August Rising

By MW Kaisla

Gus has once again found himself in a dangerous position. What's new? But he'd never had allies like these. Can Zero and her group of civilian supes really help him battle the demons - both inner and outer - that have plagued him for so long?

• Language: English
• Publisher: MW Kaisla
• Release date: Jun 15, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005933579

Book preview

August Rising

Dedication

For those who understand, and those who at least try to. You are appreciated.

PROLOGUE

Zero hit the bag harder.

Again.

Again.

Cat had come back for six glorious weeks. Six weeks of good sleep and steady nerves. Then she had gone again, working with the wolf-pack to establish a global network of safe-houses. She was doing exactly what Zero had asked her to, but the Oracle fervently wished that Cat hadn't needed to leave to do it. Loxias said it was just like that, the bond between Oracle and Companion. Both got a little agitated when apart.

Normal or not, it sucked. Zero punched the heavy bag again, vaguely hoping to tire herself out enough to get some decent sleep. Ray walked out of the office, locking it behind him. I’m heading out for a bit Zero. You be okay?

She nodded, pummeling the sand-filled bag. The gym owner, used to his clientele, left her to it.

Zero lost herself in the rhythm of the strikes, mind empty of everything but her measured breathing. She distantly noted the bell over the door ringing, but paid it no mind.

Hey, girl!

She grunted in response, devoting about half of one brain cell to the new voice.

You the owner?

She grunted in the negative, shaking her head for emphasis, and kept her steady rhythm. Ray's out running errands.

It okay if we work out without a membership?

Zero continued to punish the heavy-bag for unknown sins. I won’t tell if you don’t.

Mercifully, the voice left her alone and she sank back into her self-centered meditation. Inhale on the windup, exhale on the strike. In, out, in, out, in…….

…Easy target, all alone…

…in and out before anyone knew…

….blind, can't identify us…

Zero didn’t have time to come back out of her own mind before she was surrounded on three sides with the punching bag in front of her. A hand fell on her arm, gripping not tightly, but insistently. How ‘bout you show us the locker room?

Zero pulled her arm away and tried to dart to her right between one man and the hanging bag. No luck, this one caught her arm. She almost managed to spin out of his grasp but he shoved her back into the middle of the triangle. She turned her stumble into a face-down slide, going between the tallest of the three’s legs and leaping to her feet. They were between her and the door so she broke for Ray's office, telekinetically unlocking it on her way.

The men caught up to her too quickly, herding her into the back of the gym, one always ready to snatch no matter which way she bolted.

Zero was off balance, physically and mentally. She was supposed to be safe here, supposed to be able to just turn off. But now these strange men, road construction workers apparently, were here and she was alone and she couldn’t get her bearings and they were… and they were going to… and…

Her back hit the wall.

****

Zero! Zero! It's alright. It's me.

The world faded back into focus and Zero saw Cassie standing six feet in front of her, empty hands raised in surrender and a livid bruise disappearing from her cheek. The Oracle slowly became aware that her attackers lay around her in bruised heaps. There was something in her hand.

Zero opened her fingers and the escrima stick clattered to the floor. She hid her face in her hands. I’m sorry. I’m sorry, so sorry.

She flinched when the Healer's cool hands gently pulled her arms away. You’re okay, baby. What happened?

I… I don't know. They surrounded me and then I don't know. I can't remember and I can't see what happened either. Did… did I kill...

The Healer shook her head. They’re just knocked out.

She helped the shaking Oracle into the office where a bruised Ray was reviewing the security footage. His face was tight with anger. When they entered, he stood up and put his hands out to grip the Oracle’s upper arms but hesitated, unsure. She stepped closer to him. I’m so sorry, Ray. I didn't mean to...

His hands completed their circuit and rested just below her biceps. No sorry, kiddo. I’m the one who should apologize for leaving you alone in here. If I’d been here, they wouldn't have attacked you. You okay?

Zero nodded dully. Not your fault Ray. I should have seen it coming, but

The gym owner smiled. You had a helluva rhythm going.

Zero laughed shakily. Yeah, I did. She looked past him at the footage just in time to see herself belt him twice across the ribs and once in the face with the heavy stick. Oh god! I hit you! I’m so sorry! And Cassie! Oh no! She dissolved into tears again.

Ray pulled her into a tight hug. It’s okay kid, it’s okay. And great form, by the way.

Zero couldn't help but laugh. Cassie stroked her hair. Nothing I can't fix. Ray, have you called the police yet?

Ray shook his head. I wanted to watch the footage first so I knew what to tell them.

Her voice was muffled by Ray's shirt, but Zero shook her head. No police. No attention. The angels, remember?

But…

No. Unintended consequences. Can’t take that chance. Besides, they’re definitely going to think twice before trying that again.

