, he murmurs a ''no problem'' to her, before turning back. *** Present Day Sean smiled at the memory, he placed his hand in his coat jacket before walking back into the building. *** "How did it go with the twins?" Iris asked raising an eyebrow, watching as Riley walks into the office sighing. "Not exactly well" Riley said seating on the white couch. Iris just made a hmm sound. "I heard... you know Ethan is very protective of his sister, I''m sure he just wanted to teach those kids a lesson" she reason. "Yeah I know but the violence is too much" Riley said sighing, rubbing her forehead. "I get you" Iris said handling her a glass of water. "Thanks" Riley said taking it, as she took a chug of it, taking the glass off her lips and sighing once more. "It has not been an easy 13 years" Riley said dropping the glass cup, on the glass table beside the couch, before relaxing more, she stared at the white ceiling. "I know Riley" Iris said seating beside her. "You''re very strong, because of you and Liam''s sacrifice we get to know peace, something we never thought was possible... Riley you created a safer world for the next generation, you created a safe city for the twins to live in, no more fear of being hunted ever again" she states. Riley smiled at her words, turning to face her. "Thank you Iris" Riley said with a smile against her lips. "You''re welcome... now let''s get to work, we''re meeting some officials soon" Iris said. "Ugh" Riley growled. "You''re ghoul Queen after all" Iris said in a sing tone voice as she rise to her feet. Riley sighs getting up on her feet, adjusting her gown, before walking right after Iris. *** The Suv passed the busy road before taking a turn towards a lonely one. Earl made another turn. "Happy we saw dad?" Ethan asked. "Of course" Eden said with a smile against her lips but then it slowly fades as her eyes sadden. "What''s wrong?" Ethan asked worried seeing her sudden change of features. "Is dad ever gonna wake up, Ethan?" She asked sadly. Ethan froze at her question, he gulps hard, that thought has cross his mind over the years, their dad has been in a coma for 13years with no signs of waking up. "Uncle Sean is doing everything he can okay?" He assures her, even though the hope was slim he wasn''t gonna let that get to him or Eden. "I know he will wake up... so don''t give up hope okay?" He adds. Eden smiled as she nods. Suddenly the SUV stops abruptly. Curious they both turned to face Earl. "Earl, what''s wrong?" Ethan asked curiously. "There''s.... someone on the road" Earl said sternly as he stared at the figure blocking the path. A figure steps out, it was a young woman, she had short straight hair, fringe at the front, kept in a perfect matter. She wore all black, her ghoul eyes present. A twisted smirk against her lips. "A ghoul" Eden said certain seeing the eyes she has never seen before, but she knew it was it. Suddenly a scorpion leg came fast as it pireced through the glass and then buried deeply on Earl''s shoulder, blood slashed on the twins faces as they stared in shock at what just happened. Earl growled loudly in pain. "RUN!" he barked knowing if they stayed they will most likely suffer the same fate. Li Fen smirks as more scorpion legs came out of her back ready to penetrate the car again. "I SAID RUN!" Earl barked once again, holding the scorpion leg buried in his shoulder from moving. "NOW!" In panic Ethan quickly opened the door as they both ran out with locked hands into the woods beside the road. Fen growled deeply a she watches with her ghoul eyes, she turned to the car, the rest of the four Scorpion legs penetrate into the car flinging it into the other side of the wood causing a loud crash sound. Fen cracks her neck, the scorpion legs swirling behind her. "Let''s get hunting" she said in Chinese, smirking as she walks towards the direction the twins ran in. *** Ethan and Eden took harsh uneven breaths as they ran deeper into the woods as fast as they could. "Ethan.... I can''t... I can''t run anymore" Eden said coming to an halt as she tried to catch her breath. "No Eden we can stop or that crazy lady is gonna kill us" he hissed. "We need to call for help, we can''t outrun her" Eden said. "I left my bag in the car" Ethan said with wide eyes. "I did too". "Where are you? Come out, come out wherever you''re".. A dark sing tone ovoice came in. Chapter 211 - Black Danger The SUV passed the busy road before taking a turn towards a lonely one. Earl made another turn. "Happy we saw dad?" Ethan asked. "Of course" Eden said with a smile against her lips but then it slowly fades as her eyes sadden. "What''s wrong?" Ethan asked worried seeing her sudden change of features. "Is dad ever gonna wake up, Ethan?" She asked sadly. Ethan froze at her question, he gulps hard, that thought has cross his mind over the years, their dad has been in a coma for 13years with no signs of waking up. "Uncle Sean is doing everything he can okay?" He assures her, even though the hope was slim he wasn''t gonna let that get to him or Eden. "I know he will wake up... so don''t give up hope okay?" He adds. Eden smiled as she nods. Suddenly the SUV stops abruptly. Curious they both turned to face Earl. "Earl, what''s wrong?" Ethan asked curiously. "There''s.... someone on the road" Earl said sternly as he stared at the figure blocking the path. A figure steps out, it was a young woman, she had short straight hair, fringe at the front, kept in a perfect matter. She wore all black, her ghoul eyes present. A twisted smirk against her lips. "A ghoul" Eden said certain seeing the eyes she has never seen before, but she knew it was it. Suddenly a scorpion leg came fast as it pierced through the glass and then buried deeply on Earl''s shoulder, blood slashed on the twins faces as they stared in shock at what just happened. Earl growled loudly in pain. "RUN!" he barked knowing if they stayed they will most likely suffer the same fate. Li Fen smirks as more scorpion legs came out of her back ready to penetrate the car again. "I SAID RUN!" Earl barked once again, holding the scorpion leg buried in his shoulder from moving. "NOW!" In panic Ethan quickly opened the door as they both ran out with locked hands into the woods beside the road. Fen growled deeply a she watches with her ghoul eyes, she turned to the car, the rest of the four Scorpion legs penetrate into the car flinging it into the other side of the wood causing a loud crash sound. Fen cracks her neck, the scorpion legs swirling behind her. "Let''s get hunting" she said in Chinese, smirking as she walks towards the direction the twins ran in. *** Elsewhere Iris walks into Riley''s office, she was busy typing on her laptop, her gaze drift to Iris seeing her worried expression. "Iris, what''s wrong?" Riley asked puzzled. Iris took a deep breath. "The car GPS carrying the twins, its off the radar". Riley froze at her words as she stands up abruptly, her look holding fury. "We can''t seem to locate them any more, the last stop was Sean''s medical facility and then the rest just went offline" she said gulping hard. "We think the twins might be in danger" *** The Woods Ethan and Eden took harsh uneven breaths as they ran deeper into the woods as fast as they could. "Ethan.... I can''t... I can''t run anymore" Eden said coming to an halt as she tried to catch her breath. "No Eden we can stop or that crazy lady is gonna kill us" he hissed. "We need to call for help, we can''t outrun her" Eden said. "I left my bag in the car" Ethan said with wide eyes. "I did too". "Where are you? Come out, come out wherever you''re". A dark sing tone voice came in. "You don''t think she killed Earl did you?" Eden said with sad eyes. "Well she''s gonna get it if she did" Ethan said without a doubt. "Let''s show that bitch that she can''t mess with the O''Brien''s" he adds with a murderous look. "Language Ethan" she scolds. Ethan just rolled his eyes. *** "Ugh... where are those kids" Fen said in English getting frustrated, they were nowhere to be seen. She halts as her ghoul eyes scanned the area, she couldn''t get a glimpse of them not even a smell. "Smart kids" she acknowledged. "Where are you?" she said in a sing tone voice with a smirk against her lips. "Eden and Ethan O''Brien... come out wherever you are" On top of a tall tree behind her, Ethan was present, his eyes lands on Eden on top of another, he gave a nod as a signal, she nods too. Ethan looks down seeing Fen beneath, before jumping downward, straddling on her shoulder, In panic she waved around trying to get him off. Making sure his lap were around her neck tightly... he spinned, flipping her to the ground Ethan sat up quickly, Fen did too facing him with furious eyes. "I''m gonna rip you to pieces you little brat" she snaps as the scorpion legs came forth behind her back. "Eden now!" Ethan hissed. "Don''t you dare insult my brother, you dumb bitch" Eden hissed from above. In surprise she look up seeing Eden, before she could react, Eden used a stick to cut down a bee hive. Fen screamed as the hive lands on her face, trapped within the hole as she moved around screaming, the bees sting her, multiple times. Eden jumps down as both she and Ethan pulled a rope up, the back of Fen''s leg found it as she stumbled backwards all the way to the cliff nearby and they she fell, screaming. Ethan and Eden walks close the cliff, smirking at their accomplishment watching. "That should keep her out of our necks" Eden said. They looked at each, fist bumping. Eden adjusts her glasses properly. "Let''s go find Earl" Ethan suggested. Eden nods as they walked away from the cliff. "Well, well, well" a sinister voice came in. "I didn''t expect that". The twins halt their steps instantly, as their eyes lands on the weird man before them. "And who are you?" Ethan asked tilting his head to the side, not even a glimspe of fear against his features. "I can''t believe Fen was out bested by two kids... amazing, you''re definitely an O''Brien" he adds in amusement. The man was around his late 70s but still looked strong, his white hair hide beneath a dark red hat, he wore a matching suit and a red coat jacket also along with red shoes, his eyes covered with round frame black glasses, his hand holding a walking stick embodied with golden design. "Yes Tres Hes Drea Yuh jes pe" he said in ghoul language. (The black Ghoul offsprings before me). he licks his lips. "Res tes jes rui kest tinox bes" Ethan said back. (You know my dad? Who are you old man?!) Hunter froze, his eyes wide in surprise, he never knew they could speak ancient ghoul language. "Yest yuo westi sest les ta" Eden said sternly. (I believe my brother asked who you are, old man) Hunter couldn''t help but laugh, he was purely amazed. "The name is Hunter, children," he said in amusement. "And what do you want from us and how do you know my dad?" Ethan demands, practical growling. "I know many things little one, the fact I have spent years searching, wanting to meet the black ghoul only to find out he''s no more... but before me are his lineage, I will have to suffice with that" he said in a sick amusement. Ethan instinctively took Eden''s hand and pulled her behind. Hunter ticks his tongue, his gaze drifts to the bracelet on their wrists. "Pity, you don''t know what it feels to have a Claw" he said. "How come you aren''t wearing one, it''s against the law," Eden said. "Well you see little one, I don''t need to" he said with a shrug. "Are you above the law then?" Ethan asked raising an eyebrow. Hunter grinned showing his replaced teeth with gold. "Do you know what happens when you let out a lion in his cage, after years of subduing it? Most especially for twins like you with the black ghoul bloodline" he said in amusement. The twins stared at him puzzled. "Their bloodlust is unlike anything you have ever seen" the moment he said that he brough out a gold whip, in a blink of an eye, with one wave the steel bracelet around Ethan''s hand slit in two, wounding him in the process as blood splashed. "ETHAN!" Eden shouts in horror. Suddenly Ethan''s body ran cold as he took harsh breath like he was having a panic attack. Eden''s mouth went apart in shock as she watch her brother went on the knees holding his chest, taking panic breath. "I''m curious to see what you are capable of, little one... you''re like your father after all" Hunter said chuckling. "MAKE IT STOP!" Eden screamed but slowly a scorpion leg wraps around her neck pulling her away from her brother''s hold, her glasses falling in the process. Ethan turns in slow motion still in panic breaths, Eden was hanging on the air, the scorpion leg around her neck tightly. Fen behind smirking. "Do you know what happens when I sting?" Fen said darkly. Instantly, another scorpion leg came for Eden as the tip stung the back of her neck, she screamed in pain. "EDEN!". Chapter 212 - Black Roar Let''s go find Earl" Ethan suggested. Eden nods as they walked away from the cliff. "Well, well, well" a sinister voice came in. "I didn''t expect that". The twins halt their steps instantly, as their eyes lands on the weird man before them. "And who are you?" Ethan asked tilting his head to the side, not even a glimspe of fear against his features. "I can''t believe Fen was out bested by two kids... amazing, you''re definitely an O''Brien" he adds in amusement. The man was around his late 70s but still looked strong, his white hair