Bloodmoon Inc.

Things that happened in places that don’t exist

part 5

Ruby had spent the night since she woke up and found all of most of Rose’s things gone seething with rage at Black Rose for daring to skip out on her. She was thinking about all the ways to kill him slowly she paced up and down and back and forth. When she turned for the tenth time in a row she noticed a doorway gleaming in the darkness. She recognized it from when she had gone to see the Fates.
She shrugged and garbed her pack of cigarettes from the table and walked into it. She went right to the garden this time the sun was high but it dint burn her. Corcons stood in the middle smiling at her. “Hello.” “Hey there.” Ruby responded. “A few questions by the way...”
“Yes?” “What the fuck is this place and how did I get here?”
Corcons sat down on a bench. “Well the first time Loki opened the door for you, this time I did.”
“And as for what and where....it’s hard in part this place is shaped at least in looks by you and what you think you will see.” “We are out of time and space in a way, we must be to look forward and back in a very real way this is the end and the beginning.” Ruby rolled her eyes. “Man I fucking hate mythology class 101 for confused vampires.” “You seen angry.”
“Your fucking A I’m angry!” “Why?”
She sat down. “There’s this guy...and on the surface he seems like some whiney little self-centered brat...” “But you know him better and can see his anguished soul?” “Why do I feel like your mocking me?” “That must be because I am.” “That must be why.” Corcons shook his head. “Want to know something?” “What?” “I was cold to you when we met because...I know my own fate and...” “And?” “I am going to fall in love with you.” Ruby blinked.
“Well that was even less then romantic then Rose and he’s all angst-y and self loathing right now.”
Corcons shrugged. “You have my job and try not to get fatalistic about everything.” “To be honest I’m just glad to be doing something, most of the time I do my job and that’s all.” “I don’t really have much of a life.” “How did you know it was going to be me?” Ruby asked
“I don’t have a fate.” “True, but I do and when a blank spot turned up it was not hard to figure out from where and who I am.”
“Good point I guess.” Ruby sighed as she lit her fifth smoke in a row.
“If you had lungs that needed air I think you would be coughing up blood by now.” “Whatever.” Corcons sighed. “I guess this isn’t the best to play get-to- know with you huh?” “No.”

“It’s really not.” “Sorry....” Ruby shrugged.
Corcons sighed. “Do you want to leave?” “Kinda.” He waved a hand
She walked to the door he had opened for her. “But thanks.....for talking to me.”
“I’ll see you around.” Corcons nodded. “Maybe sooner then you think, and it’s in written in Gaelic.” “What?” “The book.” “I tought that Gaelic had no written from.” “Not many knew it just the Druids.” “How did you-““You’ll find out soon, just let me have some secrets right now.” Ruby shook her head.
“Bye.” She left.
Ruby glanced out the window. She had some time to get to Blood Moon before the sun came up. She tought that she might find some answers there.


Black Rose lay in uneasy sleep tossing on his bed as the ship was tossed on the waves. His eyes snapped open and he gasped the stale air in as he sat up right panting heavily. His dreams had been confused and bloody again. Ruby, his parents, Virgil, Minos, all the ones he had failed, who had failed him. He shook his head to dispel the vision. The captain stuck his head into Black Rose’s room.
“Mr Rose, Sir....we are....where you said to anchor.” “Thank you.”
Rose got up and walked up and out of the ship.
He held up his necklace waiting for something, anything. The necklace would glow when he was close to Fathas, to where he was sleeping on Avalon.
Avalon where the greatest heroes waited for their time to come back into the world, where Natural Witches went to seek peace when their tasks where done.
He bit his lip was he walked around in circles looking for something anything to show him the way. There was a faint glow to the west. Rose waved the captain over.
“That way.” Rose pointed. “Don’t spare the men.”
“Yes, Sir.” Rose walked down back to his room, waiting, alone in the dark.
He lay down letting the guilt wash over him.
He knew that this act would save them all, all the ones he failed.
He would finally have someone to...fix it all. A hero from the legends would step out and fix it all. This was his time to prove himself to everyone, to redeem himself.
He closed his eyes and curled inward as he waited alone, in the dark, as he waited to be saved.



