Two Years Ago
The harsh blare of an alarm propelled Jared from sleep to wakefulness in one abrupt, heart-pounding instant. The screaming siren sent daggers of agony ricocheting through his skull. Pain throbbed behind his eyes in time to the adrenaline-laced beating of his heart.
Fucking bastards.
The sound stopped, leaving blessed silence.
He pressed his palms to his eye sockets in a vain attempt to reduce the pressure.
Deep breaths. Move through the pain. Let it flow out of the body. Deep breaths.
Any moment now it would be back. The horrific sound was calibrated to elicit fear and panic in the test subjects. To make sure they couldn’t prepare, it went off at a different time each morning—a test to gauge each person’s control over their animal.
Jared opened his eyes and surveyed the area, verifying his location.
Cinderblock walls? Check.
Bars across the front? Check.
Trapped in this fucking hell? Check.
The annoying sound resumed, but this time he used the mental tricks the lab techs taught them to prevent the effects.
He should be used to this shit by now. It happened every…
Single.
Fucking.
Morning.
God damned fucking researchers and their hellish tests.
Jared filled his lungs with cool air, banishing the last remnants of pain. He rubbed his sweating palms against the thin cotton blanket. The blanket provided psychological comfort that surpassed warmth, though he doubted the researchers knew that. The powers that be hadn’t argued when the subjects had requested the blankets.
The temperature in the habitat block was strictly controlled. Seventy degrees at night and seventy-eight degrees during the day. Their block consisted of a row of twenty, eight-by-ten cells on either side of a corridor. Cameras in each cell monitored every second of every day. His cell was at the end, closest to the lab and furthest from possible escape to freedom.
Jared stood and stretched. The scrubs they’d been given to wear, pulled across his shoulders. The researches chose scrubs because they were easy to obtain, and easy to get rid of.
Across the hall, others started their stretches, except for one man. He was huddled under the blanket, trying to squeeze himself into the corner. Sometimes the conditioning worked and other times they were reduced to quivering bodies, unable to function until calm.
Jared took a deep breath and waited. The animal hidden within, surged to the surface fighting for control of his body.
Run! Flee! Danger! Hide!
No! I will not flee. I will not hide.
Survive! Hide!
NO!
A brief struggle and the animal retreated to the back of his mind, alert and waiting for the next opportunity to take control—to escape.
It wasn’t getting easier as the techs promised. The approaching full moon made it hard to shove the animal back.
The key was to keep calm; to think calming thoughts.
An image popped into Jared’s mind. Dr. David Glendale, the Director of Experimental Research for Elaine Pharmaceuticals, the company behind the cancer study, hanging by his wrists from a tall oak, while Jared beat him like a piñata. That image brought a smile to his face. Ah… revenge.
He regulated his breathing to match. Re… breathe in… venge… breathe out… Re… breathe in… venge… breathe out.
No fucking good deed ever goes unpunished. This was his reward for volunteering for that cancer research study. Instead of trying to figure out the causes of cancer, the researchers had experimented on the volunteers in horrifically painful ways until the test subjects had been transformed into shape-shifting abominations.
Think calming thoughts. Think… of the bloody husk of the Director swinging in the breeze. Destroyed. Broken. A fitting end to the horror being perpetrated on the subjects of the study.
Jared paced the confines of his cell as the subtle lighting increased in brightness, signifying day. With no windows, they had to rely on this artificial sun. He’d lost track of the days. Had weeks passed? Months? Hard to tell.
If he didn’t remain calm, he’d be dead. The myriad of tests they endured had killed off many of the group. And one day soon, it’d be him. The techs warned that if the subject didn’t get control of the animal upon waking, the animal instincts overwhelmed the human mind and the subject died. Like the guy across the hall. His shivering ceased and the blanket dropped from unseeing eyes.
His animal had won. His heart stopped scared to death in the name of science.
The far door opened, and two blue-coated lab techs entered the cell block pushing a gurney. They stopped in front of the cell and typed a code into the keypad by the door. With a click, the cell door unlocked and they pushed the gurney inside, loaded the body, and covered it with a sheet.
As the gurney wobbled toward the exit, Jared and the others stood at the bars of the cells, bowing their heads as the body passed—a silent tribute to their dead colleague.
Another day, another body,
one of the techs said. Why did they pick animals that are so easily scared?
Because, idiot, they’re readily available.
One tech held the door while the other maneuvered the gurney through it.
I guess, but it’s ridiculous how many participants we’ve lost.
These guys aren’t the final stage of experimentation; they’re testing the process.
The door closed behind them.
They’re not the final result? They weren’t meant to survive this. Fuck.