hide beneath a dark red hat, he wore a matching suit and a red coat jacket also along with red shoes, his eyes covered with round frame black glasses, his hand holding a walking stick embodied with golden design. "Yes Tres Hes Drea Yuh jes pe" he said in ghoul language. (The black Ghoul offsprings before me). he licks his lips. "Res tes jes rui kest tinox bes" Ethan said back. (You know my dad? Who are you old man?!) Hunter froze, his eyes wide in surprise, he never knew they could speak ancient ghoul language. "Yest yuo westi sest les ta" Eden said sternly. (I believe my brother asked who you are, old man) Hunter couldn''t help but laugh, he was purely amazed. "The name is Hunter, children," he said in amusement. "And what do you want from us and how do you know my dad?" Ethan demands, practical growling. "I know many things little one, the fact I have spent years searching, wanting to meet the black ghoul only to find out he''s no more... but before me are his lineage, I will have to suffice with that" he said in a sick amusement. Ethan instinctively took Eden''s hand and pulled her behind. Hunter ticks his tongue, his gaze drifts to the bracelet on their wrists. "Pity, you don''t know what it feels to have a Claw" he said. "How come you aren''t wearing one, it''s against the law," Eden said. "Well you see little one, I don''t need to" he said with a shrug. "Are you above the law then?" Ethan asked raising an eyebrow. Hunter grinned showing his replaced teeth with gold. "Do you know what happens when you let out a lion in his cage, after years of subduing it? Most especially for twins like you with the black ghoul bloodline" he said in amusement. The twins stared at him puzzled. "Their bloodlust is unlike anything you have ever seen" the moment he said that he brough out a gold whip, in a blink of an eye, with one wave the steel bracelet around Ethan''s hand slit in two, wounding him in the process as blood splashed. "ETHAN!" Eden shouts in horror. Suddenly Ethan''s body ran cold as he took harsh breath like he was having a panic attack. Eden''s mouth went apart in shock as she watch her brother went on the knees holding his chest, taking panic breath. "I''m curious to see what you are capable of, little one... you''re like your father after all" Hunter said chuckling. "MAKE IT STOP!" Eden screamed but slowly a scorpion leg wraps around her neck pulling her away from her brother''s hold, her glasses falling in the process. Ethan turns in slow motion still in panic breaths, Eden was hanging on the air, the scorpion leg around her neck tightly. Fen behind smirking. "Do you know what happens when I sting?" Fen said darkly. Instantly, another scorpion leg came for Eden as the tip stung the back of her neck, she screamed in pain. "EDEN!" Ethan shouts in horror. Eden''s body ran paled in less than a second, from the back of her neck black veins creped to her face, all the way to the rest of her body. Her hands fell to the side, her chocolate brown eyes went black. Ethan''s heart slammed a loud heart beat as he watches the horrifying scene, his body paralysed in shock he watches as a single tear slides from one of her eye. He gave deeper panic breath, making Hunter and Fen attention drift to him. Ethan gaze to the ground, his body trembled, his panic breath unstable, also like he could collapse from unstable lungs. "Hunter" Fen said with puzzled eyes, staring at the boy strangely. Hunter just had a sadistic smirk against his lips as he watch like he just hit the bag. "Something doesn''t feel right" she said in Chinese. Ethan''s grip tightens on the ground in a tight hold and then he roared inhumanly as an aura came around him not in wave or pitch black, but in form of black dust, vibrating around him. His roar shock the earth thoroughly, his skin went pitch black, smooth like coal. Hunter froze at the transformation as his eyes shakes. ''This can''t be'' he thought in awe. Ethan''s head shot backwards as his loud roar continued, his ears grew pointy, his canines elongated, his nails did too. Ethan clenched his head in pain. "Hunter?" Fen said. Ethan''s ear switched at the sound, as his head snapped towards her, her body ran cold when his void golden eyes lands on her. He slowly rise to his feet, the dust aura formed something behind him, a wave of large wings but it wasn''t fully formed. Then his void eyes lands on Eden''s unconscious body still hanging in the air. He roared a chaotic sound like a sonic wave. Before Fen could blink, he slammed her off Eden. Eden''s body dropped to the ground. Fen gasp as her back hit the ground hard. Her ghoul eyes widen when she saw Ethan on top of her but it was too late. She was devoured in less than a second, consuming her essence until there was nothing left. "Truly amazing" Hunter said in astonishment. Ethan''s furious eyes lands on Hunter. "Tell me boy" he began. "How does it feel to be powerful" he adds with a smirk. Ethan snarled, coming at Hunter. He brought out his stick using the tip to slam Ethan on the chest, the force pushed him backwards, Ethan slides back in all fours. "Hmph... outstanding, that force alone is enough to kill a ghoul" Hunter said, slamming the tip of the stick against the ground, it made a loud vibrating sound. "Let me make something clear boy" he states moving his shade to the bridge of his nose, his eyes were pitch black only. "You''re thousand of years way behind to even challenge me" he states shifting it back to cover his eyes. A red aura like fire surrounds around him widely. Ethan rose to his feet cracking his neck as he growled setting his claws on the go. Hunter scoffs. "Give it to an O''Brien for their fearlessness" he mocked. "I suppose I will teach you a lessen then he said as the aura turned to sharp spikes that came at Eden''s unconscious body. Ethan''s eyes went wide in shock as he dash after her in speed, with one wave of his hand, his claws formed a wave of dust aura zapping it back to Hunter, he couldn''t destroy but only send it back to him. But it stopped on getting to Hunter. Ethan held Eden in his arms tightly, a hand placed on her cold body, the other rested on her head to placed against his chest, the dust black aura around both of them. Hunter ticks his tongue, as the spikes rotates back, ready to charge at them once again. "All attachments must be removed into to reach supreme goals" Hunter states. "I want you Ethan O''Brien, for you''re my diamond in the rough" he adds with a smirk. "Let''s see how long you will hold on" The spikes came at them fast. *Loud Sound Of Heart Beat* Hunter froze feeling the divine aura. The spikes came for them but suddenly on getting to them it crumbles to a million pieces by a white aura around them. Ethan slowly raised his head as his void golden eyes lands on his mom now in front of them, with a very pissed look. "Don''t you dare touch my children, you fucking piece of shit!" Riley hissed as before Hunter could blink, a rod came at him fast, piercing his chest and slamming him to the tree. Riley''s body went up in white aura, above her head was a white spike crown, levitating. Riley wields the rod to move deeper into his heart but surprisingly enough, Hunter didn''t budge, Riley was confused at this. "Extremely fascinating, the ghoul Queen before me" he states stepping forward as he moved out of the rod like he was invisible. Riley froze at his action. Huner gave a slight bow. "What are you?" Riley demands. "I would have loved to stay and chitchat but I must go" he states as his gaze drifts to Ethan. "Come to me Ethan if you want to save your sister" he states as he flipped a red card to Riley. She caught it in a swift move. He then fades out like a mirage. "You''re invited my queen, I''m looking forward to seeing you again" he vanished. Chapter 213 - Black Theory "Hunter?" Fen said. Ethan''s ear switched at the sound, as his head snapped towards her, her body ran cold when his void golden eyes lands on her. He slowly rise to his feet, the dust aura formed something behind him, a wave of large wings but it wasn''t fully formed. Then his void eyes lands on Eden''s unconscious body still hanging in the air. He roared a chaotic sound like a sonic wave. Before Fen could blink, he slammed her off Eden. Eden''s body dropped to the ground. Fen gasp as her back hit the ground hard. Her ghoul eyes widen when she saw Ethan on top of her but it was too late. She was devoured in less than a second, consuming her essence until there was nothing left. "Truly amazing" Hunter said in astonishment. Ethan''s furious eyes lands on Hunter. "Tell me boy" he began. "How does it feel to be powerful" he adds with a smirk. Ethan snarled, coming at Hunter. He brought out his stick using the tip to slam Ethan on the chest, the force pushed him backwards, Ethan slides back in all fours. "Hmph... outstanding, that force alone is enough to kill a ghoul" Hunter said, slamming the tip of the stick against the ground, it made a loud vibrating sound. "Let me make something clear boy" he states moving his shade to the bridge of his nose, his eyes were pitch black only. "You''re thousand of years way behind to even challenge me" he states shifting it back to cover his eyes. A red aura like fire surrounds around him widely. Ethan rose to his feet cracking his neck as he growled setting his claws on the go. Hunter scoffs. "Give it to an O''Brien for their fearlessness" he mocked. "I suppose I will teach you a lessen then he said as the aura turned to sharp spikes that came at Eden''s unconscious body. Ethan''s eyes went wide in shock as he dash after her in speed, with one wave of his hand, his claws formed a wave of dust aura zapping it back to Hunter, he couldn''t destroy but only send it back to him. But it stopped on getting to Hunter. Ethan held Eden in his arms tightly, a hand placed on her cold body, the other rested on her head to placed against his chest, the dust black aura around both of them. Hunter ticks his tongue, as the spikes rotates back, ready to charge at them once again. "All attachments must be removed into to reach supreme goals" Hunter states. "I want you Ethan O''Brien, for you''re my diamond in the rough" he adds with a smirk. "Let''s see how long you will hold on" The spikes came at them fast. *Loud Sound Of Heart Beat* Hunter froze feeling the divine aura. The spikes came for them but suddenly on getting to them it crumbles to a million pieces by a white aura around them. Ethan slowly raised his head as his void golden eyes lands on his mom now in front of them, with a very pissed look. "Don''t you dare touch my children, you fucking piece of shit!" Riley hissed as before Hunter could blink, a rod came at him fast, piercing his chest and slamming him to the tree. Riley''s body went up in white aura, above her head was a white spike crown, levitating. Riley wields the rod to move deeper into his heart but surprisingly enough, Hunter didn''t budge, Riley was confused at this. "Extremely fascinating, the ghoul Queen before me" he states stepping forward as he moved out of the rod like he was invisible. Riley froze at his action. Huner gave a slight bow. "What are you?" Riley demands. "I would have loved to stay and chitchat but I must go" he states as his gaze drifts to Ethan. "Come to me Ethan if you want to save your sister" he states as he flipped a red card to Riley. She caught it in a swift move. He then fades out like a mirage. "You''re invited my queen, I''m looking forward to seeing you again" he vanished. He was nowhere to be seen, Riley quickly turned to her children going on her knees. "Ethan" she said with teary eyes caressing his cheek gently not minding his appearances. Ethan growled deeply, his teeth clenched in a tight hold as he tried to speak in this new form and he finally did. "Aren''t you scared of me?". He couldn''t even recognise his own voice, it was deep and doubled sounded almost demonic. Riley scoffs. "Why should I be scared of you" Riley said, she almost laughed at his words but now wasn''t the time for that, it was silly of him to say those words, he wasn''t even compared to how monstrous Liam was and she still loved him no matter what, their son was no different. "I ate..." he said gulping hard at the memory. Riley caught on as she turns to the direction of the blood remains, There was something about her flesh, it was all fired up almost like he sucked the life out of her, okay that can''t be good. "Your Claw did that?" Riley asked just to be sure, she didn''t like the idea of her son himself devouring. Ethan shaked his head negatively, he knew what a Claw was, uncle Sean have always told them about it, they were part of the ghouls when power is being manifested, a being within them, their predatory organ that did their bidding without question, it was what the bracelet was meant to surpass but yet his didn''t came out of him as expected. Riley eyes land on her son back. "Nothing came out?" She asked in a serious tone once again. "No mom" he said getting almost scared that it was a bad thing. "Hush now" she adds rubbing his cheek with her hand still caressing his cheek. He felt cold as something retreats back inside him, it was his powers as the black skin went within, his ears back to normal, along with his eyes, nails and teeth all back to normal. Riley eyes land on her daughter, she check her pulse through her neck. "She was stung by that bitch" Ethan said