The Calling

Chapter 10

That night while Alex sat up guarding the ancient book, everyone else was asleep. She sat on the small leather couch while she insisted that Kevin slept on the bed. It was hard not to sleep without any entertainment, she found herself pacing the floors while the book rested on the cushion “It’s all your fault! Stupid book…” she muttered, “I’m missing my favorite TV shows because of you. Now I’ll never know whom the bachelor chose. You’re probably happy now.”

“Alex?” Kevin rubbed his eyes tiredly “Are you still up?”

She turned with her arms on her hips “No, I just like to sleep while I pace around!”

“Go to sleep, I’ll watch the book for you. There’s no use in having you being tired and grumpy.” He pulled the covers off and walked over to her.

Alex quickly reached for the book as she wrapped her arms around it “It’s okay, I’ll look after it.” She darted around him and onto the bed. Throwing the book next to her, she covered herself in the blanket.

“You don’t trust me?” he asked hurtfully.

“Honey, the world is going to end if I let this book out of my sight, I don’t care if you’re my momma, I don’t trust you or anyone in this house.” She replied hastily.

Kevin smiled “I’m glad you’re taking this more seriously.”

“How could I not? Have you looked at that thing lately?!” she pointed to the ceiling.

He quickly winced “Don’t remind me that it’s there.” Raising his hands in defense “That thing is going to give me nightmares.”

“Welcome to the club.” She replied sarcastically. Kevin shook his head as he laid down on the couch on his stomach, trying to get comfortable but it was too short for his long legs “Kev…” he looked up with questioning eyes “You’re not mad that I don’t trust you right? It’s just…”

He laughed, “Alex, I could never be mad at you. Just remember that. I don’t want to make this harder for you.”

She smiled gratefully “You’re the best.”

“I know.” He sighed before falling asleep.

Alex made herself comfortable while her right arm wrapped around the book. It didn’t take long for her to fall asleep. Within minutes, she fell into a deep sleep and was dreaming about the traitor sneaking into her room. She tried to fight and call for the person to stop but there was no sound. She tried to call for help but couldn’t get her mouth to open. In her dreams, she managed to get off her bed and walked towards the door but suddenly she fell limply to the ground. The person emerged from a hidden corner and stabbed her in the neck with a needle causing her to disappear into an unconscious stage.

“No!” she sprung from the bed and realized her face was drenched in cold sweat “Oh…it’s just a dream.” She sighed to herself. She saw Kevin stirring on the couch “Did I wake you?” she could see him shaking his head as he turned his body around and went back to sleep. Alex yawned as she turned to check on the book, it was still there. Closing her eyes, she bounced back onto the pillow and returned to sleep.

The following morning, Alex woke up from a chime in the distance. It sounded like a school bell ringing. She stretched her arms and pushed her feet on the bed as she peeked outside the circled window above the wall on her bed “What a nice day.” She sighed, “Come look, Kevin.”

She turned to see that he had woken up before her. Worried, she checked her bed for the book and indeed it was still there. Her eyes wandered around the room and she looked up at the ceiling, to her surprise, the creature had moved. It was no longer gawking at her, instead it was cowered into its wing. A shiver ran down her spine and she jumped when the door opened “Good Morning, Miss Alexis. Would you like to join the others for breakfast?” the messenger asked politely.

“Don’t do that! Didn’t anyone ever teach you to knock before you enter?” she scolded haughtily.

He bowed his head respectfully “As you wish.” He closed the door and knocked it three times.

“Come in!!” Alex bellowed.

He opened the door “Is that better?”

“Much better.” She got out of bed and walked towards him “What’s your name by the way?”

“I do not have a name.” He didn’t move from his position as his head nodded towards the book.

“I have to take it with me?!” she asked incredulously as he smiled “What a drag.” She groaned. He led her down to the shared restroom, it was made of stone and a hole that was dug into the ground “Ew…don’t you have a toilet in here?”