He had to get out, but how? Ideas churned through his mind—improbable, impractical, and impossible. The longer he pondered a plan, the more outrageous it became.
Jared set his subconscious work on the escape plan while he engaged in morning exercises. His best ideas came while counting reps.
He’d finished sit-ups, jumping jacks, and push-ups, by the time the far door opened. Two different techs entered the room maneuvering a large metal cart.
Ah breakfast. Like Pavlov’s dog, Jared’s stomach growled at the metal-on-metal squeak of wobbly wheels. He took a deep breath, identifying the contents. It was a game; one he didn’t let them know he played. At first, he’d been able to determine the meal when it was something aromatic. Through practice he’d honed his skill and his accuracy had reached ninety-nine percent.
Carrots, apples, broccoli, bananas and water.
What’s for breakfast?
one of the other participants asked.
The full moon is in three days and you need a vegan diet before your controlled shift.
Sometimes he hated being right.
Jared craved something heartier, more filling. Bacon, eggs, pancakes, French toast. His mouth watered. What he wouldn’t give for a large cup of coffee. When was the last time he’d had a cup? According to the techs caffeine was poison for the animal, making it impossible for the human to remain in control.
He waited until all the trays were distributed and the techs left the room before he polished off his breakfast. Pushing the tray through the slot in the bars, he resumed his exercises. If he didn’t get protein soon, he’d lose muscle mass.
The physical activity allowed him to escape his thoughts, compartmentalizing them so the researchers wouldn’t succeed in their psychological games.
The lab door closest to him opened and two techs, wearing light blue lab coats, stepped into the cell block, their voices hushed.
Jared faced the wall next to where the techs were standing. Bracing his hands on the cool cinderblocks, he did two sets of standing push-ups. His heightened senses allowed him to eavesdrop on their whispered conversation. He was far enough away to assuage any suspicion. Aware the camera captured his every move, he made sure to change the exercises while eavesdropping.
I’ve done it! I found the control key.
Really? That’s great news! How?
All we need to do is modify the gene splice sequence—
Control key? What the hell was that? Jared did two more reps as he listened to the tech’s methodology.
An explosion rocked the floor and walls of his cell, knocking him off balance. The mortar between cement blocks crumbled to the floor. Alarms wailed, driving daggers of agony through his skull. The high-pitched noise cut off as the white noise machines kicked in.
A second explosion shook the room. Others fought panic and his own animal surged to take command of his body. Jared gritted his teeth, forced his body into stillness, and concentrated on keeping the rabbit contained.
Was this another damned test?
The scent of gunpowder, leather and a hint of something else filled the air along with the smoke.
His foot twitched, followed by his arm.
Flee!
Control. It was all about control.
A high-pitched scream echoed through the room, sounding like a terrorized little girl. The hair on the back of his neck stood up. It was chilling—the sound of abject horror; of certain death.
Damn it, he would NOT succumb.
Heart beating fast, he focused his mind, switching to battle mode. No room for fear, no room for panic.
The far door burst open and a group of men appeared through the smoke as if summoned by a magician. Dressed in black fatigues and masks, with guns drawn, they crept through the room, halting in front of each cell, examining the doors and the occupants.
The techs rushed forward, ordering them to stop. Two shots later and the lab techs slumped to the ground, neat holes in their heads.
One man removed his mask and barked out commands. Secure the room.
Black clad men took positions at the far entrance. Another group strode to the door nearest Jared. One of the men made eye contact with Jared. How many in the next room?
No idea. They never let us in there.
Two men stood with their backs to the wall, guns at the ready, while two others kicked in the door. A whistle from the other room and the two against the wall rushed in.
The leader stood in front of Jared’s cell. How many are here?
Jared shrugged. There are other habitat blocks but I don’t know how full they are.
How many?
They never said.
We’ll get you out of here soon.
The leader assured.
Jared was skeptical. This isn’t another test is it?
A horrified expression crossed the guy’s face. No! This shouldn’t have happened. We’re shutting this down.
Jared frowned. Who the hell are you?
We’re a private security force.
Jared had been around enough special forces to let the rest of his questions remain unasked.
Two men walked through the door, yanking a struggling tech. Area secured.
Status of the rest of the compound?
asked the leader.
Secure.
The man in charge turned to the tech. How many test subjects are there?
No idea. I don’t work with the subjects.
The tech wiped his face with his arm, leaving a bloody smear on the light blue sleeve. He should have been scared, but the guy stood defiant. You and the Elite won’t get away with this.
The leader leaned forward, muttering under his breath. The tech’s eyes glazed over.
Is there a master code for the cells?
the leader asked.
