I woke up with the worst headache ever. It felt like it superseded a migraine and went straight to hell. It was hard to even think about the previous night, because all I could do was think about this headache. I grabbed my head hoping to steady myself a bit and not pass back out when out of the blue I heard a sink start up.
“What are you doing in my room?” I asked.
“I’m your nurse, silly.” Mickey said. It was at that moment I began to realize that I wasn’t in my room. I was in a hospital. The Divisions’ hospital to be exact. To provide the best medical care for our people the Division they acquired a private hospital and in my case Mickey had requested to be my personal nurse. I don’t know why she did, but if I had to guess it was because she liked me.
“Mickey is that you?” I asked. I’m not sure why it took so long to pop in my head that it was her.
“I’m the only one that ever takes care of you.” Mickey said. Mickey was going around the room opening the window blinds trying to let some light into the room. She always took care of me, never once have I left feeling bad from her care. She’d fluff my pillow, get me food, sit and talk with me if I asked, but not once has she ever told me why she enjoys being my nurse.
“How bad was it?” I asked. Looking at myself I had bandages wrapped around my chest and up to my shoulder. I wasn’t in pain, because of all the medication they had put in me. Movement on the other hand I was stiff as a board.
“To be honest this wasn’t your worst visit yet.” Mickey said. “I was surprised when you came in unconscious.”
“Did they bring in a girl with me?” I asked. My mind was on Claire. All I wanted was her safety. To make sure she was still alive.
“A girl?” Mickey asked. “I didn’t know you were seeing anybody.” She was joking with me, she loved to play little jokes.
“It’s not a joke Mickey.” I said. “Where is Ollie? Maybe she can tell me something.”
“Hanging above your head.” Mickey said. Ollie was traveling along with me in a metal band I kept around my wrist when Aldris attacked. It proves useful for on the run missions when I can’t bring my car or my whole house with me.
“Ollie can you hear me?” I asked. I resorted to Ollie for all sorts of things. Anything that I needed information wise she could get her hands on. I’ve made her eligible to access every electronic piece of equipment possible.
“Loud and clear master.” Ollie responded.
“Where did they take Claire?” I asked. If anyone could find Claire it was going to be Ollie.
“Who’s Claire?” Ollie asked. I knew she was joking with me. It was in her programming to be a little comedic from time to time, but sometimes it wasn’t the right time.
“Ollie, please.” I pleaded.
“I was told to keep all information regarding Claire a secret.” Ollie said.
“Well you’re going to tell me what they did with her or I’ll turn you back into scrap metal.” I said trying to sit up. Pain shot through my entire body, trying to hide it was futile, but giving up was worse.
“Jesus James that’s a little harsh.” Mickey said. Mickey was standing in the corner trying to prep bandages to replace the ones I wore.
“That’s not the first time he’s threatened me like that.” Ollie said.
“Can we get on with it.” I said standing up. I reached up and grabbed Ollie off the metal rack above my bed. The band was cold to the touch and sent chills up my arm. It only took a few seconds to get use to the feel of it again.
“They took Claire to the emergency ward. She was in critical condition.” Ollie said.
“Then I’m going to see her.” I said stumbling to the door. I had one hand on the door knob when Mickey grabbed my arm. She looked content on keeping me in that room.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Mickey said. “You should really get some rest.”
“I don’t care.” I said.
“Mickey’s right James. You could really use some rest.” Ollie said. “Plus, the doctors have been in and out of her room all day.”
I brushed off the notion that people would be in and out of Claire’s room constantly, and that they would need the utmost privacy while they worked. I was not about to let any of that stop me from seeing with my own eyes a perfectly healthy Claire.
It wasn’t an easy trek to the emergency ward, but I was able to out stumble Mickey. Claire’s room wasn’t too far away and I couldn’t wait for the moment I could see her. I grabbed the handle to her room and I was greeted by Mickey and a needle.
“You can’t go in there.” Mickey said grabbing my arm. I didn’t bother turning around, I knew what was going on already. It was part of her job to detain me if I ever got unruly.
“Why? What’s so wrong with trying to see her?” I asked.
“Because you can’t.” Mickey said.
“What if this was your daughter Mickey?” I asked. I was looking for some kind of emotional give from Mickey. Anything that would get me into Claire’s room.
“Don’t you dare bring Katlyn into this.” Mickey said beginning to tear up. I felt the needle press harder into my neck. Mickey was very over protective of her daughter, as I was over Claire.
“You know Claire’s parents were ripped to shreds last night.” I said. “My best friend and his wife turned into dweller food.”
“I didn’t know.” Mickey said. She was trying to be sympathetic. Her grip on the needle began to loosen.
“When Claire was baptized I was named the godfather.” I said. “I should be in there right now, by her side.”
“Go.” Mickey said. She finally gave in. The needle left my neck. I began to turn the door knob to Claire’s room. Relief washed over my body. I was finally going to see with my eyes the state Claire was in.
