Suburban Vampire: Redemption, Book II: Leviathan

Chapter 55

It appeared that the defenders of Smith Rock had triumphed over the vampire army. The vampires could not cross the Crooked River; some tried jumping over, but they failed, none of them reaching the north bank. It was as though the holy water radiated invisible fumes that weakened the vampires, causing some to fall mid-jump and dissolve in the sanctified waters, while others stood back. The sounds of a distant fight distracted many of the vampires, causing their ranks to fall into confusion – they could not achieve the objective, and a new enemy was approaching from the south. What could they do?

"It seems to me," Jeremiah said, "that losing their humanity has rendered them incapable of higher-level thinking. And now, with Scott, Dawn, and Elizabeth responding, they will surely be finished."

"How do you know Elizabeth is with them?" Tim asked.

"Even you heard those explosions far to the south, correct? That surely means Elizabeth is with them."

"Makes sense."

"See, Kimmy?" Zed said. "And you were all worried about dying. Crazy ninja girl!"

"I was not worried," she replied. "I was prepared to embrace death, as a warrior."

"You're nuts. My girlfriend is nuts!"

"My boyfriend is a large dog. And you call me nuts?"

"Zed," Jeremiah said, "are you able to re-establish communications with Kitty?"

"No. Gaylord, can you work your magic on it?"

"I'm a wizard," Gaylord said, "not an AV tech!"

"Hopefully, it can be fixed," Jeremiah said, "because her helicopter is flying north."

"Good lord, why?"

"That is why I would like to establish communications again."

*

"Speaking of flying vampires," Malheur said, "there goes that helicopter again."

"Is the Redeemed One on board?" Baalseth asked.

"No. Surely I'd detect him again. I can say with confidence he is not on board."

"Oh. All right, then."

"But certainly they are working with him!"

"It seems likely."

"Why don't we give the winged vampires another target?"

"The last time they took on one of those helicopters, they were shredded. Now I'm sure they're shy of helicopters, the poor dears."

"Really? I mean, really, my lord? Let us send our enemy a message! You do wish to win this battle, don't you?"

"I will win this battle, desire aside."

"Then win it. Send your winged vampires. Show mankind that his weapons will not prevail!"

"It's not a weapon. You're being melodramatic."

"Very well, then. Show them that their means of transportation will not prevail!"

"Oh, very well, if you insist. By my name, you really are annoying."

*