No. They wanted to ensure no mass escapes.
Randall, take the tech and see if there are other cell blocks. If he tries anything, terminate him. James, I want a med team ready to examine the patients. Merrick, keypads are all yours.
Yes, Captain,
the man, Randall, responded.
The men leapt into action. The one called Merrick, worked methodically down the block, opening the cells. Other members of the team removed the occupants, carrying them from the room. Jared was the last freed.
A soft click and the door to his cage opened.
Freedom. Jared paused. It was too good to be true. The rescuers treated his fellow test subjects with respect, but he’d reserve judgement.
The rescuers guided them through a complex maze of halls and corridors that led outside.
After the climate-controlled environment, the cold night air was a shock. Jared drew a deep breath of fresh air into his lungs. It hurt, but freedom tasted sweet. For a moment, he stared at the moon and stars. Was this real? Was he really free? He half expected Rod Serling to emerge from the surrounding tree-line.
The animal watched in the back of his mind, ready to take control, but willing to let the human handle things for the moment.
A twig snapped behind him, and he whirled to face a new threat. A few men emerged from the building holding rabbits under their front legs, letting their back legs dangle. The rabbits raked their hind claws along the forearms of the rescuers leaving exposed skin torn and bloody.
Jared hurried over. You’re holding them wrong.
How should they be held?
one of the rescuers asked.
Another one sneered. You think you know better? Prove it.
Jared fought the urge to knock the man on his ass. He was helping after all, even if he was being an asshole. Jared took the animal from the man and placed the rabbit’s feet against his chest and supported its weight on his arm. With his other hand he stroked from head to tail. The rabbit calmed. The tremors in its small body slowed, decreasing until it ground its teeth in pleasure.
A couple of people dressed in scrubs were escorted from the building by the security force. A few black-clad men emerged awkwardly holding rabbits.
Why were there so many rabbits? The researchers had told them they wouldn’t experience their first shift until the full moon, which was days away. Were these rabbits test subjects stuck in animal form or were they non-shifting animals? He had too many questions and there wasn’t anyone around to answer them.
Jared squinted at the rabbit in his arms. A faint brown haze surrounded the animal. The same haze, he’d seen around his fellow prisoners. If they couldn’t change without the moon, why and how did they get into rabbit form?
The Captain strode to Jared’s side.
He was surrounded by a shimmering silver glow. Jared blinked his eyes. Must be seeing things.
Randall, tell your men to hold the rabbits like that,
the man ordered.
Randall, surrounded by a sparkly grey haze, nodded and instructed the others in a low tone.
The Captain held out his hand and Jared shook it. I’m Captain Jor’dan DúSan. Who are you and what do we need to do for them?
Jared Williams.
He surveyed the area. You need a large, covered pen out of the way of noise and anything that would startle them.
You want to put them in a cage?
Not normally, no. Rabbits are easily scared to death. They need to be away from predators to feel safe.
Mr. DúSan waved a few men over and spoke in a language Jared didn’t recognize. For a well-traveled man like himself, that was unusual.
The men scattered.
Mr. DúSan faced Jared. I’m curious. How have you and a few others remained human?
No idea,
Jared admitted, and even if he knew, it was best to keep information to himself. He didn’t know what these people wanted and he’d been betrayed too many times by people pretending to be helpful.
That was enough for Mr. DúSan. He asked no further questions.
Two unfamiliar men approached. Mr. DúSan smiled. Damien and James, come and meet Mr. Williams.
Jared kept silent, senses on alert. Damien and James were surrounded by a dripping red glow. Jared squinted and the glow disappeared.
Had the techs drugged their meal? Why was his vision screwed up?
Captain, Merrick needs a consult. We’ll escort Mr. Williams to the healer, ah medic.
Jared nodded at Mr. DúSan, dismissing him as a potential threat. He focused on the subtle menace emanating from the two men leading him into the forest.
Where’s the medic?
Jared asked, calculating escape routes in case they turned on him.
They didn’t answer. He had no choice but to follow them through the trees. Jared allowed the distance between them to lengthen enough that he’d have a few seconds warning if they attacked. The rabbit in his arms laid its head on his chest and closed its eyes.
Another small clearing held a couple of canopies and multiple pens with a dozen or so rabbits. Everyone walked on quiet feet, not wanting to disturb the animals.
A large tent with a red cross on the side stood in the center.
Still petting the rabbit, Jared approached the medical tent. The two men stopped and the blond pulled a knife from a hidden pocket and used the butt to knock twice on the metal support. He pulled the flap aside and gestured Jared in.
Jared paused a few feet before the tent.
Who’s in there?
Jared sensed some…thing in the tent. Something he didn’t want to come in contact with.