“As you wish.” He waved a hand as the light appeared to shine through the stoned room and changed it to gold. A 19th century toilet sat against the wall “I cannot conjure up a more current toiletry, please forgive me.”

She gaped at it in shock “How did you do that, Howard?”

“I beg your pardon?” he was confused.

“Oh, I just named you. This is incredible. It’s prettier than my bathroom!” she exclaimed while her hand draped over the white marble sink and the mirror was trimmed with a gold frame.

He smiled “Only for you.” He winked and closed the door to give her privacy.

She emerged to find that he had left. Taking the book with her, she dragged it with her to the kitchen where the group were getting acquainted “Alex, you have to see what Mila can do.” Tammy got up from her seat and rushed towards her.

Alex whipped the book away from Tammy “Don’t touch me!”

Tammy’s eyes crunched innocently “I’m sorry.”

“What’s with psycho woman?” Kyle nodded at Kevin.

“Leave her alone, she barely had enough sleep last night.” He stood up for his friend.

“Thank you.” Alex nodded, she took a seat far from the group “I have never been responsible for anything in my life, well except for my fashion trends and my hair…it’s actually hard to maintain and make it shiny every day.” She expressed.

Mila shook her head crazily as she tousled her hair with her fingers “Does mine look silky?” she asked with a mysterious eye while her hair draped over her left eye.

Christian stifled a laugh while the rest shook their heads as they continued to eat the croissants and tea that was served “What’s so funny?” Alex snapped at him.

He looked around the table at everyone “Me?” he pointed to himself.

“I’m looking at you aren’t I?” she asked heatedly “Tell me, where were you last night? Did you sleep well?” her eyes narrowed suspiciously causing everyone to turn in unison at Christian.

He snickered “The bed could be a little more comfortable but I slept very well, thank you for asking.”

“Did someone come into your room, Alex?” Jerry asked with curious brows.

She shook her head “No…Well, I thought I heard someone.”

“I hear that all the time.” Mila waved her hand with a laugh.

Alex looked uneasily at her “Yeah, whatever. Where did Howard go?” she arched her neck toward the kitchen.

“Who’s Howard?” Tammy asked.

“You know…that guy…Mila’s dream guy.” Alex rolled her eyes at the naïve girl. She got up and carried the book with her “I wonder what’s in here.” She reached for the doorknob and suddenly the messenger appeared behind her.

“You are not allowed inside.” He instructed coldly.

She spun around and stepped back “I didn’t know.” Her eyes widened as she returned to the table in a hurry.

“Howie, so what’s next on the menu? Another unidentified bird or some more blood for us in place of wine?” Christian waved his gun playfully, it never left his side.

He laughed merrily “You mean you did not enjoy my little joke?”

“Oh yeah, I loved it!” Mila cooed dreamily.

“Down girl.” Alex eyed her carefully “Don’t you have activities for us? You can’t expect us to live here for…God knows how long and not be entertained?”

“I agree with the psycho woman.” Kyle pointed his thumb at her.

Ann began gesturing her hands ‘Is there a library in here?’

The messenger smiled with a nod “Great idea, Miss Ann.”

“You understand too?” Alex pointed at him “Am I the only one that can’t understand mute girl?”

“Alex!” Kevin shook his head as he turned to Ann “I’m sorry for my friend, she was not taught with manners.”

“Yes, I’m a spoiled little rich kid.” She added sarcastically. Turning to Howard, she asked “So what was such a great idea?”

“Follow me.” He nodded while motioning for them to come along.

“I didn’t even get to eat!” Alex whined.

Mila picked up a croissant and tossed it to her where she caught with her free hand “Stuff that in your mouth.”

“Yeah, do us all a favor.” Kyle muttered.

Alex narrowed her eyes at him as he passed by her, she muttered incoherent words “What are you doing?” Tammy asked with a small smile.

“Cursing him.” She replied casually “But it already worked, he is balding.”

