Kava stepped up to the front door and looked around. The house had no door bell and no house number. Boy, she thought, someone really doesn’t want anybody to find this house. Kava peered through in window only to see what looked like a regular home. Chairs, couches, tables, colors, everything that her house has. A little strange for a vampire, Kava thought.
Kava stepped down off the porch and began to walk around the side of the house. It was overwhelmed with shrubs of all kind. No one had trimmed them in years, she estimated. Kava proceeded to the back of the house to find something she could use to get in the house.
Premethis paused in eating his food and looked up. Raven and Ather could tell that he sense something.
“What is it Premethis?” Ather put his fork down and stared intensively at Premethis.
“Something’s not right here. I can feel it.” He put his fork down and began to stand up. Premethis looked around wildly as he searched for the mistake of the tranquility.
“Master, I believe that a vampire hunter has entered our home. She attacked me a couple years back and wounded me. I can feel her presence.”
Kava found a latter of some sort and leaned it against the house. It stopped short of a windowsill. She could find nothing else so this will do. Kava began to climb trying to be careful not to make too much noise. She finally reached the top. The window was open, she wasn’t expecting that. Kava grabbed onto the ledge and pulled herself up just enough to peer into the window. She glanced around and found nothing in her sights. Kava then hoisted herself up and landed gently on her feet.
The carpet was smooth which assisted in the ease of the landing. The room consisted of black. How Kava hated black was indescribable. Most vampire hunters were either forced to like black or just naturally liked it. Raven naturally liked it and that made her vulnerable to vampires.
Kava steadied herself and pulled out a hand knife from the holder mounted on her back. She was ready for anything Premetheis would throw at her, literally.
Premetheis then raced through the kitchen into the hall leading up the stairs.
“Premetheis, wouldn’t it be easier just to blink places then to make this entire clamor?” Ather stood beside Raven, making sure she doesn’t move anywhere she’s not supposed to. For example, upstairs to her sister.
“Ather, mind telling me who’s up there? If you’re not going to tell me, I’ll just find out myself and would you want that happening, would you?” Raven was cunning, very tricky. Although she did have a point, Ather didn’t plan on telling her.
Raven would become stronger as she feed and gotten used to the fact that she is a vampire. What would weaken her, would be seeing her sister again living and well, then seeing her dead on the floor. It would undoubtedly scar her. Ather was not willing to risk destroying his new creation forever. He wanted the best for Raven, and her watching her sister being killed was not considered the best.
“Raven, Premetheis and I will handle this. I don’t want you to get involved and end up hurt. Okay, Raven?” Ather looked like he was being honest but Raven still had some doubts on whether he was telling her the truth.
“If you do not desire me hurt, then I will obey your orders but if your not being true,” Raven went closer to Ather, Their noses were about to touch when she continued. “I will remind you that I do not have a problem with killing my own kind, as I always did.” Raven then disappeared. Ather searched for her mind, finding her in Russia. He didn’t ask her why as long as she was far way from Connecticut.
Ather blinked upstairs to Premetheis’ side to find himself on the defensive. A knife dug in to Ather left upper arm, meant for Premetheis. This certain cut would mostly likely scar, he wasn’t worried about that. The blade forged by Kava’s ancestors burned because of the magic within the silver. Ather Swore as he realized who it was. Kava Vida, Raven’s sister and daughter of Turquoise, the greatest of all vampire hunters.
“What are you doing here, Kava?” Ather asked after the pain dulled a little.
“I’m looking for my little sister, Raven. Would you happen to know what happened to her?” Kava was looking straight in the cold eyes of Ather, implying a fight.
“No, I wouldn’t dare hurt Turquoise’s youngest daughter. Too risky indeed.” Blood was still dripping from Ather’s cut. It wasn’t deep enough to be fatal, and for that, Ather was grateful.
“Okay,” Kava edged her way towards the window, not taking her eyes off Ather; not trusting him. “Then I guess I’ll be leaving now.” Kava knew that what ever she did, they wouldn’t let her get away especially after what she just did.
“I don’t think so,” Premetheis said while moving towards Kava. She was standing right in front of the window. Kava was too frightened to notice that Ather was gone. Premetheis kept moving towards her gaining speed. It seemed a life time until Kava reached the window ledge and prepared to jump. She looked out the window checking if anything was there to land on: nothing.
With her eyes off Premetheis, he took the chance and pushed her out the window. Ather was right below her second before she’d hit the ground. He caught her with ease and laid her down on the ground. The air pressure must have had an impact on her already stressful mind, in which knocked her out completely. This made it easier for Premetheis and Ather to move her.
