Woven Rings Of Destiny ( Continuation of The Family)

[poohlive]

Lance held out his hand, "So, wait, you're telling me they are after the most dangerous book in Earth's history, and all they want is to reverse a little vampirism?"
Merlin nodded.
He let out a big sigh, rubbing his forehead back and forth a moment. To him, it had only been a few minutes, but it seemed that years had passed on earth. Time was funny when all one had was eternity to look forward too.
"You realize..." He started, but Merlin cut him off.
"No, that's impossible. The last page was torn from the book a long time ago. There's no way they could find it. It's not even in the same country."
Lance looked at him for a moment, but then gave it up. There was no point for the man to lie to him. Nothing more to gain, or lose, the bets were all done, and now it was time to finally put down the hands.
"They're not the only ones looking for it, are they?"
He shook his head.
"Who's following them?"
Merlin's long face, which looked so handsome in the golden light, seemed trouble all of a sudden. It seemed so out of place with the beauty around them.
"Two groups. A renegade party, mostly of strong vampires seeking more power than they have. Also Vladimir."
Why wasn't he surprised. Was there nothing that this man wanted? It seemed like things were just getting too hot. Too many things falling in place, it was scary.
Lance could honestly say for the first time in a couple hundred years he was scared.
"So, you want me to go down and stop them? Is that it?"
Again, his face turned to that of trouble.
"No, not really. The book being found isn't the important part. In fact, it's better if it is found, cause then we can destroy it, and not have to deal with an artifact of such power to still be on the planet. One can not harness the books power without the alter, so it can't be destroyed anywhere but there."
Lance paused for a moment, letting that seep in.
"What? You're not asking me to help them, are you?"
Merlin nodded, "It'll be for the best. They are the ones with the rings, and there is enough muscle and brain to protect the book, not to mention the Listener."
"Listener?"
"Yes," he nodded again," A psychic in their midsts, she isn't the best, but at least she's trustable. Well, at least..."
His ears picked up," Yes?"
"Nothing. It's nothing. the important part is that you need to help them through the cave. Even with a Listener, they don't have a chance. Do you still remember?"
Lance took in a big breath, he concentrated for a moment, digging deeper into himself, trying to get it out. After a moment he looked up.
"Yes, I was the one that put it in there so many centuries ago. It's a little fuzzy, but I think I can get it out again."
For just a moment a dark and sinister look came over him. Lance had to look twice at the elderly man before him, but in the same instant that it was there, it vanished. Nothing more than a weird shadow.
"Good. Then things might just be right in the world once more. And we can put all of this behind us. Just two more things Lance."
He was listening.
"Once the book is destroyed, so are you. You will die as soon as your task is done."
Lance nodded.
"And secondly, don't let anyone read too much of that book. Even the bravest soul can be tempted by some of the spells in there. There's no telling what can happen."
"I won't let it leave my sight."
Merlin walked up to him, putting his hands on Lance's face. He looked up at the man, an old brave soul, someone he had called father once. Sure, he hated the man, but he respected him as well. It was a doubled edged sword, it always was.
"Have a nice life," Merlin kissed his forhead.
And all of a sudden he was falling.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Erika

Thoughts ran through my mind about what that "spirit" had told me. Pushing what was left of my breaskfast away, i stood up and left her a tip, paid for the meal and left the diner.
Feeling a little lost in this small rinky dinked town, I got into my rental and drove off once again. Thoughts kept entering my head about all he had told me, all Vlad had told me and what this sword was for.
I knew deep down what it was for, and I wasn't sure if I could do it? No one was on the road with me, I hadn't seen a car for miles now. Wondering if I took a wrong turn I pulled over and took the map out of the glove box. Walking around the car, I spread it out on the hood and glanced around the map for the town I was just in.
My finger trailing around i finally found where I had been, not only was I off of the main road, I was further away than I thought. ow was that possible? I hadn't ran out of gas? I hadn't put any in just yet? Walking around the car, I peered into the window and made sure I had plenty of gas. I did, so why was I way the hell up in northern France?
Grumbling I refolded the map and got back into the car. I had to go down through two towns and hang a left then the first main road down to get back on track.
Turning over the engine, I sat for a moment thinking about how this all did not add up here. Shaking my head, I glanced down at the sword once more, and felt drawn to pick it up and clean it again. It would take some serious cleaning and a stone to get it back to perfection, I had none of those things on me right this moment.
Swearing under my breath, I put my car into gear and eased back onto the road once more. The sky was darkening over my head and lightening was beginning to light the morning skies. Where that came from who knows, apparently I had to pay better attention before I ended up dead or worse.

