The 8Th Angel: Ascension

By Johnny Blaze

Kaine. Jezebel. They seemed to have overcome the impossible. Father Sanchez had warned Kaine about the Blood Storm. But in his recklessness, the young hero came face to face with his nemesis Dhrovu when he wasn't ready. The price to pay for this is high. Kaine is constantly haunted by the spectre in his dreams. In need of healing, Kaine returns to Mexico, where it all began. Managing to locate Father Sanchez, Kaine reembarks on his crusade against the undead, this time with more purpose and a reward to look forward to at the end of his quest. But the satanic Dhrovu has other plans for him...

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Dec 11, 2015
• ISBN: 9781514443545

Johnny Blaze

Johnny Blaze is a horror / fantasy / occult and sci fi author, living in sunny Queensland, Australia. He was born in Sri Lanka, and grew up in Zambia and New Zealand. Having gotten a Distinction in English from his O Levels, he now works fulltime as a writer. He began writing in 2003, and his first novel, 'The 8th Angel', was released in 2007... This was followed by 'Dorm Invasion' and 'Virgin Blood'. He also wrote 'Midnight' under the pseudonym Matt Murdock. Look out for a plethora of horror and fantasy novels from this new master of horror in the future.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

I woke up, sweating and gasping for breath.

Mike? Jez's voice. Did you have another nightmare?

I laid my head back on the pillow. Not exactly.

She stroked my hair gently. "It's him, isn't it? You saw him again, didn't you? Like that night in that church?"

I nodded. Jez? Are you sure you didn't see anything too, that night?

Positive, hon. If you hadn't warned me, I wouldn't have known he was there at all.

I shook my head. I just don't get it.

1

It'd been five years since that bizarre night in the church. I'd been slaying vampires like I always have. I never quite understood what the outcome of the Blood Storm was. Father Sanchez had been out of reach for a while, but I came across a bit of luck. So there I was, on a plane to Mexico with Jez. In my pocket was a piece of paper with an unconfirmed address. I was very doubtful as to whether it would lead to anything. But I had to find him. The nightmares were starting to get to me.

Jez was great. If it wasn't for her, I'd probably have gone insane. She was so genuinely caring. As we sat there in the plane, occasionally talking, I tried not to sleep. I didn't want to see him again.

Dhrovu.

What kind of a name was that, anyway? Dhrovu. For so many years, I'd been hoping to run into this so-called leader of the vampires. When I finally do, he appears to be nothing more than some kind of ghost. A ghost that won't let me sleep in peace. Father Sanchez had better have some answers.

Assuming we could find him.

As the plane touched down at Mexico City Airport, I found myself cheering up a little. That side of me which loved adventure started to come to the forefront. Here I was, arriving in Mexico with Jez, the girl I loved. It was exciting. Anything could happen. After all, this was where it all began, so many years ago. Perhaps it was partially destiny that brought me back here.

As we stepped off the plane, the first thing that struck us was the heat wave. It was sweltering. I was sweating already, unlike Jez. The airport was busy and bustling with hordes of people. We had to wait a while in a cue to check in before we could collect our baggage.

We wasted no time after collecting our suitcases. The first thing we did next was catch a taxi to our hotel in Pueblo. We were both thankful for the air-conditioning in the taxi. The drive wasn't very long, and the friendly driver carried on an interesting conversation with us all the way.

After we were dropped off outside our hotel in Pueblo, we thanked the cab driver and paid him. We then checked in. Our room was comfy, with a double bed and TV. I switched on the television, and a commercial for nachos came on. It made me hungry.

I considered ordering room service, but that made a memory flash through my mind. My best friend, Rick, had been bitten by a vampire who brought room service into our motel room all those years ago. I felt a sudden hollow, sad loss at what had become of Rick.

Jez seemed to sense my despair, and put her arm around my shoulder and squeezed it.

What's wrong? she asked.

I shook my head. It's nothing. I just remembered how my vampire-slaying quest began... that's all.

She kissed me softly on the cheek. Don't dwell on the past.

I nodded. It's pointless. I tried to cheer up. Let's go have something to eat.

*     *     *

The hotel's restaurant had a great array of Mexican food. Jez and I settled for nachos with sour cream. We chose beer for drinks. The food was delicious, and had that authentic Mexican taste which could only be savored in Mexico. We talked about the happy times we'd spent together, and recalled how lucky we were to be able to cure Jez of her vampirism.

God knows what state I'd be in if I was still a bloodsucker, she said.

Yeah. Thank God you're not one of them any more.

She shook her head. No. Thank Pandora.

A corner of my mouth tilted up. Yeah. I wonder if we'll ever see her again.

Who knows? said Jez, munching on a nacho. We might need her help again.

I nodded. Yeah. We just might. On the one hand, I hated to think we'd need her help again, but on the other, I wouldn't have minded seeing her again. I tried to focus my mind on why we'd come to Mexico.

We have to find Father Sanchez, I said. We need to know more about Dhrovu.

Jez looked concerned. Maybe we don't. Don't you want to just forget about him? That way, you won't have those nightmares any more.

I shook my head. That's just the point. I can't seem to avoid the nightmares... or visions... whatever you wanna call them. It's like he's haunting me or something.

Jez's expression seemed to turn to one of genuine caring. Don't worry, hon. We'll find a way to get him out of your head.

I smiled for Jez's benefit. Thanks, babe. I think that's where Father Sanchez comes in.

2

Back in our hotel room, we relaxed for a while, watching TV. A goofy Mexican comedy was on, with no subtitles. It soon got me laughing though, while Jez was merely amused. A half hour later, as a subtitled run of 'Hellboy' came on, I sat up.

I really don't wanna wait till tomorrow to try and find Father Sanchez, I said.

Jez nodded. I understand. Can I come with you?

I considered it for a few seconds. Sure. Just be ready for anything.

Okay. What about weapons?

I slapped my head. Geez. Good point. For a moment there, I think I kinda slipped back into my old life, before all this vampire shit.

Again, Jez looked concerned. Are you sure you're up to this, Mike? You haven't had much sleep, either.

Tough. Besides, I'm kinda counting on Father Sanchez telling me a way to get rid of the nightmares.

If you're sure. But where do we get some weapons at such short notice?

I can look up an old contact. Come on, let's not waste any more time.

We left the hotel as quietly as possible, trying to draw as little attention to ourselves as possible. The lobby was almost empty, which suited me just fine. Luckily, I knew of a mutual contact of both Father Sanchez's and mine who lived within walking distance of the hotel, so we didn't need to worry about transport. We soon arrived at the tiny house occupied by Lopez, a merchant who dealt with only the highest-grade weapons. He was pleased to see me.

Kaine! he said, in his loud but warm voice, What on earth brings you to this part of the world?

I grinned. How are you, Lopez? It's good to see you again. This is Jez, my partner. I guestured towards Jez, then said, Say hi to Lopez, Jez.

Lopez politely lifted Jez's hand and kissed it. Much delighted to make your acquaintance, beautiful senorita.