Kava would arise the next morning in a dark cell. Ather knew any witch would want to wake up and be able to see the sun or the stars; he put her in a cell with no windows and barley breathable air. Raven would never know who was down here.
Raven, where are you? Ather had wanted her home. Please come home now, it’s safe. Ather realized how much he had missed her. Raven’s presence was always a pleasure whether fighting or engaging in simple conversation.
Ather, I need it not to be safe. I can very well defend myself. I will be there in a moment, I’m busy. Raven was not in Russia anymore, Ather sensed her mind. It took some time because Raven had learned to shield her mind. Although, a fledging cannot shield their mind from their blood mother or father.
He found her in a simple town of Switzerland getting a massage. He laughed at the thought of Raven sitting in a tub of mud. He laughed out loud but he meant not too.
“What is so funny about this situation, master?” Premetheis stood with hands folded behind his back. His jeans were slit in three places where Kava’s knife had made contact. His black t-shirt hugged the form of his body very elegantly.
“Oh, Raven’s in Switzerland getting a massage. Just the thought of her sitting in a tub full of mud, is amusing.” Ather chuckled as the last image diminished from his mind. Premetheis joined in as he realized how humorous that site must have been.
“Raven, so glad to see you again. Have fun in Switzerland?” Ather and Premetheis were lounging on the couch discussing what to do with Kava when they both recognized Raven’s scent. She appeared moments later.
“Yes, I had a great time. I hope you two had a glorious time fending off that witch. I can still sense her in the house. Did you kill her?” Raven took the open spot next to Ather. He felt more secure when she is around him.
“Well, we had some difficulties with her. She fainted and we had to bring her downstairs to rest until she wakes up and is ready to leave.” Ather had quickly made up this lie though it was not far from the truth. He hoped Raven would believe it.
“Is she a threat?” Raven had a smirk upon her face. Most vampires have the same smirk when they found something amusing.
“No she is not.” Premetheis thought he should add in a word or two.
“Good. Now, on to more important matters.” Raven was planning something and Ather did not like the untrusting shiftiness of her eyes.
“What could be more important, especially when you’re the one to bring them up?” Ather was defiantly curious about this.
“Why are you holding me back from be coming a fully grown vampire? I can fight like you and use my mind like you so then why are you holding me back from becoming one of you. Why do you like at me and do not accept me as one of your own? I wish to know the truth, and I hope that you shall tell me the truth.” Raven didn’t have anger in her eyes. Ather couldn’t find any word that described the look she was giving him right now. Maybe it was sensitivity, or tranquility that he had corrupted. He didn’t know.
“Raven, the threat you laid out before me when I asked you to leave was a bit discouraging. It’s always hard for anyone to accept someone into their family. Not just humans, vampires, witches, shape shifters.” he trailed on. “The point it that, it’s not an easy adjustment. We all feel a bit of love every once and a while, maybe this is the time you feel it too.” Ather didn’t know what exactly he was saying at the current moment; all he knew was that he believed it with all his heart.
“I don’t understand.” Raven stated. Truthfully, she didn’t. To her it sounded like Ather was going through is once and a while love thing. She didn’t want that to happen. She didn’t know what she wanted anymore.
“Well if that’s it, I will resign to my bed. I will rise by nightfall.” Raven then blinked to her room, collapsed in her bed and fell fast asleep. Her sleep was peaceful and claming despite the fact that she didn’t dream as the rest of her kind.
“Premetheis, I wish to be alone to think things over, if that’s alright with you of course.” Ather said while rubbing his eyes.
“Sure, if you need anything just call okay?” Premetheis blinked out of sight to somewhere Ather knew not and desired not to.
What was he going to do about Raven? Did he feel something for her? Even if he did, he was sure it was going to weaken him. Ather paced about the living room, not that it would help out all. He was thinking aloud, which he did often. Although the dark walls never answered, he still likes to him them company.
“Why did I have to change her? If I didn’t would I feel lonely without her? Would she go on with her life or try to kill me again?” Ather paced faster at each question he asked.
Silence.
“Damnit.” Ather froze when he saw his sister, Klisthen, right in front of him. She was Ather’s blood sister, another fledging of Jechiziah. Ather hoped that her business here would take a short time period but he had an eerie feeling it would not.
“Happy to see me Ather?” Klisthen said in between that wide smile on her face. Ather had grown to hate that smile.
“Oh, yes, very.” Ather returned the same devious smile he received. “State your business and go. I have better things to attend to other than you.”
“Well, if you want it that way, you’ll have it that way.” Klisthen sat down on the red velvet couch Raven and Ather were just lounging on recently. “Raven Vida, Ather. What were you thinking? That name is easily tracked. What if her mother, Turquoise came looking for her? I cannot let my famous brother be found and killed by a vampire hunter after all these years. She must change her name in order to not so bluntly cause a threat.” Klisthen peered at Ather with eyes of the serpent, evil and angered.