As she stepped out of her car Ruby juggled the book her purse and her smoke.
As she walked towards the building Hobbes walked out. He grinned when he saw her and rushed over to enfold her in a hug. “Hey Ruby, I haven’t seen you in so long!” “Not since you were on the Big Dogs with me.” She smiled fondly.
“Yeah, you used to call me the Anklebiter.” Hobbes let her go. “Well you’re short cute and annoying so I tought it fit.” “Fuck you Hobbes.” “That’s someone else’s job.” Hobbes grinned.
“So how are things at the top?” “I heard you and Rex axed a Prophecy Holder not long ago Shadow was livid for weeks, we lost four interns in as many days.”
“They quit?” “Eaten.” “Is Jamie still around?” “Yeah....” “What?” “I just didn’t think you two....talked anymore.” “We had a thing no big deal.” “The man asked you to marry him, and you killed his hamster Ruby!” She rolled her eyes.
“I hate soppiness so sue me.” “You could have just said no!” “That’s what the hamster was for.” Hobbes rubbed his eyebrow. “I just think maybe-”
“I need the best for a project can I borrow him for a while?”
“Do you want to an official order from me?” “Yes.” “I can pay both you and him-“
“No need to pay me at least, I don’t like this but if you need it...sure.”
“Thanks.” Ruby walked inside heading to Jaime’s office.
She made her way straight there not even bothering to look for Rex.
She pushed the door open and stood in the doorway waiting to see how he would react. “Of all the gin joints in all the world she has to walk into mine.”
Jamie said dryly as he leaned in his chair legs on his desk.
“Got business with me Anklebiter?” “I do Labrador.”
Ruby used the old nickname as a challenge or perhaps a weapon.
“Just give it to me quick and move on.” “Fine, I have Hobbes’s blessing to take you on a....trip with me as my magic against magic and to have you translate something for me.”
Jamie nearly toppled over he sat upright so quickly. “Are you insane?”
“You know I want nothing to do with you.”
Jamie raked his fingers in his shoulder length light red hair.
Ruby appraised him as he got his bearings. The last 6 years or so had been kind to him. His fair skin was wrinkle free, his hair held no trace of grey. His eyes were still green with gold flecks, even if the scowl on his face made those green orbs more beady then usual.
“This comes right from Hobbes you want to tell him you’d just prefer not to?” “Damm you.” Jamie whispered with venom.
“All ready taken care of at lest four or five times over Jamie dear.” “When are we leaving?” “Kinda now.” “We catch a boat at four this morning.” “How long will this take, what are we looking for, how likely am I to die?” “Don’t know, tell you later, and depends on if I find what I want.”
Ruby tossed Jamie the book. “Start on that will you?” Ruby turned to leave.
Jamie just sat stunned for a few minutes. It was just like Ruby to stomp back into his life six years after breaking his heart into mush and demand that he do her bidding. Part of him wanted to smile at her brashness part of him wanted to turn her down flat even if Hobbes would be upset. Jamie grabbed his car keys and the book and walked out to his car. Diving home he tought about what he would say to Mona. He didn’t think he could convince the woman that he was with that there was nothing to that fact that he had to go off with the woman he never really let go. Alone. For who knew how long. Mona would think he wanted to go she would think.... Jamie took a deep breathe before he opened the door told himself to get it over with. Then he opened the door and all tought fled.
When he walked in she was laying on the couch wearing lacy black underwear, red stockings and black pumps and nothing else. “Hi there cutie what’s your name?” She asked grinning at him as she sucked a lollipop. Jamie just blinked for a few seconds before he decided that discretion was after all the better part of valor.
He shut the door.