“Hold on just one second.” The Director said. “I want him taken to my office.”
Two men took hold of my arms and picked me up off the floor. They dragged me to the Directors’ office on the top floor of the hospital. I sat down in front of the Directors’ desk in a simple wooden chair.
“Why am I here?” I asked.
“Two people, two people slaughtered because you couldn't pull your team together and take down a simple basement dweller.” The director paced the room while lecturing me. I was never to fond of my talks with the director given my circumstances of hire into the company. Even though this was the 11th director since my hire I still didn’t trust their bloodline. The director shared the same blood as the same person that hired me in 1917, Nikola Tesla. Famous inventor and even more famous hunter, but not the type of hunter you would think. Nikola outside of inventing new ways to use and create electricity took down some of the biggest demons of my time. Although the current director still has a lot to prove to me I do have a small amount of respect for her for stepping up into the role her forefathers once held.
“It’s not always simple ma’am. This one-” I said.
“I don't care what's so special about this one or that one, what I care about is that you do your job.” The Director said slamming her hand on the desk. All the items rattled in response to her action.
“Ma’am if you’d just listen. Its Aldris Bloodwin, he’s back and after Claire.” I said leaning forward in my chair.
“Bloodwin? You mean the weakest of the houses of the King?” The director asked.
“Yes.” I responded.
“Then why did you have so much trouble with him?” The director asked.
“I was caught off guard.” I said.
“And your androids, where were they through all of this?” The director asked.
“I chose not to risk their lives.” I said. I had a special place in my heart for Celia and Clyde. They were like children to me. I would never do anything that would put them in complete danger, but a little bit of controlled danger I don’t have a problem with.
“Their lives mean nothing.” The director said snapping a pencil in her hand. “They were given to you for a reason and I expect you to use them for that reason.”
“And it’s when you start treating them like objects that they start to turn on us.” I said growing un-easy in my chair. Anger flourished through my body. I wanted nothing more than to lay the director flat out on the ground. It was like this every single time I talked to her. Id gain some ground and she would punish me for the smallest mistake.
“You need to stop acting like a child and start acting like an adult.” The director said.
“If you don’t have any other questions, I’m leaving.” I said. I got out of my chair carefully. I felt stiff as a board trying to leave the chair. The director stopped me before I could walk away by keeping up the conversation.
“Where’s your team now?” The director asked.
I turned around and the director was standing in front of her desk with her arms crossed. She was upset with me, but it’s hard to take her seriously when she is only seventeen.
“At home drinking or something.” I joked with her.
“Not those useless idiots.” The director said. “Your old team.” She was prying at things that I didn’t want to bring up.
“We’re done here.” I said pressing on the door.
“No, we are not done here.” She said. “We still need to discuss your punishment.”
I turned back around to look her in the eyes. A fire was burning in her that only she could give off, a fire of complete anger.
“Give it to me.” I said.
“Two weeks unpaid leave.” The Director said. She walked up to me until she was only an arm’s length away. To be honest she looked a little cute when she was angry, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t piss me off from time to time.
“Two weeks?” I asked.
“I can make it three if you want me to.” The Director threatened me.
“Great, you expect me to take care of two androids without a paycheck.” I said looking angrily at the Director.
“Two people were killed James and another severely injured.” The Director said.
“Division five screws up every month. At least two people are killed each month under their watch and they never get tagged for it. Oh, but that's right the directors fuck buddy is head of that division.” I said.
“James, I don’t want to hear any more about Azazel from you. Do you understand?” The director asked.
“Piss off. Fire me for all I care.” I said. The Director was starting to get on my last nerve. At this point I really didn’t care if I got fired. I could find other ways to make money to support maintenance on Celia and Clyde.
“Do you realize what the consequences of a firing entail?” The director asked.
“Yes, I do.” I said.
“So then what will it be? Would you rather be fired or take the two weeks without pay?” The Director asked. She crossed her arms and started tapping her foot. I wasn’t about to let her win this one easy. It was a crazy thought in my head and I knew it would cost me an extra week, but I decided to act on impulse and do it anyways. I leaned in quick and kissed the Director on the nose. Her face lit up a bright red. Both of her hands slapped over her face to hide her embarrassment.
“Get out!” The Director yelled. “And that’s three weeks without pay.”
“I was leaving anyways.” I said walking back to the door. I turned my head back to look at the Director. Her face was still red. “See you later Marie.”
I walked out of the hospital relieved that all of that was over with. It had been a very long time since I had a few weeks to myself, well as close to myself as it gets with two androids in the house.
“Don’t you think that was kind of risky?” Ollie asked.
“It was, but it brought me some enjoyment.” I responded. “It’s not often you get to see the Directors true colors.”
I was issued a rental car from the Division until my car was finished in repairs. Apparently, there was enough car left for them to salvage and put back together, but who am I to complain I don’t have to pay for the repairs, that’s all up to the company. Having a car sure made the trip back home a breeze.
