Woven Rings Of Destiny ( Continuation of The Family)

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

My head came up, startled at the abrupt sound against the door. Curling into a ball, I backed myself into a corner. Who was there? who came for me? I heard Ray but where was he? I shivered, it was so very cold in here... or was it in my mind? Huddling down, my fangs beared I listened to the scratching at the door.
Trapped! I was so very trapped in here, and there was no way out either! Wait! I glanced up, there was the kitchen wood floor above my head, I could.. Couldn't I?
I moved and cried out in pain, hurrying to shut my mouth as I heard the door start to swing open. Paniced and trapped, I knew I was too weak to do much, but I would fight my way out if I had to.
"Oh god, please don't be Joseph!" I trembled all over, the fear still inside me, the hurt and disbelief of what had happened. How could he hurt me like that? Knees drawn up to my chest, I huddled tighter, if that was possible, I needed warmth and blood. I felt so many things, from head to toe and in my mind.
I prayed silently for whoever was there to go and leave me be, but the dark shadow entered the room, coming down to his knees.
Squeaking in fear and protest I tried to scoot away from the trespasser.
"P-Please.. D-Don't hurt me! Go away!" I cried out, something nagging my mind as the hand reached out for me. Crying harder, I tried to shake off his hand, oh god he was going to hurt me! I just knew it, who was it?
I paused in mid thought, "Ray?" I managed to croak out past my swollen throat. His face came into the light, his mind caressing mine as he had in days gone by. I could feel his love for me and It humbled me, made me feel so much pain inside. I hurt badly, more mental than phsycially right now.
He gently touched me, soothing me as he used to. Tears welled up fresh and hot as I dropped the coat and launched myself into his arms. Holding him to me as tightly as I could I hiccuped and sobbed. Hardly able to catch my breath I clung to the one man who had never hurt me. The one who always kept me safe.
"he.. he hurt me Ray!" I sobbed into his neck, my hands a death like grip on his neck, refusing to let go for anything.
"He raped me.. He... his.. I'm his wife!" My mind wouldn't or couldn't register anything other than my husband raped me and tried to kill me.
It hurt to take in deep breaths, I was feeling light headed and weaker from lack of air into my wounded lungs.
"Hold me.. Please?" I whimpered, clutching him, not noticing he was already holding me, rocking me gently.

 

[nightray]

Ray

I hold Aria in my arms making soft comforting noises as I rock her back and forth my finger moving over her forehead being as soothing as I can. “It’s ok now your safe he want hart you agene I promise.” I pull the cote over to use raping it arund her shoulders agene trying to get her to stop shivering. I then take my dagger and I put it to the side of my neck sliding in to it. I put the dagger down and I put Arias mouth the cut saying “Drink you need to heal so you can save your son so drink.” I hold the back of her head gently making sheer she doesn’t move away with out drinking.

My free hand moves up and down her back soothing her as soft words of comfort escape my mouth. As I coxes Area in to drinking from my neck my mind goes over what she said how could her husband rap her when his dead some one must have tricked her in to thinking he was alive to get close to her that’s all I can think of. I feel my anger boiling up to the serifs agene at the thought of some one taking my friends form to trick some one I love in to trusting them and then raping her.

“I swear to you aria that I will make the one responsible for this pay dearly, I want let him dye he will leave forever wishing he could go to the comfort of hell.” As my hands keep smoothing her hear as she suckles at my neck my eye’s begin to burn with a rage that few have seen from me and non of those have leaved to tell about it.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

The comfort he offered me, the love and warmth seeped inside me and like a desperate soul I clung to it and to him. Holding him, too afraid to let go. He gave himself to me, slicing neatly and offering my his own life's blood. I felt a lump rise in my throat, which only added to the pain of all that had happened.
I squeezed him tightly, holding him and silently thanking him as my lips closed over the wound in his neck.
Our minds linked and in his mind I felt all the love he had for me pour over into my being, igniting those old feelings. They were always there but my mind twisted them into something more, something stronger and deeper. I felt that love well up inside but was too afraid to speak a word. I drank deeply, holding to him, safe, god I felt so safe in his arms.
Tears flowed down my cheeks and I pulled back from his neck. As thirsty as I was it hurt too badly to drink any more from him. Whimpering, my head was throbbing painfully as well as the cut on my neck. I felt dirty and shamed deeply, I felt all kinds of things. Hatred, hurt, fear, rejection and over all of it this disgusting filthy on my body.
"I.. Need to shower.." I could barely mumble those words, for it hurt to swallow and speak. Still shivering, I held to his shirtfront and refused to move. Even my sex hurt, my ankles.. It was pissing me off and at the same time making me want to cry.

 

[nightray]

Ray

I carefully lift her up in to my arms turning to the door and walking out I move easily threw the darkness of the basement. I hold her close to me still saying soft encouraging word to her as my mind continues the cures hers. I walk up the stars and threw the kitchen and up some more starts.

I carry her in to one of the bathrooms setting her down in a tub. I reach over and tern the shower on as hot as it can casing thick clouds of steam to fell the room. I finned a cloth and I begin to wash Aria wiping away the blood and the physical eve dents of her rap. I wince unconsciously at the lurid bruises on her rips and the cuts and abrasions on her knees and forearms. I gently clean her hair saying sorry when my hand touches a large bump on her head causing her to gasp with pain. I then slit my wrist putting my blood to the cut in her throat watching it heal. I then tern off the water picking Aria up once agene.

I carry her in to the bedroom laying her down pulling the covers up arund her waist. I sit next to her bring her face back to my throat saying you must drink more from me now, then I need to get you a proper meal so you can heal quicker.” I cup her head in my hand gently as she socials on my neck once agene, I can feel my blood leaving me making me tired but I must do this for her sake.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

I winced as he lifted me, it hurt but it hurt worse to voice that pain. Holding to him, I let him take me where he will. I trusted him, I knew he would never hurt me, he would protect me. I shut out the thoughts of Joseph and the rape, not wishing to think on it any more.
Shivering again, I felt him lower me and sit me into the hard ungiving tub. Crying out a little, I reached for him to hold me but he brushed my hands off. Turning on the water, I closed my eyes and just relished in the pain. Why? It was just one of those things. The pain almost felt good but the memories hurt beyond anything that was done to me physically.
A gentle stroking cloth touched my skin and I flinched away for a moment until my eyes met Ray's. stiffling a sob, I glanced down at my body and the pinkish water washing down the drain. I was bleeding in several places. Inside and out. I could feel it and smell it. Something that made my stomach clench in hunger. My tongue ran along my fangs as I blankly watched Ray bath me.
And just for a few blissful moments, it was almost as if I wasn't there and this wasn't me or my body in this tub. And that I was free floating off into some peaceful dark place of rest.. But Ray brushed over my ribs and yanked me back into reality with a painful sting.
"Ow..." I cringed a little, tears still falling as I tried my hardest to comprehend the abuse done to me and why? I never understood the full impact on a person when they were raped until now.. Until I too had felt that degredgation and pain. my lower lip trembled as I fought desperately not to cry.
The water turned off and Ray once more lifted me with a towel and carried me somewhere else in the house. I spotted my room and shrieked out in denial and pain. "Not there! Please not in there!" I balked at the room and he turned, taking me into the guest bedroom and laying me down. That too hurt, it seemed as if it would never stop hurting.
I rolled to my back, careful not to roll to my side and closed my eyes.
"Don't cry Aria.." I murmured to myself, demanding I not give into that pain again. I felt the bed tip and Ray crawl up to my side. Instantly without any hesitations I moved to him, once more holding and huddling like a frightened child into his arms.
Safety.
It was what mattered most to me right now, nothing else but security.. Love.. Protection from the horrible nightmare I lived through.
He pulled my face to his neck once more, pleading with me to drink. I did not want to, I did not want to drink and live right now. I wanted to be left alone, but then again I did not want him to ever leave my side again. I needed him.
And so I drank a little more, until it hurt once more. Pulling back from him, I kissed him softly and tucked my head back into his chest. closing my eyes, I willed myself not to cry, not to give in.. I was safe.. Ray was here, Ray was always there when I needed him..

