Synthetic: Dark Beginning (31 page)

“I think Caleb brought it down here ages ago.” Kora switched on a computer beside the robot and slipped her hands into a pair of mesh gloves. She moved her fingers and the squid’s arms rose eerily into the air. “When I lost the use of my fingers, this robot became my hands. It allowed me to continue working. I stopped using it after I built Ishmael. He took care of me and together we developed a therapy that helped me regain some control of my limbs. Then eventually, we built you; his little brother.”

Vaughn pulled Kora close and ran his finger down the length of her face, over the curve of her neck, to the edge of her sweater. “I'm glad you made me, so I could do this.” He kissed her and she closed her eyes.

Gus and Ivan suddenly appeared in the doorway. “You found anything besides each other’s tongues?” asked Gus.

Vaughn reluctantly let Kora go.
“I should have known you two would return like a nasty rash.”

“Have you just been making out back here the whole time?” asked Ivan. “Caleb is lost and needs our help!”

An image of Caleb from the end of the movie Alex played flashed into Kora's mind. “Ivan, you told Vaughn that Caleb spoke to you?”

Ivan glared at Vaughn. “I considered that conversation private but yes, he did. He told me to join your rescue party and you return his kindness by sneaking off to screw Vaughn in every filthy corner of the catacomb!”

“What else did he tell you?” asked Kora.

Ivan’s face was turning purple. “Nothing that concerns you.”

“It might,” said Gus. “Tell her, Ivan, or I will.” 

“Fine. But it has nothing to do with any of this!” Ivan looked away and Kora saw the glimmer of tears in his heavy makeup. “He said that he loved me, and what a good son I’ve been all these years taking care of him. That’s all.”

Kora’s face fell. “I thought so. Follow me.”

“Do you know where he is?” asked Gus.

“Maybe, but I hope I’m wrong,” replied Kora.

They backtracked through the winding maze of workshops to the main cave with the great ship. Kora stopped before a heavy wall hanging of a giant squid attacking a great whale.

“Ishmael was a popular model down here,” said Gus, admiring the huge tapestry.

Kora pulled up the corner, exposing a dark tunnel covered in spider webs. The last time she’d traveled down this tunnel was to talk to Mud only a few days before Caleb killed him and everyone else. Kora had gone to cry on his shoulder because she'd finally finished changing Vaughn into a vampire against her will,
and Ruby had taken him away from her. Mud had consoled her as no one else could. She'd had no idea, at the time, that it was her last visit to her dearest friend.

Ivan pushed past her but when they reached the bodies, Kora found him frozen. “What is this place?”
he asked.

“This is where we put our dead,” said Kora.

He turned to look at her, his eyes wide with fear. “Why would Caleb be back here?”

Kora tried to put a hand on Ivan's shoulder, but he flinched away from her and continued into the darkness, calling out for Caleb. Vaughn took her by the hand and they walked slowly through the tunnels with Ivan and Gus trailing along behind them. Rats scattered before their torch, and the bodies along the walls were touched by light only long enough to draw cries of horror from Gus. Kora could smell the canal room, and then the entrance to the catacombs appeared. At first she thought it was a shadow but as they moved closer, the dark shape filled in revealing Caleb’s broad face. His empty, deep set eyes were fixed on the ceiling where Mud’s corpse lay on its high shelf, his huge hands resting on a hunting knife buried deep in his massive chest.

Chapter 36

Ivan only opened the door wide enough for Kora to slip through. She’d brought him his therapy drinks and food trays for the past three weeks but so far, she hadn’t seen anything but the brief flicker of his hand as he grabbed the tray and slammed the door.  She felt a sense of triumph that she’d finally made it inside his room. The floor was covered in dirty clothes, bits of food, and empty whisky bottles. Every cup and saucer was overflowing with cigar stubs and his television lay smashed to pieces in a corner.

Kora couldn’t see Ivan clearly because the room was dark, but she could tell from the light pouring out of the walk-in closet that he was dressed entirely in black. She could also tell that he'd been drinking her elixirs because his face looked less wrinkly, and the roots of his hair were growing in blond. Hopefully that cheered him up a little.

He led her into his sewing room that was littered with boxes of thread and bolts of fabric that all formed a ring around his immaculate sewing machine.
“I have a surprise for you,” he said. “I want you to try it on so I can see if anything needs touching up.” He held up a dress that made Kora’s knees weak. It was orange and covered in glass beads that flashed in the light.

“Ivan, it’s beautiful. You made this for me?”

“If there's anyone in this house that needs my help, it's you. Go try it on.”

Kora slipped into the adjoining room, took off her sweater and pulled the dress over her head.