An older woman emerged from the tent. Her careworn face smiled in welcome. Golden flames surrounded her. He squeezed his eyes closed for a few seconds and when he opened them, the flames dissipated.
Jared faced a woman shorter than himself, dressed in a white lab coat with a stethoscope looped around her neck.
Adrenaline flooded his system and his inner animal surged—forcing him to take three steps back, closer to the trees and safety.
A frown crossed the woman’s face. She spoke in a soft, calm voice. Thank you, James and Damien. We’ll be fine.
Call out if you need us,
Damien said.
The woman rolled her eyes. I’m perfectly safe.
He’s an unknown, and we’re not willing to chance it,
James said, crossing his arms.
She put her hands on her hips and stared at Damien. Jared could have sworn flames leapt into the air surrounding her. Her tone was hard. You forget who I am.
Sorry, Doctor.
The men bowed low before her and left the clearing.
She stepped closer. My name is Doctor Bar’ella. I’d like to examine you and your friend.
Jared’s inner animal forced their body to step back. The rabbit in his arms tensed and pricked his chest with its claws, responding to his rising anxiety.
An expression of concern crossed her face. What’s wrong?
Lab coat.
Jared knew it was ridiculous to be afraid of a simple piece of clothing, but his animal wanted to hide from the white garment. Too much pain inflicted by those in white coats.
She took off the stethoscope, shrugged out of the coat, and tossed it into the tent. Stethoscope back around her neck, she spread her arms. Better?
He nodded, wary. Something about her screamed dangerous predator, though he couldn’t put his finger on what it was. He was learning to trust the animal’s instinct regarding predators.
May I examine the rabbit?
The rabbit trembled.
It’s scared. Do you know anything about rabbits?
Not much,
she admitted.
They’re easily startled and this one is finally calm.
Do you know who it is?
Jared struggled to gather his thoughts. We weren’t encouraged to interact with each other in the lab.
He paused, wanting to verify information, but unsure how to ask or if he could trust her answers. They told us we wouldn’t be able to shift without the full moon and in controlled circumstances, yet there are a lot of rabbits. I think some of them shifted, but I don’t know how. And I don’t know why they don’t change back or if they can.
Doctor Bar’ella tilted her head. It takes a tremendous amount of effort to shift outside of the moon’s influence. For natural born shifters, it’s theoretically possible, but very, very difficult. As for controlled circumstances, I doubt that.
Wait, what’d she say? Natural born shifters? You mean people are born like this?
Yes. We’ll get to that later. Did they teach you how to turn back?
The next full moon was to be our first attempted shift, and they were supposed to give us instructions then.
Bar’ella frowned. This entire experiment shouldn’t have been possible,
she muttered, her gaze focused on the rabbit.
Jared blanked his expression while he processed the information. That there were others like him, outside of the experiment, boggled the mind. Questions tumbled around his brain. Who were the others? Why did they exist? How was any of this possible? What kind of fucked up world was this?
The more pressing concern was the rabbit in his arms. It needed to become human again. How can we get them to change back? Do they have to wait for the full moon?
I don’t know. Come sit with me and we’ll figure it out.
She walked over to camp chairs set up beside the tent. Before we continue, may I check your vitals?
Jared sat in the chair and placed the rabbit on his lap. His heartrate and breathing were calm; his animal, watchful.
Gold flames surrounded her as she listened to his heart. Shaking his head, he blinked. The fire around her continued to burn. He used his free hand to rub his eyes.
What’s wrong?
I’m seeing things.
What types of things?
she asked, standing up straight.
It sounded ridiculous, but what the hell. She was a doctor helping those rescued. If the techs had drugged him, she’d be able to help. You’re surrounded by gold flames.
Her eyes widened in astonishment. You can see that?
Jared nodded, wary. What is it?
She leaned forward, stethoscope forgotten in her hands. Have you seen flames around anyone else?
Mr. DúSan shimmered silver, and the two bully boys were surrounded by dripping red.
Bar’ella sat down hard in her chair and shook her head. Amazing, simply amazing.
What kind of drug did they use on us?
Jared demanded.
The rabbit perked its ears up, and sniffed the air, looking for predators. Long slow strokes along its back and rabbit released a sigh, snuggling in.
They didn’t give you a drug,
Doctor Bar’ella said.
Then what’s going on?
I can’t answer that question without authorization.
Who can?
Doctor Bar’ella smiled. Would you like to set the rabbit down?
She pointed to an enclosure behind the tent. The fenced area had a wooden box large enough to accommodate multiple rabbits. Other boxes were being constructed.