Kyle moved his eyes up as he touched his forehead carefully “That’s evil.”

“Yeah, that’s what they call me.” She giggled victoriously before jogging up to Kevin “I know who the traitor is.” She whispered.

He turned to her with a look of shock “Who?!” she laughed while he lowered his voice “Alex, do you really know?” she shook her head but was still laughing.

“You should look at your face. I thought your eyes were going to pop out!”

“That’s not funny, Alex.” He grumbled.

“Of course it is! That’s why I’m laughing.” She pointed to herself.

Chapter 11

The library of the castle was bigger beyond words, it filled with books from different eras in the past 20 decades. Only a few were interested and eager to start reading. Kevin picked up a random book “This is about King Arthur!” he was like a kid in a candy store.

Alex rolled her eyes “I guess it’s stupid to ask if you have any fashion magazines huh?” she asked Howard dryly.

“I shall leave you now.” The messenger bowed and disappeared out the door.

She traced her steps around the tall shelves of endless books while her hand grew weary of carrying the thick book “Have a seat Alex.” Jerry smiled as he looked up at her.

“Are you sure you’re blind? How come you always know I’m around?” Alex asked suspiciously before taking a seat on the comfortable looking single sofa.

“I’ve been blind as long as I could remember.” He replied “But my other senses were increased with sensitivity. Anyways, from the first day I met you, I realized you had a different perfume on. Not something you could find in the malls.”

Alex was intrigued “Not bad, blind man. And yes, the scent you smell is a custom made fragrance that I made myself. I call it Eu de Alexis.” He smiled from the name while she stared at the book in his lap “Wait…if you’re blind, how do you read?” she got off the couch and stepped back fearfully.

Jerry laughed “Silly girl, there is something called Braille.” He opened the book and showed her “They’ve had this language for centuries.”

“Wow…” she sighed while moving closer to the book, her fingers moved across the bumpy page “So you read with your fingers?” he nodded with a smile “That’s amazing.”

“Alex! Jerry! Come over here!” Tammy waved.

Kevin was going through a book that looked to be identical to the book of legends and curses “That book in Hong Kong was missing a few pages.” He looked up at Alex.

“So?” she shrugged.

Ann shook her head ‘A missing page can be crucial. A few pages means disaster.’

Alex crossed her arms “Say that again?” she asked.

Kevin sighed, “Never mind that. It’s says here that when the curse is broken, the days will grow shorter and nights longer. The barrier that has kept evil inside will slowly diminish causing them a larger killing field until it has covered all of earth.” He paused to read more “Once it moves outside the barriers, it will grow stronger. If you are able to kill the creature, another will be born in its place. It’s never ending…”

“Then how are we supposed to stop a plague from spreading?” Kyle asked, “It sounds impossible.”

‘There’s more.’ Ann gestured.

Kevin’s eyes widened as he read on “Dear Lord…”

“What?” Mila asked excitedly.

“It only takes less than one day for the barrier to start spreading once the curse is broken. Each day, another ten creatures are let loose.” He looked at them “That means, if the curse is broken, we wouldn’t know until the next day. By then, it is probably too late to be prepared.”

“Shit!” Christian cursed as he marched towards the door.

“Where are you going?” Tammy asked almost in a cry.

He spun towards them “I’m not going to fucking sit here and wait to be killed. I’m getting out of here.”

“You can’t!” Tammy argued.

“Fine, then come with me.” He replied with his hand reaching out to her.

“Chris…” Tammy shook her head.

Mila walked towards them “This is just a hunch, but you two know each other?” Tammy lowered her head “Here’s another hunch, you two use to date?”

The young girl turned to Mila with a desperate look “Please, don’t be mad at us. We didn’t want anyone to know.”

“You did a good job.” Alex snickered “Didn’t you think it would make you more suspicious because you’re hiding a secret?”

Mila nodded “Anyways, I don’t think this is a place you can walk in and out of. It’s probably got an invisible force that will shoot you down if you step out of the door.” Her head snapped back “Wait, that would be cool. Let’s go try!”