“It’s perfect,” she said, gazing into the full-length mirror. The orange fabric glowed against her brown skin and set off her turquoise hair like a blue flame.  Ivan, who sat at his sewing machine, removed a pin from his mouth and twirled his hand in the air, making her perform a slow spin in front him. “What do you think?” she asked after he’d scrutinized her for a while.

“You look ravishing. No other way to put it. I created a masterpiece.” Ivan held up a finger. “There’s more.” He rifled through some boxes and pulled out a pair of turquoise slippers. “Let’s make sure these fit, too.”

Kora held one of them up against her head. “I don’t believe it. They’re the exact same shade as my hair. How did you do that?”

“I have a photographic memory for colors, textures and sizes.”

“You’re a total genius, Ivan.” Kora slipped her feet into the beautiful shoes, beaming as she gazed at her feet in the mirror. “I thought I was going to have to go through Ruby’s closet to find something to wear to Joshua and Berta’s wedding, but now I have the most beautiful outfit on the planet.”

“I’m glad someone in the house finally recognizes my talent. And I’m glad you stayed away from Ruby’s closet. Nothing in there but a funeral. This is much better. I knew from the beginning that orange would suit you.”

Kora bent down and gave Ivan a hug and to her amazement, he let her. “What are you going to wear?”

He rotated his chair so he could busy himself with the needle on his machine. “I’m not going.”

“Why not? You’ve been in here alone for three weeks.”

“Humphrey came to visit me a few times.”

“How?”

Ivan pointed at his closet. “He has his own private tunnel through the walls.”

“Ivan, you need to get out.”

“I can’t.”

“Why?” Kora demanded. Ivan turned his chair so his back was always facing her. “I’m not leaving until you tell me.”

Ivan sat with his head in his hands for a long time. “I can’t bear walking past Caleb’s door. It’s just not possible.”

“But you can’t stay in here forever.”

“Yes I can.  Just watch me.”
 

When Kora got back to the kitchen, Vaughn was busy making crepes while Gus was busy eating them. Vaughn stared at her in her new dress until smoke poured from his pan, and he was forced to run to the sink to douse the flaming crepe. “You mentioned that Ivan was making you a dress, but I had no idea. You look gorgeous.” He twirled her into his arms and then bent her back for a long kiss. “I might have to finally put on one of those suits Ruby bought me.”

Kora put an apron over her dress, so it wouldn't get dirty, and sat at the table beside Gus. “The plan was that you’d lure Ivan out of his room,” said Gus with his mouth full. “You’re the first one he’s allowed in. I thought you understood your mission.”

“I know,” said Kora, carefully slicing up her crepe. “But he told me that he can’t bear walking past Caleb’s door. I’m not positive, but I think he’s wearing black corduroys.”

Gus and Vaughn exchanged a serious look. “We need to go in after him,” said Vaughn.

They stormed down the hall to Ivan’s room and pounded on the door until he opened it a crack and peered through.
“What the hell do you want?”

“Time to come out, Ivan. You’ve been in there long enough,” said Vaughn.

Ivan’s eyes shifted over to where Kora stood behind Vaughn. “What did you tell them?”

Kora shrugged. “Only that you were wearing a pair of corduroys.”

“Might as well be walking around with a noose dangling from your neck,” said Gus.

Vaughn shoved the door open and snatched up Ivan who struggled and shrieked like a wild animal, making several attempts to bite Vaughn’s arm as he carried him down the hall and plopped him down before Caleb’s door. “Don’t even think of trying to run,” said Vaughn.

“You don’t understand.” Ivan collapsed to his knees and buried his face in his hands. “Caleb's clothes for the next day are still laid out at the end of his bed: the twill pants and burgundy jacket. I dress him every morning. I need to pretend that he’s just taking a nap and that he’ll wake up soon. We’ll just go on as always. Please, Vaughn. Don’t do this to me.” Ivan looked up with tears streaming down his face.

Kora tried to go to Ivan, but Vaughn held her back. “Go in Caleb’s room on your own, or I’ll toss you in and bar the door,” said Vaughn.

“You wouldn’t do that, would you?” said Ivan, his bottom lip trembling.

Vaughn bent down and examined Ivan’s anguished face. “Jesus, I’ve never seen you without makeup before. You really look terrible.”

Ivan popped up off the floor, his face twisted into a snarl. “What do you care if I stay in my room you miserable, blood-sucking—”

Vaughn shook a finger at him. “Not a vampire anymore. I cook and eat now, remember?”

“How could I miss all those nauseating smells floating down from my kitchen?” spat Ivan. “Now that you can eat, you think you can take over and start making abominations like tofu lasagna and soy tacos. I suppose you’ve been out crashing all the cars, too?”