 

[Shoty98]

Maggie

Sleep had claimed me easily for the first few hours, but the last few I had lay awake listening to the sounds that surrounded me. It was not mere curiosity that kept me awake but fear. I had slipped my room key into the pocket of my trench coat, which was now gone. Wondering if they would come in what remained of the night frightened me more than anything.
I listened to the hustle and bustle of the hotel staff begining their morning routine, their sent filling my senses. A moment later I caught a familiar scent and heard the lightest footsteps as they past by our room.
Sighing softly, I rolled over. I could feel the soreness in the muscles with each movement but could no longer feel the burning of open flesh. The thought that I had not healed as much as I would have liked made me angry, but what could I do about it? Nothing! Releasing a ragged breath I pushed the thoughts asided and gathered engery to move and get up. Aria was up and on the move which ment it was time to go, to get out of this place. That thought made me feel a bit of relief, at least until the dark strangers words resounded in my ears....

"Tell all of them that we are watching and will strike again."

Carefully and quietly I pulled myself from the bed, trying not to wake Ray, he looked so peaceful in his sleep.
It was a slow process but a short time later I was showered and dressed. I had refused to look into the mirror, I didn't want to see the reminder right now and just the thought of it sent a chill up and down my spine. But now I was dressed and looked to make sure that my long summer dress covered it all. A small sigh of relief passed my lips, the dress fell clear to my heals and covered every last mark. I slipped my feet into my sandals and pullled my hair back into a clip. This would have to do for a little while until I could wear jeans and boots once again.
I settled myself down on the edge of the bed near Ray and leaned down to brush my lips softly over his "Wake up love, I think we are getting ready to move out of here." I spoke softly and watched with amusement as the corner of his lips curved into a saucy grin.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

Gathering everything, I had to Hotel call Talia's room and wake her up as well as Ray's room. We should get back on the road within a half hour. I woke up Joseph and handed him some breakfast.
"We need to get going Joseph, Someone or some people are following us.. It isn't safe to sit for long.." He nodded in agreement and helped me load the car back up.
I knocked on Maggie and Ray's door, "Time to go guys" then knocked on Talia's door as well.
Once everyone was ready, we headed back out. We would stop and see Micheal, make sure he was alright and from there decide what to do next.
I knew what needed to be done, I just had to think about it before I acted.

 

[nightray]

Ray

I feel Maggie get up off of the bed and move arund the room getting reedy for the day. I don’t bother opining my eyes feeling tired still since I hadn’t gong out last night to feed after she fell asleep I was to werd about her to leave her. I smile as I feel her lips gently touching mine as she tells me to wake up in a low voice.

I open my eyes slowly looking up in to hers as I sit up. I say “I’m glad to see you are doing better my love. I look over at the door as I hear Aria knock telling use to herby. I stand and quickly shed off my clothes that are still covered in Maggies dried blood. I throw them in to my bag pulling out some clean. I jump in to the shower cleaning off the wrest of the blood before getting out and dressing quickly.

I then move to Maggie taking her in to my arms and holding her close. I say softly “Next time come and get me before go on a hunt you scared me shitless last night.” I kiss the top of her head as I give her a tit squeeze before grabbing are stuff. I smile at her as I open the door for her.

 

[Shoty98]

Maggie

The silence and tension in the suburban was so thick you could have cut it with a knife. I don't think any of us knew what to say or do.
I curled up on the seat beside Ray and rested my head in his lap. I wished and longed for sleep to take me , but to no avail. It refused me.
Scenery flew by the windows and was almost hipnotic as it did so. I wondered if the plan was still to stop and see Micheal. I knew it would cause a danger to him, but it would be so nice to see him again. To see his growth and how much he had changed, children were simply amazing.
"Aria? Where we going from here? Can we go find the scum from lastnight? I need to pay them back for my very expensive boots and trench they destroyed!" I chuckled out the last of the words in a joking matter in hopes of lightening the mood.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

Smiling a little tightly, trying to lighten my mood somewhat, I nodded my head.
"We'll find them and they will most definately pay for those things and more.. but for now we are heading to Orleans to see Micheal for the next two days. The book has been there all this time, it isn't going anywhere anytime soon.." I fell silent as I drove through traffic and took the exit towards Orleans. Soon I would be home if just for a little while, see my son and think a little more on my thoughts.
I was putting this group in danger, I wasn't too sure this was worth the risk to my family, to Joseph and Micheal, even Maggie. The only cousin I really had left in this world. Thoughts raced through my mind, and i checked my rear view mirror to make sure Talia was able to keep up with us. I glanced down at my speed and slowed it down a bit.
i was a little tensed and worried we were being followed, but each time I checked, no one was with us but Talia. Safe so far, but for how long?


