Thank you all so much for the previous comments! I don’t know what I could’ve done to get your praise, but thanks for reading! Keep in mind, I don’t really require you to read it, since it’s only my drabbles that I do when I’m bored. But, it’s your decision. Once again, rate or flame. ♥
Enjoy!
Oddly, Mariah realized that it wasn’t fear or repulse that caused the gasp. No, it was concern and shock. Even from the safety of Andre’s arms, she felt a heavy tension hovering dangerously around this particular cage. The lanky figure—Yashua—must be something very…powerful in order to produce such a reaction out of her. Giving Andre’s shirt a light tug in request, he slowly and carefully lowered her down. She patted his arm in reassurance before approaching the prison cell cautiously, her arms tightly pressed against her chest.
Her hand reached for him and was inches away from the metal bars when a deep, silvery voice chilled her to her very soul.
“May I help you?” the man whispered, his voice sounded hoarse from years of no use, but maintained its alluring effect nonetheless. The question was innocent enough, on the surface. Beneath the polite tone, there was definitely something brewing. Mariah swallowed tightly and a bead of sweat trickled down her temple as she continued to stare at her own shaking hand.
“It’s rude to avoid looking at the person you are speaking to.”
She gave a light start before jerking her head up to meet eye-to-eye with the prisoner. Only to find that she couldn’t turn away, she was trapped. The moment she locked eyes with him, she felt her heart rate increase—thumping away in her chest. Everything in the background was lost in a black abyss, all she could see was blackness. And those eyes. Those horrible, hunter’s eyes.
They resembled Andre’s to a very limited extent. A VERY limited extent. Twin blood red pools held her in place; they were shining a very dangerous azure—flecked with gold specks. Just staring into them made her very form tremble with something akin to fear, but so different from it at the same time. Even if they were the hunter’s eyes, she was a willing prey. Those bloodbath eyes were her only solace, all she had to do was get closer to them and she would be safe, oh so safe. No more of this silly vampire business and werewolves. She would be back home, partying without a worry. If only she could reach those eyes…
Her whole world shook then, and the next thing she knew, she was in Andre’s lap, his anxious face staring at hers. His lips were moving, but she couldn’t hear any sound coming from them. Mariah blinked away the fog in her eyes and slowly sat up with Andre’s help. She clutched her head and moaned, she had a major headache all of a sudden. And There was someone laughing, a cold, humorless laugh that didn’t sound alive. Instinctively, Mariah leaned closer to Andre, who was snarling furiously at the cage.
Inside, a low chuckle kept its dry edge and there was the sound of rattling chains.
“This is the Cross of the West? My, my, haven’t you been just the little slacker these days. You’ve kept me waiting more than I needed.” His voice was light and conversational, but Andre kept his tense form—gripping Mariah tightly.
He laughed again, this time with a little more life. “I still cannot believe that this is her! She’s no different than all the other humans, falling into my trap so easily…!” he shook his head in what Mariah determined as dumb awe, and most likely not the good kind.
There was a rattle of chains again.
“I believe my freedom is needed if I am to protect her thoroughly, isn’t that so?”
Andre’s snarl grew an octave before settling down to a low growl. He released his hold on her and walked tersely to the box. It didn’t look like there was a lock, so Mariah was amazed when her classmate vampire muttered something and all the heavy metal bars fell forward with an echoing clank. He stood with tight fists as he gestured her over to the open cage.
Mariah started, still too frightened to come near those eyes again, afraid that they’ll suck her in into a heavenly nightmare. She heard a scoff from inside the dark along with a roll of eyes from Andre. Gathering her courage, she walked exceptionally slow to face the never-ending darkness. It was too dark for her to see anything but that soon changed as Andre reached inside and pulled out a man and set him in front of the dim lighting of the cellar. And that’s when she saw the face and body that came with those deadly eyes.
