Woven Rings Of Destiny ( Continuation of The Family)

[Lord Kenshin]

Steele scowled at her, then, realizing it's been centuries since a female was actually sitting on his lap and not him having to use any special abilities. He lightened up, nodding politely, though still reserved and making sure the mental block was on. He waited patiently, wondering what this really was about.

"She said something about my mother didn't she? Hm.. My mom died so long ago.. Why would anyone still know or care about her? And why are all these vampires showing up and being to unfriendly lately? And who the hell are these ladies henchmen? They look like ingrates from the retard academy for overmuscled lugheads.."

Steele smiled to himself, chuckling softly at that lost thought, then bringing a serious look back to his face as he looked to her, wondering how she could consider him handsome. He supposed if he wasn't pissed and slightly scared, he'd be flattered and be blushing right now.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

"Well excuse me, it is bed time and I do need to get some sleep before morning comes. Ray? Are you staying?" I waited for his reply then told Talia there were rooms upstairs and she was welcome to stay and rest if she wished to.
Walking upstairs, feeling worn out and tired, I stripped down and climbed in beside Joseph.
My mind was thinking about all kinds of things, mainly the book, but I wasn't going to voice them tonight.
"Sweet dreams Love." I kissed him softly good night and laid back down to sleep.


Erika

"Well good, you are cooperative at least. Now young man, care to tell me what it is about you that Vald needs you for this book? Perhaps I can save us both some time and energy if you just fess up? So how 'bout it?" I leaned down, coming slowly closer to his face, my lithe form stretching out on top of his.
I knew how to get what I wanted, the hard or easy way. And from the feel of him underneath me, this was deffinately the 'hard' way.
I reached down and took the medalion around his neck out from under his shirt, studying it. It didn't look like anything special to me?
"Well do you know why they want you?"

 

[The GrandMage]

Joseph

He stripped down, and joined Aria in bed. Putting his arms around her, he held her close against himself as his breathing evened out. He smiled at the feel of her flesh on his, so relaxing, so wonderful. He returned her kiss, and smiled as he looked deep into her gaze before settling himself down and closing his eyes. He gave her a small squeeze. "Sweet dreams to you, too, my love."


Chad

He nodded, the cell phone held against his ear, as he listened to Vlad. "No problem, Lord Vladamir. Went like clockwork. He's here and in silver. Yes, I'll make sure nothing happens to Lady Erika. Yes, Lord Vladamir, even things she may try to do. I know how much she means to you and the cause. Of course, sir, I'll get her right now."

He straightened his tie, brushing down his suit. He had muscles. Not very big, but one could tell he had muscles. But, considering the power vampric muscles had, it was quite a thing to be as muscular as himself, even if he didn't look like one of the brawny goons they always show on televison.

He knocked on the door a few times to let her know he was coming in, and entered the room. The sighed at the sight that caught his gaze, knowing how she was. He walked over, handing out the phone. "Lord Vladamir for you, Erika."

He gave he the phone, and left the room as she put it to her ear. "Hello, my pet. I hear things have gone well for you, good. I'm in London, and I've found our,....old friends. How are you, my sweet?"

 

[Lord Kenshin]

Steele frowned, thinking about her question. Did he really know why someone named Vlad would want him. And what'd she mean by they? All he could think about was the reactions she was causing him to have, and he knew he'd never get a release for these sensations.

"Truly, I do not know who Vlad is, and even if I did, I wouldn't know why he'd want me... Why don't you tell me?"

Steele waited for her reply, though it didn't come, one of the knuckleheads came in, handing a cell phone to this lady, Erika the henchman had called her. She climbed off of him, standing beside the bed as she talked into the phone, the guy turning and leaving just as he had come in.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Erika

She was going to tell him why exactly he was there, then Chad came in giving her that look. Returning his look, I snickered at him and took the phone.
Finding out who it was I jumped from the bed and grinned.
"Hello master! Do you miss me yet?" I paused as he informed me he had found Joseph and Aria.
"So you found them.. Good. How am I?" I thought for a moment, motioning the toy on the bed to be silent.
"Ooooooh you know me Vlad hun.. I am playing with the captive.. Well not yet, I am so far just questioning him. Why?" I waited for him to respond as I sat on the edge of the bed, twirling my hair in my fingers. I watched Steele's questioning looks, he wanted answers.
Tough, he would just have to wait until Vlad was done talking to me.

