Chapter 16

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The following day, 9:40 p.m.

Simon and Zane ran through the narrow streets of the buildings, chasing a shadow.

"I'll cut him off!" Zane cast a spell towards the shadow.

The shadow dodged and the spell hit the ground, freezing it.

"He wants to go upstairs!" Simon yelled as the shadow jumped up the wall. Suddenly Simon started to slide. "Ice?" He jumped before completely losing his balance and crashing into some of the garbage cans that were at the end of the alley.

"You use ice magic?" Simon immediately crawled out of the bins.

"Didn't I say that?" Zane apologized before glancing up. "Quick, it's escaping!" Zane also jumped up the wall of the house.

"Wait!" Simon called after Zane, who was almost halfway up the building.

The shadow saw Zane behind it, suddenly grabbed a railing as it leaped up, and catapulted itself back down toward Zane.

With hand curled into a claw, the shadow lunged at Zane.

"Oops!" Zane dodged a somersault as the shadow sped past him. Out of the corner of his eye, Zane could see the red eyes before the shadow whizzed past him.

It's not an Infected, it's a Vampire... calm down Zane! He spurred himself on and followed the Vampire with his eyes. The Vampire landed on a balcony, from which he immediately jumped further into the next alley.

15 minutes earlier.

The block was cordoned off by the police, and the lights of the police vehicles shone through the alleys everywhere. Heavily armored units and even some ATBS lined the streets, sealing off the block the Vampires had herded into.

In the midst of the crowd was the truck of the second Tactical Mages unit.

"OK guys we managed to get most of them concentrated here."

"What about the lower sectors?" Stephen asked.

"Our analyzes show that they don't roam there because there are hardly any people who could attack them. Our goal is to catch as many as possible before they disperse again." Kenelm looked at his team. "In an emergency, deadly force must also be used."

Zane swallowed nervously and clenched his hand.

It wasn't long before Zane and Simon spotted one of the Vampires, who began to flee after briefly attacking them.

Now Zane was involved in the pursuit. He was nervous, but at the same time he was happy about his first assignment.

The Vampire meanwhile jumped over the roofs of the buildings. As he reached the edge of the block, a hovercraft hit him, blinding him with its headlights. Immediately, the Vampire turned, only to run into Zane's arms.

The Vampire stopped shortly when he saw Zane, the hovercraft's light behind him. He looked at Zane, breathing heavily.

"I want to help you!" Zane held out his hand, intending to stop him.

"Blood…", the man moaned. "I need blood..."

"I can help you!" Zane repeated.

"GIVE ME YOUR BLOOD!" He charged at Zane.

"Very creative choice of words." Zane replied, ducking under the vampire's paw and letting him jump over him. At the same moment, Zane began to cast his spell, freezing the vampire in flight.

"Zane, wait a minute!" Simon suddenly looked up at the roof. Only his head stretched over the wall as the Vampire came flying at him, or rather the block of ice. "What the?!" The block of ice hit Simon in the face and they both fell down.

"Good catch!" Zane looked down where Simon lay, apparently unharmed, beneath the block of ice. Immediately, some soldiers roped down from the hovercraft, rushed to Simon and helped him get the block of ice off him.

"Good catch? Yeah right!" He pushed the block of ice off him while the soldiers immediately began tying straps around the block to carry it away.

"This is unit three. We have one. He's being hauled away now." Zane reported the success to Kenelm as he turned back to Simon, who was helping the soldiers strap the hovercraft down. "Stephen already has two!"

"So what?" He seemed to complain.

"Come on Simon, we're behind!" Zane ran on.

"Do not rush me. This isn't a competition you know?" He followed Zane somewhat reluctantly.

"With this we've got arrested two more..." Kenelm saw on his screen in the truck. "With the three we've got preciously, we have five..." Kenelm swiped across one of the screens and got live feeds of the cops and his men to see. On another screen he also saw data from the other Tactical Mage teams and their progress.

"What's that about?" Kenelm wondered. What are all these Bitten doing here? Something seems fishy there...

Zane and Simon had continued to walk the streets looking for more vampires when Simon spoke to him.

"Wait, the bait should be over there."

"Right." Zane recalled the meeting. Those Bitten, as those attacked by Vampires were commonly called, only followed their instinct to drink blood for the first few days. The magicians took advantage of this and set up a bait that lured them in.

Zane and Simon were very close now. The bait was hidden in an underground parking lot under one of the malls.

As soon as Zane looked around the corner, he saw some shadows hurrying towards the mall. Shortly thereafter, they heard Mikael's voice through the receivers they wore on their ears.

"We see you."

"Where are you?" Simon asked.

"On the building across the main street."

Zane and Simon looked across said street and saw a light waving from a PDA.