He had a lithe and underfed figure, that was obvious, but there were no bones jutting out or visible under the skin so she was thankful that she didn’t have to see those or she might’ve vomited right then and there. However, that didn’t stop the nauseous feeling as soon as she caught sight of the rest of his body. He was averagely fit, there were hints of abs and muscles here and there, but every inch of visible skin was showered in bruises, some deep enough to probably indent the bone. Where there is a spot with no bruises, there were long gashes, flaked with dried blood. His body was probably going to have more than a couple scars by the looks of it. There wasn’t much to NOT see, for all he wore were what seemed to be a pair of torn haori pants.
Mariah hadn’t realized that she was ogling him until a throaty chuckle interrupted her studies. She quickly regained her shattered pride and collected herself. Andre was staring at her strangely and the other man was watching her amusingly. She huffed and stomped her way back up the long stairs and opened the heavy door to let light shine in briefly and slammed the door behind her. They can come up when they felt like it, for now, she needed some Mariah time to think things out.
But before she could, there was a face shoved centimeters from hers and a booming voice thrummed in her eardrums.
“What are you doing here? You are not to be here!” He shouted at her.
“I’m sorry!” she stuttered out of habit.
“I demand an explanation! Who let a human in here?” The burly man was now roaring at all present in the hall. They all flinched and looked down, obviously, no one dared to answer.
It looked like the man was about to throw a fit before an elderly hand clamped down on his shoulder and almost all the tension disappeared.
“Come, come, Harel. Don’t be so quick-to-pounce, she is more than welcomed here.”
Mariah recognized the voice, the one that she had heard but moments ago.
“Idan, sir!”
Indeed, the grandpa appeared with a smile beside Harel’s sulking form. He looked so small compared to the giant, it was hard to believe that a hand was all he needed to stop a war…or in Mariah’s case, a murder.
“My girl! There you are; have you met with your Guardian yet?”
“Er…”
“Very good! Then we’re perfectly on schedule!” He seemed so cheered by this fact that she didn’t have the guts to tell him how much she wanted to leave. “I’m sure that Andre will escort you to your room while we prepare the ceremony. Oh, don’t look so scared, it won’t be too long. You’ll be done in a jiffy.”
She sweat dropped as Idan continued rambling, it seemed like the old man felt the need to let the whole world what he was thinking every minute. She gathered her courage and spoke in a timid voice, “Sir, I…I want to go home.”
And then all fell silent; it was as if she had committed a taboo or something.
Slowly, there was a response.
“I am truly sorry, my girl, but that is not in my power.” Idan’s tone was regretful and solemn, but it was very firm.
She lost all hope then as the tears silently made themselves known, trailing down her cheeks. There was a large hand, gripping her shoulder in comfort, not the comfort she wanted right now.
“Andre, if you would please.”
The hand moved to her back and gently pushed her forward. “Let’s go, Mariah.” A voice whispered close to her ear, the cool breath sending goose bumps up her arm. Blindly, she allowed him to lead her to wherever. All she wanted to do was curl up into a ball and cry. Would this mean that she would never see her family again? Natalia, her very best friend…was she…gone? No…No! There was no way these people, vampires, or whatever they were, were going to take away what was precious to her!
“Bed. Now.” It was a command. The comfort tone was still there, but it was also laced with concern. She shook her head feverently, not wanting to sleep. They had already reached the bedroom that she had first woken up to this nightmare. Andre was by the bed, pulling down the sheets, gesturing for her to climb in.
“No.” She would show him that she could be stubborn.
“Yes.” He seemed impatient.
“No.”
“No.”
“Yes.” She blinked and slapped herself mentally, glaring at his smug smirk. “You evil…”
“Little vampire?” he finished for her, leaving her gaping in astonishment.
“How did you—”
“Know that?” He grinned, he was enjoying it! “I’ll make you a deal,”
“No.” her answer was absolute, if it involved anything with making a deal with a vampire, then she was never accepting one!
His expression soured, “I’ll tell you anything you ask until you fall asleep if you go to bed…”
…Well, maybe just this once…
“…Fine.” She pouted at losing, usually, she always one against verbal disputes with Nat. Maybe arguing with a boy/vampire was different…in some way…
“And you’ll go through with the ceremony.”
Fine…wait, what?!
“NO!” Her face was red with embarrassment and anger.