Erika

I arrived at the ferry and paid my way across, rental car and all. Vlad was heading for spain, he told me so.. I had to find him and find out what he meant by good bye? So many thoughts raced inside my mind, I felt like I was being torn in two pieces. The old man's words coming back to me over and over.
I was blind and I had let someone I loved dearly die. Who did he mean? A name popped into my head and I brushed it aside. I did love my father, but I did not let him die! Shaking it off, the old man was just royally full of shit. My hands tightened on the steering wheel of the car as I rode across the sea cannal.
Picking up the sword, I carefully looked it over. My fingertips rested against the blade and instantly I felt the burning. Crying out and cursing I dropped the sword on the seat beside me, the blade puncturing the car seat.
"What the fuck?" Then I knew.. The blade of this sword was silver and the handle was gold. This sword was made to strike a vampire dead.. But why was it given to me?! I happened to be a freaking vampire.. Then another thought crossed my mind.. I was a hunter before this, I was a hunter of vampires for Vlad as well.
"You do wrong, you pay. Set things right, my dear"
The thought came to my mind, a voice inside my mind, I knew it wasn't my own thoughts, it was something more. My eyes jerked up and checked all the windows to see who was near me, but I found nothing more than empty cars.
"This isn't funny!" I yelled out at who ever was messing with my mind and putting ideas into my head. Little doubts began to claw at my brain, making me feel a little sick when I recalled some of the things I had done in the past two years to aid Vlad's control over the world.
I had slain human's and vampire's alike. Killed hunters and killed some of the older vampires until only two remained. Joseph and Vladamir. The hunt never revealed Cat, I had found her grave marker, she had died. Lance was dead, Vlad had seen to that himself. I never did get a chance to say anything to him before Vlad had him destroyed. Deep down inside I resented that, there had been no reason to kill Lance, other than Vlad's power trip.
Looking at my hands, I felt ill knowing how much blood was on them, and the things I had done to my own kind. My own kind, a funny term.. I never wanted to be this, and yet some perverse thing in my mind had convinced me to change over.
I had to have been losing my mind to pick this, to pick eternal life of the damned. Now here I was once more, aiding Vladamir once again to take control over this world. Upsetting the balance of things. Granted the world would be safe with no vampires, but then again it would be overly populated within a century. Torn my thoughts turned to so many things, I kept getting this sinking feeling something bad was going to happen. But what was it?
Shaking myself out of my thoughts, I heard the ship's whistle sound, we were docking finally in France.
Starting the engine I set the sword flat on the seat and covered it with my coat. My mind racing back to what I saw in the mirror as I held it. I had looked like that 17 year old girl once again, before all this, before the nightmares. Did this mean something more than I knew? How did I look so young in the mirror just from holding this damned thing?
It took everything I had not to throw the damned sword over the side of the ferry and let it sink into the ocean. What kind of sword was this!? And why was it given to me?

 

[The GrandMage]

Vladamir

He sat on the rock, staring across the ocean. His legs were crossed under him, the blade lay across them. His chest was bare, and he coould feel the breeze across his back. His eyes flicked around, his mind lost deep within memories.

When he'd been a child. His parents killed. The ignorant fools had thought he'd been a helper, since he hadn't changed yet. The torture he'd been put through, the scars that had been laid into his skin as he changed, becoming permanent markers of what had been done.

His life, the blood, the death. He stared across the water, wondering, thinking, asking, hoping. "Do any of them truly understand? Do any of them see what I see?"

He closed his eyes, and sighed. A fork lay before him in the path he had tried so hard to forge. Which way would he take. Which path would others take? How much more blood, more death would there be?


