Urban Majix: The Drakhari Chronicles, #1

To Everyone who has ever rolled the dice,

taken notes, or lived a character...

The Future is Coming –

And the Geeks are Ready.

© Quicksylver Publications, 2018

Cover Art by: Madolyn Locke

Urban Majix:

The Rise & Fall of Grace

The Drakhari Chronicles ✠ 1

––––––––

By Cassandra Drake

Prologue – Meeting the Players

August 19th, 2006

Seattle, Washington – U.S.A.

The tires of the ’03 Nissan Sentra were far from new, making the rain just another problem Misty Banache had to contend with on what she considered to be the ugliest night of her life. The ugliest... and by far the most frightening. She silently derided herself. She was, after all, a native of Washington; born and raised in Renton. Everyone there knew the place was the American answer to bad English weather.

Leaving the road, Misty had to counter-steer to regain control of the car. The soaked grass and soil gave more than the asphalt, and she gasped in fright before the tail end of her car swung back around.

To his credit, Thaddeus Mitchell remained quiet through the ordeal. He had one small hand on the inside handle of the door and the other on his seatbelt. He winced without making a sound, and closed his light brown eyes when he thought his chaperone had lost control of her vehicle.

We’re good! Misty panted. We’re good.

Okay, Thaddeus responded, sounding as if he genuinely believed her.

Good lord, this is one tough little tyke, she thought, straining her eyes to try and see ahead of her hi-beam headlights. The darkness and the precipitation worked too well in congress, keeping the sight of the road from her eyes... that is, until it didn’t.

Oh my God! she exclaimed, slamming on her brakes and steering the car to the right. Where did that man come from? Why was he standing in the middle of the road? she thought, frantically spinning the steering wheel. If Misty lived through her unscheduled departure from the path, she’d be asking those questions of the man.

The Sentra fish-tailed once more, and there simply wasn’t enough room between the side of the road and the tree line to hope for an uneventful stoppage. The airbags opened and both passengers were slammed forward into them. Thaddeus was struck unconscious and Misty was well on her way to joining him. She struggled to bring her brown eyes to focus, looking through gaps of her long brown hair that had come around to her face. She watched the man make his way to her car.

H-h-help us! she stammered, knowing that no one could hear her; no one, except the man drawing closer. Somehow, Misty knew he wasn’t there to be helpful to her cause.

She watched as the man reached her side of the car. Some of her dizziness was dismissed by the shock of watching the man rip the door from the chassis with very little effort. It was obvious he had been in the rain for some time. His long, dirty blonde hair was matted against his skin and he hand-combed it back out of his face to get a good look at the child in the passenger seat.

Hello darlin’! Kiefer Jackson said with a bright smile, turning his green eyes to Misty. Hell of a night, isn’t it?  He took hold of her neck and started squeezing. Nights like this will surely kill a body!

He could’ve crushed her neck then and there... and he had every intention of doing just that. But he felt it: the hope. Like a tiny, bright star in a sea of blackness it shined and he would know the reason why.  Looking down, he could see the woman reaching to her right hip with her left hand. She pulled out a large semi-automatic handgun and Kiefer chuckled, squeezing her neck just a little tighter. With her airway cut off completely, he wanted to see how her body would react. 

Good gracious alive! Where does that old rascal find you people?! he asked just ahead of Misty firing three shots into his chest. The booming sound roused Thaddeus from unconsciousness and Kiefer looked down at the holes in his coat and shirt. He smiled as his eyes came back up to Misty’s. Hot damn, that was impressive. But then again, so’s this! With very little added effort, he snapped Misty’s neck and she died instantly.

Kiefer stepped back from the car and looked down at his body again. He held his left hand out in front of his chest – his palm facing him – and his body purged itself of the three rounds.

I’ll be damn if these don’t look illegal, he remarked. You understand the irony of that, right? he asked of Thaddeus. "... a damn do-gooder protector arming themselves with illegal ammunition?! Oh well, ‘render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s’, I suppose. It don’t matter, cuz we both know you’re mine!

I do so hate late arrivals, Kiefer said, walking around to the passenger side of the car. You were supposed to be here twenty minutes ago. You people have me out here, standing in the element. Hell, I’m like to catch my death of cold. Kiefer chuckled, snatching the passenger side door away from the car. He looked inside to see Thaddeus scurrying over Misty’s body and out of the driver’s side of the car. "Damn, that made me look plum stupid right there.