“I disapprove completely,” Ather did not like Klisthens attitude towards this subject. Frankly, he didn’t like Klisthen at all. From the way she deals with things to the way she treats humans or even her attitude stinks. “Klisthen, I’m not young anymore, you do not have to look out for me. Now, please leave.” Ather was growing impatient. Klisthen could tell by the tone of his voice.
“Ather, listen to me –“
“Out Klisthen,” Ather interrupted, which obviously annoyed her but Ather was growing bored and tired of this.
“I highly doubt Jechiziah would approve of this. She might bring Raven to the Council to have her inspected. Raven was a vampire hunter; those instincts of killing do not just disappear. You should know that by now, Ather. She’s not strong now and never will be. She’ll grow up to be a disgrace to her line. Raven will never be more than a mere human and she will never learn to be a vampire, not even half of one.” Klisthen now was standing up invading Ather’s space like she owned it. Her anger had taken advantage of the outlet. Klisthen was sure Ather did not appreciate what she had to say.
“Klisthen,” He said calmly. “You are in my house, my territory. I will hurt you if I feel the need to defend my fledging. I have asked you nicely, I was stern with you and now I just have to be blunt. Get out! I don’t like killing my kind, Klisthen, but for you, I would gladly make an exception.” Ather said, making his threat clear.
“Likewise, but don’t come crawling back to me and say I didn’t warn you” Klisthen gave Ather one last glare before she blinked out of sight. Ather was thankful that she chose a wise decision. He would not like to kill her and it would not be a pretty site to see.
Ather was reluctant to leave Raven all alone in his house. Premetheis was in Massachusetts in New Mayhem. He was having a couple of drinks in the night club La Noche. In order to keep this situation from getting out of hand, he must go and see Jechiziah. Maybe even the creator himself, Siete.
Ather had left Raven for a reason worth defending. He hadn’t spent much time with Raven since she was changed and yet Raven seemed to be the most beautiful creature to walk this earth.
She had naturally fair skin, which was unusual for a witch. Her golden locks seemed to shimmer more in the darkness than in the light. Her once emerald green eyes were mysterious and deep. Those of which truly made her belong in the darkness with them, with Ather.
Why do I have to be attracted to her and yet I barely know her, he cursed. This feeling had been with him all along but when he left her alone he realized the wrenching truth.
Ather proceeded into Jechiziah’s territory. He was fazed and distracted by the scent of blood. The impact got stronger when he entered Lutheran, Jechiziah’s night club. Ather hadn’t fed in days in which made him vulnerable to others. Especially in someone else’s territory. The lighting didn’t seem to help much either.
What are you doing here? Gabriel asked. Gabriel is another fledging of Jechiziahs. He is almost as old as Ather, which made him Ather’s rival.
We have the same mother, Gabriel. Why else would I be here? Ather answered him displeased with his welcome. Ather and Gabriel were meant to be rivals when they were changed. Ather is undoubtedly stronger than Gabriel mentally; he wasn’t so sure about physically.
Where is she anyway? Ather asked, walking up to Gabriel.
How am I supposed to know? Gabriel took a sip of his drink, which seemed to be a Bloody Mary.
You are her little pet, obedient like a dog, Gabriel. She has you on a leash that stretches arms length. Jechiziah has you feeding out of the palm of her hand. I ask again, Gabriel. I am not in a good mood, don’t make it worse or it might end up fatal: for you of course. Ather was growing impatient with Gabriel. He didn’t have the time for this at all. Ather could feel Gabriel’s anger rising, he took pleasure in this. Gabriel had a high temper and Ather always loved tormenting him.
Gabriel lashed at with his power which sent Ather back into the wall. He didn’t hesitate to act. Ather changed form to a black panther, his favorite animal, and pinned Gabriel down on the bar. Paws were digging deeper into Gabriel’s skin. He pushed Ather off of him, only a couple of feet to delay him. Gabriel took advantage of his hesitation to look under the bar for something, anything.
Ather rapidly found his feet and switched back to human form. He was on top of Gabriel again with in seconds. This time, Ather went for a more dangerous injury that would heal slower than cut from claws.
He held Gabriel at his throat, pinned down again, on the bar. His instincts kicked in and tried to fight with Ather but his grip tightened each time Gabriel began to struggle.
“This time I will not be so generous Gabriel.” Ather said while his grip tightened to add effect to his words.
Who said you were being generous in the beginning. Gabriel could not speak the human tongue while his throat was being destroyed.