 

[nightray]

Ray

I hold Aria for a few more minutes trying to sooth her some more I then take her arms from arund me. I pull the covers up to her chin smiling reasheringly. “Stay her I’m going to get you some food rest.” I lean down gently kissing her on the forehead before turning on my heel and walking out the door.

I walk down stars concern on my face as I move out side looking arund sniffing the air. I catch the sent of a young human in a dark ally. I walk in my eye’s moving searching then I see him a man passed out near a pull of puck. I curl my lip in disgust but he will have to do for now. Scoop him up and carry him quickly back to the house.

I move in to Area’s room seating the young man on the bed. I smile saying feed Aria then we must go some where safer. My mind goes to Maggie hoping she’s ok where I left her. I watch Aria making sheer she drinks enough to heal.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

The hunger clawed it's way up from deep down, taking a firm hold. The need to survive more important than any other basic instict I had possesed. Reaching out, I clamped onto the bum's shoulders and drew him to me.
Yes, it hurt, but it was worth it if I got enough blood. I would be healed in a small amount of time if I drank my fill. So decided, I didn't stop and think, nor ponder over this man's life.. I drank. I drank deeply, over and over again. Drawing in that crimson fluid that made my stomach rumble and my heart beat quicker.
Moaning, I filled my mouth time and time again, my tongue savoring the sweet nectar before swallowing. I felt someone tugging him, was he waking up? My eyes popped open and Ray's concerned face was there.
"Stop aria! You can't drain him.." I didn't listen just yet, I needed more. I was full but I wanted more. my thought kept flashing back to the rape, the feel of Joseph on me, taking me, tearing through me as if I was nothing to him.
With a cry I shoved the body from me before he was dead and curled up into a tightly wound ball. Tears once more began to pour down my face as before my eyes the scene played out again. His laughter, his rough humping, his cold hands. That stare in his eyes, so unnatural, so unlike the man I married!
What was wrong with him, why did he do that?! Why did he take his own life!?
I felt so very cold inside, hollow almost.
'R-Ray?" My voice was meek and shakey, "Please! Don't leave me!" I stared at the scene before my eyes, wanting to snap out of it and reach for him, but I couldn't see him. all I could see was Joseph's laughing face as he raped me.
I jerked out of it just as I was tossed across the room once again. My eyes meeting his, the emptiness showing in their depths. The shame, pain and humiliation as well. The vulnerable side was showing raw and painfully as it hadn't in many many years.
"Please?" I croaked out, turning to gaze at him, pleading with my eyes for him to stay with me.

 

[nightray]

Ray

I look down at Aria concern on my face as I lean to her pleading for me to stay with her. I pick up the young man and I put him in a chair in the corner of the room. I then sit next to Aria holding her close. I kiss the top of her head saying, “Aria I love you deeply as a friend and as such I will always bather for you know this right.” My hand smoothes her hair down as I hug her tightly to me trying to make her feel a safe as I can not liking the fear that I see in her eyes.

 

[Shoty98]

Maggie

I looked from the dagger in my hand to the darkness around me, there was nothing. Did I expect there to be? At the moment I would say yes to that question...at least until I felt the departure of the pressence.
The wind did another strange shift and brought me from my thoughts. I felt a little at peace for the first time in as long as I could remember. A simple sigh escaped my lips then a groan of pain as I pushed away from the wall.
I was ready to go find Ray and see what was taking him so long, but those thoughts were deterred and replaced by a bidding by someone...something unknown to me. What was this? I continued to ask myself, the only answer that came was one of urgency to find.
My senses were open fully when I heard a gentle sobbing, one so terribly sad it made my heart break in two. I turned around fully expecting to see some poor abused whore huddled in the alley way, but to my surprise I found nothing. The sobbing continued and was finally interupted by a voice a short distance away.
"Micheal! Micheal, where are you? It's me! My friend was talking to you earlier, son! C'mon!"
There was a scurrying of little light feet and I raised a questioning brow, looking back and forth between the direction of the male voice calling Michael and the scruffing sound of little feet and frightened whimpers.
No it couldn't be...could it? I felt my heart leap wildly and in the same instance a scowl crossed my face. Who was looking for Micheal and calling him son?
At this point I didn't care, shook the thoughts away and began to track the sound that kept getting softer. I found myself at a door, this has to be it. Without hesitating i opened the door and went into the building.
It was pitch black inside, but that didn't hinder my search, I could smell the fear and it urged me on a little more quickly. I had to find him and get him home safe "Micheal? It's aunty maggie. Tell me where you are." My voice was soft and soothing, but he would not answer me. Ok, he probably thought I was a bad person, he had had so much of that in the last twenty-four hours. One could not blame him.
I felt my heart beating rapidly as I frantically searched for him. "Mikey, come on little buddy. I swear it's aunt Mags...please help me find you." I tried to coerce him as I began down a long steep staircase.
Finally I found him when I reached the bottom, I could see him huddled in the corner, trembling with fear. "Aunty Mags?" his little voice cracked with unshed emotion.
"Yes hunny, it's me." Stuffing the dagger in my back pocket, I leaned down and scooped him up in my good arm. A sigh of relief and tears of joy escaped me as I hugged him tightly and told him much we had all missed him. The tender moment was shattered by a noise above us. I looked up and back to the boy.
"Let's get out of here...alright?" he shook his head affirmative.
There was a sensation that moved quickly over me, a feeling that I had to move forward. But to where? There was a door here at the bottom of the stairs. Was this the forward? I asked myself silently. There was only one way to find out. I took a deep breath, struggled to get my sore arm to cooperate and opened the door.
Inside I set Micheal down and looked for a light switch or something. I growled softly when I found only an old torch and a couple pieces of flint. Just great, how long had it been since someone was down here? Two hundred years ago would be my guess as I fought to light the torch.
The sight that greeted us was absolutely stunning, it caused my breath to pause. On a podium across the room stood a gold cross trimmed in silver. I gasped softly and moved toward it. It was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. Leaning in I read the inscription in the center of the cross...
"Here you are and here you'll stay..
Near me forever, locked away...
You were strong, much more than I assumed..
I was fool not to see, your abilities outmatched me...
That was past and this is now...
And eternity is your prison, here within.."
My heart lurched in my chest as I read the entire thing. I gave Micheal's hand a squeeze then released it , something inside telling me each step I needed to take.
When I finally felt my heart beating again it was pounding. Reaching out for the cross all I wanted was to touch it's beauty. My fingers slide gently over the ingraved words, the cool fine metal beckoning me to caress it.
In mere seconds I felt a serge of something running through me, I wasn't sure what exactly it was. It felt like a combination of electricity and arousal. Gasping once more, my head fell back, my eyes closing, as memories began to flood my mind. Something filled me with such a force it knocked me to the floor.
Sitting there staring up at the symbol of beauty I began to see things a little differently. I trembled softly with fear, unknowing of what really just happened. I felt weird, charged and new.
It was deffinately time to get the hell out of here. Without a word I scooped up Micheal and ran back up the stairs, cautiously looking about for the person that had been looking for the boy. I didn't spot him anywhere but I was taking no chances.
My feet were swift as I found my way around what looked to me like a museum, until I found another exit. I wasn't sure where to find Ray or Aria so I decided to just go back to the house, they would come back there soon enough.....