Joseph

He stared out the window, watching the scenery go by. His mind was blank, the images of trees and building flashing through his head, overlapped with the lay of the land from so many years ago. His eyes flashed with images before him.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

I pulled into the outskirts of Orleans and looked around. Not much had changed since I left Micheal here with his nanny.
"We're almost there Joseph.. You ready for this?" I smiled, reaching out and taking his hand in mine. He hasn't seen his son, ever. He got a picture but I wasn't sure if he got it while over there state side fighting.
I tensed a little, feeling as if someone was near I should be aware of? Relaxing my hold on Joseph, I kept my silence. Driving was no time to be using the sight to see anything. But I knew someone was lurking around here who we should be worried about.
Pulling up outside a small cottage, I took off my seat belt and climbed out of the rental. "Let's go inside and see the terror.." Smiling I didn't wait for the others. Turning I heard Beth call my name and watched as Micheal came running towards me.
"Mommy!" His little legs carrying him as fast as he could move. Grinning I knelt down and held out my arms, "Come here you.." He came right into my full bore and shoved me over. Landing on my ass I laughed and hugged him to me.
"Oh god I missed you! Were you good for Beth?" His little head nodded urgently, my smile watery but in place.
"I got someone with me.. Can you guess who?"
he pulled back and made his little 'thinking' face. Babbling a little, I found it cute and amusing. Setting Micheal back from me, I rose to my feet and picked him up.
"Time to see Daddy.." His eyes went wide and looked around. His little blonde curls shined brightly from his recent bath and his questing eyes looked just like his father's. I turned towards Joseph and pointed him out to Micheal, "There he is.. Want to say hi?" His eyes fixed on Joseph a moment, watching the tall man to see what he would do.

 

[The GrandMage]

Joseph

He grinned, and walked over, looking over the kid. He smiled, watching the child. He was cute as a button, and looked pretty healthy, too. "Heya, Sport, how are ya?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

I watched as father and son checked each other out and smiled. Micheal babbled some nonsense and held out his arms, Crawling over me he climbed into Joseph's arms and was content to sit there and point out things to his dad.
Knowing Micheal was occupied and Joseph was content with his son, i walked over to beth and questioned her.
"Anyone strange been around here snooping?" She gave me a weird look but shook her head negatively.
"No Aria, haven't had a visitor for weeks..." She replied carefully, probably thinking I was losing my mind.
"Thanks Beth.. Dinner ready?" She nodded and I watched as Maggie and Ray climbed out of the rental as well.
"Let's go inside and get something to eat gang.. Talia should be around here somewhere? I looked for her car, she was following us just a bit ago.

 

[The GrandMage]

Joseph, Vladamir, and a Promise.

He smiled, and let his son point things out, feeling truly happy for the first time since Aria had dragged him along on this crazy quest. He smiled, and kissed her on the cheek. "Hun, me and Micheal are going out for a walk. We'll be back in a while, okay?"

He smiled, and opened the door, heading outside with his son. He smiled, and walked along under the warm sun, smelling the air and grass. He smiled, and made talk with his son until the wind shifted direction. He held his son close as he turned.

Vladamir stood a few feet away, a heavy medallion around his neck, his sword drawn. Joseph set his son down and drew his own sword. Taking a deep breath, he threw himself into battle.

A Few Minutes Later....

The sound of steel on steel came to an end, and the wind crried ashes away into the air as his body dissolved. The boy was crying, loud. It would alert them, he had little time. Kneeling, he lay Joseph's sword near the boy, and moved the medallion around the child's neck.

Vladamir stared at the small boy, his eyes dead. "One day, child, we will meet again. The blood runs through you, too. Prepare yourself."

Stannding, he looked at the house. The others were running towards him, Aria in the lead. He made sure she knew who he was before he hefted his sword, and turned. Racing at a speed unmatched by any of the younger vampires, he was gone in mere seconds.

Disappearing into the mists until the boy was old enough. He had chosed his path. Once he was far enough away, standing in a small creeck, he pulled out his cell, staring at it a moment. Slowly, he dialed, and lifted the phone to his ear. "Erika, pick up. I need to know,.....do you love me?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