Larissa sat waiting for class to begin she fiddled with as daisies she had picked. The day was bright and clear, the sun out but a cool breeze blew and ruffled her hair. She sat in a meadow close to the wooded area waiting for the rest of her classmates.
Skye was the first to walk up. “Hi again, so did you make up your mind are you coming to the thing tonight?” “Is it tonight?” “Yeah.” “I might be there.”
A boy and a girl walked up. They seemed so cut from the same cloth they could be nothing but bother and sister. Their eyes were the same deep brown they both wore their long black hair in a braid that fell to their waists. They were both dressed in black with an accent of red. They both moved with so much grace that even Larissa old hand at vampires was a bit stunned. Lastly they were both so perfectly beautiful as to make anyone’s heart beat faster and mouth go dry.
The girl had a cool look on her face the boy hung behind his sister a bit.
The girl walked over to Larissa and looked her up and down. “Are you Larissa?”
“Yes.” Larissa held her chin up. “Got a problem?” A small smile rolled over the girl’s face. “I am Jadora and this is Wade.” She pointed behind her were her brother stood shifting from foot to foot. “I am the Heir of Stilla, and will one day be queen of the Born.” “Wade if he ever grows a backbone will be Prince of the Staff.” She jerked her thumb at him. “I have heard of your mother and father and to honest I think they could teach even the Born a thing or two.” Larissa frowned.
“Who are the Born?” Jadora looked surprised. “Why the royal vampires that are born not made of course.” “What are they teaching the new ones this year?”
Jadona muttered to herself.
Larissa tried not to stare. “You were born?” “Yes, I will age until I’m about 20 then stop..... for a while anyway.” Wade inched over. Jadora looked at him fondly. “Say hi Wade.”
He smiled. “Hi.” Skye nodded to him. “Hey dude, have you read the new ‘End of the Endless’ that came out last week?” The boys walked away talking comics.
Larissa sighed. “Do you ever feel overwhelmed?” she asked Jadora
“Sometimes, but I try to fight it.” Larissa looked hungrily at Jadora. “Tell me everything about you.” Jadora smiled. “Only if you tell me about The Raised and humans, I don’t know too many of either.” “What’s The Raised?” “Like your mom and dad.” “Oh.....well you go first.” Jadora stroked her braid. “Ok I guess I’ll start easy.” “My hair says many things about me to my people, my braid says I have been in battle, the length says both how high ranking I am and that I am unmarried.” “If I was married we would trim it to mid back.”
“When I go into battle more then they will begin tying the teeth of my dead enemies into my hair one for each I kill, our best warriors rattle so anyone can hear them and run.” “My clothes are my house colors and our symbol is a golden cup running over with blood.” Just then a girl with blond hair wearing a white billowing skirt and a sky blue top walked over. “Jadora are you telling the poor new girl all about your heathen ways?” she asked her voice syrup sweet.
Jadora’s eyes narrowed. “Fuck off Ruth.” “How I do pray for your soul Jadora if your kind even has any.” “How I do pray for your mind Ruth if your kind even has any.” Jadora snapped back. Larissa almost laughed out loud. “And anyway” Jadora put an arm around Larissa. “She’s the one with the vampire parents so I don’t think she wants to join your church group.”
Ruth gasped. “You poor thing!” She squealed. Larissa glared at her.
Jadora wrapped an arm around Larissa. “Let’s go I think the hive mentality might be catching.” Wade and Skye had ambled over at this point. Ruth’s smile was sickly. “Sorry, Jadora.” She simpered. Jadora turned from her and the next few things happened in a blur. Ruth tossed a fire ball at Jadora that Wade shoved her away from and he caught it full in the chest. Larissa saw him spin and fall down. Jadora fell silent. Ruth stood stunned unable to move. How she could be so clam when.... Larissa tought almost crying and then Wade stood up perfectly fine.
“Bad move you self satisfied little bitch.” This was when Jadora did scream. “Wade no!” He grinned wildly at her. “It’s all right now; she won’t ever hurt you again.” “Fight it Wade, fight it!” Jadora screamed.
The sky darkened and the wind picked up.
Ruth had fallen to the ground writhing, Wade walked over to her. “Can’t move can you?”
“Being someone else’s slave can hurt if you fight it.” Wade grinned. “You’re mine, your magic’s mine and now-““That’s enough!!” “Wade let her go!!” Larissa jumped as she saw Headmaster Merlin running over to them at breakneck pace.
Wade balled his fist and hurled a fireball at him. The headmaster thickened the air around him to slow it and dodged. He reached Wade and punched him with glowing light in the gut, Wade passed out. The sky cleared and the sun came out.
“Now tell me....” Headmaster Merlin panted. “What fool gave their powers to a Drain?”
“I find it was anyone but the new girl who might not have known better, they will be seeing the unpleasant side of me for a while.” “It was Ruth sir.”
Skye said. “Well go get her and bring her and Wade to the infirmary.
Skye and Headmaster Merlin both left carrying Wade and Ruth.
“What’s a Drain?” Larissa asked after the silence got too loud. Jadora answered after a long pause. “A person who can only access their own magic when someone else uses theirs on them, when that happens the Drain has all their own magic and the person’s they are feeding off of if it goes on to long the Drain can kill the person….or link forever.” “A person becomes a Drain by being traumatized somehow to the point where they cut themselves off from the magic, our father tried to shock Wade into using his magic and Wade just shut that down....he can’t reach it unless.....” “He changes so much and I know he hates the power....much as he craves it.” “I don’t even know why I’m telling you all this...” “Maybe because I just saw the worst your brother has to offer and you want me to know the best.” Larissa said. Jadora nodded. “Maybe.”
Larissa frowned. “Hold on I tought vampires can not use magic.” Jadora sighed.
“The Born can we are not dead, and we do die so we are not outside of life.” “Oh.” A girl came jogging up to them. She looked young with her wild pink hair flying everywhere. She tossed her arms around Jadora. “Is Wade OK?” She panted out. “He should be fine Ara, he wasn’t linked long.” Ara grinned and fell backward dramatically. “I am so glad he’s ok.” “I would not want to get stuck with you.”
Jadora stuck her tongue out. Ara bounced up and circled around Larissa.
She began firing off questions so fast that Larissa felt dizzy. “Are you the new girl?” “Did you see Wade link?” “It was so scary huh?” “Are you really a Natural Witch?” “Have you ever met anyone famous?” “Were you really raised by vampires?” “Do you have a boyfriend?” “Ara.” Jadora said a little loudly. Ara went on. “Do you like the school?” “Ara!” Jadora shouted. “Let her have some room.” “Oh sorry...” Ara stuck out a hand. “I’m Ara, I’m a Maigk User.” “I come form the Skydancer clan my mom’s a noble.” “Our clan mostly focuses on water magics and white Maigk but we don’t mind grey.” Larissa shook her hand. “Do you always talk so fast?” she asked blinking “Yeah just about.” “Well carry on then.” Jadora smiled. “She’s Ara she’s always been this way.” “We have know each other for a while her family is distant cousins to mine.” Jadora looked at Ara. “So...what’s going on?”
“Oh!” “I was sent out to get you two class is called off for the day.” Ara said
The three girls began to walk back together to the school talking all the way.