“There’s a few left,” said Vaughn. “That bent pickup still seems to be in pretty good shape.”

“I’ve heard enough,” said Ivan. “If you’re going to torture me, let’s get it over with.” He slipped through Caleb’s door and slammed it closed behind him. They all waited in silence, half expecting Ivan to dart back out again, but he didn’t.

“Let’s give him some time alone in there,” said Vaughn.

“Remind me to stay the hell away from you the next time I’m depressed,” said Gus.

“I know Ivan better than either of you,” said Vaughn. “I just did him a huge favor.”

Chapter 37

The children struggled to drag Ishmael onto the beach. They grabbed a hold of one arm and pulled as hard as they could, but he had seven others to trip them and toss them into the waves. His eyes grew round when he saw a dozen more children howl down the beach, each taking a leg and pulling until the waves crashed into his tall head. He circled his arms around their waists and tossed them out to sea, screaming and laughing until they plunged into the water. Then they’d swim back and attack him once again until he was continuously rocketing tiny bodies out into the deep.

“I think he likes it out there,” said Vaughn, resting his chin on the top of Kora’s head.

“The ocean is so big and dangerous,” replied Kora.
“Not to mention dirty. At least when he's in his tank, I can see right where he is and know that his water is perfectly clean.”

“He’s a smart squid with a strong immune system. I'm sure he'll be fine. From now on, you can just keep track of me.” Vaughn wrapped her in his arms and pulled her close.

“The ceremony is about to start,” called Gus. He was dressed in his usual robe with a pink carnation behind his ear. “There’s a really cute guy in the main tent who keeps staring at me, and I can’t figure out if it’s because of my hump or he thinks I’m fantastically good looking.”

“Why don’t you go talk to him,” said Vaughn.

“But I’m not even sure that he’s gay. I thought you could fill me in. Give me some stats on the boys around here.”

“Forget it, Gus. Just go talk to him.”

“But I’m scared. Can’t you come with me and hold my hand?”

“No.”

Gus shuffled back to the main tent just as Joshua blew through the flap covered in full body paint with a broad, crooked smile on his face. “Vampire, you and the blue lady are sitting at our table so get your asses up here. We’re nearly ready to eat.”

Kora drew in a quick breath when she entered the main tent. Hundreds of glass lanterns hung from cords and silk carpets covered the floor. Low tables sat throughout piled with sumptuous dishes and pyramids of fruit. It was even more luxurious than she’d imagined.
Like Joshua, Berta was covered from head to toe in elaborate body paint but she wore a blue silk gown that draped over her body to perfection. Even Ivan would have approved. She took Kora by the hand and guided her to the head of the table where Ramon winked at her.

“You lucky bastard Vaughn,” said Ramon. “I still think she’s more my type.”

“Where’s Ivan?” asked Joshua, looking around as if he’d dropped something on the floor. “I have his chair all ready for him.” He pointed to a tall stack of pillows.

“I’m right here,” said a loud, gravely voice from the entrance.
Everyone turned to see Ivan wearing heavy lavender makeup, dressed in a white tuxedo with a purple cummerbund, holding two huge bags on his back. He sashayed over to the kids’ table where Nelly and the cooks were struggling to keep order.  “I have a surprise for each of you,” said Ivan. “But only when you’re quiet and your plates are clean.”

All that could be heard in the tent for several minutes was the clatter of forks against plates.

“What the hell went down in Caleb’s bedroom?” Gus whispered to Kora. “Ivan looks like a ghoulish Easter elf.”

After Nelly and the cooks had cleared away all the empty plates, Ivan slowly made his way around the table, placing a magnificent toy before each child until both bags were empty. There were charming, furry robots, music boxes that filled the tent with wild animations of prancing unicorns, and every conceivable form of remote-controlled vehicle from a fighter jet to a bulldozer. The children squealed with delight and raced in all directions, the girls showing off their prizes to each other while the boys ducked outside where there was more room for battles and races.

“He’s giving away all of Caleb’s toys,” said Gus.

Joshua guided Ivan to his seat amid a standing ovation. He bowed when he reached the top of his pillow stack and raised his champagne glass. “I’d like to make a toast to my father, Caleb. He was a loving man and a brilliant toy maker, and that’s how I’ll always remember him.”

Everyone clinked glasses and cheered while Nelly and the cooks brought around the first course. Kora picked at her food, but her stomach felt too heavy to eat. After dessert, everyone wandered outside to watch the sunset. She kicked off her slippers and placed them on the edge of the platform before hopping onto the damp sand. She walked to the edge of the water where Ishmael was doing the backstroke against the glowing pink and blue sky. Part of her wanted to call out to him, but he looked relaxed and happy so she decided to let him be.