I felt a premonition race down my spine, my hand tightening on the knife I was using to slice myself a piece of cheese.
"Joseph?!" I turned, shaking as I heard the steel clang together in a soul deafening sound.
"JOSEPH!" I turned and ran for all I was worth, out the door and stood, looking. My eyes fastening on Vladamir as the wind scattered ashes and the sounds rang no more.
"No no.. NO! You Bastard!" I ran for him, getting agonizing closer by the second but not fast enough. Vladamir's eyes met mine and he was gone. I raced as fast as I could. Past my son who stood screaming, past the remaining bits of my husband and into the darkness towards where Vladamir had vanished. I ran until my lungs hurt and my body gave way. Landing on my knees I let out an ear peircing scream of rage, and hurt.
I hadn't seen it coming, my head hung low, tears fell down my face as I felt the world leave me frozen in time.
"no... no... god no!" I lifted my head to the sky and tried to gather the strength to stand and walk back to my son.
VLADAMIR!! GET BACK HERE!!" I bellowed like a mad woman, the pain lancing my heart was enough to drive me mad with anger.
Hatred shining in my eyes, I stood, shakily. Trying to move from the spot I was rooted to. In the back of my mind I heard Micheal call out for me, his little voice frightened and screaming.
Turning back, I silently vowed I would find him and end his life slowly.
At first I slowly walked, not wanting to accept what I had seen. Joseph was alright, he was there, he just was injured. I kept whispering to myself over and over again. "he's alright.. He can't die.." Tears streaking my face, my body in shock, my mind shattered with denial, I found my son, Maggie and Ray standing there. Looking at me as if I had grown two heads. And I guess if I had a mirror at the time I would have seen the cold cruel gaze on my own face. Thankfully I didn't have one.
"Take Micheal to the house... I need to find my husband, he is hurt and needs me.." I reached down and took Joseph's sword in my hands, "He needs me, we'll search high and low." The wind picked up ashes and blew them across my face, collecting on my tears. I denied it, it wasn't really ashes. Joseph was near by I knew it.


Erika

My phone rang and I quickly pulled off the road. grabbing my phone I hit the bar and answered, "Hello?"

 

[The GrandMage]

Joseph

It was weird, dying. Not at all like he expected. Oh, it was painful, but the way he could feel his body turn to ash, his link to life slowly disappearing, not at all the flash of change he'd expected. He was immobile as his link disappeared, his only thought of his family. Aria, Micheal,....would he never see them again? And then he knew the meaning of pain.

Vladamir

Vladamir coughed, and looked up into the sky as he began to walk downstream, which lead away from the others. "Erika,....do you love me?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Erika

I paused my breath held in my throat as a million thoughts entered my head.
"Yes Vlad, I do." And I meant it too. Why was he calling to ask me that? I had a terrible feeling inside suddenly, "what's wrong Vlad? Talk to me? Where are you?!"

 

[The GrandMage]

Vladamir

"I'll call you again, Erika. And maybe, if the answer doesn't change, I'll se you again one day. I've got to go."

He hung up, crushing the cell in his hand as he moved along. Hundreds of tiny cuts and gouges burning as they slowly healed. Even though he'd one, Joseph had taken his toll. After the runn, and the healing he nedded, it would takes months to get any energy back. He was as weak as a regular human now. He sighed, and continued along, hsis enses dulled to human proportions.

"I wonder if they know? If they see what they're doing?"

And he was gone.



OOC: Bye everybody.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Erika

His words sounded so final to my ears.
"Vlad! Wait!......" There was silence. He had hung up on me.
I felt tears sting my eyes as I sat staring at the phone. hanging up I hit his number and listened to it ring and ring on the other end.
"Vlad don't do this.." I closed my eyes and inhaled slowly in and out.Throwing my phone down on the floor, I sped out back onto the main road, dirt and rocking flying everywhere behind the tires. I needed to find him, find out what was wrong where he was going?
"Don't you vanish on me Vlad!" I cursed quietly, this was all turning into a nightmare.

 

[Shoty98]

Maggie

I stood there frozen and rooted to my spot, everything that had just happened seeping it's way into my rational thought. I watched as Aria returned, it was then I realized that I had never seen pain run so deep.
Squeezing Ray's hand and watching Aria, her words were so....so irrational, and her actions as well. I fought back the tears for our fallen family memember and crouched down to look at Micheal. A sorrow pierced my heart as i looked at the small boy, sorrow for the fat that he would never know his father or the great man that he was.
I took a deep breath and smiled as best I could "Micheal go in the house and find Beth, get something to eat and auntie Maggie will be in shortly...okay?" He nodded, little tears streaking and shimmering down his face. He looked to his mother and the tears fell more as though he sensed her pain. I hugged him tightly "Go now, in the house with you. I will help mom...alright?" He said nothing only turned on his heel and ran straight into Beth's arms.
She had tears welling and streaming as did the rest of us, but she held the boy tight and comforted him, assured him that all would be alright then made her way in the house with him.
I turned to Aria, she still stood there holding Joseph's sword. My heart was breaking for her, the pain she must be feeling. How could one person lose so many they loved in one lifetime, this was not going to be even remotely close to a walk in the park. I knew full well by the look on her face that she was retreating from the reality of the situation.
Stepping up to Aria I pushed the sword aside and grasped her face in my hands and made her look at me. "Aria...put the sword down....he's not hiding, he's not hurt, he's ......." I was reluctant to say the word, I didn't know him as well as she but would still miss him. I sighed and hugged her tightly "Aria I am so sorry...."