getting pissed. "Good thing you devoured her then" Riley said as the corner of her lips pursed up a bit, but it fades composing herself. "Language young man, language" she warned carrying Eden in her arms, rising to her feet. "Survey the area" she said. About three figure Ethan didn''t know was there moved out. "Is she gonna be okay?" He asked worried. "Let''s take her back to Sean first" Riley said. He nods as they walked out of the area. "And Earl?" "He will live". *** Beeping monitor machine could be heard, in a room Eden was present on the bed, still unconscious, a drip connected to her hand, a mouth breath against her nose and mouth as she took feeble breath, her skin paled, black veins still present on her body. Ethan was seated next to her holding her hand, watching with sad eyes. Outside the room Sean and Riley watched through the transparent window that only them could see through from the outside. Iris walks towards Riley from behind, she gave Sean a loving glance which he did too. She looks away. "Any news on the fucking bastard who did this to my babies?" Riley asked faintly, she was still as the wind but they knew she could give out any moment, the killing intent made it harder to breath, luckily they were ghouls. "Nothing, he''s like a ghost" Iris said sad she couldn''t find anything , she hated herself for that, she wanted to find the bastard more than anything. "He wants to play this game then" Riley said rotating the red card around her fingers. "Ethan said his name was Hunter, the other ghoul, Fen. I looked through everywhere but not a single info could be found, it''s like they don''t exist" Iris said, anyone who could pull that off was sure as hell powerful and very dangerous. "Ethan didn''t call out his Claw" Riley began facing them with folded arms. "What?" Sean said puzzled. "But the bracelet was broken, its only natural that something comes out of him, I mean shouldn''t Ghost be reincarnated in him, I know it happens every 55 years but after the upgrade Steve did, its suppose to change the cause of action" he reasons. "That''s the point Sean, nothing came out, it was like he was the Claw himself, merged with it" Riley said still remembering what her son looked like. "You mean he devoured that ghoul as himself?" Iris asked, paled at the thought. Riley just gave a slight nod. "Oh my God" "Does this really mean the sacrifice Liam made to destroy Apophis affected his Claw transfer too, i mean Ghost must have died during the merging with Omari essence but in the right sense he''s suppose to be reborn in Ethan, as the black ghoul" Sean said. "You''re right Sean" Riley said with a heavy sigh a she faced the view again. "If Ethan isn''t the black ghoul then what is he?" Chapter 214 - Black Option Beeping monitor machine could be heard, in a room Eden was present on the bed, still unconscious, a drip connected to her hand, a mouth breath against her nose and mouth as she took feeble breath, her skin paled, black veins still present on her body. Ethan was seated next to her holding her hand, watching with sad eyes. Outside the room Sean and Riley watched through the transparent window that only them could see through from the outside. Iris walks towards Riley from behind, she gave Sean a loving glance which he did too. She looks away. "Any news on the fucking bastard who did this to my babies?" Riley asked faintly, she was still as the wind but they knew she could give out any moment, the killing intent made it harder to breath, luckily they were ghouls. "Nothing, he''s like a ghost" Iris said sad she couldn''t find anything , she hated herself for that, she wanted to find the bastard more than anything. "He wants to play this game then" Riley said rotating the red card around her fingers. "Ethan said his name was Hunter, the other ghoul, Fen. I looked through everywhere but not a single info could be found, it''s like they don''t exist" Iris said, anyone who could pull that off was sure as hell powerful and very dangerous. "Ethan didn''t call out his Claw" Riley began facing them with folded arms. "What?" Sean said puzzled. "But the bracelet was broken, its only natural that something comes out of him, I mean shouldn''t Ghost be reincarnated in him, I know it happens every 55 years but after the upgrade Steve did, its suppose to change the cause of action" he reasons. "That''s the point Sean, nothing came out, it was like he was the Claw himself, merged with it" Riley said still remembering what her son looked like. "You mean he devoured that ghoul as himself?" Iris asked, paled at the thought. Riley just gave a slight nod. "Oh my God" "Does this really mean the sacrifice Liam made to destroy Apophis affected his Claw transfer too, i mean Ghost must have died during the merging with Omari essence but in the right sense he''s suppose to be reborn in Ethan, as the black ghoul" Sean said. "You''re right Sean" Riley said with a heavy sigh a she faced the view again. "If Ethan isn''t the black ghoul then what is he?" *** "Please Eden, wake up" Ethan said with sad eyes as a tear slide down his cheek. "I can''t do anything without you" he sobs burying his face against the sheets as he cried. The door slide open as Riley walks in, she watch the scene with sad eyes, her heart tearing apart at the sight. "Uncle Sean, can he do anything to wake her up?" He said between sobs. "We can''t identify what poisoned her" Riley said sternly as she slowly walks to Ethan placing a hand on his shoulder, her heart was breaking, it hurt as hell seeing her daughter like this and not knowing what to do. "Hunter said he can save her... if i go to him then" he faced Riley. "You. Will. Do. No. Such. Thing!" She said sternly, there was no way she was gonna hand her son over to some old sadistic man that put them in this state. "But mom!" "No buts Ethan, Anubis will be here soon, he will help" she said firmly. "What? The clown face?" Ethan hissed. "Ethan!". "And the clown face is here as summoned" Anubis voice sounds as he appeared. Wearing a black tux, his hands behind his back covered in white gloves, his face could not be seen, it was hidden behind an Anubis mask for a head. "Although I do not agree with the name, clown face" he adds in amusement. "Anubis" Riley said. He turns to her. "We need help" "I''m aware" he states as his head moved to a an unconscious Eden on the bed, he walks towards the bed, assisting her condition. "She is poisoned by the Claw of a very special type of ghoul, if I may have a small talk with ghoul who did this then I might know the the type of poison" he said. "The ghoul is dead... I ate her" Ethan said. "Oh... I did not expect that" he said. "I need help with the twins, both of them need your help... but first do you know a man by the name Hunter?" She asked. Instantly Anubis mask cracks at the eye. They froze at the action. "What did you say?" He said in a slow deadly tone that signify he was pissed with rage within that even cause the mask to crack in response. "I said Hunter, a fucking geezer with teeth for gold who hurt my babies" Riley said measuring up with his own rage. Ethan gulps hard, seeing his mum pissed was freaking scary, he knew she had been keeping it in ever since, if she explode it wasn''t gonna be good. "If you know this man then you better tell me!" she demands, she knew by his action she did and by her guess he was definitely someone dangerous and someone Anubis despise. Anubis used his palm to cover the eye that cracked. "I never thought i would hear that name again" he began removing the palm, the crack was gone. "I''m sure you''re aware by now that ghouls aren''t the only supernatural creatures that inhabit this earth... Hunter is one of them, same as the ghoul responsible for Eden''s condition. This creatures may even be ghouls but they are more than that, they are not genetically made like the foes you faced in the past, these were born that way, almost as special as the black ghoul himself, marching up to his strength in the most terrifying way unimaginable" he said sternly. Ethan gulps hard as his eyes went wide. "If your boy faced those things... then he''s lucky to be alive or more exceptionally stunning he was able to kill one" he adds in curiousity. "Ethan didn''t kill one of them with his Claw, his appearance" Riley began, gulping. "Was exactly as Omari''s form" she adds. "Omari? Isn''t he like the first ghoul or something?" Eden said puzzled. "Exactly young one, the bedtime stories I told you were real" Anubis said. "I always hated when you told us stories like that, we were practically 5" Ethan said with clenched times. "Alas young one, do not blame me, I was simply keeping my promises of assisting your mother" Anubis said. Ethan just rolled his eyes, at that time his mom, Sean and Iris were out on a business trip, so it was just them, it was unfortunate Anubis had to look after them in that period of time, Anubis wasn''t exactly the babysitter you would want to have, it was creepy, being an ancient druid do not come with babysitting training... HE WAS BAD AT IT. "Anubis!" Riley snaps gaining both their attention. "If Ethan doesn''t posses the next black ghoul lineage then what is he?" She demands. "Something more, a mystery... like you said his appearance was that of Omari then I''m afraid I have to tell you that young Ethan O''Brien did not inherit the black ghoul like his previous ancestors but rather Omari''s essence itself" he explained. "I need not remind you that the last time you were intimate with your husband, he was already deep in the essence of Omari, it might have affected this one" he adds. "You mean when my parents were having sex?" Ethan said grimacing at the thought. Riley pulled his ear, hard. "Ouch!" He cried. "You are only 12 years old and yet you have a mouth of an adult" she scolds. "13 in two months time, mom" he corrected in pain as Riley still drew his ear. "I suppose that why Hunter wants you, he has seen what you are capable of and more, more he might have originally came for Lord O''Brien but news spread of his condition so he came for his offspring instead" Anubis said in realization. "That sick bastard got some nerves" Riley said letting go of Ethan''s ear. He rubs it in response, it were bright red already. "Hunter is known for gathering strong and unique ghouls around him, if he has set his eyes on young Ethan here, then there''s no escape... he''s already began his plan in motion" he said referring to Eden''s state. "So you''re saying I hand my son to that geezer, inorder to save one I lost the other?" Riley said pissed. "I''m saying it''s the only way to save young Eden''s life or I''m afraid she won''t make it for her birthday in two months time" he clarified. Ethan''s sad eyes lands on Eden. Riley''s fist clenched hard, she turns staring at the twins, she took a deep shaky sigh closing her eyes. "You have to make a choice, Lady O''Brien" he states. Chapter 215 - Black Decision "Anubis" Riley said. He turns to her. "We need help" "I''m aware" he states as his head moved to a an unconscious Eden on the bed, he walks towards the bed, assisting her condition. "She is poisoned by the Claw of a very special type of ghoul, if I may have a small talk with ghoul who did this then I might know the the type of poison" he said. "The ghoul is dead... I ate her" Ethan said. "Oh... I did not expect that" he said. "I need help with the twins, both of them need your help... but first do you know a man by the name Hunter?" She asked. Instantly Anubis mask cracks at the eye. They froze at the action. "What did you say?" He said in a slow deadly tone that signify he was pissed with rage within that even cause the mask to crack in response. "I said Hunter, a fucking geezer with teeth for gold who hurt my babies" Riley said measuring up with his own rage. Ethan gulps hard, seeing his mum pissed was freaking scary, he knew she had been keeping it in ever since, if she explode it wasn''t gonna be good. "If you know this man then you better tell me!" she demands, she knew by his action she did and by her guess he was definitely someone dangerous and someone Anubis despise. Anubis used his palm to cover the eye that cracked. "I never thought i would hear that name again" he began removing the palm, the crack was gone. "I''m sure you''re aware by now that ghouls aren''t the only supernatural creatures that inhabit this earth... Hunter is one of them, same as the ghoul responsible for Eden''s condition. This creatures may even be ghouls but they are more than that, they are not genetically made like the foes you faced in the past, these were born that way, almost as special as the black ghoul himself, marching up to his strength in the most terrifying way unimaginable" he said sternly. Ethan gulps hard as his eyes went wide. "If your boy faced those things... then he''s lucky to be alive or more exceptionally stunning he was able to kill one" he adds in curiousity. "Ethan didn''t kill one of them with his Claw, his appearance" Riley began, gulping. "Was exactly as Omari''s form" she adds. "Omari? Isn''t he like the first ghoul or something?" Eden said puzzled. "Exactly young one, the bedtime stories I told you were real" Anubis said. "I always hated when you told us stories like that, we were practically 5" Ethan said with clenched times. "Alas young one, do not blame me, I was simply keeping my promises of assisting your mother" Anubis