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

I latched onto him again, burying myself into his side, holding on to the anchor I needed.
Sniffling I heard the door open and Maggie call out. Jumping slightly my terrified eyes beconed to him.
"Please Ray, don't let her find out!" I covered up my nude form and huddled in the bed, my eyes intently watching the door way. I felt the bed shift as Ray stood up. My eyes moved to his, pleading for him to not leave me, but did he know I wanted him to stay with me?

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

He turned towards the door, his eyes intent on the opening as he listened to the sounds in the main room.
"I will be right back Aria, don't move ok?"
I nodded in agreement, unsure of what else to do. After a few long minutes I crawled slowly out of bed and crept to the doorway. Peeking out I covered my mouth to keep from gasping in surprise.
Ray was out there, holding maggie tenderly. I felt the weight of it crush me down as I stepped back. He had her, he did not need me. Why would I think he did? I knew he was only there for me because he HAD to be there. There was no other option for him, and I used that without realizing.
I felt rejection and pain, stifling another sob of pain, I just my bedroom door softly and barred it shut with a chair. It hurt to move but not as badly as it had before.
I needed out of here, I could not watch him with her. I could not stand to see him loving her when he said he loved me. somewhere deep down I knew I was reacting irrationally but my mind set now was not going to aknowledge that information.
As quickly and as quietly as I could I dressed into loose fitting clothes and grabbed my wallet and cell phone. I needed somewhere to go, somewhere where I could lick my wounds and heal from another rejection. I walked to the door and unbarred it, peeking out again.
My eyes caught Maggie's and my glare directed at them both was in my eyes. I backed up into my room and shut the door. Locking it tightly my mind was set.
I had to go for awhile, I needed to walk and clear my mind. Find a way to understand and mend my heart. He left me for her and I was once again left alone.
Shaking my head, the pain lancing my heart I jumped out of my window and moved off into the setting sun. perhaps I could come back later and ignore it but for now, I wanted to see none of that shit.
I felt anger and pain, hurt mostly that he left me to go to her. I was the one hurt! I was the one who needed care and someone to lean on.. Sighing, I paused when my cell phone rang.
Was it Ray with more lies? I checked the number and felt my pulse leap in my throat.
"Hello?" I could barely whisper, throat still swollen.
"Arundel Grand Estates, room #3104. She's there."
"Tha.xxx." I coughed and hung up. Inside my blood ran cold as I thought about her
"I am coming for you bitch and when I get there you are dead!" I hissed out, the hurt and pain quickly turning into rage and anger. and now I had a target, one to erraticate all of my vengence on.
Erika..

I hunted down the main streets as I walked, I needed a weapon. Any kind of sword would do, just so long as I took her head with it. I found a shop that sold ok stuff but sharp enough to get the job done.
Paid for and in a sack, I walked to the Motel. I didn't want to ride, I wanted to walk, let the anger eat up each stride and fuel the hatred I felt inside.
Hurt me, I hurt you back. Tenfold ... eye for an eye.. All in my head as my feet ate up the contreted paths.
Pausing below her Hotel, I grinned coldly as I crept up the fire escape.

 

[The GrandMage]

Joseph

He walked oddly. His body had changed, and strange twitches ran across his body as it settled. He felt dirty, but probably the oddest thing was that he didn't smell like he'd used to. But he felt good about that. He didn't want to smell like that bastard who'd stolen his body, anyway. He cuaght up to Micheal's scent, and was releived when He found Maggie's as well.

"She'll take good care of him. Now, to find Aria." His heart pained to think about what had happened to her. He wondered what she thought. Carefully he moved around, picking up here scent, and Ray's. Slowly, he began to follow it, not knowing that his goal was quickly moving in the other direction.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

Poised outside the window I watched the figure of a lone woman walking around in her hotel room. She looked worn out and tired, hurting as well. It only made me smile with satisfaction that she was hurting. A loud crack of thunder was heard over head and I glanced up in time to get pelted with a heavy icy stream of rain. This would mask my scent, enabling me to hide myself from her keen senses.
Never before was I happy to see a rain storm, it would aid me in my vengence. I tried not to think too much, I tried to block out the pains still in my body and the rendered bleeding bits still in my soul. Block it out and move on ol' gal, I encouraged myself as best I could.
Slowly I pulled the sword out of the bag, never watching what I was doing but watching Erika pace around in the room. I waited for the right moment, when her back was to me.. Then I would enter and take care of her.
I don't know how long I sat crouched out in the drizzling rain but eventually she moved back into one of the other rooms. This was my chance, it was now or never!
Pushing up on the window I was elated to see that she had not barred them or locked them just yet. Stupid mistake, one that would cost her greatly in this instance.
I crept inside, slowly as possible, listening and afraid to breath for she might hear me. Lowering the window, I closed the shade as well and crept to the far wall to peer around the corner.
She was showering, I could hear the running water and her swearing under her breath. Something about a sword? Nervously I glanced around, searching for this sword she was commenting on. Where was it?
Nothing in sight here.. No luggage, no packages.. Wait. I squinted in the darkness to peer at something under the table. As I stared it began to take shape and definate color.
A little red fire engine sat under the table, bright shiney and new from what I could see. A gift she had bought my son? It had to be a gift for Micheal.
Just thinking his name was edging me on, vengence for all of it. For Vladamir taking my husband and corrupting him into a hideous monster. For her stealing away my son and killing Lance. For making me choose to take Lance's life and for using me to trap my own son! All of it was her doing, all of that and more. It was time for her to die.
There was no other choice now, it was too late as it was. I was here and I was armed. And truth be told, I ached to hurt someone else and release some of my own pain inside boiling up and up with no where to go but over.
I crept into the room and stood in the shadows of her closet, watching and waiting.