OOC. Can't believe that your leaving us Gm. You will be dearly missed. It has been a pleasure writing with you in this story, well what little I have been able to.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

Shaking my head, I wasn't beliving anything Maggie had to say, she didn't know for certain anymore than I did.
"No no, he's just hurt and needs me!" I pulled back from her hug and looked around franticly, where did he go? Where is he hiding?
"We've got to find him.. before.... its too late..." Tears srteaked my face as I tried to move. I felt weighted down, unable to move anymore.
Shaking I glanced down at my hand that held his sword. The tip was stuck in the dirt, no wonder why I couldn't move. Sniffling, I tried to jerk it out of the dirt with the lifeless hand that held it, nothing happened.
Letting go, the sword fell to the ground as I glanced around again. Ray stood there looking at me, "Ray? you'll help me find him wont you?" My lip trembled as more tears fell from my eyes. Reality wasn't sinking in here at all, I knew it in a small part of my mind, but I didn't want to accept it either.
Without warning I fell to my knees on the ground and gathered up his sword, my hands digging into the remaining ash scattered around the ground.
"He's not gone.. He wouldn't leave me like this.. " The uttered words sounded so hopelessly lost, so afraid and alone. The pain wrenching through my soul was so deep I didn't know where it ended or began. "Please don't do this!" I cried out, bowing my head as tears dripped down on my hands. His sword clutched so tightly in my hands that blood oozed from my fists wrapped around it, and all I could do was stare at the red color. not registering it at all.

 

[nightray]

Ray

I look at the ashes that are left of one of the few that I had thought of as family even if I didn’t show it a much as I should. I walk over to Aria and I kneel down next to her my hand touching her shoulder tentatively as I gently pull the sword out of her hand before she can cut of a finger or something. I lay it down away from her and I pick her up in to my arms saying come on your sun needs you and you are doing no one any good out hear. I gently kiss her for head and I carry her in to the house. I put her down on a coach telling Maggie to stay with her why’ll I get some tea. I don’t even notes the tears running down my face for a brother lost.

I walk in to the kitchen and I put the tea pot on the stove. I look out the window rage boiling in my chest a rage made weirs by the noleg that I couldn’t avenge his death. I tern as the teapot whistles at me and I take it off of the burner. I pore some tea in two cups I personally couldn’t stand the stuff. I carry them in to Aria. I hand them to the two girls and I walk back in to the kitchen not knowing what ells to do.

I was looking out the window when I feel a small hand tugging at my pants. I look down at Micheal still crying. I look arund for the woman who was supposed to be taking car of him but she’s no where in sight. I hastily reach down and lift him up in to my arms looking at him. He says “what’s going to happen now uncle Ray.” I blink and say “I’m not sheer right know Mickey.” I holed him close as I look back out the window trying to think of what is to com know hoping that Aria won’t go insane for Mike’s sake as well as for the rest of use.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

Ray took the sword from me, my eyes looking up into his pain filled ones. He lifted me up, for some reason I wasn't sure, and carried me into the house.
"Ray put me down dammit! I need to..... Micheal? Is he alright?" I searched for my son until I found him in the corner of the living room. Placed on the couch, I closed my eyes and felt more tears slide down.
"We were forever.. He wasn't supposed to die!" Sobbing I rolled onto my stomach and buried my face into the pillow. I didn't want to face reality, it hurt too deeply. I heard Ray speaking with Maggie or someone, but didn't listen. They didn't care either way.. It was unfair I knew it was, and I knew it was a lie, but still this pain was more than anyone should ever bare!
Left alone for a few minutes, my mind could do no more than accept the fact I was alone.. Again. Tea was mentioned and handed to me, I just set it on the table and rolled over. Closing my eyes and hugged the pillow to me, silent as my mind drifted towards that aweful reality.
He wasn't coming back, he never would be back. I had lost Joseph as well as the rest of my family.. All that remained was Micheal. Was it worth it? The bitterness in my mind taunted me.
You killed him. You and your stupid quest killed the man you love.
Pain lanced my heart again and more tears fell to the pillow below. Unfair as it sounded in my own mind, the voice was right. I had killed him with this stupid useless quest.
Clenching up into a ball I lay there, unable to speak or say a word, until finally the shock of it all took it's toll and I fell into a nightmare.