 

[The GrandMage]

Lord Vladamir Trepes

He listened quietly, his sword held in fornt of his. He gave it a few swings through the room, smiling. He gave a slight frown while she was talking, but soon returned to his smile as he practiced against an invisible enemy with his sword.

"Of course I miss you, my precious. Why, it's been absolutely terrible without you here. Nothing quite livens up my day like you." He stepped forward, thrusting his sword deep into the wall in front of himself, his tone changing. "Now pet, don't have too much,...fun with our captive."

He drew the sword back out in one fluid motion, bringing with it the dust of bits and peices of the wall. His tone went back to his cheery voice, the sword moving through the empty air before himself. "Oh, I just wanted to here your voice, hun. Make sure everything was alright. You know how I worry about you. In these past years, you've managed to get in more scrapes with death than I have in my entire life. I can't wait to see you tomorrow. Have a good night's sleep. I'll be thinking about you, and every little thing you're doing."

He waited for her response, and then hung up the cell. Grunting with rage, he took a greatswing through the air, and shoved the sword hilt-deep into the wall again. "I swear, she can either be the most relaxing or the most stressing thing in my life. I just wish she'd make a decision and stick with it."

 

[Sweetp4u]

Erika

Chuckling at his obvious irritation, I said good night and hung up the phone. He was always so pissy when I was gone for a few days. Seemed to think he owned me, and I was Always into trouble.
I looked down at Steele and smiled, "Get some sleep we have a long flight in a few hours cutie." Giving him a wink, I walked out of the room and told Chad to watch him all night.
Walking into the next room, I climbed into bed and laid down to sleep.
I was worn out and ready to sleep for a few days, but since that wouldn't happen, I would settle for hours instead.

 

[nightray]

Ray

I watch as every one goes to there own bed to sleep. I look out the window debating whither I want to stay hear around Aria and Joseph who I still love but can’t seem to be arund for long with out pain. I stand and walk out side looking arund I find a small garden with a stone bench over looking it. I lay down on the stone looking up in to the night sky for awhile giving Aria and Joseph time to play so I don’t have to lesson or smell it.

I finely stand up and walk back in side lessoning carefully I smile as I hear nothing. I walk up the stairs and finned a room as far from there’s as I can get and fall on the bed falling deeply asleep.

 

[Lady Talia]

Talia

Talia exited the building quietly as they all finally went up to bed. She swung her suit-case in her hand and whistled absently to her music.

She got into one of the cars and proceeded to drive in no particular direction. Turning up the radio she eased on to he nearly deserted highway and pulled out a map. She navigated her way to the house her friend had got for her.

Pulling into the drive way she got out and bounded up the front drive. Two knocks later, she was in and ready to prepare for bed.

"Can you take this car back to this location please?" she asked one of the servants kindly.

"Yes miss"

"Thanks"

Talia lay back in the bed after she had shed her clothes and donned a gown. The birds of the night seem to beckon her to sleep but she couldn't really. She was thinking of the book.

"A chance to live again" she thought aloud

 

[Shoty98]

Maggie

Finally the plane had gone in the air, and just when I thought it the flight couldn't get any worse it did. I could feel the muscle in my jaw twitching as my teeth ground together, his exsessive chattering had been the end of the torment this, first-classer would give me through the flight. Now he snored, sounding like that of a chainsaw on the verge of blowing it's little motor.
The flight attendant came by and asked if she could get me anything.

"A couple of the dirtiest socks you find on the plane would be the nicest gift anyone could bring me. But if you can't manage that I would like a very stiff, very tall glass of brandy." She smiled her apology for the monstrosity that slept loudly beside me and scurried off to bring my drink. while she was away I slouched down in my seat and propped my booted feet on the arm rest of the seat in fron tof me. Why couldn't anything go as I planned it? Why could i not get the peaceful sleep that I richly deserved, and despritely needed? This was not the idea of the flight I imagined I would take to London. I shrugged and sighed, turning my attention to my boots noticing that they had a few scuffs, that needed buffed out.

It was not the most exciting thing to occupy my mind but it seemed to, for the moment, work to block out the man next to me. "Here you go ma'am.....your brandy." I started and turned to look at her "I...ah...thank you." She gave me a sympathetic smile and went about her work. I sipped the brandy from the glass, contemplating just how I was going to explain to Ray why I had left the way I did. Would he ever forgive me? I thought I had only been thinkig about it for a short period of time, but to my surprise the captain was anouncing our approach for landing.