She walked out of the bathroom, a towel carefully wrapped around her, sore and still a little pissed off at all of this mess. Time and time again she tried to think of something or some way to get Micheal back. It wasn't that she wanted to hurt Aria as much as she wanted a child and had always wanted a child. It was not fair Aria had love and a child and in her mind, taking one was fair.
Perhaps she was a little insane at times but still she only craved to feel that love once in her life. A real genuine love that comes only when freely given.
Shaking her head she realized, a small part actually, that kidnapping Micheal and forcing him to love her was not free will.
Again she swore under her breath, hating herself more and more as time went on.
She had the urge to drop the towel and pick back up that book, hold it to her heart and let it soothe her woes in this life. But the thoughts kept invading about the sword of truth and how she had a purpose here and a job to do?
Shaking it off, she dropped the towel and reached for her night gown.
"Don't move BITCH!" Pausing her hand froze in mid air as her heart lept wildly in her chest. Turning to glance over her very unprotected shoulder she spotted Aria standing partially masked in the darkness.
"I said DONT MOVE!" She froze once more, uncertain what to do. She knew if she didn't jump for the sword, she was one dead woman.
"Aria.. How.. Nice to see you." A false smile, not calculating but worried she wouldn't make it to the sword.
Like an avenging angle come to collect and settle an old score Aria came out of the dark corner and stood. Battered and looking like death it's self Aria raised her sword and stood firm.
Erika had to admit it deep down, She was amazed at Aria's strength and fortitude. Who could live through what J2 did to her and come back seeking revenge so soon?
"Aria.. Let's be calm here and.. I am sorry!" She tried to buy some time, professing her sorrow for her fuck ups. Even if she did mean them some what it still wasn't as heart felt as Aria would have liked.


*~*~

I stood there, waiting for one little push in the right direction to decapitate the fucking cunt.
"Sorry!??! YOU'RE SORRY!?" I laughed, a forced laugh that had no depth or real humor, but more of a sarcastic quality to it.
"I bet you are sorry now, aren't you bitch!? Now that I am standing here and you are alone, undressed and definately not prepared to defend yourself."
I advanced a step not giving her even a moment to speak up, "I bet you think I will make this fair too don't you?" I laughed again and shook my head slowly at her.
"Not on your life will I let you prepare.." Hell I didn't even know if I was making sense, but with a menacing step I moved towards her. I watched as Erika sat down hard on the bed and fright filled her eyes.
"Wait!"
I didn't listen, nor care! Nothing she could say would mend what she had done to me.
"Please! I beg you!" She pleaded with me, but deep down I knew it was a ruse to get a weapon or trickery of some kind.
"plead away cunt, it wont save your foul rancid little ass one bit!" I spat at her, tears coming to my eyes as I felt the hatred well up and lodge inside my chest. It felt like a steel ball was stuffed there and I couldn't breath or speak for a long drawn second.
"You took my husband from me!" I stopped at the foot of the bed, standing over her and ready to strike the death blow.
"You took my son from me!" I growled low as my eyes glowed and my fangs emerged, making my scowl look even more menacing.
"You killed Lance!" I bent forward slightly, my hands raising my sword slightly as her face paled beneath me.
"And you did it all because you were bored" I spat even harder at her with that last word.
My arms raised the death blow coming, I watched her eyes widen and then narrow on me as she moved back at the same instant I swung forward. Erika's foot came up and connected hard with my stomach, throwing me back into the wall, my head slamming into the door jam as lights errupted behind my lids.
The air was forced out of my lungs as I slowly sank down into a crouch. Erika rolled over the bed and too went into a crouch on the other side of the bed. I could not see what she was doing but I jumped up, even winded I would not stop.
I came at her, sword raised, hatred making me act rashly and I swung hard.
The glit of metal caught my eye just as she raised her own sword in defense. The clang was heard throughout the suite and that unmistakable clatter Immediately afterwards. I watched in a slight shock as my sword's tip landed on the floor, severed in half.
I glanced up just as Erika swung and lept backwards, the tip barely grazing my skin and tearing open across my breasts.
"You think you can just come in here and take my life?" She scornfully replied.
I said nothing in return, nothing came to mind to respond with. My eyes narrowed in hatred, the rawness of my nerves, I didn't care she was armed and I wasn't. I would take the bitch out one way or another.
She lunged for me, stabbing towards me with the sword. Quickly I dodged to the side and them jumped back as she came around. Kicking hard into her chest, she flew backwards and bounced off the bed.
Taking no chances I pounced on her, my hands wrapping around her wrist that held the sword to keep it from me. She pressed with all her strength which was suprisingly strong compared to my own right now.
Sweat beaded on my brow as I struggled to keep the sword from me. I had one last option and so I took it. Letting go with one hand, I double up my fist and punched her hard in the face. She still fought to get the sword into my skin. I punched her again and blood spurted from her lips as she hissed and snarled at me.
"Bitch!" She spat blood over my face as she cursed me, her efforts renewed to stop me from winning.
I would not be beat, not this time. I fought harder, for Micheal, for Maggie and Ray and for Lance as well as myself.
"You. Wont! harm! My family... EVER! Again." I grunted out as I punched her one last time.
Her fingers went slack only a second but it was enough to wrench the sword from her fingers. Jumping back off of her I raised the sword, this time careful of how I held it.
"Prepare to be judged and say hello to Satan for me....."

 

[BLACK BART]

In the fires below

"It has been done then, my faithful servant?"

"As you commanded, my Lord"

"And the one called Joseph, He is unaware?"

"Again as you wished, My Dark Master. The arrogant fool has his body back and with it your curse"

"Then be rid of this ragged body and return to yours with my blessing"

"You are satisfied? My contract has been fulfilled and I am free?"

"As free as a vampire shall be of me. I am satisfied"

The body crumbled and fell away...and with it the false belief that I was stranded in it and had been doomed to eternal hell.

Hell? He would soon find out what fires cleansed and what burned. And perhaps an understanding of one beings actions didn't necessitate his true motives, cast aside the shell and look underneath for the true vampire below...I stood in my own true form now, serving no other purpose than my own, bowing to no ego other than my own.