“Actually, the door won’t open.” Kevin spoke up “We tried that yesterday remember?”

Ann waved her hand to get their attention ‘We should stay close with each other to make sure the traitor does not have a chance to get the book.’

“That’s good.” Kevin nodded “Ann says we should stick together.”

“Well, stick all you want. I’m going to take a nap.” Alex yawned, “Beauty doesn’t come naturally overnight.”

Jerry shook his head “No. Alex, you need to stay with the group.”

She ignored him but it was Christian who blocked her exit “If I’m going to be stuck here, you’re not gonna go anywhere. If you’re tired, just sit here and rest.”

“Look, I had two hours of sleep, I’m not exactly superwoman. I have to load around this fifty pound stupid book all day and I can’t trust anyone in this God forbidden place! So excuse me for being a little tired.” She growled.

“Fine, we’ll come with you.” Jerry nodded to the others.

Alex gave in “Okay.” She led the way to the room as they sat around the room while she napped. Her arms still around the book.

After an hour, Christian had grown restless. He got up “Where are you going?” Kevin asked suddenly.

“Take a smoke, I haven’t had one in days.” he looked dangerously at everyone as he slipped out of the room.

Touring around the castle, he found a door that led up to the roof. The stairs circled up until he saw sunlight. He had only one pack left and used it gingerly. He leaned over the stone rail as he stared out into the ocean. Puffing his cigarette, he turned to the other end of the castle, there was not a home within the naked eye. The bizarre feeling returned when he heard a hawk like call, except it was much sharper to the ear.

He turned towards the sea again and this time, his eyes bulged out as he witnessed a bird like creature that shot up from the sea, its wingspan was long even from a far distance. It’s beak sharp and the scales were shiny against the sunlight. He had seen it over a month ago at the Po Lin Temple in Hong Kong but this was real “Oh shit!” he threw down the cigarette and raced to the stairs and shut the door with a bang.

“What was that?” Kyle asked when he heard a loud sound.

“Don’t be so paranoid.” Mila rolled her eyes “Oh my God! Did you hear that?” she said abruptly causing Tammy and Kyle to jump. Laughing as she shook her head “That was too easy.”

Ann grimaced as she began to twitch in her seat, suddenly her hands fell over her head "Ann? What's wrong?" Kevin asked worriedly.

Kyle stepped closer "She's had these headaches before."

"I don't think their headaches." Tammy shook her head "She's covering her ears."

Alex suddenly began convulsing violently in her sleep. Ann stood up with her finger pointing shakily towards Alex. Her face red from pain. Kevin rushed over to his friend’s side “Alex! Alex!”

“Great, not again.” Tammy muttered.

“Alex, wake up.” Kevin touched her face and felt it icy cold “Alex!”

When the door opened, Alex’s eyes popped open as she sat up “The curse was broken.” She was short of breath, her eyes directly staring at Christian.

“She’s right, I saw one of them.” He breathed, “It’s starting.”

“Cool…” Mila’s slow crooked grin appeared.

Kyle shook his head in disbelief “Wait, how could it start already? You had the book the whole time? Who had a chance to get their hands on it?”

“REM.” Jerry answered. The group turned to him “When a person is in their deepest sleep, no sound or lights could wake them up. Its usually half an hour long and it’s when you dream the most vivid of all dreams.”

Ann began talking with her hands, her headache had diminish. Alex lowered her forehead into her hand “I don’t have the energy, could someone translate please?”

“She asked if you were in a deep sleep last night.” Kyle spoke up. He tilted his head "Are you okay now?" she smiled with a nod.

Alex looked up “Yes…I was in a deep sleep. I had a dream that someone came in to steal the book. I remember being too weak to move and I tried to scream a few times too. But when I woke up…the book was still next to me.”

“How about your little friend?” Mila pointed to Kevin suspiciously.

