Siege At Freaktown Ch. 23

The following morning the news had spread all over the country and the rest of the world. The headline of the day was, "The Siege At Freaktown." Those who filmed the action and the floating bodies posted their videos online for all to see. People were shocked and sickened by the actions of the Soldiers of Human Liberty, so much so bounties were put out for each capture. The military, the coast guard, and every organization known to man pitched in to help out the citizens. The rest of Bennett's forces were rounded up, arrested, and would soon face the consequences of their actions.

There were some in the military who provided funding and weaponry to the Soldiers of Human Liberty. In time they would pay for their crimes and be stripped of everything they earned throughout their careers. Those that followed the Human Liberty website felt betrayed after discovering its founder was a freak himself. In a week the website would be shut down for good.

Lloyd Bennett had faded into obscurity. His whereabouts were unknown and no knowledge over his new identity if any. He would never be seen or heard from again. Rumors had spread of being spotted somewhere deep in the slums, digging for scraps.

Donations were made and the rebuilding of the town went underway. Hospitals were fixed and remodeled, fire stations would be back in business, and the bombed police precincts would establish change such as any citizen can apply to join and not just the humanoids who dominated the police force for many years. Tek was named captain of the newly built second precinct and Carlos couldn't be proud of his friend and brother in blue.

The new Seta memorial cemetery was built for the heroes and victims of the senseless war among their community. A mausoleum was built in honor of Duncan, who would be remembered as a wizard extraordinaire, bringing joy to the town, and sacrificed for those he loved. Dragona would watch over it every night for the rest of her life.

The deputy mayor of Freaktown was sworn in as the new appointed mayor while his predecessor's son was put in charge of security.

The local school that was attacked was restructured and reopened this time with tighter security. A school plaque was made in honor of those who lost their lives on that tragic day.

A memorial plaque was built in midtown, commemorating those who fought bravely. A bronze statue was made in honor of Sergeant No Face, for his untold bravery and sacrifice. The inscription below read, "he fought for his country and died for his fellow freaks."

Bennett's people faced life sentences for their actions, with many showing no regret over what they did. The town would become vacation spots for the outside world, whether human or freak. Furball wasn't too thrilled over the idea of mingling with humans but he would eventually have to deal with that, whether he liked it or not.

The vampire couple missed out on all events due to the fact each were held in bright sunny days. By evening they were filled in on the details, including No Face's statue which Carlos proudly saluted.

As promised Lucifer and his family had their fill of the meat they gathered that evening, filling their bellies for months, and leaving a pile of bones in their wake. For the first time in such a while, the head of the Croc clan was happy. In the end Carlos had lied to them. The Crocs' location was never revealed in Glen's phone nor were they in any danger of being attacked. The young lieutenant was desperate even if it meant confronting the very people who wanted to save his organs for dessert.

The one nightly event the vampire couple did not miss was an interview on the local news station. Kerry Starr, praised after capturing dramatic footage of the fighting, would have the pleasure of interviewing the savior himself. Despite being a vampire, Carlos was a nervous wreck who didn't enjoy all the attention.

"Remind me again," he asked, "why I'm doing this?"

"Because you're the big hero," said Helena, straightening his tie and wiping off anything she could find on his blazer. "That's something to be proud of, don't you think? Now relax; you're going to do great out there."

"I didn't expect to be an overnight sensation."

"I didn't expect my boyfriend to be a big hero and yet here we are. Now go out there, and make me proud."

"You should be out there."

"Just go."

Carlos took a seat opposite Kerry Starr while getting the microphone clipped to his tie. Helena remained backstage looking on, lending support to her man who went through a lot in the past few days.

"My guest tonight," said Kerry, "is a man who served proudly in the marines and fought for our town as both human and vampire. He's known as a savior to the citizens of Freaktown and a member of the FTPD, Lieutenant Carlos Perez. Welcome, sir."

"Thank you, Kerry," said Carlos, "happy to be here."

"So, how does it feel to be a savior and a hero to this old town of ours?"

"A savior I'm not so sure, but I did earn the respect from the people like I never had before. But a hero? The real heroes were those who stood up and fought what was right. They all deserve most of the credit."

"Including Sergeant No Face?"

"Sergeant No Face was a soldier who fought to the very end. The most honorable man I ever knew."

"We were able to capture footage of the sergeant's heroics, so his life and legacy will continue on for generations."

"I really appreciate you doing that for him; I'm sure he would have enjoyed it. You were a hero yourself, Kerry. You took risks out there filming our battles."

"I owe that to our cameraman."

"Well, that man deserves a medal; so do you and the pilot."

From beginning to end the entire interview had gone smoothly and Carlos let out a sigh of relief. Soon after, he and Helena headed home where they began to explore each other's animalistic behavior. Both stepped into the tub and literally had themselves one bloody shower. They bit into each other's flesh and drank one another's blood, enjoying every drop they could find. Either way, they were the happiest than they've ever been.

A year later, the mayor declared Freaktown's victory anniversary a national holiday. It was a celebration that carried on into the night with fireworks, loud music, and a parade. At Carlos' place the vampire couple heard the partying from the terrace, blocks away from where they stood.

"Everyone loves a party," said Carlos.

"You deserve the credit," said Helena, "you made this holiday all possible."

"No, we made it all possible. This was a team effort. Everyone pitched in, and made a difference."

"Shall we join the party?"

"No, I got a better idea."

Carlos climbed on the terrace, looking as if he was ready to take a swan dive.

"Hey, what are you doing?" Helena asked. "Where do you think you're going?"

"I'm gonna fly to the moon," said Carlos. "Sound fun?"

"Carly, I told you, we can't fly into outer space."

"Can't we at least try? It can't be that hard."

"I'm not going to the moon, so forget it."

The moon was the one place Carlos suggested they should go. Helena dropped that idea in a hurry, explaining to him that they couldn't fly that far towards the earth's atmosphere. Their conversation would be interrupted by a ringtone going off in Carlo's pocket, ending the subject of outer space.

"Yeah?" He said. "All right, we're on our way."

"What's wrong?"

"You remember Vick The Nose?"

"I remember we ran her out of town."

"Well, she's back. She sneaked back in posing as a tourist; seen checking out at the Othella hotel."

"The girl doesn't know when to stay away, but if she wants another beating I'll be happy to-."

"Last one to fly is Van Helsing."

"Hey!"

Carlos stepped off the terrace and jumped off, leaving Helena behind and annoyed.

"I hate it when you do that," she said.

"I heard that," said Carlos, right into her ear.

"And you're gonna hear that every night until one of us drops."

"We can't keep Vick waiting, carino. Andale!"

"I created a monster."

Helena jumped off the terrace playing catch up with her man. With the full moon out, Carlos still couldn't help over the fact he wanted so badly to pay a visit to the old rock in space.

"Llevame a la luna, Blanquita," said Carlos.

"We're not going to the moon," said Helena.

"Paris?"

"I'll think about it."

"As we celebrate the one year anniversary of victory day, we must give thanks to those who fought with their blood, sweat, and tears in saving the town. I especially would like to give a special thanks to the vampire couple, who risk their lives every night in keeping our town safe.. Wherever you two may be, we will always be grateful. This is Kerry Starr; I bid you goodnight, Freaktown."