I straightened in my seat and glanced at the empty glass in my hand. I set it on the tray as the attendant came by and buckled my seat belt. The man beside me woke and began his chatter all over again, but was silenced when the plain shimmied with a bout of turbulance. In a short time we had landed and I was leaving the chatter-box in my wake. My head was pounding as I gathered my luggage and found a taxi. Giving him the address for the motel I sat back, basking in the silence. When I thought things couldn't get anymore skeewampus, I find out at the motel that there had been a horrible mistake, and that Aria was at a townhouse.

A little while later I found the cab pulling in front of the townhouse and stopping abruptly. I sat for a long while, gathering the enrgy to move from the seat. The cab driver was kind enough to remove my bags from the trunk of the car and set the on the sidewalk. I took a long deep breath, paid the driver and stepped out of the cab, slowly making my way to the door. I knocked softly on the door and turned the handle to let myself in "Aria?" I called softly, not knowing if she had brought the little man or not. How I missed him and all his joy, Micheal had filled part of the light that had been missing in Aria's.

I didn't hear anything at first and decided, that, since it was morning I didn't need to be quiet any longer. "Aria!, It's morning lazybones, get your butt up and out of bed." I paused and began lugging in my luggage.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

Hearing Maggie downstairs, I rolled over and groaned, stuffing my head under the pillow.
"Damn her and her morning happiness!" I growled half laughed, crawling out of bed, I stretched and wandered to the door.
Yelling down the stairs at her, "Dammit! Do you always have to wake the dead?!" Chuckling I slowly made my way down the stairs and glanced at her bags.
"Pack everything you own in those??" She gave me a tollerant look that meant I was gonna get popped sooner or later. Laughing, I hugged her hello.
"About time you got here, I was surrounded by serious people again.." yawning I sat down on the stairs and put my face in my hands.
"Alright I'm awake now.. thanks to you.. Glad to see you made it. You'll never guess who is here?"
"Who?" Came her question, boredom apprent on her face then a smile.
"No it isnt Micheal. Joseph found me... Ray is here too." She stood a moment a little dumbfounded both were in this very house after two long years of neither being around. I watched her to see her reaction.

 

[Shoty98]

Maggie

My smile dimmed and the lift in my sholders diminished, my hopes of getting to see Micheal gone. That little one had a face and a smile that could lift the spirits of anyone on their darkest day, and in their darkest hour.
I stood there shocked and speechless, how had it happened. How had the majority, of the remaining family, been brought back together and now stood beneath the same roof. There was a wrenching in the pit of my stomach, I swallowed hard past the lump of emotion in my throat "How is Joseph....and Ray? And how is it that we have all come to be under the same roof, once more?"
Pausing for a moment I debated on whether or not I could face the answer to the question that was now on my mind..
Contemplating, weighing what the possible answers could be. I ran a hand through my long brown hair and cleared my throat
"Alright let's get this out into the open....how angry and hurt is Ray? Any idea how he will react to me being here? Just so I can prepare myself for the reaction, then we can chat over breakfast about why your telegram seemed so urgent and just what you need me for."
My gaze shifted to the floor and I took a couple of deep breaths to calm my nerves and try to keep them calm.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

Shrugging, I didn't know how Ray was really, "Well dark and brooding as ever. But that's Ray. He's hurting and blocked himself up tighter than before. I dont know if he'll let anyone in again. Joseph is the same, a little tired and weary from the battles with Vladamir, but all in all he is well." i chuckled before going on, "He might be a little grumpy because his wife is occupied with this book right now, and during breakfast I will explain."
I stood up and stretched, "Let's get your things upstairs and into one of the rooms.. Well not unpacked at least in a room. Soon we head for Spain." I grabbed one of her suitcases and a smaller bag and headed up the stairs.
Setting them inside her room, I took her hand and jerked her back down stairs with me. "Im starving, let's raid the kitchen." Chuckling again We made our way down and searched the kitchen.
"Im glad you got my telegram and made it. There is alot to tell you." I opened the fridge and began to search.

 

[Shoty98]

Maggie

The wrenching in my stomach tightened "Brooding huh?....." The words trailed off there as I reach out and tried connect with Ray, it was no use. I felt like I had run smack dab into a brick wall. Picking up my last bag I followed Aria upstairs and dropped the bag in the room.

"I am glad Joseph is back, and well. It is good to see that light in yours eyes again hun." I spoke softly as she pulled me out of the room and back downstairs to the kitchen. As Aria made her way through the fridge, I checked the old pantry. I spotted a bag of potatoes..