Ruby waited for Jamie at the dock worried that he might have changed his mind and decided that it was worth it to piss off Hobbes if he dint have to help her.
She spun in place a bit rocking on her high heeled boots and swirling her long black shirt around her. A high necked cream colored sweater covered her from neck to ankles which was odd for her. Jamie walked up. He whistled. “What are you posing as a nun?” “I’m posing as a Guardian, and so are you mister.” “So suck it up or I might make you wear one of those cute little sliver tunics they always run around in.” Jamie just scowled. He handed her the book back.
“Here, I just spelled it so you can read it, it’s not actually translated in the text so anyone but you tried to read it and all they see is Gaelic, because the spell lets only you read it by reacting to what langue you know.” Ruby almost smiled.
“Thanks Jamie and thanks for coming with me....I know this must be hard on you.” Jamie shook his head. That’s Ruby for you when you think you know just what she’s about she shocks you...sometimes in a good way.
Ruby turned to face Jamie. “It’s a guy.” “What’s a guy?” “A term for a man.”
“Funny.” “It’s a guy I’m...after.” “Really, that’s kind of out of character for you.”
“I know, but have you ever just wanted to say something to someone just to get it out at last?” “Yeah.” “Well this is that.” “I need to find him...I need to know why.” “So what do you need to say?” “I ever see you again and you’re dead.”
“Well that is in character.” “Well I can only be who I am.” She said sourly.
A man walked over to them he pressed his hands together and bowed.
“Long life to those who protect.” “Our lives are not lived if we do not serve.” Ruby answered smoothly. Jamie bowed and murmured the answer back as well.
“You two are here for the ship to go after the criminal Black Rose then?”
“Yes.” The man bowed again. “That was a terrible thing that he did to the main house. “ Ruby raised a hand stopping the man from talking on. “We do not know for sure that he did it and whoever acts as if we know that he did is wrong.” “He was one of the few survivors the reports are confused muddy we just wish to know what did happen not make false conclusions.”
”Yes Mistress.” The man led them over to his ship and Ruby and Jamie boarded and were seen to their quarters. Ruby sat down in the bed after stripping as she muttered about itchy wool.
She pulled out the book and began to read as the ship rocked her gently.

Rex and Gavin stumbled into the house together. After crashing at W H &S they had just gone to work the next day and at last they came back.
The house was dark and quiet, Rex prowled into his room feeling uneasy.
He picked up a note sitting on his pillow.
Rex, I had to go....I’m sorry, I don’t know when I’ll be back.
Try not to be mad or if you are then don’t have one of your fits.
I’ll miss you.
Gavin jumped as Rex crashed into his room. “What is it?”
“She’s gone!” Rex raised his bat and charged into Black Rose’s room.
Gavin winced at the sounds coming from there. Rex made his way down the hallway muttering under his breathe and hitting anything he saw. Gavin peered out of his room. Rex walked back downstairs. Gavin hurried after him worried.
“Rex, don’t she’ll kill us both!” Gavin cried when he saw Rex heading into Ruby’s room with the bat. Rex just fixed him a dark look. Gavin backed up a step.
“Carry on.” Gavin winced as he hard the crashing sounds and knew that somehow he was going to get it for this one. Rex his eyes wild stalked back into the room. He garbed Gavin roughly by the head and kissed him ruthlessly.
There was no gentleness in Rex’s touch when he pushed Gavin down to the couch. Gavin didn’t mind he tangled his hands in Rex’s hair and pulled as he kissed back just as hard. Gavin panting pushed Rex back a bit.
”Is this about Ruby?” he asked Rex blinked. “Well if you mean is this so I don’t go after her and kill her then yes.” “Are you sure it’s not because she must’ve gone after Rose?” Rex sighed. “I don’t want Ruby like that, dumbass.”
“I just....it’s like this.” “When she was with Shadow it was like she was splashing in a puddle ok?” “I didn’t care if she did as long as she didn’t get too much mud in the house, ok get it so far?” Gavin nodded. “But this Rose thing this could be the ocean and she’s swimming and could get lost and I’m on shore going ‘where’s my dinner and have your seen Larissa lately she’s dating a bible thumper now and joined a cult and you need to fix it because I’ll just kill them all and let God sort it out!!” “And there could be sharks in the water!” Rex finished
Gavin blinked. “Ok got it sharks, cult, mass killing.” Rex scowled. “I don’t think you get it at all.” Gavin tugged Rex down. “Want to splash with me?” Rex grinned.” Fuck yes, all this talking is making me feel itchy and I really don’t to hurt you....too much.” Gavin smiled “Don’t you...dare hold....back.” Gavin purred as he sat up and nibbled Rex’s neck. Rex’s dark laugh echoed in the empty house.