Too bad for you, I’ve got range! Kiefer spun around toward the rear of the vehicle, hurling the car door like a makeshift disc. Woo, he’s got the power... the flung door ripped through the young child’s body with next to no problem. ... and damn if he wudn’t dead-on in the accuracy department! Yes! Put ‘im down for a double pl– Kiefer’s face twisted into an intense frown. Something was close. Something very familiar was incredibly close and he turned around to look beyond the tree line.

That was unnecessary, Zhen said as he stepped forward, flanked on either side by an escort wearing a dark green, hooded robe. The old man was dressed in a khaki raincoat and matching crumpled hat which he wore with his usual style: as if he had no style at all. There was no need to kill either of them.

You presume I kill out of a sense of need, Kiefer replied.

You are not a complicated thing, Kiefer, Zhen stated. "I know exactly why you kill."

I wouldn’t doubt it. The mystery for me is that why you’ve failed to do anything about it. All the time I was coming up I heard tale after mind-numbing tale about the famous Grandmaster of the Temple of Light. That was what you called it, right?

You know all too well it was.

Das right. That’s when you were all trussed up in the Forbidden City. Whatever happened to that place anyway? Oh wait, I remember, it lost its forbididness! Kiefer cackled at his own joke, and the person to the old man’s left took a step forward.

Maintain your place! Zhen directed his escort as he himself lunged forward. Kiefer mirrored the movement, leaving his feet to fly toward Zhen. The old man’s hand touched Kiefer’s chest and the fair-haired man did the same to the Grandmaster’s shoulder. The ground shook from their soft meeting. The air rippled at their mutual contact point. Both of Zhen’s escorts were knocked to the ground, and the top of the car was torn from the chassis.

Kiefer laughed as he slid back about three yards. The old man was no longer in sight, but broken branches and fallen trees marked the path his body had been forced to take. Kiefer hollered as he spun, sliding across the mud as if it was ice and he was an Olympic skater. When he stopped, his left shoulder faced the robed individual whose movement had precipitated everything. He growled as the individual, now clearly seen as a man, was slow getting up from the ground.

"You’d think by now Ol’ Grandpa would know better than ta lay hands on me. I reckon that means you’re something special to him... at least you were."

I do not fear you! the man stammered as he spoke.

Kiefer’s eyes turned black, glowing in the same color, and that seemed to turn his flesh a dull gray. Damn shame to go out on a lie like that! C’mon Saki-san, let’s see some of that there Shaolin!

Coming out of his robes, the young escort looked to be drawing a blade from his back. He hadn’t completed his first stride forward when a burst of black light struck his chest, burning through and exploding out of his back. When the light faded, a yari spear was revealed, and the man had been run-through.

Your Kung-fu is weak, boy, Kiefer hissed. Dis here ain’t the minor leagues. You take a strike here, your ass is out! Now give it to me!

Kiefer put his hand on the blunt end of the weapon. His eyes returned to their striking green as color returned to his cheeks. The impaled man’s eyes, however, were slowly turning black as he went up on his toes, suffering from a mixture of pain and horror. It wasn’t just his body he was losing... it was his soul!

A golden strand of light wrapped around the waist of the other escort and she was pulled into the woods. Kiefer laughed as he continued to feed on the dying man.

Three vehicles came down the path; one Ford SUV and two Ford cargo vans. Armed and armored men poured out of the vans while three women slowly made their way from the SUV. It was the one in front who received Kiefer’s attention. She walked with confidence and authority, her long black hair blowing over her shoulders and down her back.

How many did you find? Kiefer inquired.

Seven... all dead, the lead female, Antonia, answered, tilting her head at the sight of the dying man. Zhen was here?

You better believe he was!

We’re a long way from Chinatown, the woman noted, and Kiefer lost his smile.

Turning away from his latest victim, Kiefer released the weapon. It and the man it had impaled fractured into crystals, falling to the ground as ash. Yes we are. And that relic knows the only place he’s strong enough to face me is on his home ground.

So why was he here? Antonia asked.

Kiefer pointed at the woman before jogging over to the car. Speaking low in a language no one present understood, Kiefer closed his eyes for a moment before breathing in deeply and spitting toward the top of the wrecked vehicle. The black wad burst once it reached its apex over the car. Black and silver crystals slowly descended from the burst point.

Kiefer squatted down, glaring into the car, waiting for the crystals to reach his eye line. Falling down through the metal, the crystals burst into an orange fiery light, slowly twisting into the form of Misty behind the driver’s wheel, steering and pressing her car for all the speed it could deliver. Beside her sat Thaddeus, holding onto the handle of his door for dear life.

Kiefer then looked in the back seat where he saw two small figures forming – a boy and a girl – and he screamed in rage, pounding his fists down on the trunk. The entire rear end of the car collapsed to the ground; the tires flattening and the chassis folding under his strength.