"Hey missy, there any eggs and bacon in there? I found some potatoes." I chuckled and pulled out the potatoes "And before you explain all that non- important stuff, you must tell me about the most important things. Like how that little ra-a-muffin is doing. I missed him so while I was away." A joking matter-of-factness filled my voice. Pulling up a chair I grabbed a knife and a bag and began peeling potatoes.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

"Well there are eggs and bacon in here." I pulled them out and set them on the counter, along with some milk and orange juice.
"Micheal? He was terrorizing his nanny last time I talked to them. He is babbling more and more each day, and running instead of walking." I sighed a little lonely look in my eyes as I thought of my son. I missed him terribly, but I best not brood over that. I would see him soon enough.
Smiling slightly, I shook my head at her comments, "I had you come because I am searching for the Black Book of Merlyn. And I know where to get it, just not how to get it. So far It's all a confusing mess. But Since there is nothing to research here in London and the libraries, I guess we will head towards Spain soon by train. We need to get to the coast. Its the book that supposedly has the spell to reverse the vampire. Not sure exactly what happens though when this spell is done. Not even sure it will work, but I do know it is worth it to find the book and at least destroy it." I fell silent and began to cook the bacon.

 

[The GrandMage]

Joseph

Silent, he leaned against the doorway into the kitchen, watching the two. He smiled, and stood up straight. "Of course, we could always turn back to humans, or even let people choose whether they want to be vampires or not. Of course, those that do would have to have the spell reversed for themselves in order to replace those that chose a normal life. It's entirely possible that one with the gift could do that, but only Cat and Vlad have those anymore in the world, so I'm not really sure. Of course, Cat was pregnant last we saw her, so her child might have the gift as well."

He shrugged, and stepped up behind Aria. He had on a pair of slacks and an unbuttoned shirt. He put his arms around her, looking over her shoulder as he kissed her cheek. "I hope you two don't mind be interupting your girl talk, but I noticed something missing in my bed, and decided to go looking for it.

"Good morning, hun. Are you making some for me, or do I have to fend for myself?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

I glanced at Joseph lounging in the doorway and shook my head, "you always seem to know when I am not in bed. I think you don't sleep but wait for me to move." Chuckling I leaned back into him and called him a "Gloomy gus" as I went back to cooking breakfast.
"Why should I feed you? You might grow and take more of the blankets in your sleep." I teased.
"See here, I thought Maggie would point out all the if's in there and the worried stuff and here I have my full grown husband pointing them out. I swear you two are just negative. It could be a good thing and as you so clearly pointed out a not so good thing. How ya want your eggs love?" I glanced over my shoulder at him as he leaned in to check out how I was managing the bacon.
"Either way, if it doesn't work or we can't even cast the damned spell, I still think we should get the book. And I will go for the book, you are invited to come along or hang out here bored to tears." I smiled sweetly and moved from under Joseph to put the bacon on a platter.
"Potatos are almost done, best get the eggs cookin and wake Ray."

 

[The GrandMage]

Joseph

He raised an eyebrow. "Hey, I gave a really good example of an outcome. And I wouldn't steal the blankets if you'd sleep a little closer."

He grinned, and wrapped his arms back around her, giving her a squeeze. "Tell you what, I'll make the eggs if Maggie'll wake Ray. How's that? What kind of eggs would you all like? Some French Toast, maybe?"

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

"Sleep closer?! If I was any closer I would be ON TOP of you, you just won't admit you hog the blankets and wrap up like a tamale." that said I turned and winked at Maggie, watching her laugh at the both of us.
"And your out come was gloomy mister. So cook the eggs already, over medium and dont break the yolk." I kissed his cheek and moved towards the stairs.
"I'll wake Ray ya big wusses.. Be back in a moment, behave yourselves.." chuckling I walked upstairs and opened Ray's bedroom door.
"Rise and shine sleepy head.." I walked over and glanced down, he was still sound asleep. Placing my hand on his shoulder I shook him gently, but firmly. "Ray? WAKE UP!!!!!" Giggling I watched him jerk in the bed. "Breakfast will be ready shortly."

 

[nightray]

Ray

Some where in my sleep I feel Maggie near buy and my mind shifts to dreams of her of holding and being held by her. The feel of her sweet lips on mine and the taste of her skin and blood fills my mouth.