said. Ethan just rolled his eyes, at that time his mom, Sean and Iris were out on a business trip, so it was just them, it was unfortunate Anubis had to look after them in that period of time, Anubis wasn''t exactly the babysitter you would want to have, it was creepy, being an ancient druid do not come with babysitting training... HE WAS BAD AT IT. "Anubis!" Riley snaps gaining both their attention. "If Ethan doesn''t posses the next black ghoul lineage then what is he?" She demands. "Something more, a mystery... like you said his appearance was that of Omari then I''m afraid I have to tell you that young Ethan O''Brien did not inherit the black ghoul like his previous ancestors but rather Omari''s essence itself" he explained. "I need not remind you that the last time you were intimate with your husband, he was already deep in the essence of Omari, it might have affected this one" he adds. "You mean when my parents were having sex?" Ethan said grimacing at the thought. Riley pulled his ear, hard. "Ouch!" He cried. "You are only 12 years old and yet you have a mouth of an adult" she scolds. "13 in two months time, mom" he corrected in pain as Riley still drew his ear. "I suppose that why Hunter wants you, he has seen what you are capable of and more, more he might have originally came for Lord O''Brien but news spread of his condition so he came for his offspring instead" Anubis said in realization. "That sick bastard got some nerves" Riley said letting go of Ethan''s ear. He rubs it in response, it were bright red already. "Hunter is known for gathering strong and unique ghouls around him, if he has set his eyes on young Ethan here, then there''s no escape... he''s already began his plan in motion" he said referring to Eden''s state. "So you''re saying I hand my son to that geezer, inorder to save one I lost the other?" Riley said pissed. "I''m saying it''s the only way to save young Eden''s life or I''m afraid she won''t make it for her birthday in two months time" he clarified. Ethan''s sad eyes lands on Eden. Riley''s fist clenched hard, she turns staring at the twins, she took a deep shaky sigh closing her eyes. "You have to make a choice, Lady O''Brien" he states. *** The O''Brien''s Mansion "What are you gonna do? You''re not gonna do what Anubis said will you?" Iris reasons. Riley was seated on the couch, her leg crossed on top the other, she was in deep thought. "The only way to save Eden''s life" she said facing Iris. "Lose one child to save another" she adds sarcastically. "Riley" Iris said staring at her with worried eyes. She rose to her feet walking towards the table resting her palm on it, she took a deep breath closing her eyes and then opening it. "I''m not about to lose another child again" she states sternly, turning to Iris. "I''m not gonna give Hunter what he wants" "What do you have in mind?" *** Ethan at the door listened to everything they said, his back against the wall, his fist clenched in a tight hold. He walks out straight to his and Eden''s room upstairs. He walked into their large bedroom, with two separate majestic bed, and wardrobes, the room well furnished. He drops a black bag on the bed, packing some clothes in it. "Ethan Honey, what are you doing?" Riley asked walking in, seeing his action she raised an eyebrow. "I''m going to find Hunter and save Eden, you don''t seem to wanna do it" he said ziping his bag. "That''s not true Ethan" she said walking up the bed. "I overheard you and Aunt Iris talking about it, you said you''re not gonna give Hunter what he wants that''s as good as not saving Eden" he said. "What do you expect me to do? Give you up?" "If it saves Eden yes" Riley sighs. "Look Ethan" she began seating on his bed. "You will go to Hunter, and we are gonna do it together, but I''m not giving you up" she states. Ethan blinks puzzled. "What are you gonna do?" She sighs. Placing a hard on his shoulder pulling him close to her. "I want you to trust me" she began. "Fine then, as long as it saves Eden and beside do you really think i would just give up myself to that stinky old man, not a chance, I had a plan, to steal cure and threathen the bastard, I mean I can wield my powers now," he said with a shrug. Riley scoffs. "You have always had a mind of an adult and act like one, I always wondered where you got it from, I suppose it''s from your dad" she said with a smile against her lips. "Yeah Uncle Sean said so, he said I took both your wildness combined making me the exact worse and opposite of you two" he said with a smile. "How were you even gonna get there, you don''t have the card" Riley saud puzzled. He then brough out the red card, rotating it effortlessly between his fingers. "I took the card without you noticing it and besides we have tons of private jet, I would just take one". Damn this boy was all of a kind. Riley''s smile broaden, she placed her forehead on his closing her eyes with a sigh, he did too. "I''m gonna save Eden okay, trust me" she said. He nods. *** Sean''s Medical Facility Eden laid still on the bed, you could hear the beeping monitor machine, her slow feeble breath. Her eyelashes battered swiftly, and then her finger moved a bit, her head twitch a bit and then she went still as she was before. * Eden''s Consciousness *Sounds Of Water Dripping* *Whiltsling Wind* At the strange sound, Eden slowly opened her eyes, finding herself in a place she has never seen before. In a dark endless void, the ground like glass water, in space, an ash big tree lies there, containing four-leaf clovers, some witters dropping to the ground in ash and as it did, another grew in replacement, emerging out of the branch. She gasp at the sight, looking around at the strange place, the rest of the view was just pitch black. "Where am I?" She said puzzled, the last thing she remembered was Ethan being in pain after the bracelet got removed and the Chinese lady grabs her and then stung her with the scorpion legs and then everything went blank. In response to that, she felt the back of her neck but there was nothing. "This place isn''t real" she said in realization, this must be her consciousness, she must be lying in a coma right now and then her mind travelled to this place, but how and why. Suddenly a strong familiar feeling overwhelmed her, the warmth she felt to it was so familiar, her shaky eyes then lands on a figure that wasn''t there before, standing in front of the tree, her eyes slowly went wide recognising the familiar feeling instantly, he had his back facing her. On a black shirt, that showed his muscles and firm body, black pants, bare foot. His dark brown hair, shoulder length, packed in a messy bun behind. Her eyes went teary the tear flowing down her cheek, her heart ached because after 13 years she finally met him in this strange place but it was worth it. "Dad?" He turned. Chapter 216 - Black Consciousness "You have always had a mind of an adult and act like one, I always wondered where you got it from, I suppose it''s from your dad" Riley said with a smile against her lips. "Yeah Uncle Sean said so, he said I took both your wildness combined making me the exact worse and opposite of you two" he said with a smile. "How were you even gonna get there, you don''t have the card" Riley said puzzled. He then brough out the red card, rotating it effortlessly between his fingers. "I took the card without you noticing it and besides we have tons of private jet, I would just take one". Damn this boy was all of a kind. Riley''s smile broaden, she placed her forehead on his closing her eyes with a sigh, he did too. "I''m gonna save Eden okay, trust me" she said. He nods. *** Sean''s Medical Facility Eden laid still on the bed, you could hear the beeping monitor machine, her slow feeble breath. Her eyelashes battered swiftly, and then her finger moved a bit, her head twitch a bit and then she went still as she was before. * Eden''s Consciousness *Sounds Of Water Dripping* *Whiltsling Wind* At the strange sound, Eden slowly opened her eyes, finding herself in a place she has never seen before. In a dark endless void, the ground like glass water, in space, an ash big tree lies there, containing four-leaf clovers, some witters dropping to the ground in ash and as it did, another grew in replacement, emerging out of the branch. She gasp at the sight, looking around at the strange place, the rest of the view was just pitch black. "Where am I?" She said puzzled, the last thing she remembered was Ethan being in pain after the bracelet got removed and the Chinese lady grabs her and then stung her with the scorpion legs and then everything went blank. In response to that, she felt the back of her neck but there was nothing. "This place isn''t real" she said in realization, this must be her consciousness, she must be lying in a coma right now and then her mind travelled to this place, but how and why. Suddenly a strong familiar feeling overwhelmed her, the warmth she felt to it was so familiar, her shaky eyes then lands on a figure that wasn''t there before, standing in front of the tree, her eyes slowly went wide recognising the familiar feeling instantly, he had his back facing her. On a black shirt, that showed his muscles and firm body, black pants, bare foot. His dark brown hair, shoulder length, packed in a messy bun behind. Her eyes went teary the tear flowing down her cheek, her heart ached because after 13 years she finally met him in this strange place but it was worth it. "Dad?" He turned. Liam O''Brien''s eyes avert on the girl that called him dad, he turned fully to the strange presence, his chocolate brown eyes lands on hers, same as his, the curiosity and confusion overwhelmed him. "Jenna?" He said faintly with puzzled eyes, why was Jenna here? After all these years. He turns fully, tilting his head to the side, she looked just like Jenna, must be her buy there was this different nature to her that got him curious, maybe it was Omari in disguise or worse. His expression changed in less than a second. "Who are you?" He asked in a slow deadly tone. The response he got wasn''t exactly what he expected, before he could blink she dashes after him, embracing him in a tight hug, stunning him as her hands locked around his waist not wanting to let go. Liam''s eyes shake at her action, he felt this tight feeling in his chest, he didn''t know why. "I missed you so much dad," she said between cries and sob. What the fuck? Dad?! Liam''s eyes went wide. He placed a hand on her shoulder to get a better view of her. Her cheeks wet with tears, he then assess her features more, those looks, those features were like Jenna''s but surprising enough he could see Riley, even though she didn''t have her green eyes, those features were there, the same pale skin, the pump lips. Still stun he went on one knee in front of her, not taking his eyes off her for a second. "You''re my daughter?" He asked with shaky eyes, still finding it hard to believe. She nods profusely as her eyes went teary again. "Eden Jenna O''Brien" Liam scoffs, he couldn''t believe it, she was so perfect, a precious gem he never thought he had, he thought Riley would be the only woman that would ever capture his heart, but right here right now all that went out the window. "You''re gorgeous" he said softly as a tear fell from one of his eye only. A loving smile pressed against her lips as her heart flutter at his words, she thought Ethan was the one who always made her feel she was on top of the world, but she was wrong. She embraced her dad once again, wrapping her arms around his neck as she cried but not too tightly. And this time he embraced her back too, sending a long kiss on the side of her head, loving the feel of her curly soft hair, nature of hair she surely took from his demise sister, Jenna. He couldn''t express how he felt right now, he knew Riley was pregnant the last time they saw but he never thought 13 years has passed ever since, she looked 13 just by the look. He couldn''t believe it, so long has passed, he''s been died for 13 years, that thought overwhelmed him. But hold on... yes he knew he was no longer among the living, what was his daughter doing her. He pulled away. "Eden, what are you doing here?" He demands in a serious tone, he didn''t to know why his daughter was here. "I''m in a coma, I was hurt by some ghoul, everything was blank right after and then I saw myself here" she said still puzzled. "A coma?" Liam said pissed, he was practically growling. Eden froze at the sound, not that she was scared, she just only thought Ethan could make such sound, not knowing her dad''s own was way more animalistic than Ethan''s. "Sweetheart you can''t be here, I''m dead and now you''re here too, which could only mean you''re too" She blinks at his words. "No dad, you aren''t dead, you''re in a coma just like me too" she explained. Liam froze at her words. "Dad, you''re alive you survived doomsday but you''re in a very critical condition, uncle Sean has been trying to revive you for the past 13 years, your body is heavily damaged". He gulps at her words slowly rising to his feet, he couldn''t couldn''t his ears. He turned to the Clover tree lost in thought. "Dad?" Eden said worried. Liam was in deep thought, then his eyes went wide in realization, how foolish of him, how could he have forgotten such an important fact, the day he died or was dying rather, Omari''s words to him. *** 13 years Ago