“Kevin…” her eyes darted back and forth “He was still there…but I woke him.” She tilted her head strangely while Kevin looked away “But it can’t be him.”

“We’ll figure out who the traitor is later, but right now, we have to find a way to stop those evil creatures.” Kevin said firmly.

“He’s right.” Jerry agreed, “We need to close out any openings to this castle.”

Ann began motioning ‘I’ll look in the library for more books.’

Kevin nodded “I’ll help you in the library. Everyone else, be careful and watch your backs.” He ushered Ann out of the room leaving the other six to stare at each other.

“Strange how quick he knew what to do.” Mila narrowed her eyes at the door.

“We don’t have time for that.” Jerry said hurriedly “We need to close out the windows and any doors that it could enter from.”

“I’ll take the living room.” Christian volunteered.

“I’ll check the rooms.” Mila offered.

“Tammy and Kyle, you two check for any secret passage ways. It’s a big castle, I’m sure there are plenty there.” Jerry nodded. When he heard their footsteps moving away, he turned to Alex “Who’s the traitor?”

She looked at him oddly “What?”

“You heard me. You know who it is…who is it?” Jerry insisted.

Alex moved away from him “I don’t know. Why do you think I know?”

“It’s a sixth sense.” He replied calmly.

She shook her head insistently “I really don’t know.”

Jerry relaxed his face “I’m sorry. Sometimes the instincts come so strong that I’m not sure when to believe it. Come on, it’s safer downstairs.”

Alex nodded as she walked over to help him “I don’t need to carry the book anymore do I?” she asked. He seemed to be the most knowledgeable next to Kevin.

He smiled “No, carrying it wouldn’t help.”

She sighed with relief as she dropped it on the couch “Thank God! I think I was starting to grow biceps.” Laughing, she linked her arms through his and walked him out of the room. The minute the door closed, the book floated until it was returned to it’s original spot, inside the creature’s beak. Waiting to be called again.

Chapter 12

The group gathered together in the living room after they finished their duties “What now?” Alex asked nervously.

“We wait.” Jerry said.

“Wait for what? For them to come and kill us or the rest of the world?” Kyle exclaimed.

“There must be a way to stop them.” Tammy shook her head.

Anne nodded in agreement ‘There must be a reason why we are the chosen ones.’

Kevin agreed, “She’s got a point. Let’s go to the library and check out the books again. Maybe we’ll discover something else.” As they began to walk away, Kevin noticed that Christian was not following “What are you doing?”

“Standing guard. I’m not letting one pass me.” He vowed.

“I’ll stay too.” Alex suggested.

“Alex, it’s too dangerous here.” Kevin feared for her. They could not lose her in this battle, she was a vital source to destroying the evil creatures.

She was stubborn “I’ll be fine. Anyways, you know how much I hate books, I’ll just be a waste of time. You guys go ahead.” She insisted.

“It’s okay. Christian will watch out for her.” Jerry said firmly “Let’s go, we don’t have much time.”

“You don’t have to stay.” Christian said with his back to her.

She tilted her head around him “What are you doing?”

“Filling up the barrels.” He snapped the gun shut “Why did you stay?”

She shrugged lightly “I just feel like it.”

“That’s not an answer.” He turned to her with emotionless eyes.

Alex laughed, “Well, what would you like to hear?”

“The truth.” He replied with the same cold aura.

She crossed her arms nervously “Seriously?” he nodded “I think its safer being with you.” A slow smile crept on his face “I’m not kissing your ass or anything, it’s just… well, you have the no nonsense attitude. The I’ll-kill-anything-in-my-way attitude. It’s instinct.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.” He stuffed the gun back in his pocket and pulled out a pack of cigarettes.

“That’s bad for you.” Alex said before he had a chance to light it up.

He paused and turned to her “No one tells me what to do.”

“Wow…it’s a wonder Tammy broke up with you.” She rolled her eyes upwards.