Yeah, that’s not good, Antonia said softly, looking at the other two women as Kiefer continued to hammer his fists into the rear of the car. You two might want to wait for me in the car. The madder he gets, the more unpredictable he can get.

But what about you, Domina, Marcia asked.

Oh, but aren’t you sweet, Antonia said, taking hold of the young blonde’s face. Sweetheart, I was with him when he thought the Black Death was a neat idea. Now, do as I say. I’d hate to have to replace you. Antonia smiled as her two students made their way back to the SUV. She looked back at the car and took in a deep breath. This isn’t really helping us move things along! she shouted.

Kiefer’s head came up, snarling and glaring at who had dared to shout at him. Seeing that it was Antonia triggered him to close his eyes and breathe deeply. He nodded begrudgingly and then moved to retrieve Misty’s body.

You ain’t all dead yet! he hissed. Get back here and answer some questions! Kiefer slapped the corpse across the face and she gasped back to life as her head snapped to one side.

She can’t very well talk with a crushed neck, Antonia pointed out.

What? Oh... right! Taking his middle and ring fingers along with his thumb, Kiefer made a three-point claw and grabbed Misty’s throat. Bones snapped back into place and she breathed in a huge gulp of air.

What is he up to? Kiefer asked. "That old bastard’s had his moments, but this level of subterfuge tells me he’s been watching Mission: Impossible on Nickelodeon! What the hell is going on here?!"

Misty picked up her gun and pointed it at Kiefer who immediately laughed at the gesture.

Sure, why not? Hell, you’ve got about another five or six in there, right?

Only need one, Misty whispered, tucking the barrel under her chin.

NO! Kiefer yelled as she pulled the trigger. Her blood splattered all over him, and it started to burn. His scream was driven more by anger and frustration than it was by pain. He lunged to grab Misty’s corpse. His hands burst into white fire. Now the rage was secondary. He stepped back from the dead woman and spun on his heels, looking up into the trees. Kiefer knew they were there, so he wasn’t at all surprised to see them.

Judges.

Three masked figures, wearing white scarves over light gray robes. As the wind drove the rain in different directions, a strong gust blew through two of the bodies and they nearly faded from sight. Kiefer glared at them, making a simple gesture that increased the strength of the downpour.

Noble blood, he thought as the blood and fire was rinsed from his body. The burns would fade soon enough, but for the moment, he was more interested in making sure these Judges had something to fear. Count your days. One day, very soon, I will be one of you. The three Judges faded from sight and Kiefer returned his attention to the demolished car.

I’m not done yet, he huffed, turning back to the scene. "There are other ways to see.

I hold no claim to Time, he chanted, waving his hands over the area. It is neither my ally nor my foe. But within its most recent folds are things... important things that I must know! Let me see through your eyes!

I love it when he focuses, Antonia muttered.

Inside the area of the wrecked car and at the location where Zhen had been standing, things started moving opposite of the stream of time. The event rewound, gaining in speed until Kiefer commanded the view to stop. Frozen in time in front of him, Zhen stood, but there were thin golden strings coming from the old man’s left hand leading to the body of the man who had stood at his side.

What?! Kiefer asked, frowning at the sight. He was puppeting an escort?! Then slowly, as if his face were being rinsed in the slow pour of realization, the frown faded, and it became more a look of concern and fright. No!

Kiefer put his hands to the hood of the man in the playback and obliterated it. He could see the man he had killed, but then he wiped his hand across the man’s face. The mask he wore fell away – revealing a face Kiefer recognized – and he stepped back, gasping.

Damn, he’s been played to hell and back, Antonia thought. The old man really pulled out the stops on this one. Something huge is going down. But it’s way too soon for it to be a Gathering!

Ellis! Kiefer whispered.

Ellis? Antonia repeated, taking a better look at the face. Ellis McDonough, the fucking Priest of Chicago?! What the shit, Kiefer?!

And I killed him with a conjured weapon! Kiefer snapped. I can’t bring him back! AARRRGGGH!

Oh dear, Antonia thought. Here it comes.

I’m gonna kill that relic! Kiefer screamed, black light bursting from his hands as he ripped into the bodies of five of his men. Kill him! Another four were decimated. KILL!!! he bellowed, causing six more to burst into black flames and then ash.

Then let’s get to Chinatown and end this shit once and for all! Antonia shouted.

I can’t! Kiefer said, staggering back from his last burst. Can’t afford to leave Chicago unprotected for too long. I know he’s not there, but I can’t make that gambit either. It took the Master three centuries to take that city. I’m not about to hand it back to Zhen on a silver platter. Take the men and get to New York.