I walked into the front door of a house I could barely recognize. It’s only been a day and somehow the whole house front changed. Lights decorated the gutters on the house, fake snow covered the windows, Saint Nicholas and his reindeer along with candy canes decorated the front lawn.
Inside the house was no different. Lights were strung from the ceiling, vinyl decorated the windows, and wrapping paper decorated the tables and chairs. It was like Christmas threw up everywhere.
“I see you decorated for Christmas.” I said turning around from locking the door.
“Ah you're home early.” Celia startled. She sat there on the couch in nothing but a towel, she was watching trying to watch television.
“Celia, why don’t you have clothes on?” I said. I walked through all the hanging lights and found my way to the couch. Celia moved her legs for me to sit down and then placed them on top of me. She crossed her arms over her chest, giving me an uneasy look.
“I just got out of the shower.” Celia said. “It’s been a long day decorating the house.”
“Could you put some clothes on or something.” I said.
“Why? Are you afraid to see something beautiful?” Celia asked leaning in towards me. Her feet left my legs. She was now kneeling, placing one hand on my left leg and the other on her towel. She slowly began to loosen her towel. I couldn’t help but look away.
“What? I see the way you look at me.” Celia said.
“Go put some clothes on, now.” I said standing up. Celia sat back into the couch crossing her arms over her towel.
“Why?” She asked grumpily. “I just wanted to cheer you up.”
“You’re basically my daughter. I can’t do any of that.” I said.
“Admit it you are uncomfortable with me acting human.” Celia said.
“No, but you could have some decency.” I said.
“Then I'm staying.” Celia said.
“I’m going outside.” I said walking to the door. I grabbed my coat off the coat rack and put it on. There was still some warmth to it.
“Don’t you love me?” Celia asked. She stood up and walked over to me. Her eyes began to fill up with water, she was about to cry.
“I can't love an android, Celia.” I said. Celia looked at me with her watery eyes. She ran out of the room upset with how I acted towards her.
I walked outside the front door and slammed it behind me. With everything going on right now a love-struck android should be the least of my problems. I sat down on the steps and looked at the rock next to me. Normally I kept a pack of cigarettes under it, but recently Celia has been tossing them out on me. “There bad for your health” she would say, I would just laugh. In the end, I only used them as a stress reliever from time to time. I waited a while before giving any acknowledgement to the person sitting on the roof above me.
“So, when did you plan on showing me your face?” I asked.
“So, you didn’t lose your connection with me.” The person said jumping down from the roof. A beautiful redhead landed in front of me wearing a dark leather corset style shirt, that showed a lot of cleavage, along with a small black and red skirt. On her back was a white lance with gold fittings around it. At her side was a sword, that I gave her for her birthday, stamped in the leather on the sheath was the symbols for strength, agility, and kindness, because she always had a kind heart.
“Ollie has been tracking your heartbeat for me since she was created.” I said.
“That’s so sweet.” Valentine said. She walked up to me and leaned forward. She took her finger and tapped my nose, “Boop.” My face turned a deep red. I brushed her hand away.
“Stop that.” I said pressing my head into my hand.
“Awe, but you’re so cute when you blush.” Valentine said sitting next to me. She leaned her head over onto my shoulder.
“Why are you here Valentine?” I asked.
“Can’t I come see my boyfriend.” Valentine said collapsing my hand into hers.
“You haven’t visited me in a thousand years, let alone your daughter.” I said trying to get some sort of reaction from her. I wanted her to feel bad, guilt trip her into coming back.
“I have no daughter, but that’s only your fault.” Valentine said. She released my hand and stood up. She walked out into the snow and turned around. “I came to warn you that the girl you’ve been messing around with, Claire, she’s one of the targets for the Kings game and I’m going to kill her.”
I stood up to match eyes with her, but I stood half a head taller than her.
“I’m sorry, but I won’t let you touch her.” I said reaching for my knife, but my hand hit nothing.
“Looking for this.” Valentine laughed waiving my knife around.
“I’m done here.” I said as I turned my back to her. A knife came flying past my head and lodged right into the front door. A warm red like substance hit the snow at my feet turning it dark red.
“You can’t run away from all your problems.” Valentine said.
I walked up to the front door and pulled the knife from it. It left a noticeable gash that I would have to eventually cover up. I took the knife and threw it at her feet lodging it deep into the snow. Valentine saw this as an attack and drew her sword. She ran at me and swung down with her sword. I threw my left arm up and the blade lodged into my forearm. With my right hand, I punched her in the stomach. She fell to the ground gasping for air. I pulled the blade out of my arm and tossed it in front of her.
“Get out of my sight.” I said to her.
I walked into the house and found that Celia was standing on the other side of the door. Tears were rolling down her face. I grabbed my arm to hide the gash from the blade that was lodged in it, but blood seeped out from underneath my hands.
“Was that?” Celia asked.
“That was your mother.” I said.