Jamie had been pacing up and down this tiny cabin think for half the night.
He had been on this boat with Ruby for a few days now. Seeing her every day just bought up over and over again the question he wanted answered. Why?
He hardly saw she was pouring over the book most of the time and she just grunted at him most of the time when she wasn’t. “Have you found him yet Jamie?”
This only an hour after she gave him the lock of hair to track the guy with, it was insane. He knew where the guy was now and he had been wondering if he should use this to get what he wanted. At last he walked to Ruby’s cabin.
As he stood to knock he made up his mind to just tell her then ask her.
He knocked. “Come in.” He did. He sat down on the bunk she was sitting in the small chair. “I found him.” “I made a tracker.” She nodded. “And I need to ask you why?” “Why did you leave me and why did you come to me six years later?” he asked vehemently “Why didn’t I see you for six years?” ”Did you ever love me?” “You need to tell me to put us to rest so you can fall for this new guy.” He finished. Her eyes widened. Jamie smiled. “I know you; I know when you’re mad and know when you acting like you mad just to see the person.” “You used to do it to me.”
“You would come over to my office to tell me you didn’t like how like how I did something on a job and stay for a while.” “Then take me to lunch. “
She smiled a bit bitterly “Am I that obvious?” “Only to someone that knows you, Bloody Gem.” She rolled her eyes. “You know my new codename?” “It sure beats Anklebiter.” “I kinda liked Anklebiter.” He sobered “I was asking why.”
She sighed. “When you asked me to marry you I just tought about that one time that I slipped and pulled your arm a little too hard and dislocated your shoulder, how easy it would to really hurt you.” “I tought that I was never going to die and you were and I couldn’t let you try to become like me just for me and so I just left, I dint want you to come after me.” “I left because I cared asshole.”
“Oh.” “Yeah.” “And I got you because I wanted the best and I wanted to talk to you anyway about this and I knew you would keep anything that happened under your hat.” “Oh.” The tracker glowed. Jamie ran up and told the he men where to go they sailed over to a small island. A mist sprang up all around the boat. They barely could see at all as they docked on the island.
Jamie waved to Ruby who had followed him up. “He’s on this island.”
She just walked over to Jamie and picked him up. “I can just run on top of the water for the rest of they way I’m fast enough at short range.” She jumped down and got them ashore. Jamie hopped down. “That was so embarrassing.”
“I could have used Maigk to float over the water.” “And use your Magik to save your male pride?” “Well...yes.” She shook her head. She raised her head. “I can smell him.” She dratted down the road faster then Jamie could follow.
She ran tough the wood on the narrow path the moon shone tossing pale shadows all around. Rose stood next to an archway in the middle of a clearing trees. He waved his hand over it and it glowed. Ruby tapped him on the shoulder. Caught off guard he turned.
She punched him in the face he fell over backwards. “You shit!” “Nice seeing you too you fucking nutjob what are you doing here?” Ruby kicked him in the ribs he groaned and flipped her the finger. “I came to see what you had to say for yourself!” “How did you find me?” “None for your fringing business!” He got up. She walked over to him closer. “I want to know why you come into my life and think you have to right to just leave for no reason or if there is a reason not tell me.” She garbed his wrists. “I want....to know...why.” She kissed him. He kissed back as much as she did.
Then he pulled and got his hands from her grasp with effort. “You want to know why?”
“I want to know why a man who was like a father to me was using me!”
She looked into his eyes. “I don’t know but I know that you need to come back and face it at least tell the ones you care about what happened.” “There’s no one I care about back there.” “Well maybe Amber.” “But the only one I truly care about already knows.” He said looking at her. “I will be come back anyway once I find what I’m looking for and it’s right in there.” He held up his necklace. It glowed red.
“It is where he is Fathas the man who founded the Guardians so long ago.” “Let me go in there then we can talk...ok?” “That is this place anyway and why is he here?” Ruby asked looking around at the otherworldly quiet of the night and oddly silent landscape. She could hear nothing moving but the wind something she had never heard with her vampire hearing before she always had heard some sign of life but not now. It was eerie. “Avalon where Natural Witches go to live out there days in peace when they go what they were fated to do and where great heroes go to rest until needed again, many tales and prophecy talk of great ones coming back this is where they go while they wait.” “The villains for the heroes go there too to wait for their time to come back.” “Also sometimes there is some too powerful to kill, someone to evil to let out and they come here.” “It’s where Loki is bound up with the snake.” Ruby’s eyes widened at the mention of Loki but she didn’t say anything just flied it away. Rose said all this with his voice hushed like a priest speaking of Mysteries not to be told to the unworthy. Ruby’s dry wit cut the air. “So this is like a Supernatural Shady Acres and Grandma Tollhouse is looking after Bobby Badass?” Rose just shook his head and sighed. He moved over to her and garbed her hand and kissed it. “Later?”
“Please, later?” “It going to be all right when I get him back and then...later.”
“I’ll wait.” He smiled dazzlingly at her. “Go!” He turned back and waved a hand and stepped into the doorway shaking his head and rubbing his ribs.