All five of ‘em, eh? Antonia said, looking around to verify her count. I’ll be sure to stop by a Wal-Mart and get them all new underwear.

Keep an eye on things for me there, Kiefer commanded, ignoring her tone. I will join you as soon as I can.

A burst of blue fire ignited around his body and sent Kiefer into the sky. Another burst sent him rocketing to the Windy City.

Loud... sloppy... easily detected... but damn if it’s not the fastest thing going, Antonia thought, watching his departure before turning to scrutinize the last of the men.

I know what you’re thinking, she said, turning for the SUV. "Something along the lines of ‘the hell with this shit’, if I’m not mistaken. I’ll cut to the chase... you lost your options when you accepted the first paycheck. He wasn’t paying you, he was buying you! Don’t make him return you for an upgrade. The Customer Service Counter where he shops makes what you saw tonight look tame.

Get the gear of every downed man and then burn the area, she directed, slowly walking. Move with a purpose, people! 

Chapter 1 – Kids Will Be Kids

September 13th, 2008

Portland, Oregon – U.S.A.

Naomi Phoenix screamed as the hang glider banked hard to the right, staying close to the mountains. The young orphan felt like she could reach down and touch the tips of the pine trees.

You alright over there, Ace? Justin asked, already knowing the answer.

This is totally awesome! she cried. I am soooo getting all A’s next semester!

"I tell you what... you get all A’s again... we’re gonna have to see if we can talk Mrs. G. into letting you fly in a real glider... maybe even a plane!"

Stop playing! Naomi snapped.

Unless, of course, you’re a little scared of the challenge, he said dismissively. And that would be completely understandable.

But I’m too young, she stated.

Too young to get a license, Justin corrected. You can start learning at any age. I’ve had kids younger than twelve pulling loops with me!

Naomi screamed again and Justin laughed, taking them into another tight turn. The young girl loved everything there was about flying, and though she knew it couldn’t last forever, she was glad for every moment of elevation Justin provided. She might not have been pleased to see the campgrounds that served as their landing point, but she was too elated with the touch of flight she had been given.

Mister Mallory! a sharp, female voice called out to the man.

Uh oh, Naomi muttered. "That’s her official voice. She’s about to quote a law, or statue-it, or something like that."

Well, I think I told her we’d come down the mountain, Justin winked. ... not around it... over and over again. This one could be my fault.

Well, in that case... Naomi took off her helmet and then threw her body into a very earnest hug. Thank you, thank you! she shouted, pressing her face into his side. Justin, you’re the best Big Brother ever!

Justin smiled and patted the girl on the back. My pleasure, Ace. You’re pretty cool for a little sister.

Yay! she cheered, running from his side to rush up to the tall, slender woman who had just been robbed of most of her righteous indignation. Did you see us, Ms. Guthrie? Did you see us?! We were gliding like the condor!

I should say you were at that, Dana Guthrie admitted after nearly being tackled by the small ball of energy that hardly ever wore a smile at the orphanage. The administrator had had her doubts Naomi could be paired with anyone, the way she had torn through three other applicants of the newly formed Youth-Adult Bonding Program. It took my breath away.

Twelve years old, my ass, Justin thought. Little snot is workin’ it! And damn if Mr. Guthrie isn’t a lucky man. She’s a bit older, but holy cow, those legs!

Naomi ran off toward the van as Justin made his approach. That probably wasn’t too much along the lines of what I told you we’d be doing, he admitted. But I’m sure you know how persuasive she can be.

"So the change in route was her idea?" Dana asked, sweeping her dark brown locks out of her face.

I’m just glad we don’t have jet assist on this rig, he joked. We’d be halfway to Hawaii by now. But I am sorry if it took you for a turn.

I’m not sure what to do or say, Mr. Mallory.

Justin, please, he offered.

Justin, she smiled. You are the most...

Try radical.

Yes, that’s it... radical. The most radical applicant we’ve received. To be totally honest, I was not in favor of this pairing.

But...

Dana looked at the man who was at least ten years her junior and sighed. There was something about his boyish charm... and she didn’t normally find redheaded men attractive. But there was a pleasing quality in his hazel green eyes, and she had yet to see an occasion where he wasn’t smiling.

But it seems as if my hands are tied. I’ve got a young girl who thinks the world of you. We’ve always known she had the potential for scholastic excellence, but she never demonstrated it before the two of you were paired. She’s gone from barely keeping a C average to accelerated studies.

Wow!

"Yes, wow indeed! I don’t know what she sees in an X-Games athlete, but it’s clear you two have a connection... and from all appearances... with the exception