What Lies Beneath - Chapter Two: Heart Pains

(Note: when the story reaches a break, it is shown by a "~~~" after that, there is a change in character. I'm writing this to avoid further confusion.)1

The train.2

That’s as far as my thought goes as everything around me blurs, my head pounding with a sudden headache. Pain rushes through me causing me to lose balance and tumble to the ground. I grunt as my knees absorb the weight of my body. I blink, looking around in a daze, hoping that the dizziness and pain would fade. I vaguely notice people watching me as they walk by. 3

What’s going on? Why am I kneeling down? What’s this pain? I’ve never felt anything like this; too many strange things happening at once. 4

My breathing is ragged as I try to push myself up only to find that I can’t. I’m shocked at my lack of strength as my limbs refuse to obey. The piercing headache only grows causing me to lose momentary vision. 5

Just when I thought things couldn’t get worse, my heart begins to beat wildly, so fast that it hurts. The blood coursing through my veins feels as if it were burning. I’m bathed in a world of pain, unable to string any coherent thoughts to seek help. 6

In a short moment, my mind separates from my body, seeking an escape from the never ending pain. I find myself linking with someone I’ve never met. 7

Desperately, I say, “help me, help me please.” I’ve no time to think about how impossible such an action is as my consciousness is pulled back into my body and the pain.8

“Hey man, you okay?” I hear a familiar voice but in my state, I can’t recognize who it is. I feel him check my pulse and inspect me.9

“Someone call an ambulance!” he cries out, his voice echoing in my mind. 10

No, no, no. I can’t be taken to the hospital. They will draw blood and I’ve no idea what they’ll do to me when they notice it’s different. Plus, I don’t have the money for it since I’m no longer on my parents’ health insurance plan. The company put a huge sum into my account but if I refuse them, it will disappear and I’d have to pay back any money I spent.11

Gripping his arm, I look into his eyes. “No hospital,” I manage to say before all goes black.12

~~~13

There he is, across the street. It’s been twenty years since I’ve been so close to him. However, he’s so far away. My jaw tightens in anger as I look at him kneeling on the ground in pain knowing that I can’t interfere with the process.14

His blood calls out to me, his pain. I can feel it, my blood that had lain dormant for so long, awakening. I didn’t know I had missed the feeling. Strength pulses through me, pushing the poison that threatens to overtake me. Hope of being freed from this virtual prison grows. The moment I looked forward to with anticipation…and fear, has come. 15

Every fiber of my being wishes to cross the street – it would be very uncharacteristic of me to completely jump from this side to the other; that’s just something humans aren’t capable of doing – over to him. I wish I could scoop him off the ground, take him to a quiet place and explain what’s happening. 16

However, an oath binds me and I can’t interfere.17

“That stupid promise,” I mutter to myself angrily.18

I remember the day I swore it as if it were yesterday:19

My brother came to me on a dark night carrying a new born and a two year old in his arms. His eyes were yellow with fear and that worried me. I’d never seen him so discomposed.20

Jandon appeared in his usual manner, seeming to materialize out of thin air. Even my canine senses couldn’t detect him until he made himself known. I was enjoying a glass of red wine in the dark solace of my bedroom when I heard footsteps. A measure of fear and awe overtook me as he walked through the door. It had been many years since I’d seen him or anyone in the family for that matter. 21

At the time, I resented him. Had I not been bitten by those God-forsaken creatures, I would have contended to be the head of the Anziani family. It took all my strength to keep the venom from spreading throughout my body. It’s not like I blame him, but he had everything I thought I wanted.22

“What do you want? I thought we agreed not to see each other,” I said, growling at him.23

“Brother, they’re after me,” he begins. “They’re wiping out the whole family. They already got Sevene as she tried to hold them back.”24

“What!” I asked, forgetting my annoyance. “Who?”25

“The other Six Noble Blood Families,” he replied, his face contorting in pain. “They killed my Sevene.”26

Despite my reservations, I rushed to him and took the babies, allowing him to sit. That was when I truly looked at him. Jandon looked gaunt, much thinner than I had last seen him, wrinkles lined his face prematurely. Tears fell down his face. I couldn’t bear the sight of seeing my brother in pain.27

“They killed my Sevene. They killed everyone just because we disagreed with their policies of forcing the young ones through the process.”28

“I thought that since we’re one of the seven Noble families that we’re protected from any action.”29

“They disregarded that. I can’t help but think that something else, something deeper is going on. But right now, that doesn’t matter. I can’t let my two sons to die for this.”30

“I can’t raise them. You know that,” I told him sincerely. What could I possibly do with two babies? My condition didn’t allow for me to be near people for long.31

“Just make sure they stay safe,” he replied, standing.32

“Are you asking as leader of the Anziani family?”33

“I’m asking as the older brother seeking the help from his little brother. Whatever differences we have, have nothing to do with my children.”34

“I’ll do what I can. It pains me to hear that our family has been destroyed.”35

“Not yet brother, keep hope. If these two survive, then our name won’t die out,” he said with conviction and pride.36

“What do you mean?”37

“The other noble families don’t know this because if they did, they would’ve tried harder to kill my children. But one or both of them are the Nexus.”38

“What? I thought that was just a rumor…” A true nexus, I didn’t think there would be one in my lifetime. 39

“Promise me you won’t interfere when the process begins for either of them,” he said, grasping my forearm. 40

“But that means-“41

“I know but there’s no other way. They must be strong enough to take care of themselves, no matter the opponent.”42

“And you think they’ll live long enough to reach that point?”43

“I pray they do. When the time comes, they’ll need you.”44

I turn around, pondering, “I’ll find a safe place for the two of them, and…I won’t interfere.” I glance down at the baby who shifted to get more comfortable. In that short moment, Jandon vanished. I never had the chance to say goodbye. The words were left unsaid, that’s the way we were but I knew he trusted and loved me. 45

“I’ll be there for them when the time is right,” I promised knowing he’d hear me.46

My mind snaps back to the present, the crowd growing and I see someone tending to him. He’ll be okay for now. I have to find a way for us to talk. Until then, I’ve overdone my stay. Making sure no one is looking, I vanish.47