Rose stepped into the Inner Avalon where the Heroes and Villains stayed.
He heard a voice behind him. “Kid, you really need to cut the shit, because that girl’s one in a million and she won’t put up with it for long.” “She’ll just find someone better but you might not.” “Matter fact you keep whining and I know you won’t.” Rose spun around to see a short older lady with grey hair in a bun staring at him. “Listen here lady-“He began. “No you listen here boy, the road the gods have you on will be hard one but without her....” “She will be good for you and you need that.” She shook head. “Well I almost say too much.” “Welcome Champion to the Inner Hall I am Morgona Le Fay.” Rose blinked. “Tell me the name you come under..?” She asked leadingly. “Black Rose.” “And you come to free..?” “Fathas the first Grey Dawn, my Lady.” She nodded. “Fine come with me.” He walked down the hall with he had the impression of great beauty and wealth but if asked just what he had seen or how it looked he couldn’t say.
It was like walking every great thing every built by anyone all at once.
She stopped in a place that had graceful walkways and arches like an Arabian palace. “Go inside the first test is you must listen to Stilla the First vampire and her take on things with Fathas, ‘to know the man know his enemies’.”
Rose nodded. “You must come out this sure you are right in this or you have failed.” Rose nodded again. He walked into the room and sitting on a pile of pillows smoking a hookah was they most darkly beautiful woman he had ever seen. She wore a shirt for lack of a better word of delicate gold chains lying over her breasts. Her arms and midriff were bare. Her pants where long and black but a thin fabric that showed off her shapely legs. Rose did note it was much hotter in this part of the building then others.
Her hair fall in waist length black waves over her creamy brown skin, her eyes were black as night she smiled at him. “Come in Champion.” “Are you here to spring me from this place?” He frowned. “Are you form The Born?” What bloodline?” “You are half-breed but I don’t mind some of my children ended up that way...” “I hope you are out of one my daughter’s line I had so few and I know it’s wrong to favor but I always was closer to Lillth and Adora, then anyone else, do they still live?.” She waved a hand at him. “Come sit, if you are of The Born all of them come down form me so I’m like your Grandmother.” Rose sighed as he sat down on a large chair. “I’m not from The Born; I was a Guardian of the Grey Dawn.” Her eyes widened. She stood. “So your here for him.” She spat “I’m here to hear your side of the story as I was told to.” “And do you do everything your told?” “No, I just need him to fix things.” “Why don’t you fix it yourself?”
She asked her eyes flashing. She walked over to him with inhuman grace.
“You need to grow up boy!” Her hand flashed out and she slapped him hard across the face. He wiped the blood from his mouth. “Cunt.” He said slowly looking at her head on. She smirked. “Not as much as the man you know nothing about but you want to free from this place.” “Maybe you unleash a great evil on the world ever tought of that?” Rose shook his head. “No, Falthas was a good man he found the Grey Dawn but we went astray without him...”
She walked back over to where she was sitting before, and began to light her hookah the rich smell of Turkish Tobacco filled the air. Rose stood where he was next to the door. “Sit down.” Stilla muttered. Rose did on a pile of pillows near but not to near her. Stilla sighed.
“Well let’s get started then.” She said reluctantly.
“I was born many, many hundreds of years ago now in Bilabial where we worshipped the Great Istara, Goddess of lust, sex, birth woman and love.”
“I was a high priestess to Istara and had served her for many years when something became clearer and clearer to me.” She smiled bitterly.
“I was 23 very old for my age to have no children in that day....I could get with child, but I could not carry to term.” “I felt like my whole life was...a lie.”
“I was lost and bitter seeing women around me giving the highest honor to the Goddess giving her sons and daughters to love her.”
“Istara came to me often in this dark time trying to give hope.”
“But it did no good, for we both knew that some things in the life are out of the Gods hands.” “Yes, the Gods give all however some things, most things they have to leave up to man or we have no free will really and we have little of that as it is.”
“I began to study...dark Magic...things no one should be doing but least of all someone who was sworn to Istara.” ”I found after a long and difficult quest what was tought lost with Atlantis, of a ritual that could take life form one and give it to another, there many rules and it just might kill the person trying to do it but it was possible.” “Well, I became with child again, this time I carried to term.”
“She was born dead.” Stilla paused lost in tought. “I was...mad with grief.”
“This part is blurry to me to this day but what I do know is that....I took the life of one my Priestesses to give it to my child.” She eyes where clouded with remorse. “As you may have guessed the Goddess knew right way what I had done.” “I was tied to her and she knew.” “She came down in her own from something she almost never did and her face...so many things in her eyes I had never seen in her before.” “Anger, pain, guilt, she just looked at me for a long time as a clutched my child to me.” “When she spoke at last her voice was like a thunderbolt into my heart.” “I told you Stilla......I warned you.” “Warned me?”
I asked blankly. “I sent you the dreams you were having I knew I could not confront you would not hear me.” “The dreams...of blood?” I asked
“Yes....it has come to pass...I hoped not...but so it is.” She shook her head.
“Your little girl has done you no good, but I hope you love her well none the less.” She raised her hands over her head and laid the curse on me.” “Stilla betrayer of life and hope I curse you to walk the earth never changing never ageing feeding on life.” “Thunder sounded and lighting hit outside.”
“I fell into a kind of swoon and when I awoke.... I had a need for blood.” “I left my child with the temple never saw her again for what child would want a monster for a mother?” “In those early years I was even more different from most vampires then I am now, for one thing I was not Raised or Born.” ”My bite was and still is so powerful that one bite changes a human in a vampire, I tried to be careful about that but the ones I turned before knowing how things worked turned more and so on.....” “I could give birth for one thing my children were always vampire or divampire like you.” “They all had the ability to give birth and use Magic, their pool of one they could breed with was narrow.”
“If they bred with humans the vampire was bred out.” “The Raised, vampires made form humans who died and came back can not breed being dead.”
“When they bred together.....” Stilla rubbed her temples. “It was ugly....”
“I helped to put down the last one of that kind like the mad dog it was.”
“It nearly took my eye....filthy thing.”
Stilla shook her head.
“Anyway.....I wondered the lands for a long time....”
“Sometime about 200 years after the Crucifixion, I wasn’t there in case you’re wondering, I came to Ireland.”
“I met there with a young man......Fathas he was a druid at the time.”
“The rest is his to tell I am bound not to talk about our past or him much....”
Stilla waved a hand at the door. “So go…move on you’re done here and I don’t think I like you much….” “Oh and one more thing....take him from here and I go too.”
“Just so you know.” She grinned
Rose left the room.
Morgona Le Fey was waiting for him. “Have fun?” Rose raised an eyebrow at her. “Was I supposed to?” She shrugged “Whatever floats your boat.”
“So coming up on round two are we...most get this far but this next one’s a bicth.”
Rose shrugged. “Well got to suffer to show you care right?’
She dragged her pipe. “I guess so…you know most don’t come out of this one sane…” Rose shook his head. “I need to do this.” “Don’t try to talk me out of it.”
“Sure but I think someone wants to talk to you frist.” Rose groaned. “I think I know who.” “Hmm she pounded on the door screaming for about an hour.”
“I let her in just to shut her up.”
She pointed to a door. “She’s waiting in there.”
Rose walked into the room she pointed to.
Ruby waited there sitting on the bed. “Hi….”
“Why on earth is there a bed in here?” he asked “Spare guest room?” “Who knows…” she answered getting up and walking over to him. She smiled and looked into his eyes. He backed away. “For the love of….” She muttered
“I want you Rose got that?” “But I want you willing….” “I know who and what you are and what you might become and I am ok with all that.”
Ruby lifted her chin. “If you want me too and I know you do….”
“Then…come closer…just one step….” His ice blue eyes were filled with indecision. Then he moved closer, just a little. I want this…and it’s ok…more then ok he thought with wonder and fear. She looked calmly at him as she moved backwards to the bed he moved towards her. She sat down on it looking up at him. He sat on her lap wrapping his legs around her, running his hands in her hair, kissing her neck. She stayed still letting him explore her body with his hands and lips. “Are we together?” Ruby asked. He paused in kissing her neck. “If we are then fine if we are not that’s fine too…but then I get to fuck anyone I want…Jamie’s cute…and I had a thing with Shadow my boss ever met him?”
“He’s a great lay with the whole shape-shifting thing….” Yes!” “What?” “Yes we are dating!’ Rose said. “Oh really are you sure?” Ruby asked indifferently.
“Yes!” “Ok if you insist….” He looked at her with suspicion. “What?” She asked innocently. “You wanted this!” “Who me?” “You did so!” “Maybe….”
“So all that talk about ….sex with other men?” “Hmm….” “Lets have some of that sex you’re talking about and then talk about this…” He kissed her. She wiggled under him and fell backwards on the bed. He stayed on top of her kissing down her taking off her shirt as he did. She moaned as he kissed and sucked on her nipples. He slid his hand under her skirt and moved her panties aside. She moaned and lifted her hips. There was a knock on the door.
“Fuck me!” Ruby groaned. “Trying to!” Rose hissed in her ear. “Maybe they will go away…” She murmured. The knock came louder. “I have things to do ya know!” called Morgona “I can’t wait around while you two do…whatever…”
“Hey Ruby is he kinky?” “Does he call you mommy or have you make him wear a diaper?” Ruby laughed out loud.
Rose glared at her. He got off her and buttoned up his shirt.
“Wait for me here?” He asked taking her face in his hands and kissing her.
“I will.” “And umm…hold that thought…” Ruby smirked “I will.”
“Go.” He went.