"Then I will return to above and perhaps tip the scale when it is needed again"

 

[poohlive]

A funny thing happened on the way to eternity. As in every single account of the afterlife, there is one single common thread. This is a bright light, and the love and affection it does to your soul. It cleanses you, cleans out everything that was flawed or wrong with you, every little detail that was imperfect, that bright light makes it perfect.
It makes you perfect.
That is probably why so many old people don't fear death. What is there to fear? It is certainly better than false hips, prunes, and those annual prostate checkups. The perfection of what happens after intrigues us all.
No one tells you of the doorway though. The single black one, that is used, on occasion, when something goes wrong. I know, if this is the perfect divination and an afterlife so filled with perfection, why would there ever be a mistake? Everyone makes mistakes, that's just a law in life.
Apparently, it's a law in the afterlife as well.
This door is used, on occasion when things go wrong, or someone is allowed to go back. Very few times has it been used, and if one were to take a close enough look they would see that. The door is old, and decrepid. It looks as if it had been warped, although no one can really tell what it is made of. Possible a black finished wood, very shiny. At once time, at least, it was shiny. Now it is dull and cobwebs spur about it.
It had only been used three times. Jesus used it once, just to show everyone of his own power and place in the sky. It's hard to tell if Jesus is really the savior up there, the true God or not, one must go farther into the light than we are going to travel to really answer that. He did use it though.
Lazarus took a trip once.
Elvis used it a couple of times. Every once in a while he finds it, and slips past. Sightings from time to time come up, and his little journey's only last about an hour or so, until people figure out what happened and then saddle him back up there.
Don't get him wrong, he loves heaven, but if you were famous and you found that door after you died, wouldn't you want to try it? Just once?
That would make anyone's day, I tell you what.
Of course, it has been used today. A loophole in the curse that had made him a part of life so long ago still stuck to him. He had no power of it, and he had no control over it.
He was dead, and he was coming back.
As before it was short and arduous. Something of a jolt one felt on an jet. A jolt back into life. With his new body, and absolutely no clothes on his back.
Lance shot his hand out in the air, not bothering to think for a second. His hand caught the blade, as it went down. Despite the fact that his hand screamed in pain, he kept a stern face. Cold steel dug through him, slicing away flesh as if it were bread, and sticking to the bone.
Blood came spilling out.
"No," his voice was horase again, as if he was just coming out of a really bad cold, "No, not like this. Her time isn't up yet."
Lance's cool eyes stared into Aria's.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

My downward motion stopped, instantly halted completely. Growling in frustration my eyes sought out the blade and stopped when it caught the hand. Turning in shock, my eyes widened as Lance spoke to me.
"No, not like this. Her time isn't up yet.

What the fuck!? Where the hell did he come from!? I glared, my eyes narrowing and my nostrils flaring slightly in my aggitation. Jerking the sword free from his bleeding hand I felt a desperate anger well up inside me, a painful one as well.
"The fuck it ain't!" I threw him off of me with a violent shove of my hand, sending him into the wall by the closet. Bringing the sword back around, I trembled to control my anger as best I could.
"Where is my son!?"
"I dont know." Erika's reply.
"Bullshit Bitch! Tell me where he is!"
I swung the tip of the sword around and pushed up under her chin with it.
"I swear I will kill you so slowly you'll wish for death! Now tell me!"
She smirked a little, her eyes taking on a glazed quality, "I've longed for death for a very long time Aria.. And your threats are not intimidating me in any way." Her voice was cool, icy cold as was her heart. Her eyes were narrowed and daring me almost to do it.
"But.. if it helps any.. I left him back in the alley where Joseph was busy with you.." She chuckled a little, still daring me. The sounds from her were almost forced, but my mind didn't care what she saw humor in right now.
Erika reclined back on the bed, her eyes watching and waiting. She made no move to escape me and this? Why? She kept looking over at Lance and then back at me. My own confusion was wearing thin. Lance's words reached my ears as I struggled with the sword.
"It's not her time?" I questioned Lance.
"Well if it isn't then this hell hound can always suck off Satan for a ride back can't she?" I tightened my hands on the hilt of the sword, my heart pounding in my ears so loudly I felt for sure I would go deaf from it. Sweat beaded and ran a little trail down my temple as I watched Lance's blood flow down the sword. I felt my stomach twist, not in hunger, but in desire to see this through.

My head wanted her death, my heart said it was wrong. My hand trembled around the hilt as I pressed forward ever so slightly. Erika hissed softly through her teeth, the pain of the blade in her skin was torment, closed her eyes and lifted her chin a little. Fear came into her eyes but then acceptence was there as well.
I couldn't do it!?
With a cry of dismay, I hurled the sword to bury into the wall and backed up away from her. "I swear to god I hate you!" I left it there as I backed up a little, still shaking, why couldn't I just kill her and get it over with? So much in so little time, I wanted this cunt's blood! I wanted her dead and out of my hair forever! I felt like crying, ranting, screaming and slaying all around me..
I won't show weakness!
I turned a little and glanced at Lance, he looked like hell. Nude once more, pale, worn out look, matted hair. I wanted to say something, but totally lost the thought. Shrugging, I just stood there. My hands itched to pull free that sword and take her miserable life, and I was so fucking close!
Shaking my head, I felt the tears well up and my spine stiffened as I turned and slowly made my way to the door.
"This isn't over Erika.. Watch your back, I am learning well how to fight unfairly thanks to you and those Messenger of God morons.. Watch yourself bitch!" I moved into the main room of the penthouse and over to the window inwhich I came through, halting I glanced back towards the bedroom.
My soul shredded, I just realized something. Moving back towards the room I stood there staring at Lance as he picked himself up.
"You were working with her this whole time?" I fisted my hands to keep from striking him. "You were keeping tabs on me to help her out?!" I was a little more at that dead calm point, but the rage was growing in his silence. I shut up and waited to hear what he had to say to that, and was it believable? How else did he get here? In that state of dress.. In her bedroom from out of no where??
My mind struggled to recall what he had shared with me and hadn't, but with all the battles and fights and small petty shit, t all just blurred together. I felt betrayal once more, deep down inside.
"I have HER! trying to take my son, I have my own DEAD husband abusing me and now this?" A bubble of laughter escaped my lips, I was really threatening to lose touch of reality here. Quickly I staunched it and shut up. "It doesn't matter... this quest is over anyways. I am going home. Good bye and god granted I will never see you again!" I directed at Erika and turned to head back to my window ledge and fire escape.
I paused in the main room, my eyes landing on the book.
"Oh there you are.." I whispered to myself. Reaching out I scooped it up and put it inside my jacket. Zipping it up I held onto it and smirked a little. This would come in handy later. Quest or no Quest to complete.. I could return the book to where it came from. I spotted one of Micheal's shoes and picked it up as well. Fucking bitch.. God I wanted to her out of my life!

 

[Shoty98]

Maggie

Micheal and I had come through the door, micheal colapsed to the floor and I walked into Ray's warm embrace. I leaned up and pressed my lips to his cutting off what he was trying to say for the moment, just glad that Micheal and I were safe and so was he.
I broke the kiss and Ray apologised for leaving me behind. I assured that I was ok and that I had even found Micheal while I was out there. I sighed heavily and hugged him to me, just holding him.
A tought crossed my mind, where was Aria? I was about to ask Ray when I heard the gentle creak of the floorboard. I looked down the hallway just in time to catch a glimpse of Aria and a scowl on her face that made my heart lurch.
What was that for, I wondered. My mind traced back over the last twenty-four hours and I could think of nothing that I had done. Why was she upset with me? She vanished back into the room and closed the door behind her.
I looked up, my gaze reaching Ray's with a questioning in it. "Ray is Aria ok?" he looked down at me with a solemn face. "No love, but that is something we will talk about later. Alright?"
I sighed softly "Alright. Let's get Micheal cleaned up, fed and put to bed, shall we. Poor little guy has been through alot." Ray nodded in agreement and we went about getting Micheal ready for bed.
In a short time his little tummy was full, he was clean and tucked into bed. "Goodnight Micheal, sweetdreams sweetheart." he smiled a forced smile and closed his eyes. "Goonight aunt Mags and uncle Ray." His voice was but a whisper as he drifted off to sleep. We crept out of his room and went to our own.
"I need a shower love, I will be out shortly." I whisperd as I kissed him.