Doomsday Liam fell to the ground, back to his human form, his body covered in blood. Apophis snake form against the ground, torn in two as it decayed. Vincent on the ground dead, his skin dried out in a mummy form, his mouth wide open like a hollow. Liam weak eyes stares at the dark cloud, he was dying, he felt it and knew it was only a matter of time, his body slowly cracks. That moment the skies clears as the bright blue skies came forth and the sun, he watches the scene with shaky eyes as tears slide at the corner of his eyes. ''Is this what it feels like to die'' he thought. ''You have done well child'' Omari weak voice sounds in his head. ''It''s time to rest'', it fades. Liam eyes slowly close, ''Riley'' That was his last thought as darkness almost consumed him. ''Liam'' Omari said. Liam was far too gone into the darkness. In Liam''s consciousness Omari had a sad expression. ''I will not let you die in vain''. *** Present Day Liam''s eyes shakes at the memory. "Omari" he said turning back to his puzzled daughter. "He..." he couldn''t explain it, he didnt understand it completely. "He did something but I don''t know what" he said in confusion, all these years he thought he was dead not knowing he was in a coma recovering from severe damage in his body. Ghost, his backbone was gone, then how, how did he survive such a thing. "Dad" His attention finally drift to her, all that went out the window. "Who did this to you Eden, tell me" Liam said in a deadly tone really to rain wrath on whoever laid a finger on her. "Two strange ghouls, they attacked both of us, I don''t know I have this feeling that Ethan might be in danger, those ghouls it''s like they wanted him or-" "Who?" Liam said puzzled. Oh she forgot. Eden smiled as she raised two fingers clipping them together in action. Liam froze. "Yes daddy... I''m a twin" she said sweetly. A smile curled up the corner of his lips, he scoffs in amazement. Chapter 217 - Black Ghoul Pit (Part 1) "Who are you?" He asked in a slow deadly tone. The response he got wasn''t exactly what he expected, before he could blink she dashes after him, embracing him in a tight hug, stunning him as her hands locked around his waist not wanting to let go. Liam''s eyes shake at her action, he felt this tight feeling in his chest, he didn''t know why. "I missed you so much dad," she said between cries and sob. What the fuck? Dad?! Liam''s eyes went wide. He placed a hand on her shoulder to get a better view of her. Her cheeks wet with tears, he then assess her features more, those looks, those features were like Jenna''s but surprising enough he could see Riley, even though she didn''t have her green eyes, those features were there, the same pale skin, the pump lips. Still stun he went on one knee in front of her, not taking his eyes off her for a second. "You''re my daughter?" He asked with shaky eyes, still finding it hard to believe. She nods profusely as her eyes went teary again. "Eden Jenna O''Brien" Liam scoffs, he couldn''t believe it, she was so perfect, a precious gem he never thought he had, he thought Riley would be the only woman that would ever capture his heart, but right here right now all that went out the window. "You''re gorgeous" he said softly as a tear fell from one of his eye only. A loving smile pressed against her lips as her heart flutter at his words, she thought Ethan was the one who always made her feel she was on top of the world, but she was wrong. She embraced her dad once again, wrapping her arms around his neck as she cried but not too tightly. And this time he embraced her back too, sending a long kiss on the side of her head, loving the feel of her curly soft hair, nature of hair she surely took from his demise sister, Jenna. He couldn''t express how he felt right now, he knew Riley was pregnant the last time they saw but he never thought 13 years has passed ever since, she looked 13 just by the look. He couldn''t believe it, so long has passed, he''s been died for 13 years, that thought overwhelmed him. But hold on... yes he knew he was no longer among the living, what was his daughter doing her. He pulled away. "Eden, what are you doing here?" He demands in a serious tone, he didn''t to know why his daughter was here. "I''m in a coma, I was hurt by some ghoul, everything was blank right after and then I saw myself here" she said still puzzled. "A coma?" Liam said pissed, he was practically growling. Eden froze at the sound, not that she was scared, she just only thought Ethan could make such sound, not knowing her dad''s own was way more animalistic than Ethan''s. "Sweetheart you can''t be here, I''m dead and now you''re here too, which could only mean you''re too" She blinks at his words. "No dad, you aren''t dead, you''re in a coma just like me too" she explained. Liam froze at her words. "Dad, you''re alive you survived doomsday but you''re in a very critical condition, uncle Sean has been trying to revive you for the past 13 years, your body is heavily damaged". He gulps at her words slowly rising to his feet, he couldn''t couldn''t his ears. He turned to the Clover tree lost in thought. "Dad?" Eden said worried. Liam was in deep thought, then his eyes went wide in realization, how foolish of him, how could he have forgotten such an important fact, the day he died or was dying rather, Omari''s words to him. *** 13 years Ago Doomsday Liam fell to the ground, back to his human form, his body covered in blood. Apophis snake form against the ground, torn in two as it decayed. Vincent on the ground dead, his skin dried out in a mummy form, his mouth wide open like a hollow. Liam weak eyes stares at the dark cloud, he was dying, he felt it and knew it was only a matter of time, his body slowly cracks. That moment the skies clears as the bright blue skies came forth and the sun, he watches the scene with shaky eyes as tears slide at the corner of his eyes. ''Is this what it feels like to die'' he thought. ''You have done well child'' Omari weak voice sounds in his head. ''It''s time to rest'', it fades. Liam eyes slowly close, ''Riley'' That was his last thought as darkness almost consumed him. ''Liam'' Omari said. Liam was far too gone into the darkness. In Liam''s consciousness Omari had a sad expression. ''I will not let you die in vain''. *** Present Day Liam''s eyes shakes at the memory. "Omari" he said turning back to his puzzled daughter. "He..." he couldn''t explain it, he didnt understand it completely. "He did something but I don''t know what" he said in confusion, all these years he thought he was dead not knowing he was in a coma recovering from severe damage in his body. Ghost, his backbone was gone, then how, how did he survive such a thing. "Dad" His attention finally drift to her, all that went out the window. "Who did this to you Eden, tell me" Liam said in a deadly tone really to rain wrath on whoever laid a finger on her. "Two strange ghouls, they attacked both of us, I don''t know I have this feeling that Ethan might be in danger, those ghouls it''s like they wanted him or-" "Who?" Liam said puzzled. Oh she forgot. Eden smiled as she raised two fingers clipping them together in action. Liam froze. "Yes daddy... I''m a twin" she said sweetly. A smile curled up the corner of his lips, he scoffs in amazement. * On Air Ethan''s eyes were fixed on the plane window staring at the clouds. His gaze then drift to his mom, seated in front of him in casual clothes, he raised an eyebrow, she was on black jeans ripped slightly, a thick white long sleeve sweated, a transparent iPad image hand, going through something. "It''s been a while I saw you on casual clothes, you''re mostly dressed for official business, it is kinda that, isn''t it?" He said smirking. Riley smiled at his words. "No honey this is family business" she states facing the window beside her. "Do exactly as I say once we got to China, okay?" She adds. Ethan just gave a slight nod. "We''re gonna save Eden, together". *** China, Beijing By the time they arrived, it was already night, the private plane lands, driving and then stopping. The stairs came out form the entrance as Riley and Ethan steps down. Riley fully put on her black jacket. Her shoe heels sounding. By the time they got down they were greeted by men on wine red suits all had shades covering their eyes, about ten of them. "Stand down" Riley said to her bodyguards, they bowed slightly going backwards. "Hunter sent you" Riley said with a nudge of her head. one of the steps forward with a smile against his lips. "It''s an honor your highnesses," he states bowing slightly. "My name is Fred and I shall be your escort, and I''m afraid your bodyguards will have to stay back" he said politely. Riley scoffs at his words. "Unless we can''t escort you back with us" he add with a shrug. Ethan gave his mom a look. "Fine, but not aseparate cars, I''m riding with my son" she states. "As you wish" he said with a slight bow. Riley gave a look to her body guard before turning to follow them. *** Ethan''s heart was slamming loudly in his chest, he didn''t know why but he was, scared? He felt his mom''s hand on his. "It''s okay honey" she said softly. Ethan gulps hard. "You''re gonna be just fine, I''m here" He nods profusely. *** A few hours later, the Suv pulled up in a wide Manor. They step down as Fred lead down inside. The doors barge open as they walked in, coming in view of a wide hall, the walls red in color as well as the floors, the antiques black. "Welcome, an honor" Hunters voice came in. Their eyes travelled to the direction of it, from upstairs he stood with a smirk against his lips. "You''re just in time" he asked chuckled. "Just in time for what?" Riley demands. *** Loud cheers could be heard. "Welcome to the Ghoul Pit" Hunter said. The area was extra wide, circle in format, about hundreds of ghouls were present as they watch the fight happening down below of two ghouls, the battlefield tainted with blood. Riley and Ethan were seated where Hunter was, as they watch the brutal battle between ghouls. Ethan grimaced when the man in Claw form dug his hand deep in the opponent belly. "You brough us here to watch ghouls fight?" Riley said pissed. "My queen this is no ordinary fight between ghouls, but special grade ghouls with various abilities" he explained adjusting his glasses. "We''re here because you said you have the cure for Eden" Ethan spoke up. "Ha yes sweet Eden, how is she by the way?" Ethan growled at his words, Riley placed a hand on his shoulder to calm him down. "The cure Hunter, and then I might forget the fact you attacked my family" Riley said as her eyes changed to her ghoul ones, beaming a unique gold. "Fascinating" he said in awe staring at her eyes. He leaned back on his chair. "What I said still stands, you know what I want my Queen" he said in amusement. "There''s no way I''m giving you my son, the cure, or this whole mansion gets buried... what you practice here is barbaric" Riley said sternly. "Is that your plan then" he said chuckling. "No Hunter, I''m here to kill you" His smile fades at her words. "Your son" he began. "Is a diamond in the rough, he posses something very unique even my abyss eyes can see it" he states pushing the glasses slightly to the bridge of his nose, his void black eyes staring at Ethan. He grimaced at his gaze, it was creepy and unnatural. "He possess Omari''s essence, none of the previous black ghouls throughout generations have ever posses that vital part of him, just his abilities which segmented into Claw forms throughout the centuries, known as the black ghoul... but your boy here isn''t a black ghoul, he''s something more" he said smirking showing his golden teeth. "You seem to know aboyt what he is, you aren''t just around your 80s are you" Riley said sternly. He pushed the glasses back to cover his eyes. "No my Queen, I''m as old as I can be, and besides, I live perfectly well, running my own business here, the perfect underground fight club as The Ghoul Pit" he said in amusement. "And your son right here will be the perfect fighter.... the star of my reign". Chapter 218 - Black Ghoul Pit (Part 2) China, Beijing By the time they arrived, it was already night, the private plane lands, driving and then stopping. The stairs came out form the entrance as Riley and Ethan steps down. Riley fully put on her black jacket. Her shoe heels sounding. By the time they got down they were greeted by men on wine red suits all had shades covering their eyes, about ten of them. "Stand down" Riley said to her bodyguards, they bowed slightly going backwards. "Hunter sent you" Riley said with a nudge of her head. one of the steps forward with a smile against his lips. "It''s an honor your highnesses," he states bowing slightly. "My name is Fred and I shall be your escort, and I''m afraid your bodyguards will have to stay back" he said politely. Riley scoffs at his words. "Unless we can''t escort you back with us" he add with a shrug. Ethan gave his mom a look. "Fine, but not aseparate cars, I''m riding with my son" she states. "As you wish" he said with a slight bow. Riley gave a look to her body guard before turning to follow them. *** Ethan''s heart was slamming loudly in his chest, he didn''t know why but he was, scared? He felt his mom''s hand on his. "It''s okay honey" she said softly. Ethan gulps hard. "You''re gonna be just fine, I''m here" He nods profusely. *** A few