Andre was beyond happy at being victorious, “You should really let people finish what they’re saying before you answer.” He mused. “Now, bed.”
Seeing her hesitant look, his eyes swirled. “Do you really want to break a deal with a lethal vampire?” his voice was low and deadly. It made her squeak and jump into bed in a second.
His expression turned light, “Good girl.” He patted her on the hand and sat himself at the foot of her bed, his emerald eyes trained on her. She shifted nervously and started off with her first and most important question.
Of course, before she could even ask it, he answered.
“No, we’ve told you a thousand times, you cannot simply quit your duty!”
Mariah pouted and opened her mouth to ask another question.
“You can go home, but you can’t remain there all the time. You’ll be called for duties and you will be at the Portal most of the times anyway.”
“Andre!” Her tone was agitated and annoyed, much to the vampire’s pleasure.
“Yes?” Oh, how she would love to smack his perfect face to oblivion.
“Like you could.” He scoffed.
“Stop!”
“Alright, Alright.” He waved it off.
“Stupid, cocky, Commissioner.” She muttered.
He frowned, “Hey…”
“So, what’s the ceremony about? Do they bathe me in holy water or something?” she asked sweetly, trying to distract him.
“No, we simply have a sample of your blood—a drop—for bounded loyalty. Then they give you the Divinity Key, the object that opens the Portals at will. After, you swear a solemn oath to protect your people and home. You’re people are us, and your home is here.” He laminated.
Mariah blinked in confusion, “But—”
Andre nodded, “You have two families now. Your birth family, and your native.”
She stayed silent, resting her head against the soft pillows in deep thought.
“…What about the werewolves?”
He fisted a handful of her bed sheets and growled, “They have the same situation as us. There’s a total of 8 Portals, 4 belong to the vampires, and 4 belong to the werewolves.”
Her thoughts were in turmoil and her heart pounded in her chest as she swallowed. “Will I meet one?” her voice was trembling, almost dreading the answer she already knew she was going to get.
“Yes. We protect the portals from them. They protect theirs from us.”
“Why do we fight then?! Can’t we all live in peace?” She shouted all of a sudden, unaware of the panicked glint in her eyes. “Why can’t there be peace?”
“Because it’s an ancient hate! Our ancestors created a war and we are to suffer for it! Because they were doing what they thought was right!” he defended.
Her breath was coming in pants and the sudden anger that flowed through her. She didn’t feel like asking what really happened back then, it was all a little too unstable to ask. “What…what do you do as a Commissioner?” she whispered.
Andre calmed down, with visible effort. “I deliver messages and recent progress around the world on both Werewolves and Vampires. My job is also to make sure I know where you are at all times.”
“You’re a mailman?”
He popped a vein. “Next question, please.”
Mariah sweat dropped. “What does a Guardian do then?”
“He protects you. Yashua will be following you wherever you go, I will be watching from afar. His duty is also to fight with you.” She noticed that he spat out his name.
That was a relief, she would have a bodyguard…wait…with me!?
“With me?” she repeated dumbly. “You mean, I’m fighting too!?”
He snorted, “Of course, what did you think? That he was going to do all the fighting for you? Take some responsibility. He may fight the Werewolves, but you are the one who finishes them off.”
The moment she heard the words, her blood froze. It was a joke! She would never hurt anyone! She’s too scared to be the one who kills; her nature was more of the prey! This was not her problem; they had definitely chosen the wrong person. Mariah was ready to fling off the sheets and make a run for it, but Andre saw through her and grabbed ahold of her.
Despite her struggles, he held her firmly in place. “No running away. You may be in a palace, but you’re still under custody until we complete the ceremony.”
“I don’t care! I’m getting out of this hellhole!” she half-shrieked and continued her futile escape.
“You don’t have a choice! We can’t do anything about it, so stop being in denial!”
“I’m not in denial!” she shouted in his face.
“Like hell you’re not!” Andre scoffed and pulled her roughly down, steadying a hand on her shoulder and looked her in the eye. “Now, as I was saying, you don’t have to live with the memories. We can take them away from you if you want, so you’ll never be left with the death after you get it over with.”