“Are you feeling okay,” asked Vaughn. He suit made him look like a fashion model and his hair, that he’d made an extra effort to comb, was curling back into the usual wavy mane that crept down into his eyes.

Kora leaned against him as she watched Ishmael. “I was just thinking how I have a new life, you, and everything I’ve ever wanted, but I don’t feel like I deserve it.”

“Of course you deserve it. Is it because you're not the one getting married today? We could easily fix that.”

Kora felt like she was going to choke.
“
No—don't get me wrong, because I want to stay with you forever, but I'm just not the marrying kind. Please don't be hurt.
”

He kissed her cheek. “I get it, don't worry. Besides, I've heard that half of all mutant-synthetic marriages end up in divorce. I just want you for your body and that amazing brain in your head. It'll be like a five-hundred year one-night stand, trust me.” He kissed her on the lips and she felt her ankles melting until a voice called her name.

“Kora!”

Vaughn groaned and they turned to see Ivan scuttling toward them, stopping twice to empty his polished shoes of sand before he reached them. “I have two things left in my bag.” He reached to the very bottom and pulled out the Mud toy and handed it to Kora. “Caleb wanted me to give this to you.”

She looked down at the reddish toy that was like a child's rendition of Mud’s crumpled body in the catacomb. The well of guilt that had pooled in her chest suddenly got deeper. “Thanks Ivan. I’ll never forget what Caleb did for me.”

“He told me that out of all the things he did wrong to you, years ago, he most regretted leaving you alone in the dark. Is that a metaphor?” asked Ivan.

A cold shiver went through Kora.
“I suppose it is.”

“I don’t understand,” asked Vaughn. “Caleb is dead. Did you see his ghost or something?”

“Of course,” said Ivan, as if this was self-evident. “And I have something for you as well, Vaughn.” He reached back into the bottom of his bag and pulled out a set of keys. “I’m giving you whatever car you want in the garage.  The keys are just symbolic, though they do go to the bent pickup, if you're interested.”

Vaughn stared at the keys dangling from Ivan’s hand. “Is this a trick? Are you getting revenge for the Superbird?”

“No trick. I’m actually trying to be nice. And I think your driving has improved somewhat, though I upped our insurance last night just in case.”

Vaughn grabbed the keys, picked Ivan up, and hugged him. When he set him back down, Ivan had a shocked look on his face. “That was strange, but more pleasant than my usual position at the end of your fist.”

“Can I have turn?” They turned to see Alex standing on the platform in a red dress and clunky high heels that did a good job of masking her enormous feet.

“That dress I made for you is perfection,” he said.

“And what about me?” she asked.

Ivan swaggered toward her.  “You're alright for an Ogress.”

Lucky for him, Alex laughed.  “Get me a drink you little troll!” She lifted Ivan into the air and kissed him on the mouth like a teddy bear before carrying him into the crowd that had billowed across the platform.

Vaughn and Kora walked hand in hand on the wet sand, the waves splashing over their feet. She felt like a child with the Mud doll under her arm, and shivered in the breeze that blew in off the ocean. “You never told me what you and Humphrey did with Ruby?”

The relaxed expression disappeared from Vaughn’s face. “We buried her under a ton of metal in the engine room of a sunken freighter.”

“Do you think it will hold her?”

“For a while.” Vaughn squeezed her hand. “Don’t think about it right now. For the next month, I don’t want to do anything but eat and make love to you.”

“There's lots of work to do.  Now that Randall is on the run from the Rothschilds, some of the Food are moving back to Santa Monica, but many have family joining them here. We've got lots of houses to build.”

“The Food can take care of themselves.  Besides, that's more Humphrey's department.”

Kora looked over her shoulder at the tranquil ocean and pictured her precious synthetic wrapped in heavy chains, her eyes wide as she stared into the watery darkness like the lost statue of an ancient goddess.

“You’re still thinking about Ruby, aren’t you?” asked Vaughn.

“Sorry, I can’t help it. I know that I need to stop worrying. We’re starting our new life together and—”

“Race me.”

Kora stopped in her tracks and looked up at him, her heart speeding up in her chest. “What?”

“I’ll give you three seconds, then you better run.  I may not be able to drink your blood, but I still remember how to bite.”

Kora laughed as she shot across the sand toward the hills above the beach. She could hear Vaughn’s feet pounding behind her and when she hit a dry streambed, she jumped with all of her strength and landed like a gazelle on the other side.

* * * *