hours later, the Suv pulled up in a wide Manor. They step down as Fred lead down inside. The doors barge open as they walked in, coming in view of a wide hall, the walls red in color as well as the floors, the antiques black. "Welcome, an honor" Hunters voice came in. Their eyes travelled to the direction of it, from upstairs he stood with a smirk against his lips. "You''re just in time" he asked chuckled. "Just in time for what?" Riley demands. *** Loud cheers could be heard. "Welcome to the Ghoul Pit" Hunter said. The area was extra wide, circle in format, about hundreds of ghouls were present as they watch the fight happening down below of two ghouls, the battlefield tainted with blood. Riley and Ethan were seated where Hunter was, as they watch the brutal battle between ghouls. Ethan grimaced when the man in Claw form dug his hand deep in the opponent belly. "You brough us here to watch ghouls fight?" Riley said pissed. "My queen this is no ordinary fight between ghouls, but special grade ghouls with various abilities" he explained adjusting his glasses. "We''re here because you said you have the cure for Eden" Ethan spoke up. "Ha yes sweet Eden, how is she by the way?" Ethan growled at his words, Riley placed a hand on his shoulder to calm him down. "The cure Hunter, and then I might forget the fact you attacked my family" Riley said as her eyes changed to her ghoul ones, beaming a unique gold. "Fascinating" he said in awe staring at her eyes. He leaned back on his chair. "What I said still stands, you know what I want my Queen" he said in amusement. "There''s no way I''m giving you my son, the cure, or this whole mansion gets buried... what you practice here is barbaric" Riley said sternly. "Is that your plan then" he said chuckling. "No Hunter, I''m here to kill you" His smile fades at her words. "Your son" he began. "Is a diamond in the rough, he posses something very unique even my abyss eyes can see it" he states pushing the glasses slightly to the bridge of his nose, his void black eyes staring at Ethan. He grimaced at his gaze, it was creepy and unnatural. "He possess Omari''s essence, none of the previous black ghouls throughout generations have ever posses that vital part of him, just his abilities which segmented into Claw forms throughout the centuries, known as the black ghoul... but your boy here isn''t a black ghoul, he''s something more" he said smirking showing his golden teeth. "You seem to know about what he is, you aren''t just around your 80s are you" Riley said sternly. He pushed the glasses back to cover his eyes. "No my Queen, I''m as old as I can be, and besides, I live perfectly well, running my own business here, the perfect underground fight club known as The Ghoul Pit" he said in amusement. "And your son right here will be the perfect fighter... the star of my reign". "You want me to be a fighter in your pit club?" Ethan said stun, was that even illegal for his age? "Yes my dear boy, be my fighter, my star and then I give you the cure" he said with a flick of his fingers, a man on wine red came behind him, giving he a piece of red paper. "All you have to do is sign the contract and then we are good" he adds with a shrug. "Why are you doing this?" Riley said sternly. "Because my Queen, your son is perfect... tell me dear Ethan don''t you wanna save your precious sister?" He said in amusement. Ethan gulps hard at his words, his gaze drifting to the paper, he reach for it but Riley stops him with her hand. "Mom!" "Don''t you dare!" She hissed. "But this is the only way to save Eden, mom she''s dying and I can''t stand it, you have to let me sign the contract" he said on the brink of tears. "I got this under control so stop making this difficult" she said with pleading eyes. "Oh you mean your bodyguards you left at the airport" Hunter cut in. Riley turns to him, her eyes went wide in realization. "Ha yes I figured you would resort to that, a mother''s love is after all the most wonderful thing" he said in amusement. "What did you do?!" She demands pissed. His smirks broaden. Riley''s eyes beamed dangerously as she rise to her feet. "Be careful my Queen, you can''t singlehandedly take down this mansion no matter how powerful you are, you''re not the black ghoul" he said clearly. Riley''s fist clenched in a tight hold as her body boiled in rage. "Young Ethan, your sweet sister time is ticking". Ethans eyes lands on the contract, just waiting in his grasp for him to reach for it, he signs it then Eden will be saved, he would just have to agree to Hunters deal and then everything will be okay, Eden would be save, she would make it to her next birthday without any harm. He gulps. * "You have to trust me Ethan, we''re gonna save Eden together" Her hands tightly against his. * His mom''s words ranged in his head, his lips pressed in a thin line, trust, he had to trust his mom if this was gonna work, he has to believe that she would set this right in her own way. Ethan took a deep breath opening his eyes. "No" he said sternly. Hunters smile fades. Seeing he was distracted, Riley came at him, but before she could blink, Fred was behind her as he wraps a gold rope around her neck, it locks around as the rope tightens. Gasping she went on her knees taking panic breaths. "MOM!" Eden shouts as he was about rushing to her, but Fred held him behind. Riley growled in pain as the rope tightens more around her neck, the gold substances creeping into her throat, the pain was unbearable, it was hindering her powers from manifesting. She spilled blood form her mouth. "MOM!" Ethan screamed with tears in his eyes, he just watch, he couldn''t do anything, he couldn''t act. Hunter ticks his tongue. "It''s a pity my Queen, but you''re the obstacles in my way" Hunter began. "And I''m gonna remove it" he said wielding the rope to lift her off her feet, it did. Riley''s legs waggle back and forth holding onto the rope on her neck trying to pull it off but it was no use. He moved her all the way to the edge of the space they were in. Eden''s eyes widen. "Watch young Ethan, the death of your mother shall be the birth of your reign" he said in amusement. "No" Ethan panics as his eyes drift to hers. Their eyes locked, a tear slide down her cheek staring at her son. A red aura like fire surrounds around Hunter wildly, it then turned to spikes as about three of them penetrate her chest, blood splashing, the force pushed her to fall from the very high position. "MOOOOOOOMMMMM!" He shouts in horror as he watch her fall. Eden pushed Fred off him as he ran to the edge, but Fred still held him down as he kept shouting. Riley fell a long distance all the way to the ghoul pit but the force slammed her right through the platform of the floor, breaking right through it falling into the dark abyss that laid beneath. Chapter 219 - Black Ghoul Pit (Part 3) "You have to trust me Ethan, we''re gonna save Eden together" Her hands tightly against his. * His mom''s words ranged in his head, his lips pressed in a thin line, trust, he had to trust his mom if this was gonna work, he has to believe that she would set this right in her own way. Ethan took a deep breath opening his eyes. "No" he said sternly. Hunters smile fades. Seeing he was distracted, Riley came at him, but before she could blink, Fred was behind her as he wraps a gold rope around her neck, it locks around as the rope tightens. Gasping she went on her knees taking panic breaths. "MOM!" Eden shouts as he was about rushing to her, but Fred held him behind. Riley growled in pain as the rope tightens more around her neck, the gold substances creeping into her throat, the pain was unbearable, it was hindering her powers from manifesting. She spilled blood form her mouth. "MOM!" Ethan screamed with tears in his eyes, he just watch, he couldn''t do anything, he couldn''t act. Hunter ticks his tongue. "It''s a pity my Queen, but you''re the obstacles in my way" Hunter began. "And I''m gonna remove it" he said wielding the rope to lift her off her feet, it did. Riley''s legs waggle back and forth holding onto the rope on her neck trying to pull it off but it was no use. He moved her all the way to the edge of the space they were in. Eden''s eyes widen. "Watch young Ethan, the death of your mother shall be the birth of your reign" he said in amusement. "No" Ethan panics as his eyes drift to hers. Their eyes locked, a tear slide down her cheek staring at her son. A red aura like fire surrounds around Hunter wildly, it then turned to spikes as about three of them penetrate her chest, blood splashing, the force pushed her to fall from the very high position. "MOOOOOOOMMMMM!" He shouts in horror as he watch her fall. Eden pushed Fred off him as he ran to the edge, but Fred still held him down as he kept shouting. Riley fell a long distance all the way to the ghoul pit but the force slammed her right through the platform of the floor, breaking right through it falling into the dark abyss that laid beneath. * Ethan eyes flashed open like he was back to reality, he turned in panic but his mom was still seated beside him unscathed. What was going on? Was that a dream? He then turned back to Hunter who had a smirk plastered on his lips, his glasses still on the bridge of his nose, his abyss eyes on him. It was Hunter! He must have done something to him, he must have played a trick in his head, right? "He possess Omari''s essence, none of the previous black ghouls throughout generations have ever posses that vital part of him, just his abilities which segmented into Claw forms throughout the centuries, known as the black ghoul... but your boy here isn''t a black ghoul, he''s something more" Hunter said smirking showing his golden teeth. His exact words... these moment was exactly in the mind trick he played in his head just now, it was all repeating but this time for real? "You seem to know about what he is, you aren''t just around your 80s are you" Riley said sternly. Exactly what his mom said in the mind trick, Ethan gulps hard, everything was repeating itself and only him knew about it... he was sure Hunter did too because he was the one pulling the strings, that has to be the only explanation. And that smirk on his lips didn''t seem to wave, it could only mean he knew about what was happening, it was obvious. Ethan''s fist clenched hard, he was playing everything right under his fingertips. Hunter pushed the glasses back to cover his eyes. "No my Queen, I''m as old as I can be, and besides, I live perfectly well, running my own business here, the perfect underground fight club known as The Ghoul Pit" he said in amusement. "And your son right here will be the perfect fighter... the star of my reign" he said facing Ethan. He gulps knowing what he would say right now. "You want me to be a fighter in your pit club" Ethan said sternly, not stunned this time. Hunters smirk broadens knowing the kid knew everything was repeating itself and he knew his choice won''t be the same as the last because of the consequences he had to live through, everything was playing exactly how he wanted it to. "Yes my dear boy, be my fighter, my star and then I give you the cure" he said with a flick of his fingers, a man on wine red came behind him, giving he a piece of red paper. This was another choice for Ethan to make, he was counting on it or else he will replay it over and over again when his mother will have to die before his eyes, as long as he has caught him in that time loop, there was no escape, young Ethan was smart enough to know that, he surely wouldn''t wanna relive such a thing again. "All you have to do is sign the contract and then we are good" he adds with a shrug. "Why are you doing this?" Riley said sternly. "Because my Queen, your son is perfect... tell me dear Ethan don''t you wanna save your precious sister?" He said in amusement. Ethan gulps hard at his words, his gaze drifting to the paper, his heart slamming loudly in his chest, this was just like the mind trick, the choice was given to him to make again and he knew what will happen if he goes with his last answer, the death of his mother before his eyes. His eyes shakes in horror at the mere thought of it, it was nightmare. This time instead of reaching for it, he stared at his mom, her gaze was on Hunter staring daggers in his face. She had no idea the kind of situation they were in, she had no idea what awaits once he declines the contract. He turned back to face the paper, his eyes shaking as well as his body. Hunter''s smirk just broaden more. "Trust me Ethan, I got this" she said. "I got everything under control" But she didn''t, he knew Hunters next action. "Oh you mean your bodyguards you left at the airport" Hunter cut in. Riley turns to him, her eyes went wide in realization. "Ha yes I figured you would resort to that, a mother''s love is after all the most wonderful thing" he said in amusement. "What did you do?!" She demands pissed. His smirks broaden. Riley''s eyes beamed dangerously as she rise to her feet. "Be careful my Queen, you can''t singlehandedly take down this mansion no matter how powerful you are, you''re not the black ghoul" he said clearly. Riley''s fist clenched in a tight hold as her body boiled in rage. "Young Ethan, your sweet sister time is ticking". Ethans eyes lands on the contract, just waiting in his grasp for him to reach for it, he signs it then Eden will be saved, he would just have