"OK, let's wait for Stephen." Simon said. Mikael confirmed and he and Gerard hid on the roof again so as not to unintentionally attract one of the Bitten.

More and more shadows ran towards the building when Stephen answered.

"OK. We are here too. All are in position." He reported to Kenelm.

"All right, there are currently 17 Bitten in the parking garage."

"That many?" Zane startled.

"Wasn't there only about 30 registered all over town?" Alex also inquired.

"It was just the sightings...", remarked Mikael, sounding uncertain.

"Sir, I don't think we can capture them all with our current team."

Zane wondered if Stephen meant him when Kenelm answered.

"Don't worry, reinforcements are already on their way. But we change the plan. We're going according to plan B - we'll lock the parking garage."

"Roger that. Over." Stephen confirmed and turned to the others. "You heard it, make sure they don't come out until the gates are locked."

"Understood!" Everyone replied.

Immediately, Simon and Zane jumped into action and rushed to the nearest parking garage entrance. The multi-story parking garage had two entrances for vehicles and one for the delivery of goods, and there was also an underground access for goods. Inside there were several steps into the shopping arcade. Plan B dictated that Mikael, Gerard, Simon, and Zane patrolled the garage entrances while Stephen and Alex took care of the mall entrances.

Shortly thereafter, Simon and Zane were already at their assigned location. In front of them was one of the two entrances to the parking garage and not too far away was an entrance to the underground entrance. Goods were mostly transported via the lower levels of the city. Only a few trucks delivered their goods above ground.

"We're in position." Simon reported, whereupon the others also confirmed their position at short intervals.

No sooner everyone had reached their positions, Kenelm had the gates closed. At the same time, the decoy changed his equipment and released sedative gas into the parking garage.

Meanwhile in the parking lot.

Everywhere the Bitten ran around, hunting, looking for the origin of the blood smell that had lured them all here.

They were hungry, the irrepressible urge to drink blood was omnipresent. As if intoxicated, they searched for blood. They would attack anyone, even their own family members.

But then their heightened senses caught something. It was far away, barely audible. The beeping of the closing gates.

Immediately, some scattered and ran toward the sound, while others had already started attacking each other when one of the Vampires fell over.

The slight smell of the anesthetic gas hit the nostrils of the remaining Vampires, who immediately began to move away and followed the other Vampires who were already heading towards the gates.

"They've noticed!" Kenelm reported over the comms while following the security cameras. "Hold them until the gates are closed!"

Zane and Simon braced themselves and stepped in front of the closing gate. The gate closed relatively slowly, since the parking garage could also be used as a bunker in an emergency, so Zane looked down the ramp a little nervously.

Meanwhile, Simon stayed in close contact with Kenelm, who continued to keep an eye on the approaches.

The gate was barely halfway locked when Zane reported. "There's one coming!" A bitten woman came around the bend, red eyes gleaming in the darkness of the tunnel. Why do they have to have red eyes? Zane complained internally, who always associated the eyes with the Infected and that person.

Zane didn't know how fast the Bitten were and as a precaution activated his spell so that he could use it at any time.

The bitten woman ran toward Zane at full speed, behind her Zane saw several others who seemed to have followed her. But in the next moment the gate closed and the sound of the bunker locking resounded.

"Phew, done." Zane groaned in relief. Only the dull knocking of the Bitten could be heard trying to break through the gate.

"Not quite yet." Simon patted Zane on the shoulder and gestured for him to follow. "Go to the underground access."

"OK!" Zane followed him.

They ran down the emergency stairs, which brought them several meters underground. After less than a minute they reached the underground entrance, the gate was already locked.

"Did we make it?" Zane asked Simon, who immediately turned to Kenelm.

"A few came out," reported Kenelm. "But we caught most of them. Good job folks, report to camp. The police will take over the guard first."

Once at camp, Kenelm reported on the progress of the other teams. Altogether they had arrested 98 Vampires. But the number did not match the 178 missing in recent weeks.

"Nice work folks. Get some rest first. Tomorrow we'll see how the condition of those bitten is and whether we can get anything out of them." Kenelm closed the meeting.

"What about the other missing people?" Zane worried.

"We can't be sure that all of the missing fell victim to the Vampire. It could also be that they have disappeared elsewhere. Rest easy Zane, you can't do everything at once." Kenelm laughed. "You did well for your first assignment." He nodded.

"Thanks." Zane smiled and Stephen also patted him on the shoulder.

"OK. You are free to go, step away."

"Hey, Zane we're going for a drink later. Are you coming with us?" Stephen asked Zane on the way back to the base.

"Sure." Zane replied.

A short time later, Zane found himself with the whole team at a bar not far from his apartment. An elderly bartender stood behind the counter. Zane feared for the man as he took the team's orders. But he served the drinks and snacks with the same routine Zero had done in Halsion.