~~~48

I rush past a group of freshmen, wondering how it’s possible that they always get in my way when I try to get to class. They’re clueless to what’s going on around them. Everything about them bothers me.49

Pushing the freshies out of mind, I walk to the end of the corridor and open the last door on the right.50

“Should I even bother to call Señor Anziani? He’s never on time,” I hear someone say.51

“Today I am,” I reply, entering the classroom.52

“Ah, Señor Anziani, surprised to see you in class on time. What’s the occasion?” Mrs. Oroe, the Spanish professor asks. 53

“Roommates alarm woke me up, couldn’t get back to sleep,” I reply glancing at her outfit; a mini skirt with a tight blouse, half of it unbuttoned. Her darkly tanned skin, curvaceous body, and full lips really distract you from learning but I’m not complaining. I wonder how she fits into these skimpy little outfits that emphasize what’s barely hidden than actually covering.54

“Gotta get that roommate of yours to do that more often then,” she retorts.55

“Tell that to that girlfriend of his who spends half the night entertaining him,” I reply. T56

The freshmen snicker, knowing who I’m talking about. That’s one of the reasons I get to class late. I’m never in my room from 11pm to 3am. Last time I did…I shudder trying to forget those images. The things people do for pleasure…57

“Sorry to hear that but that’s no excuse to be late to class,” she replies returning to attendance of whom most are freshmen. They must be locusts…58

Mrs. Oroe and I have a love-hate relationship. From the first day I walked into class – I was late – she’s been up my ass to participate more but likes the fact that I’m her best student. I should’ve taken French or Arabic instead of Spanish. A reason I picked Spanish is because I can already speak it and thus far, the class has been a breeze. I also need an easy class. I’m on the football team, I do work study, and I’m engaged. I’m not sure how Stephanie got to me but I’m no longer on the market.59

I ignore the stares and take my seat in the back of the class where I can see anything and be able to relax and close my eyes for a short nap. I groan, my muscles aching from the practice and the weight room regimen the couch gave me. The teach begins her lecture and my eyes slowly beginning to droop. 60

As I get closer to sleep, I’m jarred awake. My heart begins to beat oddly. It seems like it’s trying to break out of my chest. My blood feels like it’s burning but instead of feeling pain, it feels rather soothing along my fatigued muscles.61