to agree to Hunters deal and then everything will be okay, Eden would be save, she would make it to her next birthday without any harm as well as avoiding the repeated death of his mother, who knew for real this time she might actually die and it will be his fault, he would never forgive himself for that. Ethan took a deep breath opening his eyes. "I''m sorry mom" he said rising to his feet abruptly as he snatch the paper off Hunter''s hand, bitting down on his thumb drawing blood and then thumb printing the down. Riley was stunned at her son''s actions, she told him to trust her, but he didn''t, he acted out on his own and agreed to Hunters deal. Ethan turned to his mom with teary eyes. "I''m sorry mom, this is the only way I can save both of you" he said. Riley was puzzled by his words. ''Riley something doesn''t feel right'' Silver said in her head. Riley felt it too, the strong overwhelmed feeling that something sinister was at play here. "It''s good you made the right decision... time for the initiation fight" Hunter announced. Ethan turned to him puzzled. "The what-" Before he could finish his words Fred came and throw him off the edge. "ETHAN!" Riley shouts in horror watching as her son fell, she tried to move but her hands were pinned to the chair by a gold rope that dug her skin drawing blood, it came out of nowhere. She felt weakened instantly like the rope was drawing her strength and locking her powers. "Sit and watch my Queen" Hunter said in amusement as he faced her. "Let''s watch together.... the initiation of my newest fighter". Chapter 220 - Black Ghoul Pit (Part 4) Hunter''s smirk just broaden more. "Trust me Ethan, I got this" she said. "I got everything under control" But she didn''t, he knew Hunters next action. "Oh you mean your bodyguards you left at the airport" Hunter cut in. Riley turns to him, her eyes went wide in realization. "Ha yes I figured you would resort to that, a mother''s love is after all the most wonderful thing" he said in amusement. "What did you do?!" She demands pissed. His smirks broaden. Riley''s eyes beamed dangerously as she rise to her feet. "Be careful my Queen, you can''t singlehandly take down this mansion no matter how powerful you are, you''re not the black ghoul" he said clearly. Riley''s fist clenched in a tight hold as her body boiled in rage. "Young Ethan, your sweet sister time is ticking". Ethans eyes lands on the contract, just waiting in his grasp for him to reach for it, he signs it then Eden will be saved, he would just have to agree to Hunters deal and then everything will be okay, Eden would be save, she would make it to her next birthday without any harm as well as avoiding the repeated death of his mother, who knew for real this time she might actually die and it will be his fault, he would never forgive himself for that. Ethan took a deep breath opening his eyes. "I''m sorry mom" he said rising to his feet abruptly as he snatch the paper off Hunter''s hand, bitting down on his thumb drawing blood and then thumb printing the down. Riley was stunned at her son''s actions, she told him to trust her, but he didn''t, he acted out on his own and agreed to Hunters deal. Ethan turned to his mom with teary eyes. "I''m sorry mom, this is the only way I can save both of you" he said. Riley was puzzled by his words. ''Riley something doesn''t feel right'' Silver said in her head. Riley felt it too, the strong overwhelmed feeling that something sinister was at play here. "It''s good you made the right decision... time for the initiation fight" Hunter announced. Ethan turned to him puzzled. "The what-" Before he could finish his words Fred came and throw him off the edge. "ETHAN!" Riley shouts in horror watching as her son fell, she tried to move but her hands were pinned to the chair by a gold rope that dug her skin drawing blood, it came out of nowhere. She felt weakened instantly like the rope was drawing her strength and locking her powers. "Sit and watch my Queen" Hunter said in amusement as he faced her. "Let''s watch together... the initiation of my newest fighter" Hunter said chuckling. Riley growled as she tried to break free but it was futile, the restraints were locking her powers, now she would have to watch her son battle some monster, it was cruel and she felt helpless in these situation. Hunter saw right through them like it was nothing. "Young Ethan here, shall fight my strongest," Hunter announced, the crowd went in an uproar. *** Ethan laid flat against the sand on the arena. He groaned as he forced his body up, holding his head as he looked up. "Did I really fall all the way from there" he said stunned, seeing the height, he was amazed he survived that fall. "DAMN YOU HUNTER!" Ethan shouts pissed. "ETHAN!" He heard his mom''s voice. "MOM!" he shouts back. "Young Ethan, this is your initiation, you have one job only, you fight the opponent before you" Hunter''s voice came in through the speakers. That moment a door barge open, Ethan turned to it as he gulps hard. Loud thud sound could be heard as as monster unlike any thing he had never seen before, came forth. It was back in color, body embioded with green lines, a horn at its foreheard, his eyes void green. Ethan gulps once again but this time loudly, this monster before him was insanely tall and huge, he was but a small ant in his midst. "Young Ethan vs Soulcrusher!!!" The computer sounds showing their picture in the wide screen in center. *** Riley''s eyes went wide when she saw the monster her son was about to fight. "That my Queen is a rare type of V-ghoul, one of my best fighters" Hunter said in amusement. "I''m gonna kill you for this" Riley growled trying to break free but in return, she just got weak instead. "Careful my Queen, the more you fight it, the faster it will kill you and Young Ethan here will be sad, yours and Eden''s safety for his life" he states. "Just stay patient until the initiation fight and then I will send you back to New York along with the cure, rest assure" he adds smirking. *** "Fight!!!" The crowd gave an uproar of cheer once again. Eden gulps hard. "I''m gonna grind you into nothing kid" Soulcrusher growled. Ethan grimaced when at his words. The bell went on for them to fight, Ethan''s bracelet instantly came off. That moment Soulcrusher charged after Ethan in speed sending his foot to crush him but Ethan got away. And then his punch came fast, he dodges it, pissed... Soulcrusher used his back of his hand to slam Ethan against the wall. He lands on it but on all fours glued to it, black aura in form of dust surrounds around him wildly, his skin went pitch coal black, his ears grew pointy, his canines as well as his finger nails grew. The cloud went in an uproar knowing the fight was about to get more interesting. *** "Ethan" Riley said worried for her son''s sake, she didn''t know how long he would hold on, she have to think of something, but she was helpless in this situation and she hated it in every fiber of her bone. *** Ethan roared a loud ear piercing sound as he charged at Soulcrusher in a firece battle. The crowd cheering. Ethan gave hard punches and kicks but his body was like metal against his hand. Ethan drew back, growling. Soulcrusher chuckled deeply. "Is that all you got?" He said in a mocking tone. Soulcruhser roared as he dashes right after Ethan in speed. With one foot to the ground he was up on the air, his two hands in a 1crushing fist. "I''M GONNA SMASH YOUR FLESH AND HAVE IT FOR DINNER!" he shouts descending. "ETHAN!!" he heard his mom shouts his name in horror. The fist came, Ethan raised his hand up as to block it but he didn''t know how to. Suddenly a long black staff forged on his hand extending on either side of the arena. The fist slammed into it as it caused a wave that pushed both of them backwards. Soulcrusher slammed into the wall hard causing a loud crash sound. Ethan uses the staff he had at hand as support, as he slides backwards and then he stops. He took harsh deep breath, his void golden eyes lands on the staff he held, it was black in color embodied with ancient markings. He gasp amazed that he wilded such a weapon. *** "This is fascinating, your son wields Omari''s greatest weapon, none of his descendents has ever inherited it... your son is truly special" Hunter said smirking. Riley stared daggers at him. "But he still have a long way to go, he''s still a child... which is why I will groom him into the perfect fighter... even if I have to break every inch of his bone and then let it heal" he said grinning sadistic. Rage boiled within Riley. *** Soulcrusher rise to his feet with a pissed look, he bared his fangs dangerously. Ethan clenched the staff with both hands not knowing how to use it. "You''re gonna pay for that, kid" he said pissed. Before Ethan could blink he was right in his front as he slammed his fist against his chest, the force pushed Ethan to the ground as he spilled blood from his mouth. "ETHAN!". Soulcrusher grabs him by the throat raising him off his feet, the staff fell off his hand to the ground. His legs waggle back and forth, his fist arpumd his neck almost crushing his windpipe. "You''re dead" Soulcrusher said chuckling. Ethan growled as he tried to break free. *** Riley kept trying to pull the rope off her hands, she didn''t mind as blood drip, she had to save her son, she didn''t mind losing her hand in the process. Suddenly the hall vibrates, the cheering noise died instantly puzzled by the sudden shake. Hunter rose to his feet showing up at the tall ceiling, he felt something, a very powerful aura unlike anything he has ever felt ever since Omari... could it be... Riley felt a deep shiver ran through her body as her eyes went wide in realization, she slowly raised her head to look up at where the sound came from. Her chest felt warm and her body was reacting in all sought of way she couldn''t understand. "Liam?" Chapter 221 - Black Ghoul Pit (Part 5) Ethan roared a loud ear piercing sound as he charged at Soulcrusher in a firece battle. The crowd cheering. Ethan gave hard punches and kicks but his body was like metal against his hand. Ethan drew back, growling. Soulcrusher chuckled deeply. "Is that all you got?" He said in a mocking tone. Soulcruhser roared as he dashes right after Ethan in speed. With one foot to the ground he was up on the air, his two hands in a 1crushing fist. "I''M GONNA SMASH YOUR FLESH AND HAVE IT FOR DINNER!" he shouts descending. "ETHAN!!" he heard his mom shouts his name in horror. The fist came, Ethan raised his hand up as to block it but he didn''t know how to. Suddenly a long black staff forged on his hand extending on either side of the arena. The fist slammed into it as it caused a wave that pushed both of them backwards. Soulcrusher slammed into the wall hard causing a loud crash sound. Ethan uses the staff he had at hand as support, as he slides backwards and then he stops. He took harsh deep breath, his void golden eyes lands on the staff he held, it was black in color embodied with ancient markings. He gasp amazed that he wilded such a weapon. *** "This is fascinating, your son wields Omari''s greatest weapon, none of his descendents has ever inherited it... your son is truly special" Hunter said smirking. Riley stared daggers at him. "But he still have a long way to go, he''s still a child... which is why I will groom him into the perfect fighter... even if I have to break every inch of his bone and then let it heal" he said grinning sadistic. Rage boiled within Riley. *** Soulcrusher rise to his feet with a pissed look, he bared his fangs dangerously. Ethan clenched the staff with both hands not knowing how to use it. "You''re gonna pay for that, kid" he said pissed. Before Ethan could blink he was right in his front as he slammed his fist against his chest, the force pushed Ethan to the ground as he spilled blood from his mouth. "ETHAN!". Soulcrusher grabs him by the throat raising him off his feet, the staff fell off his hand to the ground. His legs waggle back and forth, his fist arpumd his neck almost crushing his windpipe. "You''re dead" Soulcrusher said chuckling. Ethan growled as he tried to break free. *** Riley kept trying to pull the rope off her hands, she didn''t mind as blood drip, she had to save her son, she didn''t mind losing her hand in the process. Suddenly the hall vibrates, the cheering noise died instantly puzzled by the sudden shake. Hunter rose to his feet showing up at the tall ceiling, he felt something, a very powerful aura unlike anything he has ever felt ever since Omari... could it be... Riley felt a deep shiver ran through her body as her eyes went wide in realization, she slowly raised her head to look up at where the sound came from. Her chest felt warm and her body was reacting in all sought of way she couldn''t understand. "Liam?". *** Hours Ago New York Sean''s Medical Facility Sean walked along the lobby, checking the charts in his transparent iPad of Eden''s condition. But then the building suddenly vibrates like an earthquake, he held unto the wall for support puzzled by what was happening. Suddenly it stops and then a loud crash sound came in. One of his assistant rushed to him. "Sir..." he began, taking harsh breaths. "Well tell me, what the fuck is going on?!" Sean demands. *** They rushed into Liam''s room. Sean froze at the sight. The wall was ripped open, the outside air coming in, but he was