“She didn’t break up with me. It was mutual.” He replied coldly before lighting up his cigarette.

Alex sighed “Yeah, whatever. Stop dwelling on it.” She began coughing when he puffed out a mouthful of smoke “I’ll probably die from second hand smoking first.” She waved her hand to break the smoke.

His eyes narrowed as he dropped the cigarette on the ground and stepped on it “Happy, princess?”

“Very!” She replied brightly.

He moved away from her “Strange girl…” he muttered. Suddenly they heard a screeching sound from above the roof “We have visitors.” Christian pulled out his gun and stepped closer to Alex, who looked petrified “Stay close.” He warned.

“The windows were all closed. Anyways, they’re too small for them to enter…right?” she was unsure herself. Suddenly a creature shot through one of the circled windows in the two story living room. It’s cry was ear piercing as Alex covered her ears. She turned in time to see its beak flying towards her, opened and ready to pierce her.

“Get down!!” Christian cried as he aimed his gun fearlessly and shot the beast in between its eyes. A splash of yellow blood exploded from its head as it fell limply to the ground.

Alex dared not to move “Is it dead?”

Christian stepped closer to the bird like creature with his gun still pointed. He kicked its leg and was relieved that it was indeed dead “As dead as it’ll get. Come on.”

She got off the ground and turned to him “What are you doing?”

“We’re going to take it to the others. Come and help me.” He placed his gun back in his jean pocket and began pulling the animal by its feet, its claw was sharp enough to dig into any soft object.

“No it’s okay. It looks like you’re not having any trouble.” Alex shook her head hesitantly.

“Stop shittin’ around and give me a hand!” he barked.

“Tammy definitely broke up with you.” She nodded before approaching him with a disgusted face “It’s even bigger than I thought.”

“You’ve seen it before?” he asked while they dragged it up the stairs.

Alex nodded “For a glimpse in my mind.” The two entered the library “Look what we found!” she announced.

“Jesus Christ, what is that thing?!” Kyle exclaimed in a startled reaction.

“Cool!!” Mila popped from her seat as she approached the creature with curiosity “It’s got yellow blood!” she pointed to the trail “It’s even crazier than I imagined.” She was intrigued.

“Why did you bring it in here?” Kyle looked sick as he turned away.

Christian nodded to Tammy “You think you can figure out its anatomy if we do a biopsy? Maybe we can find a weak spot?”

“How did it get inside?” Kevin wondered out loud.

“Someone forgot to cover a window in the living room. It’s humanly impossible to cover that one, the window is too high up.” Alex explained, “We need a ladder.”

“Genius, you can help Tammy.” Christian nodded to Kyle.

“I’m not dissecting anything!” he shook his head vehemently.

“I’ll do it!” Mila volunteered, “Come on!” she began pulling the beast to a corner. Tammy nodded as she followed the other two.

“Did you find anything?” Alex asked Kevin.

He shook his head weakly “Nothing yet.”

“Ooh! I should check that book!” Alex suddenly remembered. She rushed towards her room and opened the door. Her head turned to the couch where she last threw it. But it wasn’t there “Someone stole it?” she wondered to herself. She began looking around the room and even went under the bed to search for the missing book. She crawled through the opposite side and noticed two familiar clawed feet. Her eyes moved up and she was staring into the face of another creature “Nice birdie…” she whispered while crawling back under the bed. It let out a sharp call and stuck its head under the bed “Shit!” Alex cried when she realized she could die that very second. But when she noticed it’s body was too big to fit through the gap, she laughed “Maybe you should have gone on a diet before you came!”

It yelped at her and moved it’s head back, Alex was concerned “Where are you going?” she asked, eventhough she knew it could not understand. It was then that she heard it jump onto the bed, her eyes darted upwards as she wondered. Her answer came when its beak came piercing through the bed mattress and hit the ground just millimeters from her waist. She rolled away as another pierce came at her. She let out a cry so loud, it would be impossible to miss.