 

[Shoty98]

Maggie

I sat with Aria on the couch watching her curled up. It seemed as though sleep had claimed her, but to me it didn't seem that peacful. Looking down into my tea I sighed, and felt everything take it's grip on me. I set the tea cup down on the table beside Aria's and rose fromt the couch I heard Ray in the kitchen with Micheal so I headed that direction, calling out for Beth as I made my way.
I approached Ray and placed my hand on his back "What are we going to do love? She may not stay sane through this." I paused for a moment taking a deep breath. This was nuts, all of it.
I walked around to face him and looked into his eyes, the pain in his eyes caused me to break down. Silently I cursed Vlad and his chicken way of running off to hide, to wait for a new opportunity to surface once again.
If it was the last thing I did I would find him and avenge the pain he had caused my family.
Beth came into the kitchen, a little more composed than the rest of us and took Micheal from Ray's arms. I watched her as she left the kitchen and took Micheal upstairs for a nap.
I wrapped my arms around Ray and listened to the sound of his heart beat and Aria's breathing in the next room.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

Sometime later that night..

I awoke with a start, sitting up on the couch. My head felt heavy and my eyes felt like I had gritty sand paper in them. Wondering for a moment how I got here and why I felt so rotten, I recalled. with a gasped sob, I bit back any noise and put my hand over my mouth.
Joseph was gone, Vladamir had killed him. No husband. The shock was still so fresh in my mind, I tried a moment to rationalize it as an illusion, but knew I was grasping at straws now.Crawling off of the couch, I seen Joseph's sword sitting on the coffee table. Picking it up, I held it to my chest as I strode silently and slowly around the living room.
I could hear Beth, Micheal, Ray and Maggie breathing deep and evenly, asleep. The house was dark and it felt cold in the room. shivering slightly, I wasn't sure if it was from the harsh reality of what had happened, or if it was actually cold in this room?
Walking to the chair I sat down, my eyes open but staring at nothing as I thought about all that had happened today, the past twenty four hours. Maggie now Joseph.. Only he didn't live through it.
Stifling another sob, lodging painfully in my throat, I knew what I needed to do. I had to do this one alone, before other's died. I couldn't watch anymore members of this small family die because of my stupidity.
It's what they wanted though. They wanted me to give up and let them have that book. Well over my dead body! And it may very well turn out that way. But no one would win this time. I had lost too much now to turn back.
Thus decided I walked to the desk and wrote a quick note to Maggie and Ray...
'Guard my son, don't let what happened to Joseph happen to him. he is all I have left. I am going somewhere, and I will return in two days time. Don't go anywhere alone, and do not leave please. This is important, and they want us to fail or die. I can't bare to watch anyone die, not after Joseph. Be safe and I will return. Love Aria."
Placing the note on the coffee table, I took the rental keys, the things I would need and Joseph's sword with me. Walking outside, my steps heavy but determined to see this through.
Climbing into the rental, I turned it on and backed out. Heading out, I made sure not to make too much noise, but I drove off anyways. Reguardless if they woke up and seen me leave, I wasn't stopping. Not until I reached Spain.
I took out the captains map and hunted with my finger tip the road I needed to find. If I had to drive all night, so be it. And the outcome... Well i didn't know anymore.
Death was preferable to life without Joseph, but my son was also a very strong factor in that. I wouldn't leave him, as long as I could stay on earth with him i would. I knew time would heal, but I couldn't see that profecied day coming.
Turning onto the old highway, I drove in silence. The radio would only play those kinds of songs that made your heart bleed and eyes shed tears. I wasn't going to cry no longer, I had to be strong. So strong I would be.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