Ray gave her another squeeze before letting her go. I need to hire someone to be here when I’m not.

The Oracle wiped tears from her healing face. Give it a month or so. He’ll show up.

SHADES

It was a nice day outside. The sun was bright and anything loose danced in a mild breeze. Gus smiled as he walked towards work. He hadn't seen anything unusual in the entire month he'd been here. He glanced up at the sign for Harry's Gym and Boxing, noting that it wasn't actually as faded as it always looked with his sunglasses on. He smiled again and pushed the door open and stepped inside, the bell jingling.

Across the gym he saw Harry talking to a fairly well-dressed man. Slacks and a polo, but well-defined muscles visible on his arms. Very worn boots, which was an odd note, but Gus dismissed it. He was obviously an equipment rep and they were often on their feet all day. Comfortable shoes could make all the difference.

And then Gus watched him stiffen, slowly and subtly, and his stomach fell. The stranger turned slowly, friendly smile practically nailed on. Gus recognized him immediately as a werewolf. Eyes a bit too bright, nostrils flaring too much to not be. And he the way he moved. Especially now. Gus could see the fear and uncertainty in every muscle twitch. Confirmed when the man completed his turn and extended his hand, the color draining from his face as he met Gus' eyes. Eyes that Gus knew, to this man, were black as the void, and just as full of stars.

Gus smiled back and cursed himself. Cursed his carelessness. And his bad luck. This one would have known even with the glasses. The various animal sorts of Accursed could almost always smell him. Their hands met and shook, just a fraction of a second too briefly. Gus could feel that Harry had noticed as he spoke.

This feller wants to talk to you about new equipment for the gym. Harry's northern Midwest Vespian accent came on thick. Too thick. Harry was playing it up, probably on edge because Gus was on edge. See what he has to offer. I'll go check the books, but I'm pretty sure we can do a few upgrades. Just don't be going all crazy on me. Still gotta keep the lights on. And with that, Harry walked away, leaving Gus standing across from someone who was, also, much more than he seemed.

It was quite possibly the most carefully choreographed sales pitch in the history of gym equipment. Each man was very carefully friendly and made certain they made no sudden moves. Gus' mind raced as his ears filed away equipment specifications and costs. He was almost definitely canoid, which meant the remainder of his pack would be nearby. Not like right now trouble sort of near, but close enough to find his home. He silently cursed himself for bringing this on Harry. He was just a retired almost contender trying to keep the sport he loved alive. He didn't need The Crusade dragged into his world.

The man, Derek, his name was, came to the end of his pitch and they exchanged the standard business farewells, with Gus promising to give Harry his endorsement of their gear. It was, after all, very good gear. Gus couldn't think of anyone who could hit with the kind of force it was rated for. Well, no one he had seen here, but given who was selling it, he suspected he had some ideas about the testing process.

The bell jingled as it closed, and Harry's voice carried out of the back. Lock it and come have a drink with an old man.

Sighing, Gus flipped the bolt and open/closed sign over and went back. Harry was sitting at his desk, paperwork and mail forming layers that must be close to geological. There was an unlabeled bottle of clear liquid on his desk and two glasses, each about half full. There was a decidedly antiseptic smell in the air. Harry handed him a glass as Gus sat down in the wooden chair opposite.

Gus began, Look Harry, I know this is.....

Go ahead and have a few days off, no problem. He smiled when Gus looked surprised, spreading his hands. You ain't asked no questions. So neither do I. But I know people. You don't live long in the Lowtown of Vernon if you can't read people a mile away. And I ain't never seen you even pop one bead of sweat from nerves, not even when that monster they got over at 33rd and Rance came down here to bust you up in particular. But the moment you walked in, you got nervous as hell. Harry nodded at his own assessment. And so did he. Musta been able to tell you by your cologne or something. Took a big sniff when the door opened and went tense as a live wire. Harry paused again, taking a long drink. Go ahead and have the weekend off. I'll work up an order and we can call it in on Monday. Ain't gonna be busy this weekend anyway, what with all the Carcer Day cookouts.

Gus thanked the man and drained his glass, earning him a raised eyebrow from Harry once his back was turned. He waited until he heard the bell tinkle again, then stood up to grab a box from the high shelf, sitting it on the desk and refilling his glass and drinking deeply before opening it. He reached inside and carefully lifted out his Nonna's religious sigil. Old nursery songs and rhymes danced in his head as he lifted the symbol from the box. Some were warnings, some were advice, some were.... both? But there had been one that had always, always made him behave.

The Hunters are coming, stay safe in your bed

They’ll seek out a monster, and take home its head.

Remember your prayers and tend to your work

Honor your Elders, nary talk back or shirk.

When Hunters do come, quick run away

Run and live another day

Don’t look back, don’t hear the cries

Else with the