I jerk my eyes flying open as Aria shakes me I look arund saying “Maggie in a tired confused voice.” I blink a few times my eye focusing on Aria my face falling back in to an emionless mask as my mind fully wakes. I say in a tired inflectionless voice I’m not hunger. I role back over putting a pillow over my head.

 

[Sweetp4u]

Aria

I reached out and slapped him hard on the ass, "Get up and stop acting like a spoiled brat! My god life goes on, get the fuck over it and get up already before I just walk out and leave your self pitying ass here!" I jerked the blankets off of his body and glared down at him.
"This has been drawn out long enough, Misery may love company but not this person. Got it? I dont need to hear or see any more self pity crap in your eyes. Its life, get over it and move on already Ray. God!" I stomped back out of the room, slamming the door hard enough things feel off the dresser inside the room Ray was in moping around like a two year old.
I marched back down stairs, glare apprent in my eyes as I gazed at Joseph and Maggie.
"If he doesn't stop this 'woe is me' shit and soon, IM going to kill him and end MY misery. Shit." Grabbing a hand towel and wiping off my hands, I walked through the kitchen door out back into the garden to try and get back some happiness I felt just a little bit ago. Shaking my head, I sat down on the steps and took deep even breaths to calm myself before I gutted Ray. What the fuck point was there to living if all you did was sit around and piss and whine about life?! I could not understand it then and I couldn't understand it now.
Granted he was needy and he missed the love, but that was no excuse to be a fuckin shell of a man. He was irritating me for some reason, mostly I thought because he was once so strong, now he is nothing but a shadow. It was disgusting and pissed me off he would sink into depression that far.
I was beginning to think I should send Ray home and leave it as it was, perhaps at home he was content. Though I doubted it.

 

[nightray]

Ray

I frown as Aria left the room I grit my teeth then relax thinking that maybe I shouldn’t have come after all. I sit up and move to the bathroom locking the door and pealing off my clothes. I tern the shower on as hot as it will go the room quickly filing with fog I get in under the water letting the hot water smooth away the knots in my muscles. I then step out of the water drying my self off with a plush towel.

I walk back in to my room and get drest strapping on my daggers and my sword. Then stand looking out the window leading to the side of the house. I open the window and swing out dropping on to the ball of my feet landing quite as cat. I then tern to the front to the house and move in to the city not wonting to face Aria scorn.

I move threw the streets her wards echoing through my head causing me to sink deeper in to my self loathing. I don’t even notes the common street thug com up behind me swinging a baseball bat at my head but I hear the weasel of air in time to deflect most of the blow but I stumble back form him my sight going double for a second. I then attack slamming in to hem and biting his throat savagely ripping it out not thinking of what I’m doing.

I few minuets later I stand feeling his blood run though me like liquid fire. I look down at my self blood covering my shirt and I see the man throat torn wide open like an animal had ripped it out. I sye as I pick the body up and carry it to a near by man hole leading down it to the sours. I lift it up easily and I drop the corps down in to the sewers when he’s fond the cops will think he was savaged my some wild dog in the sewers or some thing.

I put the cover back over the man hole and walk away taking off my shirt and thronging it in to a dumpster making sheer it’s pushed all the way to the bottom and I then fide a rat ripping its head of and squeezing the blood out over the shirt to cover up the human blood. I let the rats’ body drop in to a deferent dumpster and walk farther in to the ally.

I find a make shift close line with a dissent shirt on it I take it making shear know one sees me and I put it on. I then move in to the streets of London blending in with the locals easily having had lived her for a fifty years or so granted it was in the 1800’s but I still manage to blend in.

I keep moving through the streets aimlessly trying to figger out what I’m going to do and why Aria thinks she needs me so bad that she came and got me even though I so obviously piss her of so easily. I stop at a night club that looks like it mite be able to distract me form my own problems for a wile. I slip in side and smiling at the dark room and the leather clad people drest in gothic clothes and some even have there faces painted up. Several with vampire costumes. I shake my head thinking if only they new.

I walk to the back finding a heavily cushioned booth I slide in to it sinking in to the cushions as I look arund. A waters wearing a dress the levees absolutely nothing to the imagination come up to me asking what I would like. I smile softly saying “I’ll have a bloody marry.”

She nods and walk away coming back with my drink a few minutes later. I sip my drink watching as kids dance in the center of the club grinding absenly agenst one another girls with girls and guys with guys along with the normal cupules.