"Tell me, how much longer?" Mikael asked the bartender.

"Actually, I wanted to wait until I found a replacement... But my daughter asked me to come home."

"Not for long then?" asked Gerard, who had only ordered a soft drink.

"Unfortunately not."

"Then we should celebrate!" Alex said and a toast to the bartender passed through the room.

The little celebration went on for a while. The bartender even bought one and drank with the mages.

Zane walked back down the street towards the base with Mikael. They were both supporting the drunk Simon when Zane caught a glimpse of Gerard with the bartender, who had walked them out the door before locking it. It was already the middle of the night, but Zane didn't worry for the bartender. The Mytic district where the bar was located was under constant police guard and magical barriers were also ubiquitous.

"What's he doing?" Zane asked

"He blesses him for the journey." Mikael explained. "You can't blame the daughter for wanting her elderly father to be with her. Especially after everything that's going on lately."

"Right..." Zane remembered what Leon had told him and the last few days when he remembered Ben and Zero.

Mikael looked at him in concern and was about to apologize when they heard Simon moan. "Hey, don't puke on my feet!" He snapped at Simon. "Thanks for helping me bring that jerk back to Zane."

"No problem."

"Let him sleep off the intoxication at the base!"

"Then at least he won't be late." Zane remarked and they started laughing as Gerard joined them again.

The next morning in the meeting room.

"Again, good work yesterday folks. The leadership is happy. We were probably able to avert a major incident."

"How many did we catch?" Stephen asked.

"96. Two escaped during transport. Along with those who have escaped before, we know of eight Bitten or Vampires still on the way. Hence, continue to be vigilant." Kenelm warned.

"What happens to the Bitten now?" Zane asked.

"Security has already started questioning them." Stephen replied.

"So, we're nothing more than security errand boys." Alex clasped his hands over his head.

"Security has trained staff for that." Mikael added.

"The mages have agreed to send a mage who will take care of those bitten and attempt to turn them back."

Zane smiled confidently when Simon asked, "Is that even possible?"

"It's not certain because the research isn't that advanced yet. But I think it's worth trying. Any other questions? Otherwise, that's it for the time being, until the security service releases the results of the examination."

"If they can even get any info out of them." Alex laughed a little mockingly while Gerard made a religious gesture to pray for the people.

The meeting broke up when Kenelm called for Zane.

"Zane, the man you met on the train is also among those caught."

"Where was he?" Zane stopped.

"On the outskirts. Thought you were interested."

"Thanks." Zane replied and said goodbye.

Simon and Zane went back on patrol.

"So where do you want to go today?" Zane asked.

"'Where to?" Simon asked in delirium.

"Are you not hungry?"

"Spare me."

"Are you still sick?" He looked at Simon, who seemed about to vomit. "Don't you want to go home?"

"Nah, I'll be fine...", he burst out. "I'll get something around the next corner".

Simon had just gone into a pharmacy and Zane was standing in front of it, looking through the shopping arcade. His gaze swept over the people. He could make out people, elves and isolated Mytics. Among them were some representatives of the smaller breeds, when his eyes fell on a group of young people. Zane smiled and remembered the time in Halsion when he was with Zero and the others.

It was only two weeks ago, but it seemed so far away already.

Just then Simon came back from the pharmacy, a single pill and a bottle of water in his hand. In the next moment it was already gone down his throat with a large gulp of water.

"Whoa!" Sighed Simon.

"Are you getting better?" Zane asked.

"It's okay...", he took another sip as Zane's PDA started ringing.

Zane nervously took the call.

After a few moments, Zane thanked him and hung up.

"What is it?"

"Zero… he woke up." He said, happily relieved.

In the hospital

The sun was shining through the open window and the morning breeze was blowing through the room as Zero slowly began to open his eyes. In the corner of his eye he saw a shadow. The outlines moved as he began to follow it. He was about to open his eyes fully when the shadow flew towards him.

"Zero!" Aki jumped at Zero and landed in his bed and in the pit of his stomach.

"Uff!" Zero startled, brutally awakened from his sleep. "Aki!?"

Aki snuggled up to him with all her might. "You can't scare me like that." She looked up at him with tears in her eyes.

"Sorry." He started petting her when he noticed his missing arm. His entire torso was bandaged, but something appeared to be attached to his shoulder.

"Zero, your..." Aki began to say cautiously.

"It's alright..." Zero seemed to remember the battle in Halsion. "I sacrificed it for something bigger." He started petting Aki again, who snuggled up to him again.

Zero looked out the window. The sea roared and the sounds of the city echoed in the room. Zero looked around. A ventilation mask hung loosely around his neck and an ECG was in the room.