“I will squeeze your vertebrae right through your windpipe, Gabriel. Don’t tempt me to carry out my plans.” Rage flickered in Ather’s black eyes.
The crowd in Lutheran has subsided. Most humans left knowing how dangerous fighting vampires can be. Especially after hearing the threat Ather had stated ever-so casually. The crowd now was mostly vampire and a couple shape shifters who were debating on leaving as well.
If you are willing to kill your own brother, Gabriel was skating on thin ice. Then start now. Amusement had filled Gabriel’s features but Ather managed not to see how this was, anything but, funny.
“Alright then, I hope your fond of pain because that’s the last thing you’re going to feel.” Ather said. He began to squeeze harder while lashing out with his own power. He had never experienced the two at the same time but he had heard it was excruciatingly painful; as he hoped it would be.
His grip was definitely fatal to humans as he felt and heard Gabriel’s windpipe collapse. It was a sickening sound to anything who had heard it.
Jechiziah must have felt Gabriel’s pain and blinked to her own night club. Not surprised by what she saw, when she arrived. Jechiziah was outraged.
“Why the hell are two of my fledglings fighting in my night club?” Jechiziah was shaking with fury. Ather paused for a moment to glance back at his mother.
With the setback of his opponent, Gabriel brought both his knees up to his chest and kicked Ather, sending him crashing into the wall on the other side of the room where he was thrown earlier.
Gabriel still lay on top of the bar with hands at his throat. He’s gasping for breath even though he doesn’t need it. It’s a natural reaction. Gabriel’s windpipe will take longer to heal. Ather completely collapsed it with that deadly grip. Gabriel sent a glower in Ather’s direction, in which was fully returned.
“Answer me,” Jechiziah said, continuing when she heard no answer. “You fools. I’d think you’d both know better than to fight here, of all places. There is a better way to settle this dispute. Up to my quarters,” Jechiziah turned to Gabriel then Ather. Both of them looked at each other, not trusting the other if one dared to look away.
“Now!” Jechiziah screamed, “If you both don’t move this instant I’ll tear your heart out and feed it to the sharks of the icy waters in Russia, myself.”
Both of them jumped up and blinked upstairs. When Jechiziah brought up her heritage, she was best avoided. If bringing it up directed towards you, you’d be dead not doing what she says. Ather sacrificed a lot to get this life, he wasn’t about to throw it all away.
Jechiziah was waiting for them, as Ather appeared first. Gabriel was still recovering form his painful jury. She paced back and forth in front of her black bed.
The room was entirely black, which was normal for a vampire. The bed was a canopy, made of a dark mahogany. There were black out shades and black walls. A black velvet couch and a chair in the corner made of the same material.
The murals on the walls were of Norse Gods. Rubies stood for the eyes of the great wolf, Fenris who swallowed the sun in Greek mythology: which was painted on the ceiling. On the right wall was Echidna, the Greek mother of all monsters. She was Jechiziah’s favorite. Sapphires were in place of her eyes.
The support poles of the canopy were carved from mahogany in the design of the Norse World Serpent. Two onyx stones replaced the glowing yellow eyes. Finally, Cerberus on the left wall: a three-headed dog that guarded the black gates of Haides. Cerberus had amethysts for eyes. All murals had been outlined in white and a very faint color filled the inside of the strangely bright barriers.
Ather walked over the chair in the corner and sat down never taking his eyes off Gabriel. He made himself at home while Gabriel lounged on the couch across the room. Both were still staring at each other, hatred high in the atmosphere. Everyone in Jechiziah’s room could sense it. Jechiziah paced at the foot of her bed, angered with frustration. She didn’t know where to begin.
“What were you two doing fighting on my bar? Ather, you’re not that dim-witted to know how much I hate fighting, especially my own two fledglings on my own territory. Now explain yourselves.” Jechiziah paused to look at Ather, indicating he go first.
“Well, I was looking for you and then I stumbled upon this idiot who challenged me. I never turn down a challenge, Jechiziah, you know that.” Ather said trying to keep his voice smooth and fearless. Jechiziah was the only vampire Ather was afraid of and she knew it. This was the only control Jechiziah had over Ather.
“Oh really?” Jechiziah then turned to Gabriel. “Gabriel, what’s your excuse?”
“Well, I, uh, well I was drinking at your bar and Ather walked in and well, I didn’t think you’d like him in your territory. So, I” Gabriel stuttered. His control to keep his voice calm was no where to be found.
“So you what?” Jechiziah was growing impatient. “I’ve had enough of you Gabriel, and your pathetic problems. You’ve driven me to the point where I just don’t care anymore. Leave and don’t come back for a while.”