more shock when he saw Eden standing in front of the space, her drip still connected to her hand, she stood weakly. "Eden" Sean panicked rushing to her side. She turned to him. "You should be in bed... what happened?" "Dad''s awake, I told him what happened" she said. Sean froze at her words, he turned to the empty bed, rising to his feet in awe. "Liam''s awake". *** China, Beijing That moment the ceiling burst open as a large swamp of darkness came, in form of a wave, everywhere was in disarray and screams could be heard, everyone disperse as the destruction came from above. Soulcrusher look up to the ceiling as well as Ethan still in the grasp of him, back in his human form. Soulcrusher watch as the darkness came for him from above. He shouts as the darkness pounce on him, the force pushed Ethan off his grip. The darkness caught Ethan before he reach the ground. The darkness penertrates Soulcrusher chest as he drops to the ground dead. Ethan just watch in awe, this familiar feeling, this warmth, the feel of it. "Dad?" Ethan said, a smile formed against his lips. "DAD!" he called. "BLACK GHOUL!" Hunter''s voice came in. Ethan turned to it and then froze when he saw the scene. Riley was hanging on the air, the rope now tightly around her neck, red spikes around her around to penetrate her body. "It''s an honor for you to join us" Hunter said staring at the cloth of darkness. It then formed in shape. Ethan watch with shaky eyes as half a man came out, bare chest, skin back as coal, strong biceps. Pointy ears, hair made of darkness, eyes golden void, dangerous canines. "Omari?" Hunter said puzzled, he didn''t understand, he didn''t feel his presence but that of Liam O''Brien the black ghoul, why was he in his form and more alive. Liam growled deeply. "Let. Her. Go" he growled deeply in a demonic voice. A dark twisted smirk formed on his lips. "Truly fascinating, you are one with Omari''s body and soul, never for once such a thing has happened" he said in awe. Liam''s hand called for something. Ethan froze as the staff he wielded went to his dad''s grip. "Let. Her. GO" he repeated once again, in a very pissed mood. Hunter smirks, as with a flick of his finger the spikes came for Riley. "MOM!!!" Ethan shouts in horror. Liam roared as he flashed to where she was, using the staff to disperse the spikes but one was already connected to her chest. Before he could reach for her the rope losses around her neck as she fell. Liam about coming to her but a red force pushes him as he smashed into the wall. "MOM!!" Ethan shouts as he ran on the cloth of darkness that enabled him to go up but he wasn''t fast enough the darkness wraps around her holding her firm, before she reach the ground. Relief flushed through Ethan. "Mom!" He hissed as he ran toward her, holding her firm, they were then covered by the darkness. Ethans teary eyes lands on her bleeding chest the spike still buried within. "Mom" he cried not knowing what to do. Liam broke free from the wall snarling but Hunter was nowhere to be seen, anger boiled within him, his head then snaps to where Ethan and Riley was, protected by the cloth of darkness. He slowly descend where they where. Ethan sobs, he looks up watching as his dad came. He slowly transforms to human form, on black shirt and pants, barefoot. Ethans eyes followed as he was now beside them. "Dad" he sobs. "Mom... she not breathing" he cried more. "It''s all my fault... Hunter tricked me to signing that stupid contract". "Hey, hey" Liam said placing his hand on his cheek. "She''s gonna be okay... I promise" he states. He nods at his dad comfort words. Liam''s brown eyes drift to an unconscious Riley, he slowly took her in his arms, she was still as beautiful as ever and breathtaking. He brushes some strand of red hair behind her ear, at the action she slowly opened her eyes, staring at him weakly, tears filled her eyes. "Liam" she said softly as tears stream down her cheeks, she couldn''t believe her eyes after 13 years of coma he was here before her. Her fist tightens against his shirt not wanting go let go, never AGAIN. "Shh... its alright" he said pressing a kiss against her forehead, she closed her eyes, loving the feel of it against her forehead, God... she missed him so damn much, his touch, his presence, everything, it was like a dream right now. "This is gonna hurt" he said. She nods slowly, knowing what he was gonna do it was now or never. "Ethan close your eyes" Liam said. Ethan obeyed shutting his eyes tightly. Liam didn''t want his son to see this or the pain will be unbearable. He grabs the spike buried in her chest, he pulled. Riley gave a ear piercing scream of pain as the spike slide off her chest slowly, the pain was agonising, she held unto Liam tightly. Liam didn''t budge, he had to remove it, a tear fell form one of his eye, her screams, her pain, it was unbearable. He continued pulling until it was finally out.. Blood gushing as Liam flings the spike away. Chapter 222 - Black Ghoul Liam growled deeply. "Let. Her. Go" he growled deeply in a demonic voice. A dark twisted smirk formed on his lips. "Truly fascinating, you are one with Omari''s body and soul, never for once such a thing has happened" he said in awe. Liam''s hand called for something. Ethan froze as the staff he wielded went to his dad''s grip. "Let. Her. GO" he repeated once again, in a very pissed mood. Hunter smirks, as with a flick of his finger the spikes came for Riley. "MOM!!!" Ethan shouts in horror. Liam roared as he flashed to where she was, using the staff to disperse the spikes but one was already connected to her chest. Before he could reach for her the rope losses around her neck as she fell. Liam about coming to her but a red force pushes him as he smashed into the wall. "MOM!!" Ethan shouts as he ran on the cloth of darkness that enabled him to go up but he wasn''t fast enough the darkness wraps around her holding her firm, before she reach the ground. Relief flushed through Ethan. "Mom!" He hissed as he ran toward her, holding her firm, they were then covered by the darkness. Ethans teary eyes lands on her bleeding chest the spike still buried within. "Mom" he cried not knowing what to do. Liam broke free from the wall snarling but Hunter was nowhere to be seen, anger boiled within him, his head then snaps to where Ethan and Riley was, protected by the cloth of darkness. He slowly descend where they where. Ethan sobs, he looks up watching as his dad came. He slowly transforms to human form, on black shirt and pants, barefoot. Ethans eyes followed as he was now beside them. "Dad" he sobs. "Mom... she not breathing" he cried more. "It''s all my fault... Hunter tricked me to signing that stupid contract". "Hey, hey" Liam said placing his hand on his cheek. "She''s gonna be okay... I promise" he states. He nods at his dad comfort words. Liam''s brown eyes drift to an unconscious Riley, he slowly took her in his arms, she was still as beautiful as ever and breathtaking. He brushes some strand of red hair behind her ear, at the action she slowly opened her eyes, staring at him weakly, tears filled her eyes. "Liam" she said softly as tears stream down her cheeks, she couldn''t believe her eyes after 13 years of coma he was here before her. Her fist tightens against his shirt not wanting go let go, never AGAIN. "Shh... its alright" he said pressing a kiss against her forehead, she closed her eyes, loving the feel of it against her forehead, God... she missed him so damn much, his touch, his presence, everything, it was like a dream right now. "This is gonna hurt" he said. She nods slowly, knowing what he was gonna do it was now or never. "Ethan close your eyes" Liam said. Ethan obeyed shutting his eyes tightly. Liam didn''t want his son to see this or the pain will be unbearable. He grabs the spike buried in her chest, he pulled. Riley gave a ear piercing scream of pain as the spike slide off her chest slowly, the pain was agonising, she held unto Liam tightly. Liam didn''t budge, he had to remove it, a tear fell form one of his eye, her screams, her pain, it was unbearable. He continued pulling until it was finally out. Blood gushing as Liam flings the spike away. Riley growled in pain, her body shook also. "Silver created a shield around your heart you''re gonna be okay" Liam said seeing the wound slowly enclosing, silver had protected her on time or else it was would have been a different case. Riley took harsh breath. On hearing those words Ethan opened his eyes. "Mom, you''re gonna be okay" Ethan said for certain knowing that dad was here now. Riley was too weak to speak, her eyes shut close. Liam smiled, his eyes on Ethan. "You have your mother''s eyes" he said. "Yeah I get that alot" he said. "But they say I do look like you though, when you were younger, I did see a picture, of your family" he adds as his eyes went sad, remembering when uncle Sean said his whole family was gone, his mom, his sister and his dad all gone and yet he didn''t waver in protecting the ghouls. "Yes you do" Liam saud amusement as he placed a hand on Ethan''s head, patting him. "My splitting image" he adds lovingly. Ethan''s chest felt warm at his words but then his eyes sadden. "It''s my fault mom was in danger, I signed the contract" he said, remembering his mistake once again. "Anubis!" Liam hissed. It was like a mirage as Anubis appeared. "Alas only the black ghoul can summon me this fast" he states dressed formally as always, hands behind his back. "You''re lucky I didn''t disconnect your head from your body" Liam said darkly. "I do apologise Lord O''Brien, the best I could do in this situation was tell you the location of Hunter, the rest I cannot interfere" he said guilty. Liam scoffs. "Your fucking conduct haven''t changed" Liam said rising to his feet, Riley in his arms unconscious. Ethan did too. "Is lady O''Brien badly hurt?" Anubis asked. "She''s gonna be okay" Liam said as his fist tightens again her form. Ethan noticed the gesture, he could feel his dad''s killing intent, it was widely spread around the empty space. Funny he was shaking just by the feel of it, he knew it wasn''t directed at him but still the feeling was overwhelming, it was almost hard to breathe. "Hunter made my son sign a contract" Liam began. "He signed it?" Anubis said turning to Ethan briefly. "The old man played some trick in my head, i had no choice, he made Mom..." his eyes shakes the picture of her death was still embodied in his head. "Hunter is famous of manipulating minds to get what he wants, savagely" he growled. "Now i didn''t keep the end of the bargain, Eden she''s" his eyes shakes more. "The cure, we don''t have it" The cloth of darkness moved as it slowly raised them upwards to the broken ceiling. "We will find a way to save Eden" Liam said sternly. "Hunter will pay" he adds. Eden fist tightens, his head hung down in shame, this was all his fault, if only he protected Eden better, none of these would have happened. The darkness covered them as it forged a black shadow with a huge pair of wings, it''s flaps as they flew out of the building, into the skies. "Lord O''Brien will surely bring wrath itself to take down Hunter, it''s inevitable" Anubis states turning his head to turn backwards slightly. "You''re in a deep mess this time, Hunter" he said his name with a lot of hate, sensing Hunter''s sudden presence. Like a mirage Hunter appeared behind, chuckling. "It''s been a while Anubis, I thought you were secluded in your den, not back to serving the black ghoul" he said in amusement. Anubis turns to him fully. "You mess with the wrong black ghoul, Hunter, you have no idea what Liam is capable of now that he''s awakened, he will turn this world upside down just to find you, you touch his Queen and his children, you will know wrath itself" Anubis said for certain, knowing who Liam was, he was different from the rest black ghoul, he was a progenitor. "I''m well aware of that, Liam is different indeed, he has even merged bodies with the first ghoul, gaining his powers and grace, truly magnificent" he said amused, it was extremely glorious, Liam was the first to have obtain both powers but still the mysteries behind his survival was still unknown, he was sure Liam shouldn''t have survived the merging with Omari but he did. "Then you must know what''s coming for you, Hunter" Anubis said sternly. In a flash of speed, Anubis was right in front of Hunter as he dig his hand in his chest but it passes right through. "Still playing mind tricks huh" Anubis said pulling away, knowing Hunter wasn''t really here. "Have to play it safe I have enemies" Hunter said. "You still hold a grudge, it''s been centuries my dear friend, you still resent me?" He said ticking his tongue. "Liam O''Brien maybe a unique ghoul, but he''s no match for me, neither was Omari... you should tell him what''s he''s up against, I''m not like those foes he faced at in the past, do not belittle me" he adds sternly. Anubis fist clenched hard. "I''m after all older than his previous ancestors, even Omari himself, I''m not his mate, neither am I his equal. You should tell him my dear friend, what I''m capable of" he states. "That won''t get get in his way" Anubis said for certain. Hunter chuckles as he slowly disappeared. "Oh it will... because his son belongs to me now, you know what that means" he states. "I will always take what belongs to me". He fades away. "Always"