 

[poohlive]

It took every ounce of his fiber to keep from screaming at her. After all this time, after all the blood and tears she had to pass to get to this point, she still acted like a child, like she was in some sort of game where she always got what she wanted, and things always turned out good in the end.
This wasn't a fairy tale though, this was far from it. It was a quest that began in death, and will end in it as well.
For the time being he ignored her. She refused to open herself up to listen. Her mind and her heart were already made up about everything. If there was one thing he had learned in the centuries he lived on this earth, was that the ignorant never grow up.
He grabbed for the sword, with a gentle pull took it out. He wasn't aware of his naked self, or even the blood still trickling down his hand, but as he knelt, he was aware of care of her radiant beauty.
Erika.
The one he had loved so long ago. She was a child as well, a fallen child that he had tried to save. Tried and failed.
He put his hand on her knee, an innocent solemness in his eyes as he looked at her. The first time he had seen her in years, it felt like centuries.
"I've missed you so."
Old feelings began to haunt him once more. Sludged up, bringing so many memories from the past with them. Thoughts of her and her father, and the love they had shared, the love they had made.
He wasn't in love with her, he supposed he never had been, but there was a connection there, a true connection, something that even he couldn't deny was there. It was too strong to deny.
Fate always intervened when it comes to love, and it seemed it took great pride in breaking hearts that were once so strong.
His broke now, for her, and all that she had been through.
"He took you, didn't he? He showed you power and so much more, and you just couldn't walk away from it."
She was so pretty. Even as a human she had looked like a goddess, something molded from stone. When she turned it only accented it, everything.
He let a palm come across her cheek. Soft, sensual. A tear fell from his eye.
"I know you have made a lot of mistakes, and you think you have nothing to live for, nothing to care for, but this..." he put the sword in her hands, "This is a chance.
"I don't know if you can redeem yourself, but there's a chance. You can right some of the wrongs you have commited, and help out the quest. I want you to stop looking outward, and look in. I want you to understand what your heart is really telling you. I know it hurts, but you need to open up some old wounds tonight. You need to find a part of you that you locked away when you decided to go back to Vlad."
He was on his knees, before her. The sword in her hand. Erika was in the greater position, and there was a chance that she would just drive that sword right through him. He was asking her, pleading with her to help him, to help all of them on the quest that had only begun. She had only been a bump in the road. Bigger and tougher enemies were to come, and soon even they could not do it alone.
At this point, every card needed to be played, and every person they could get neever to be on their court. He had to take a chance with her.
They couldn't finish it without Erika. It was just impossible.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Erika

"God there he was! After all this time, he was standing in the same room with me once more. He doesn't look any different, infact he looks younger almost. He is going to be the death of me, I can feel it inside." My thoughts were torn as he approached me. I did not flinch away nor try to cover up. He held the sword and at any time he could take my life from me.
He knelt at my feet, his eyes tormented as he handed me the sword.
I averted my eyes, trying to maintain the cool exterior I always held tightly. The humbleness of his position on the floor, the fact he handed me the sword and unguarded himself. It was too much, and inside I felt a great weight lift as one single tear slid down my cheek.
Briskly wiping it away, I turned back to him. My throat felt thick, I was worried I wouldn't be able to speak as I gazed down at him. His eyes met mine and his hand touched my cheek. So soft, so sweet. I should push him away and laugh in his face. Keep those walls erected and firm for the coming centuries.
But this was Lance, I could not do that to him. I could never harm him in any way. I closed my eyes a moment, and thought back over the years. It was so sweet and so deep inside me, those memories, I was afraid to see them again.
Like all fairy tales, it was not meant to be. Even now we were not meant to be. It saddened me, but it also made me feel warm inside. Here was a true friend, through it all, he still could not hate me. And I could not push him away.
"For you.. I will help." I said the words before I thought and I felt another tear fall. The sword was my chance? I did not question his knowledge, I merely trusted he would set things right. So many unwanted emotioned swirled inside my mind, and with that came the urge to touch. I reached out my hand and brushed it along his cheek, just once before looking away.
For what I had to tell him, I could not bare to look into his eyes and see the condemnation I knew would be there in their smokey depths.
"Go to her, help her. She suffered greatly this night." He knew who I meant, I couldn't bring myself to tell much of the situation. "She is hurt inside and out, and thanks to a very violent man she is set against all now." I felt a shiver race down my spine as I recalled the sounds I had heard before I fled.
"She will never accept me into her circle, but I do not blame her." I turned back to look at him, my hands clenching the sword tightly. "Just ask and I will see what I can do to help you." It was all I could give him. I could not answer his questions, for in truth they cut too deeply into my soul.
I smirked a little, thinking about the fallen angel, lucifer. I was a close second to that man in my own mind, I just prayed it was not too late to reverse some of it.
"Go now, before I change my mind. Just go." So much I wanted, so little I could in all honesty have. I wouldn't delude myself, I would just do as asked and move on. I stiffened a little as he rose from the floor. I could not look at him, I just sat there staring out the window.
"Do tell her I am sorry." I wouldn't give him my reasons behind some of the things I did, they would sound rather petty to him, hell they sounded petty to my own ears. But for some Love was more than just four letters, it was something everyone wanted, whether they admitted it or not.
I stood up off my bed, walked to my hand bag and fished out my business card. Handing him the card, I placed the sword down on the bed. "My cell number is on that, that is how you can reach me if you need me." With that I turned around and waited for him to leave. I had alot of thinking to do, and alot on my mind, "Take the book with you, it is on the ottoman."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

Down the fire escape was too risky, I had come that way, who knew who else was following me. I turned around and dashed out the door and down the hall way to the stairs. Safest way to get out of here and away from that bitch and her goons.
I made it to the street and began to meld in with the rest of the pedestrians' on the side walk.
I heard a faint ringing and glanced down at my jacket pocket. It was my cell phone, but who would be calling me? I answered, little else I could do.
"Hello."
"Aria.. we have some valuable information for you. .. Remember when you mentioned a certain item and needing to find it's location?"
"Yes?"
"We found it!"
"Where?!" I paused in the middle of the side walk, my heart thumping loudly as someone bumped into me and started swearing in french. Ignoring her I held my breath in anticipation.
"Notre Dame Cathedral. Basement.."
"I have ended the quest though.. This is pointless now." I started moving forward once again, crossing the street and down a few more blocks.
"It's not over until the end is complete.. you know that. Come on where did your gumption go!?"
"Alright, tell me about it.."
He gave me the details, about the outside and inside and just how heavily guarded it would be. Exactly where to find it and then informed me of a friend who could translate it for me as well.
"Thank you Jimmy, I owe you big time."
"Yes you do, but see this through before all of us are toast girly.." He hung up and so did I.
He had a point, to stop now with everything uncovered and left in the open would indeed endanger all of our kind. I stopped at a bus station and waited for the bus to stop. A tour bus would definately take me where I needed to go.