I drove to the last town on the map before Spain. Driving through the deserted streets I seen nothing remotely interesting, but I followed the road along the coast. Parking in a boat rental store's parking lot. I walked up and banged on the door for a good five minutes.
A tired looking man came out and just stared at me. Oh great he isn't going to cooperate with me in the slightest.
"Do you have a boat?" I said in French. No responce. So I repeated it in Spanish and English.
Tapping my foot I waited, his eyes traveling over my attire and settling on my face. Something flashed in his eyes, a pitiful look infact. It annoyed me but I said nothing.
"Yes." He replied quietly.
Good, now I needed a reasible story.
"look I hate to bother you and i will pay well for the rental, it is very important I get off shore to my yatch... My husband docked earlier and I stayed onboard, but you know how women are right?" I hoped he did.
"Anyways I got bored and went sight seeing, Forgetting to leave him a note I was in town. So he left for the night, we had planned to launch and return in the morning. But I don't know anyone here and I desperately need to get out there.. Can you please help me?" I pleaded, over dramatising everything I could, even managing tears.
"Si' I can help. Give me a minute please." He shut the door and I smiled, sighing with relief. I should have just killed him and took the damned boat, but I wasn't thinking about that right now.
Dashing back to my truck, I locked it up, got everything out I needed, including the sword and tossed it all in the bag I had brought with me. Holding onto Joseph's sword, I walked back to the office where the old man appeared once again.
"Here's the keys to the motor boat, only one I have. I will take one thousand american dollars as fee and guarantee you bring it back or no deal." Nodding I didn't want to argue. I reached inside my wallet and withdrew the cash, handing it to him. He handed me the keys.
"Red one with white stripe at the end of the dock.. Good night and good luck.. You sure you don't want me to take you out there? You could get lost?"
"No, I know how to sail and I have a compass, thank you." He nodded, mumbling under his breath about crazy american women and their odd behaviors. I paid it no mind, I purposely wanted to look stupid just to get out of his hair and on my way.
What surprised me most was he didn't insist on taking me, thinking I was dense to begin with. Not like he cared. And when i seen the boat I knew why. It was a piece of shit, barely worth anything and I was surprised it was still floating and not sunk already.
Shaking my head, I climbed into the boat and turned it over. It took a few tries, but I got it. Untying the ropes from the dock, I backed it out and turned it.
Alright, I was going! I checked the gas to make sure i had enough. I had studied and studied that map, there was plenty of gas to get there and back, as long as I didn't get lost.
Pulling out the map and the compass, I steered it along the coast. I estimated about an hour drive one way. And so I drove.

Dawn was beautiful, but I didn't look at it. The white walls of the coastal cliffs flashing by my left seemed to blur from my line of vision. I glanced at my watch and turned towards shore. Cutting the engine I drifted into the sady beach and pulled the rope along with me. Jumping out of the boat into the knee deep water, I found a large rock and tied secured the boat. Wading back, I grabbed the sword and the bag. It was now time to hunt this damned cave down and get the book.
Walking to the shore, I sat down heavily in the sand, weary and worn out, I kept asking myself what was driving me? Fear was the only thing that came to mind. Fear of losing another family member. Fear that the others would get ahold of this book and worse still the fear of what was in that book.
Standing I stretched and picked everything up. All my muscles hurt, my mind and body was worn out, and I hadn't fed recently. I was asking for trouble, but who cares? Walking, I kept my eyes peeled for anything that resembled a cave.

 

[poohlive]

The waves kept crashing in, over and over again. Their relentless pounding of the worn beach could only be matched by the rumbing it made as it eachoed off the cliffs so close to it. Spray and foam and thunder traced through it all.
And a small black pool, floating through the ocean. It looked almost like someone had taken a black flashlight, and was now pointing it at the water. It floated easily through the waves, rolling over them as if it were as easy as time itself.
Then, a huge wave crashed over it.
Lance rolled twice, before getting up to his hands and knees. He coughed, sputtering to catch hold. His lungs burned, as he finally let some air come in.
Dropping onto his back, he breathed in the sweet salt air, as the waves rushed in around him.
He was back...
He was back.
It was a full ten minutes before he decided to move further along the shore. On the shore, he simply laid there, naked, doing nothing more than breathing.
All of his muscles seemed to scream at him. It hurt even to move his hands, but he forced them after a while. Pain, suffering, it had all come back to him. That white room, the perfection there, already now a fading memory.
The only thing he remembered was the book, and it's protection. So many were after it. It had to be safe.
But, even it could wait. For now, he needed to get his strength back.
Lance rolled over to his back, looking at the morning around him. Despite all it's setbacks, earth could be a wonderful place sometimes.