Larissa stood in her room getting ready for Skye’s show.
She had dressed carefully….even as much as she dint want to overstep bounds.
Mike had told her that they were dating when she had asked.
And that made him off limits, not only did she like Mike a lot it would be a mess living with her if anything happened. To boot Mike was friends with Jadora and Ara. She shook her head as she put on eyeliner. She knew she still liked him.
She looked at herself in the mirror. Her long blonde hair fell to her waist in many little braids, she was wearing a long red dress that Ruby had given her it was strapless and she had on long black fingerless gloves.
She sighed and walked out of her room. “Ready?” asked Mike who was wearing a red tank top with Lansing Yoai Girl Club on the front and The Wild Pussy on the back with her black jeans. Larissa nodded.
They walked to Jadora and Ara’s room and then the four girls all went to the school’s stadium it was more then a goodly size. Mike led everyone backstage.
Skye was sitting talking to Wade who was twirling his drum sticks. He grinned when he saw the girls and waved.
Jadora went over to Wade. “Kick some ass ok?” Wade nodded. Larissa just stared blankly when Skye waved at her. He was wearing black lather pants and a fishnet shirt, she could see every tattoo every piercing. It was hard to keep her mind on being good. Ara picked up her bass and began to fiddle with it.
Skye raised an eyebrow. “Ok like 5 minutes to show time….get lost you three.”
Jadora Mike and Larissa nodded.
Larissa found herself a spot near the stage with Mike and Jadora standing next to her. They heard someone talking behind them. “Well it’s one thing to be born a vampire….a person can’t help that…but human and raised by vampires, and vampires who work Blood Moon Inc no less….”
Another voice chimed in. “Yeah it’s creepy I here some of the parents are going to try to-“ The lights dimmed. “Oh I guess it’s starting.” Larissa unlocked her fists with effort. I could kill everyone here and never break a sweat she thought.
She dint know how that made her feel.
Skye Wade and Ara walked on the stage. Skye took the mic. “Hey all we are Human Meat Raft, and we are gonna rock you.” Everyone screamed and cheered.
They began to play a moody song and Skye leaned into the mic and played his guitar.
His voice was husky as he sang