Then, I hear it. 62

“Help me. Help me please,” a voice says out of nowhere. 63

It echoes through my mind. My eyes fly open, searching for the one who had spoken. Those words continue to reverberate. The class continues, oblivious to what just happened. Señora Oroe glances in my direction, her lips pursed in disappointment at my lack of attention.64

I excuse myself out of the room under the guise of visiting the bathroom. As I walk down the corridor, I ponder what happened. Maybe I’m so tired that I’m beginning to imagine things. Maybe the freshies are playing a prank on me. Maybe someone spoke to my mind; something like telepathy. No, that’s just not possible and even if it were, why would someone I don’t know try to talk with me? Maybe I know someone who can help me out with this. 65

I pull out my phone, searching my contact’s list. There’s bound to be someone who can give me answers. Passing the A’s to the B’s, I come across the name, Balfoni. For a moment, I don’t remember who that is. Ah, right, that’s Clarren’s last name. This number must be her father’s whom I met at her boyfriends’ funeral.66

Ah, he was the crazy fat one who really creeped me out, asking who my parents were. The problem is that I never met them. Hell, I don’t even know their names. But there was something he told me that convinced me to press the button and call him. He said something along the lines of him being an expert on the occult and supernatural, weird but maybe he can give me answers.67

After the phone rings a few times, I hear, “If it isn’t David Anziani,” Mr. Balfoni says sounding mildly surprised. 68

“It’s been a while, my boy. How are you?” he asks excitedly in his high pitched voice.69

I lean reach the lounge area which is empty. There are a lot of multicolored, retro couches. I sit down on one before replying, “I’m alright.”70

“It’s good to hear from you. I thought that after the funeral, you didn’t want anything to do with me.” 71

“Honestly, I don’t,” I say frankly.72

“That’s unfortunate. I’m sorry if I sound rude but if don’t want anything with me, then why call?”73

“Something... just happened to me.”74

“I see…and how am I supposed to help?”75

“You know a lot about the supernatural, right?”76

“You can say that. What is it you want to know?”77

“Well, it sounds crazy…” I begin saying.78

“Don’t worry, just tell me what happened,” he urges, curiously. 79

“I was in class, close to falling asleep when someone just speaks to my mind.”80

“Are you sure that it wasn’t one of your classmates?”81

“Definitely sure it wasn’t any of them. When he spoke, his words echoed through my mind,” I say, remembering what happened.82

“Okay, I believe you.”83

“You do?”84

“Yeah, I’ve…heard of that happening.”85

“What causes something like this to happen?”86

“David, that’s too complicated for me to explain now but did anything happen when you heard that person?”87

“Well, my heart started beating faster and my blood felt like it was burning. It was strangely invigorating.”88

“Hm, do you have siblings?”89

“I don’t think so. What does that have to do with anything?”90

All I have is a couple who raised me. From a young age, they made it clear that they weren’t my real parents. I even had a different last name than they did and I always wondered why they didn’t change it. Mom and dad treated me like a real son however and I’m thankful to them. I never really thought about my real parents or anything like that. So the idea of having a brother or sister is new. I did dream of having a brother or sister but it’s completely different altogether to actually have one.91

“Everything,” he says his voice taking a more serious tone.92

“What do you mean?”93

“What if you I told you that you have a brother?”94

“I’d find that hard to believe.”95

If I had a brother, why weren’t we adopted together? My parents wouldn’t have separated us like that. They’d of adopted him as well.96

“Well, you just confirmed something for me.”97

“What’s that?”98

“I’ve been looking for you for a long time. You are the son of Jandon and Sevene Anziani who were great friends of mine.”99

“Wait…what?”100

“That’s a story I can’t tell you right now. My family used to be in good terms with yours until that unfortunate…accident. I didn’t think their children had survived but im pleasantly surprised to hear that both of them survived.”101

“Both?”102

“Yes, judging by your age, you have an older brother.”103

“Okay, this is really weird…”104

“I suppose it is if you grew up thinking you’re an only child. But what you really did have a brother you?”105

“I don’t know…” 106

What if I really did have an older brother? What then? Why were we separated? I have so many questions and I know Mr. Balfoni has the answer to many of them.107