~*~*~

The bus pulled up and I waited patiently for the two elderly people to get on before me. Depositing some coins, I made it into the darkened bus and sat quietly. I listened to the heavily accented driver tell a little about some of the sights as we drove along, but I paid him no heed. I was after one thing and lost in my own thoughts.
My body still ached, and I felt it more so whenever I had to sit down for any length of time. Flinching a little in my seat, I decided to stand up a second and ease the discomfort.
"Sit down miss before you get hurt!" The bus driver called out. Glaring daggers at him, I ease carefully back into the very uncomfortable seat and watched out the window. Something would distract me from this, if I tried hard enough.
"And up ahead of us is the famous Cathedral of Notre Dame... It was built in.."
"Wait!" I called out, standing up. "I need off here please.."
"No no miss, we do not stop durring the tour.."
"I might be ill, please stop!" I grabbed my stomach and gave a low moan as if I would indeed throw up. The bus lurched as the driver paled, the door's coming open quickly, even before the bus was at a complete stop.
"Thank you!" I jumped off and ran, not caring if he would wait or not for me, I had no intentions of getting back on the foul smelling old folks mobile.
I stopped and surveyed the area, there were some smaller shops that sold a variety of things. Perhaps in there I could locate a weapon? I browsed a little until I found a rather sharp letter opener. This would work if I needed it to.. Puchasing the letter opener, I walked back outside the shop and started heading up the long side walk to Notre Dame's doors.
Circling the building, I began to walk around the back side, eying the gargoyles high above. They looked rather fiercesome to me, but then again they were just stone after all.
Finding no back door of any kind and too many inner court yards, I just headed around the front and walked inside.
I dont know what I expected when I entered the building, but no flames shot up from no where and no one yelled out, "Stop devil!". So it was safe to come inside.
Smiling a little to my silly thoughts, I began strolling around with the other tourists, looking for any way that led down.
"The Arch Bishop is not in right now, but we can still see where he delivers his sermons and such at the front of the cathedral through those doors." The tour guide was a petite little gal with a friendly smile. She took the tourists through the main entry and towards the back. This was my chance!
Moving off alone, I walked around behind the pilars and began investigating doors. There were some here and there, mainly leading to other parts of the cathedral, but I did find one towards the back of the building that led down. Old stone steps, this could be it!
I jumped a little as the melody of chimes began. The bells were ringing high above my head. "Sheesh they should warn people before doing that!" I let out a long deep breath and started down the stairs. They had old oil burning lamps along the stairwell, I guess they didn't alter it for electricity here. It was deathly silent as I made my way down, I could barely hear the ringing of the bells above my head.
It got cooler as I desended but the temperature didn't bother me in the slightest bit. I could see a brighter light ahead and paused on the steps. Peeking around the corner of the stone I made out a long hall way of some kind with arched openings all along the length. Catacomb looking place to me, but this could in fact be where I wanted to be.
I stepped down another step and squatted down, peeking as far down the hall as possible. I could see two men in a brownish colored set of clothes speaking quietly up ahead, as well as the bottom of a door. That had to be the place. Now to get past them and out of here.
I crept down the last three steps and ducked into one of the arched halls to the side. Pausing behind a pillar I listened to see if they detected my approach? I heard no shouts of alarm or quieries if I was lost, so I must have made it quietly enough to be undetected.
Smiling a little, I crept along, pausing at each pillar for some kind of alert. Nothing so far and I drew closer and closer to the them and the door. These were men of the church, guards but still church men. How could I disable them without harming either?
I paused as I heard the door open and shut then a commanding voice spoke up, "Let's be on our way back upstairs for the noon mass. Then we will return."
They made a mumble of some kind, possibly acceptance of his command. Peeking around the pillar I watched as the Arch Bishop and two guards made their way to the stairs and out of sight.
"They must think no one will steal from a church?" I thought to myself as I slowly crept out from behind the pillar.
Once I was certain they were gone and not returning, I took hold of the door handle and pushed. The door swung open to reveal a very dirty office.
Looking behind me, I heard no one coming, so I moved further inside the room.
Glancing around I had no idea what a mess it would be, but the page was were he said it would be. In the corner in a locked box.
Quickly I moved to the box, taking out the letter opener and stuffing it into the lip of the box. Pushing and prying, It took alot of effort just to slightly bend the lip, but the lock held firmly. The letter opener was trashed, bent in an odd shape as well.
Grumbling a few choice words under my breath, I grabbed the box in my hands and ripped the lid off. Throwing it behind me, I glanced at the wrapped page.
This was it! This is what I needed to make this whole thing end? It was just a single old worn page for christ sake! I reached inside my coat and pulled out the book. Opening it to the back, I glanced at one side of the page and then down at the missing page.
"This is it.." Reaching inside, I grabbed the page as carefully as possible and placed it inside the book. Putting that back inside my coat and zipping it up, I left things as they were and walked out. The page was covered in some plastic coating but it was the one I needed.
"Halt! Theif!" I glanced as the two guards came barreling down the last steps and down the hall towards me. Laughing, I vanished behind a pillar. They came towards that pillar and just before they got within five feet I moved with the speed granted to me with being immortal.
I flew over the ground, up the steps and down the hall, a blurr to all who may have caught my movements. They guards peeked the stairs yelling out "Satan! Devil Spawn! Theif!" as I cleared the entry doors and made it to the street.
I had done it, and managed not to kill a single soul! Hailing a taxi, I had him drive me to a park somewhere, from there I would find my way home.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

The taxi dropped me off at a park across town, paying the man I stepped out into the cool night air and felt a little safer. I had so many things on my mind, nothing really made too much sense to me anymore. There was so much happening and so quickly, I debated on what I could do now?

Fleeing to a new town perhaps would be my best bet, but where would I go? I needed to stay close as possible to this area, find the altar as far as I knew it was all that was left to do here. I didn’t dwell on Ray and Maggie and the things I would encounter once I got home again. I didn’t think about Joseph and the pain he had caused me and why did he do it to me. I thought only of my son and where he could be?

Walking along the park sidewalks, I took note of the darkness surrounding me. Very few of the lights actually worked, the sidewalks were littered with trash and discarded items. A few pigeons flew about, scurrying for food and crumbs. The taxi driver and dumped me off into a poor part of Paris. Shaking my head, I continued to walk along, hunched into my coat and lost in thought.

I felt the loneliness welling up inside again, the abandoned feeling swarming over me and once more taking a firm hold in my mind. Why me? Why was I always left alone? I shivered slightly as the wind picked up, howling through the trees and brushing its cool gusts against my cheeks. My nose turned a little red and my eyes squinted a little to see.