Jared spoke to the rabbit on his lap. Are you ready to go into the hutch?
It tilted its head to the side as if thinking before shaking its head no.
I think it’s comfortable where it is for the moment,
Jared replied.
Very well.
Doctor Bar’ella rose from her chair, took the stethoscope, and placed it against his chest, listening to his heart and lungs. She took his pulse and looked in his eyes, mouth, and ears, while muttering to herself.
Closing her eyes, she held out her hands, palms toward him. A golden glow emanated from her hands and surrounded him before he could move. Soft warmth filled his body, soothing, comforting.
Opening her eyes, she smiled and sat down in her chair.
What the he… heck was that?
I was checking for internal injuries. Both you and the rabbit are healthy.
You can tell all that from a glow?
To quote the Bard,
There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.
No shit,
Jared muttered under his breath.
Mr. DúSan approached. How are they doing?
They’re fine.
Doctor Bar’ella sat in the chair. Jor’dan, they need to be integrated.
What?
The doctor waved at Jared. He can see auras.
Mr. DúSan assessed him with a glance. Interesting.
What does that mean?
Jared asked.
Doctor Bar’ella glanced at Mr. DúSan, who nodded. The doctor smiled. Auras surround each living thing. The colors indicate who we are at our most fundamental level.
And that means what?
Jared asked.
It means that you can tell what kind of
Mr. DúSan clarified.person
someone is based on their aura,
Well, that was clear as fucking mud. Jared took a deep breath. Was it too much to ask to get a straight fucking answer?
Let’s see if we can get your friend there back to its human form and then we can talk.
Doctor Bar’ella stood. Jor’dan we’re going to need clothes.
On it.
He pulled out his cell phone and walked away.
Moments later he returned with a long robe and handed it to the doctor, while continuing to speak in that unrecognizable language.
Let’s go around back. There’s more privacy.
She led the way around the corner. Please put the rabbit down.
Are you ready to resume your human shape?
he asked the rabbit.
It sighed and gave a single nod. Jared lowered it to the grass and rubbed the soft fur between its ears. Do you want me to stay?
The rabbit nodded again.
Doctor Bar’ella knelt in the damp grass. This may or may not work. I don’t know if the same rules apply.
She took a deep breath and spoke to the rabbit. Here’s what I want you to do. Close your eyes and concentrate on reaching for your human self. Your human self will not allow you to be hurt; you can trust it to keep you safe.
The rabbit glanced up at him.
I won’t let anyone harm you,
Jared said.
The rabbit let out a sigh and closed its eyes. For a moment nothing happened, then a swirling black hole enveloped the rabbit.
Jared reached for the bunny but a hand on his forearm stopped him. Don’t!
But…
Watch.
The black hole popped out of existence, leaving a naked woman kneeling on the grass.
Bar’ella put the long robe over the woman, and Jared gazed at the trees to give her privacy while she dressed.
From around the corner, another woman in jeans and sweater with a red cross on it, stepped forward and led the shifted rabbit away. At the corner of the tent, the shifted woman stopped and turned back.
Thank you for your help, Doctor,
the former rabbit said.
You’re welcome.
The woman smiled at Jared. Thank you for keeping me safe.
He smiled back. It was my pleasure.
Doctor Bar’ella struggled to stand. Jared reached out and helped her to her feet.
Did you get that?
she asked.
I believe so.
He hesitated a moment. Is that also how we shift into rabbit form?
Doctor Bar’ella returned to the chairs at the side of the tent. It takes concentration and a willingness to give up control to your other half. I’ll instruct my healers to tell the others how to shift back.
Mr. DúSan approached. It was time to get more answers.
How do you know how all this works? Who are you people?
Jared asked.
Mr. DúSan spoke. We’re members of a secret world that you and your friends are now a part of.
What world?
A world of magic and wonder. Right now, we need to integrate you into our society.
Why? Most of us have family and friends waiting for us.
Doctor Bar’ella and Mr. DúSan exchanged look.
Mr. DúSan cleared his throat. You and the others were reported as killed in an accident while on the way to the lab, a little over two years ago.
All of us?
Doctor Bar’ella reached over and patted his hand. All of you. You can’t return to your previous life.
Why not?
Jared asked.
Too many reasons to go into now. But if the humans got the chance to examine you, you’ll be killed.
By who?
By those of us who are sworn to keep our world a secret,
Mr. DúSan said.
Your world?
Jared asked.
Mr. DúSan held out his hand, Don’t worry. We’ll help you find work and adjust to your new life.
With trepidation Jared reach out and shook Mr. DúSan’s hand. What the hell was he getting into?
Welcome to Shadow Earth, Mr. Williams.