"Oh. You're awake." A doctor stood in the room along with an elven nurse.

"How long was I gone?" Zero asked the doctor immediately, while Aki straightened up and walked away from the bed, obviously satisfied.

"Nine days." The doctor replied. "Would you mind if I run some tests?"

"Of course not." Zero replied and nodded.

"I'll wait outside and let the others know." Aki waved and left the room.

"Zane!" Carol happily waved at him, standing in front of the entrance to the hospital where they had agreed to meet.

"Hey guys." He greeted Asagi, Carol, and Nathan.

"You got the leave?" Nathan asked.

"Yes, it was spontaneous but my boss allowed me to do it. Isn't Tyler here yet?" Zane looked around.

"He said he'll come later." Asagi explained while Carol jumped around nervously next to her.

"Oh." Zane replied.

"Are we going to see Zero now?" Carol asked a little impatiently.

"Sorry Carol. Yes, we can." Zane laughed and they walked towards the entrance.

Arriving at the elevator, Asagi began to talk: "The people from the academy also seem to be happy that Zero is doing well again. The chats were full of greetings."

"Probably a good thing that we're the only ones who ended up here, too." Zane said.

"You mean the amount of girls that would have come otherwise?" They laughed.

"Exactly..." Zane answered shortly, as the elevator door already opened again.

Carol immediately sprinted towards Zero's room. She stayed in front of the door until the others arrived.

"Don't you want to go in?" Zane asked and Carol shook her head. "It'll be all right." He opened the door and gave Carol a little nudge.

Carol looked at Zane, nodded, and walked in first.

"Zero!" She rejoiced and threw herself into his arms. Or arm.

"Oof!" Zero sighed as Carol jumped into his stomach pit. "Not again..." He gasped. "Hey Carol." He started patting her head as she was already crying.

"Hey Zero!" Zane greeted him happily and Asagi and Nathan followed.

"Hello Zero." Asagi said, a happy smile on her face.

"Hey." Nathan waved at him.

"Hey guys." He greeted his friends while Aki was standing at the window.

"How are you Zero?" Asagi asked.

"Fine regarding the circumstances... I'm in no pain." He looked at his missing arm and everyone went quiet for a moment.

"We'll probably have to go without your home cooking for a while." Zane scratched his head and laughed.

"When are you getting a prosthesis?" Nathan asked.

"Unfortunately yes." Laughed Zero. "They said I could try one on in the morning."

"Probably a standard prosthesis. Insurance won't pay for more." Nathan said.

"Right." Zero said.

"What's wrong with the standard prosthesis?" Carol asked, who had sat down on the bed next to Zero.

"From what I've heard, the fine drive isn't great." Nathan explained.

"Will it be okay then, Zero?" Carol asked.

"It'll be fine." He stroked Carol's head. "It should be enough for breakfast." Zero laughed and the girls started to smile.

"So, what did I miss?" Zero asked the group.

"Asagi and I share a flat!" Carol said proudly.

"I live right next door." Zane added, digressing from his original answer.

"I have an apartment at the academy." Nathan also joined.

"And Tyler stayed at the barracks." Zane said.

"Where is everyone else? Are they around?" Zero turned to Zane and Asagi.

"No." Asagi shook his head. "The others from the academy found accommodation in other cities."

"We're the only ship that was diverted." Zane explained.

"New Comound..." Zero looked out the window. "Never thought I would end up here."

"Still not a fan of big cities, Zero?" Aki leaned towards Zero.

"Not really." Zero replied and Aki laughed. "And otherwise? Did you experience something?"

"I think Zane has the most to talk about." Nathan patted Zane on the back.

"I was accepted into the Tactical Mages." Zane reported, grinning.

"Really?" Zero looked at Zane in bewilderment. "I'm gone for a while and you make a whole career." Zero laughed. "I'm happy for you!" He nodded.

"Thanks! I'll do my best!" Zane clenched his fist in front of his chest.

"He's with City Security." Aki added.

"How is it going?"

"Quite good." Zane began.

He happily told Zero about his missions, about the vampires and about the team he was assigned to.

"Seems to be going well." Nathan laughed and the others nodded in agreement.

"But take care of yourself. You have a habit of overdoing it, Zane." Zero admonished him. "I can't always take care of you..."

Zane saw Zero's gaze drift to his missing arm for a moment.

"It'll be okay." Zane smiled. "I'm sure we can do something about your arm!"

"You mean a better prosthesis?" Nathan asked.

"The military ones are like real arms." Aki reported.

"Does the insurance even pay for something like that?" Asagi asked.

"Unfortunately not." Aki answered her.

"Where are Sora and Deadra?" Zero asked, but nobody seemed to want to answer.