“Oh Michael! Where are you?” I spoke aloud my worried thoughts, my son foremost in my mind and troubled thoughts. Erika had said she left him behind, but he could be anywhere!? I wanted to strangle her, I wanted to turn around and march right into her room and take the bitch’s head off! A tear slid down my cheek as someone bumped into me.

I was going to say something to the man who nudged me, but noticed he was nothing more than a bum. “Michael is home with Maggie.” I paused in my tracks and turned to face this stranger. “Pardon me?” I asked my voice sounding a little hoarse.

“Maggie, such a lovely name.” He was rambling, but he knew my family? How could this be? I moved towards him, my hand instantly covering my nose when I got a foot from him. God he stank! Like rancid milk topped with rotted tomato sauce!

“How do you know Maggie and Michael?” I demanded harshly. He turned towards me and said nothing. Looking him over, he was simply scary! Like old fabled tales scary. He had long white filthy hair, his beard was also white and down to his belly button I would guess. His features pale and drawn, but he was mortal. I assumed him to be somewhere near ninety or so in age. He smiled at me in a twisted way and drew my attention to his mouth. Thin lips, no teeth save for a few in the upper front, his eyes were freakish. One was solid white and the other appeared to be black or a darker brown.

“Help a blind man out?” He held out his hand to me and I backed up a little, distancing myself from his foul stench. “Tell me how you know my family?” I demanded again. “Help a blind man out?” He spoke again, though his voice was shaky and showed his age, it was very pleading as well. I reached into my pocket and took out a wad of cash, stuffing it into his hand and backing away once more.

“Thank you kindly miss.” He pocketed the money and began to move along once more. “No wait! Please? How do you know my son!?” I followed slowly behind him, watching his bent form hobble slowly along the cobblestones on the side path to the woods.

“Two twisted snakes dancing in red, laid upon a stone bed. Book of old meets sword of gold, what’s been done was foretold.” He rambled faintly as he moved along. “Is that a nursery Rhyme?” I tried to make conversation and get him back on track to Michael.

He whirled around to face me, his hand coming up and his finger shoved into my face. “Seek out the clan!” he yelled in a cackling high voice, his finger hovering mere centimeters from my nose. Breath held I was totally confused by all of this?

“What is a clan?” I asked, feeling rather stupid. "Where is Michael?!"

“A bed of stone, McArin’s lands, fix what you’ve taken from God’s hands!” He turned and started hobbling forward once more. His gait slow and his head down once more.

“Sir! Sir! Wait please!” I moved around him to step in his path, “What of Michael?” He mumbled nonsense and kept walking. “Your name? What is your name?” he moved around me and ignored my questions. “I have more money, I will get you some more? Please just help me?” I pleaded, my only thought was Michael.

He laughed at something, or perhaps nothing and moved along. Ignorant to my pleas or just turning a blind ear. Either way he was not talking any longer to me this night.

Sighing heavily, I stood there, glancing at the ground and thinking. When something else came into mind, I glanced up.
“Sir?” my voice trailed off, as he was no where in sight. Where and what was the sword of gold? What was he talking about?! And just where did he go?

Irritated and a little confused, I thought over his words. Michael was home? Maggie had Michael? I felt a single ray of light inside start to twinkle and shine and I took off running. Heading for home and the hope that indeed my son was there.

 

[The GrandMage]

Joseph

He looked up, his eyes running across the door. He sat down next to the door, his back against the wall, and gazed out. What would he say to her? What could he say? Would she even trust him?

His sighed, and brought his knees up against his chest, wrapping his arms around them. He sighed, and asked himself many questions, few of which he had the answers for.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Erika

I stood firm, thinking if I could just push him out the door he wouldn't bring up old memories. But it was too late for that now, he mentioned them and they all came flooding back inside my mind. From beginning to end, all his caring and concern for me, his true friendship.
Reguardless of whatever I have done to him or others, he forgave me. He helped me, and he came back when I needed him. It wasn't love in a relationship sense, but it was love. I felt myself weaken ever so slightly, my skin chilling in the air as I stood.
Glancing down I noticed I too was wearing nothing. My towel laid discarded somewhere in the room. It didn't matter, my soul felt naked and bare and it was frightening. Soul deep frightening that made my gut clench tightly as the nervous butterflies twittered around inside.
"Wait.." I spoke aloud what my mind was thinking. I felt him behind me, not close but still his presense ate up the room. What was I going to say? Words escaped my mind as I fought back the tears once again.
So much time had passed and yet not that much. Time was something I was learning quickly to be an evil thing. And no matter how hard I ran or how invincable I thought I was, it was just lies I told myself to make me sleep at night.
I turned to face him, arms folded protectively around my sides, crossed over my chest as I stared at him. All those memories, still flashing inside my mind like a cruel movie of what could have been.
"I have missed you as well." There, I said it aloud. I still could not look directly into those dark eyes of his. I felt so much shame and I tried my hardest to kill those feelings. I kept trying to tell myself I did nothing wrong and had no reason to be ashamed. But I felt shame and very humble he would still be standing in a room with me after all I had done.
"I thought you died?" I felt another tear fall and my chin tremble slightly with that stupid bucket threatening to pour over. I had to pull it together! Snap out of it Erika! I tried so hard to stop it, inhaling deeply, my nerves calmed slightly, but the urge to cry was still there.
"How Lance? How can you stand to be in the same room with me?" The pittiful sound of my voice was again the shame rearing her head. "After all.." I stopped speaking, I couldn't form words any longer. I couldn't stop the tears or the heartache neither.

 

[poohlive]

Lance nodded, a slow understanding between them. He scooped her up, in his strong but tender arms, hugging her tightly against him.
She was so scared, so frightened. He always knew this, and he always knew it would get her in the end. The world was harsh, and she had just thought she had to be twice as tough to live in it.
He wanted for her so badly to be herself, but wasn't sure if that was even possible at this point. The very least he was hoping for a general hybrid with some sense of what to do, and what not to do.
He missed her so.
"You have so much potential, too much for me to ignore. I did create you after all, at least a beginning part, and I feel responsible. I won't ever give up on you, no matter what you do. I just want to see you do what's right."
He let a tear slip down his cheek, one for her. It was for everything that they had lost together, and created in false prophet. All of the wrongs that could not be unrighted, and the death and blood they left in their wake. One tear to the earth, no less, no more.
"I want nothing more than to help you."
He held her out, at arm's length. Just enough to take her beauty into him. The prettiest ones held in the darkest secrets. He took no shame in eyeing her over, unaware that he was naked as well.
Clothing seemed more like a necessity at this point in the game.
"Tell me, whatever it is I need to know. I can't help you unless you want to be helped, and I won't pressure you. This is your last chance, you are falling, faster than you know, and there's only one last ditch effort to save you, but I don't know if you want to be saved."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

I ran up the steps of the house and stopped a few below as a form sat huddling on the steps of my home.
"Who are you and what do you want?!" I said in a firm commanding tone. Some vagrant hanging out at my door was not on my high list of fun things to encounter while in France!