Pushing off the comfortable couch, I begin heading back to the classroom.108

“What if I could find him for you?”109

“What if?” I ask, my mind racing, trying to grasp everything he’s saying.110

“You have nothing to lose either way.”111

“Oh, I’m sure I do. People never do things for free.”112

“True enough, I do have a price but I can only ask it if I find your brother.”113

“So let me get this straight, you think that my brother spoke to my mind and you’re going to find him?”114

“That’s right.”115

“Why?”116

“I can’t reveal that to you right now but soon.”117

“I can’t believe you just like that, you know.”118

“Don’t worry, I will give you proof.”119

“When?”120

“Patience, we’ll set a time for us to meet.”121

”Alright. Let’s suppose that I have a brother and you can find him. What’s your price?”122

“Ask me that when we find him. The question is will you follow through with our agreement?”123

“I will.”124

“I’m glad to hear it.”125

“Well, I’ve gotta go back to class.”126

“I’ll contact you when we find him,” he replies before I end the call.127

“If you find him,” I say, to the empty corridor, entering the classroom again.128

~~~129

I open the door, eager to give father the news. He’s standing beside the fireplace, the crackling embers providing the only illumination. Every time I walk into the room, it’s as if I’m taken back in time. My late mother was fascinated with antique furniture so she collected them; from the old cedar bed to the small decorations.130

The room isn’t occupied. It’s where mother passed from this world. Father comes into the room when he needs privacy, when he feels lonely. Only she really understood him. It was cute seeing them together but now he’s all alone.131

As much as the thought of having lost my mother pains me, the hurt in my chest, the lump in my throat has to do with a losing someone else. A part of me understands how father feels; to lose the one you love most.132

If only I could’ve done something to save Hayden. If only I hadn’t been cursed to be born in this family…Stop Clarren, you can’t change who you are. 133

Despite my attempt at being strong, a large tear rolls down cheek. I remember his big smile and how safe I felt when I was with him.134

I’m sorry Hayden…135

“-I’ll contact you when we find him,” Father says, dragging me out of my world of self pity. I hadn’t realized that he was talking on the phone.136

Turning his phone off, he heads in my direction until he notices that I’m also in the room. 137

“Who were you talking to father?” I ask curiously.138

“Oh sweetheart, I have news.”139

“Me too,” I reply, remembering why I’m here.140

“Oh really? You go first then,” he insists. I hate it when he does this.141

“Something unexpected has happened.”142

“Well, what is it?”143

“Patience old man,” I say smiling. “I was helping old Gloria dust the trophy room and I noticed that the White Diamond was shining brightly.”144

“What!” he cries out, hurrying out the door and down the dark corridor. 145

He rushes down two flights of stairs, turns to the left and into the kitchen. At this time of day, candles provide the only light. The size of the house, its age and the shadows made by the flickering flames of the candles makes it seem haunted. Thankfully, the dark has no effect on my eyes; I can see just as well as if the lights were on. Past the large kitchen, we enter another corridor. At its end, we reach the trophy room. 146

The room is old and dusty, with creaking floorboards. The smell reminds me of old wine; it used to be a cellar a few generations ago. Animal heads are displayed on the walls; elk, buffalo, two different kinds of bear, deer, and bison. Apparently, my ancestors were fond of collecting animal heads so they traveled and made them. Pretty gross…147

Old boxes litter the room. Supposedly, the contents of the boxes have been passed down for generations. Father walks around them to the furthest wall. An intricate table lies against it. The table and its contents cost more than everything in the house combined. A case is on the table with a velvet silk cloth over it. Dad pulls it off moving backwards in surprise. 148

Anyone would just notice the diamonds and gems in the case but there is much more to them than that. Every jewel represents one of the blood families across the world – a couple dozen of them in total. Among them are seven diamonds, each a different color. These jewels serve the purpose of keeping track of the families; those that have died out, their gem loses its brightness and luster. The largest diamond, the white one who’d lost its light, shines brighter than the others. 149

“The once dead family returns from the ashes. Look how brightly it shines,” dad mutters in awe. 150

I look at it curiously noting that the white diamond shines twice as brightly as the others.151

“It all makes sense,” father says.152

“What does?” I ask curiously.153

“Well, I was talking to someone when you entered the room,” he begins.154

“Yeah, I remember. I also remember asking who it was,” I say raising my eyebrow at him.155

“It was David.”156

“David Anziani? The one in my Anatomy class?”157

“Yeah, him.”158

“How’d you meet him?”159

“At the funeral…”160

“Oh, right he told me about that,” I say, trying to keep my composure. “He said you really creeped him out.”161

“Really? I just wanted to know something that he confirmed today.”162

“He’s an Anziani.”163

“I know that dad, that’s his last name.”164

“No no, he’s from THE Anziani family.”165

“You mean the Seventh Noble Blood family?”166

“There’s no other.”167

“But how’s that possible? I thought it was destroyed.”168

“Apparently my dear friend Jandon got both of his children to safety before they got to him,” father says. He’s mentioned his old friend a few times but has avoided telling me about what happened twenty years ago. I’ll have to ask him later.169

Then I notice what he said, “Wait, both children? There’s another?”170

“Yeah. David called me because he felt someone talking to his mind. Look at the White Diamond, it only shines like when there’s someone in the family who’s begun the process or has already completed it. That means that his brother has begun the process.”171

I lean back against a tall wooden box, trying to understand all that’s going on.172

“It also means that the other families especially the other six noble families know about them,” father continues.173

“What then?”174

“They’ll definitely try to kill them. You see how brightly the diamond shines?”175

“Yeah, what about it?”176

“Well, the stronger the person, the stronger the process, the brighter the diamond shines. A person this strong is a threat to the order that's been established for twenty years. I’ve never seen such a bright jewel. Jandon was a close friend and I owe it to him to help his children. Now that I think about it, David does look like him. We have to find the brother before the others get to him. I need you to do that for me.”177

“How the hell am I gonna do that?” I ask, slightly bewildered.178

“You’ll find a way, I know you can. Listen, to be able to mind speak, you have to be within a two hour distance from the target. This is Utica, New York. I’m sure you can find him.”179

“I’ll try. What about you?”180

“Me? I have to find an old friend,” he says vanishing. I look at the place he used to be coming to terms with this world I’m a part off. Father’s a bulky man but he can move just as well as any in the family.181

I head out of the room trying to come up with ways to find David’s brother.182