She was still shaken and her mind was muddled with fear as she stared into his confident eyes, “We…?” her voice was broken.
He nodded, “Yashua and I. We have the ability to tamper with minds. Humans more than Werewolves. We can take away memories, create them, and read them. That’s how I’ve been answering you’re questions before you could ask them. I know what you’re thinking.” Once he saw that she had calmed down a bit, he released his hold.
Mariah was too dazed to fight and dropped back on the bed, her face buried in the pillow for comfort. Everything was silent for a minute until Andre broke the ice with an answer for her muted question.
“Yes, I agree, it is an invasion of privacy.” He nodded.
She muffled something in the pillow angrily.
“Well, it’s not something I can control. It’s more of a second nature, I don’t know if I can stop doing it.” He apologized.
Another muffle.
“Yes, I assure you that we can take away memories if that is your order.”
A confused muffle.
“Yes, your order.” He clarified.
A musing muffle.
“I hardly consider us servants, but that’s who the Order would like elaborate it I suppose.” He said, offended.
A wondering muffle.
“The ceremony starts in a couple hours, you have plenty of time to get some rest.”
A moment of quiet.
Another timid murmur.
Andre was shocked, but was careful not to let it show even if she couldn’t see it. “No, we don’t drink blood on a daily business. The older we are, the longer we can go without blood. And no, we don’t drink human blood. Here, in the Portal, the scent of it would drive everyone mad with lust. We drink animal blood.”
A curious murmur.
“Hardly!” he snorted. “You’ve seen me at school yourself on sunny days, I didn’t turn into ash. Just got a little sunburned, is all. You’d be surprised at how much the vampires have adapted throughout the ages. It’s harder to kill one of our kind nowadays.” He boasted.
A snicker.
“No. Stakes don’t harm us.”
Another attempt.
“No, garlic is one of my favorite foods.”
A disbelieving snort.
Andre frowned, “That’s not very ladylike.”
“Oh please.” She finally spoke, lifting her head from the pillow to face him with peaceful eyes. For once, she felt at ease. “It’s not enough that I have to be the protector of a portal to a vampire world from the werewolves, but I have to be a lady too. Don’t worry, I get enough nagging from my parents enough already.”
“You should really get some sleep now, you need it.” He informed her while gazing out her large windows at the setting sun.
Mariah bit her lip, “Hey, Andre?”
He turned to her, “Yes?”
“What does the Divinity Key do?”
His emerald irises darkened and the flecks started to darken, “They control the Guardian’s power. When you saw Yashua down at the cellar, he was very restrained and caged. The Divinity Key releases ALL of his power, all of the power that he had when he was—well, it’s very powerful. You are the keeper of that, and it can’t be released without your approval. It must only be used in the direst situations, for if you unchain him, he loses his sanity and will slaughter anyone in sight, including you. All vampires have it, but some can control it better than others.”
He was very grave about this, she could tell. His jaw was clenched, as was his fists. His entire form was erect and unmoving. This scared her terribly; she laid a hand on his fist, hoping beyond hopes to calm him before he loses control as well.
Fortunately, the action worked.
“I apologize.” He pinched the bridge of his nose, agitated.
And she could only look on.
The day has been exhausting, that was to say the least. First, she was having a party, her sixteenth birthday. During the party, she decides to take a little walk down to the beach and finds a surprising guest there. Then, she blacks out and ends up in this medieval like castle with said guest. She discovers that he is a vampire and that she is to be working with two of them to PROTECT a whole lot of them. She also finds that she doesn’t have a choice either. And in a few hours, she will be going to a ceremony that will give her the key to a destruction monster and change her life forever.
She barely noticed her eyes drooping and Andre pulling the bed sheets up to her chin, her mind was too tired to register too many facts. Before she slipped into unconsciousness, she had one last thought.
Wait till Nat hear’s about this…
Blackness claimed her.
Author’s Notes:
1. Okay, so this chapter was mainly dialogue.
2. I’m not too happy with this one because there wasn’t much fluff. >.<
3. Comment please! heart
-Kanari-