I finely look at my empty glace my eyes turning inward trying to think of when I started the down ward spiral in to this dark depression. I shake my head as it seems I just keep going in circles of self loathing. I think it acketchily started when the one I thought of as a little sister one to me protected at all costs died so close to me and there was nothing I could do I wasn’t even the one to avenger her death. I feel a tear forming in my eyes and savagely wipe it away not liking the show of weakness.

Then came Aria how broke my carefully crafted walls down with out even trying but she betrayed me even though she promised she would never do that and it was none other then Joseph my brother that took her. Then cam Maggie how left me with out explanation I sye absently shattering the glass in my hand not even noticing the pain of being cut.

That’s way I feel apart I think it all happened so fast to fast I shake my head and now my mined wont let it go any of it. I raise my hand looking at the cuts absently watching them heal over as if they never where. I push the shattered glace to one side as I lean back in to my set looking up at the lights of the club flashing rethemickly. As I try to bring my mind under my control once agene trying to drag my self up out of the quicksand like depression knowing its not good for me.

 

[Lord Kenshin]

Steele had a sleepless night, tossing and turning, sweating from an unknown heat as he tried to find comfort in the darkness. He couldn't even find that. He wished that lady would come back in and at least undo his arm shackles, she had kind of left him high and dry. He muttered curses as he tried to roll on his side, only ending up in a more uncomfortable laying position.

"Stupid vampires.. always wanting to possess and control.. I wish I wasn't one of them.."



-----------------------------------------------------


Steel woke sharply, sunlight bathing his room as Chad through open the curtain, giving him a sinister smirk as he walked from the room.

"Fucking hired help.. They just get lousier."

Steele hoped the guy would here him. He hated how they acted and treated him, nothing more than a common human. Like he was one they could feast on if they wanted.

 

[The GrandMage]

Joseph

He busied himself making eggs as he heard Aria go, slam the door, and come back downstairs. Quickly finishing up the eggs, he smiled at Maggie, and left the food on the table before running up to talk some sense into Ray. He couldn't still be hung up on Aria, as much as he may play around. If there's one thing Joseph had made clear, it was to never turn people. The chances of survival were low, and, since they had to depend on you, oftentimes they got a vague, if false, feeling of love. He'd found happiness, why couldn't he get over himself. And just because Maggie was gone didn't mean she wouldn't be back, like she had.

Once again, he got to thinking of Ray as his little brother. He acted it, some times. A child, who wasn't happy with anything unless it went exactly how he wanted it. Cat had been stolen from Joseph, and although, yes, he had moped, he hadn't gone on this long. Life had turned, he'd moved on. Ray wasn't upstairs. He frowned, and then went back downstairs.

"Eat up, Maggie, it looks like Ray went out for breakfast."

He moved outside, following Aria. He sat down next to her, watching her as he grinned. "Hey, breakfast is getting cold. Don't worry about Ray, I've known him for a long time. He's just like a child. He's throwing his tantrum now, but he'll get over himself once he sees Maggie again."

 

[Shoty98]

Maggie

I returned Joseph's smile with one of my own as he left the room. The happy teasing and laughter that had gone on but a few moments ago had been shattered. I couldn't blame Ray for being angry, but by god did he have to take it out on everyone else? I was lost in my own thoughts, anger welling inside, 'the least he could do is let me explain' I thought silently 'explain to him that I didn't leave to hurt him and because I didn't love him. I left to take care of things.'

I jumped as Joseph came back into the kitchen, anouncing Ray had left. I gave him a nod, watching him retreat through the door to find Aria. The beginings of a headache were forming. I rested my elbows on the table, fingers gently rubbing at my temples, I thought of what I could do. I reached out for Ray with my mind, hoping that somewhere deep inside him there was a part of him that could not, and would not ignore me. I felt the brick wall he had put up, stronger and harder than before, but I kept pushing.

"Dammit Ray, get your ass back here and confront me now. Yell, scream, get as angry as you like but let's get this out in the open and taken care of now. Aria needs the both of us for this quest, and that will be impossible if we don't solve this now."

That is where I left it and dished myself up some food. Eating a little and picking at it while I thought about this book Aria was searching for. A book with a spell to reverse, to turn vampires back to humans? It sounds a bit to good to be true, which probably means it is. I shrugged and took another bite of food, letting happy thoughts take over. "Hey you two! Breakfast is getting colder by the minute. Get in here and eat dammit, let's not have the whole day ruined by anger and moping." I called out with a chuckle.