~~~183

I’m sitting in my new, custom built EVO glancing at the new office of the Crowley brothers. I wonder how they got the funds. When I went to see them, they were in the Bronx in a cheap ass office. Look at them now setting shop in a rich town like Larchmont. I guess they’re moving up in the world.184

As I watch, someone walks in front of my car and walks across the street, nearly getting hit by a car. He seems familiar and for a moment I can’t remember who he is until his name comes to me. Maddox. A group of guys and I are renting an apartment in Manhattan and Maddox is one of them. 185

Out of all the people in the world, he walks into the office. I don’t know him well; he’s very reserved. He never goes to clubs with us; doesn’t even bring girls to his room. I wonder what his deal is. After Maddox walks in, nothing happens for forty-five minutes. When he walks out, he turns to the left and suddenly falls to the ground. I see him try to get up and fail. Something is wrong so I quickly get out of my car and rush toward him. A small crowd is already growing around him. 186

Pushing through the crowd, I cry out, “Outta the way, I’m a doctor!”187

Actually, I’m not. I’m still a grad student, and intern at Mount Sinai but the people don’t know that. They move out of the way upon allowing me to reach Maddox.188

“Hey man, you okay?” I ask, kneeling down beside him watching as he writhes on the floor in pain.189

Taking his wrist, I wince as I feel his abnormally hot skin. His pulse is irratic and his heart is beating many times faster than a normal heart should. I’m surprised it hasn’t failed yet. Throughout this time, he keeps mumbling. My quick inspection shows that his vital signs are a complete wreck. 190

“Someone call an ambulance!” I say annoyed that people see a man lying on the ground in pain and don’t bother to call for help. 191

A hand grips my forearm nearly crushing it. I groan looking down at Maddox whose eyes pierce into mine.192

“No ambulance,” he says clearly before fainting. Where did he get the strength to do that?193

“Alright people, I’m going to take him to the hospital, help me take him to my car!” I call out, men coming to help eagerly trying to make up for their lack of response in notifying the proper authorities. 194

Once Maddox is seated with a seatbelt around him, I drive away from the scene, turning on Chatsworth avenue. I make my way onto Interstate 95 South, heading down to the city thinking of all the questions I’m going to ask Maddox.