“Alex!” Kevin turned his head up when he heard her cry.

Christian was ahead of him as he rushed towards the room and staggered at the door when he saw the bird on the bed, shooting its beak into the mattress “Alex, are you under the bed?”

“Yes!” she sobbed.

He entered slowly with the gun pointed at the creature “Don’t make any quick movements.” He warned. With each step, the beast seemed to sense its danger as it backed off the bed “Alex, get out.” He instructed.

“Which side?” she asked.

“Left.”

She was about to move when she stopped “Your left or my left?”

“Does it matter?!” he cried in frustration.

“Yes!” she answered with the same tone.

Christian lifted the sheets with his feet “This left!” She saw his shoes as she began crawling to the opposite end. But the creature was not giving up as he suddenly jumped on the bed and was about to give one last attempt to finish Alex when a shot was fired. He cried in agony as it sputtered on the floor. Christian sighed with relief as he looked under the bed and put out a hand to help her out “You okay?”

She nodded while turning towards the animal “That was too close.”

They returned to the library “Alex! Are you okay?” Kevin asked with genuine concern.

“I was almost bird food if it wasn’t for Christian…” She pointed her thumb back and noticed that he was not with her “He came back with me?” scratching her head in confusion.

Seconds later, he came back inside with a large army duffel bag “What’s that?” Kevin asked nodding at the bag.

He threw it on the ground and zipped it open. Mila head shot up as she stood up “I smell the G450!” she rushed towards Christian and noticed him pulling out rifles and hand guns to explosives “Oh my God, did I die and go to heaven?” she knelt down and picked up the largest rifle.

Christian yanked it from her hand “This is MY toy. You can have this one.” He threw her a heavy silver handgun.

“How in the world did you get this on the plane?” Mila asked in admiration.

He smiled grimly “Let’s just say, I have a few friends that owes me favors.” He passed a gun to Alex “This one’s the lightest.” He tossed another to Kevin “That’s called the silencer.” He slid a gun towards Jerry, who stopped it with his feet after he turned his ears towards the moving object “Nice catch.” Christian complimented “I know you’re blind, but just take it for emergencies.” He picked up another gun and nodded to Kevin “Give this to your girl.”

Kevin looked embarrass as he shyly turned from Ann “She’s not my girl.”

“Then how do you know I’m talking about her?” Christian put him on the spot making him squirm.

“Wow, he’s good.” Alex widened her eyes in surprise “But I don’t know how to use a gun.”

Christian stood up and looked at the group “Let me give you a short lesson in shooting. Aim and fire at the son of a bitches.”

“Gee, that helped.” She rolled her eyes.

“Guys, come here!” Tammy waved.

“What did you discover?” Kevin asked.

“Its bone is made of some very flexible marrow. It won’t break even if it you bend it all the way.” She pointed to the wing while Kyle did a demonstration “Its pupil is red and the eyes are yellow. The blood is green but when it touches light, it turns yellow. Its eyes seems to be sensitive towards light.”

“So it can’t see in the light?” Kevin asked.

Tammy nodded “Yeah. It’s got x-ray vision in the dark. Which means, we’ll have to keep this place brightly lit.”

“Does it have a weak spot?” Christian was only concerned with one thing.

Kyle smiled “You hit it.” He pointed to the bullet wound “This is where its heart is.”

“Bullseye.” Alex whispered.

“Yes.” Kyle nodded “And its beak is sharper than ten knives, it can pierce through almost anything.”

“Yeah, I know.” Alex snickered dryly. She turned to Kevin “I don’t know what happened to that book. I left it on my couch but now it’s gone.”

“Did someone steal it?” Kyle looked around suspiciously.

Jerry shook his head “No, once it is released from Alex’s hands, it will returned to it’s original place until we call for it again.”

“I think we should call for it.” Kevin nodded “Before nightfall. Those things will be back again. We have to do it fast.” He urged them to Alex’s room.

SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004