Dazzled my eyes can’t help me
The trap of my fate is snapping shut
The chaines that bind me all come back
To one leash
And if she asks for blood
I bleed for her
Anything for her

Losing falling giving
Needing wanting taking
I know this is wrong
Losing falling giving
Needing wanting taking
I know this is right

She moves like a snake
I’m helpless again
I never had a will
I never had a name
I never had a face
I never had anything...but her
She asks for me to scream again
Giving in feels like heaven

Losing falling giving
Needing wanting taking
I know this can’t last
Losing falling giving
Needing wanting taking
I know this is all that I am

Skye shook his head and wailed the lines like something in him needed to come out.
Larissa stared at him wanting and not wanting him. His eyes opened and he looked at her for a moment something was on his face…she did not know what it was.


Her sweat gleams like stars
Far off and cold
More then the rope ties me here
Her eyes so cruel and perfect
Find all my weakness as she laughs

Losing falling giving
I know that I’m lost
Needing wanting taking
I know that I’m lost
Losing falling giving
I know that I’m lost
Needing wanting taking
I know that I’m lost

The song was over and they launched into a another.
Larissa danced all night long and rarely took her eyes off Skye.
When it was over she went back to her rooms and fell on the bed but not before pulling out her cell.
She dialed Ruby’s number it rang and rang.
At last she got Ruby’s voicemail. “Hi this is the root of all cute and all evil.”
“Most likely I’m doing something that would send me to Hell if there was not a wing being built for me anyway.” “So leave your dammed message assume I care and move on.”
There was a beep then.
Larissa hung up. She dialed Rex’s phone. She heard a gorgy “Hello?” and a lot of giggling and then a “Shut up Gavin!” “Hey Dad.” “Hey honey.” “Dad….”
“Yeah?” “I have boy pain…” “You have a what!?” “Oh crap….nevermind.”
“No wait who is this guy!?” “There is no guy Dad…go back to Gavin.”
“Fucking A.” “It’s cool….love ya.” She hung up, and then dialed one last number.
“Ison?” “yeah…it’s me.”

Ruby waited bored for Rose to come back.
He came into the room at last.
She stood. “Hey.”
“Hey…” It go well?”
He grinned. “It was a cunt but I got what I came for.”
She nodded. “Can we go now?”
“Yeah.” “Good.”
They walked out hand in hand.
Waiting for them at the entrance were Stilla and Faltas trying to ignore each other.
Ruby looked Stilla up and down.
“You are?” “The frist vampire daughter of mine.” Stilla kissed Ruby’s cheek.
Ruby blinked. “Ok then.”
“Let’s go.” Rose smiled and held Ruby’s hand she grinned back.
They walked out the door into a new night changed forever and the same.