After my shift at Merlotte's, I arrived home while going straight up to my room. I set my work bag to the side then went over to my closet, which I had left open. I pushed aside my clothes while going to the back of the closet where seemingly nothing was there except a wall. I knocked hard once on the wall with the side of my fist, which caused the paneling to pop. I then opened up the paneling by swinging it open like a door.
The opening in the back of my closet was taller than me in height, and stored my extra bows and other weapons. The ones I couldn't keep on my person. My sword, an old shield given to me by a friend, and a few other odds and ends. Even a few prototype weapons that Charles and his siblings had started before the war. Hand grenades that were filled with powered celestial bronze, a few guns and their celestial bronze bullets, etc. Basically they were weapons to try and make our type of fighting more modern. And more equip to handle heavy battle zones like wars.
I don't think I'll need any guns on this mission. Especially since most of this mission dealt with stealth. When I started killing them, I didn't need to warn the others. Because the plan was to take them out after they laid down for bed, so just at the crack of dawn. I'd also make sure to have all the blinds and shades drawn back, so if they try to pop out of the coffins to attack me, well they'd turn into extra crispy. I pulled out my sword while testing the sharpness on my thumb. It easily spilt open my skin before I could even put pressure on it.
"Good." I said smirking. "This will work out just nicely."
Now it was time to suit up. Can't really go vampire hunting while still wearing my work uniform. Especially since things were going to bet messy. I was about to shut my secret panel thinking my bow and arrow plus my sword would be enough. However, I looked back to those grenades I had laying in a cute little basket on one of the shelves. If stealthy isn't an option, it would be nice to have a plan B, wouldn't it? I eyed the grenades a bit longer.
"Fuck it." I said before I grabbed three out of the basket. "Better safe than sorry, I always say."
I then kicked the paneling shut while knowing that I wasting precious time. Though I suppose I did have some time before the sun started to rise. Besides, if I couldn't rely on nature sunrise there was always that ace in the hole I like to keep up my sleeve.
"This place is a dump." I said looking at the house those vampires were apparently living in.
But I guess not all vampires could enjoy the finer things of life. I shrugged not really caring. I had killing to do. I looked up at the sky seeing dawn was breaking, which meant the vampires were off to dreamland. Usually after vampires let themselves sleep, they reach a stage where it's nearly impossible to wake them until night falls again. I'd prefer to go after them then, but I didn't down when Tweedle Dumb, Tweedle Dumber, or Tweedle Dumbest would show up. I'd rather not get caught up in their homemade explosion juice. Some rednecks are so predictable. For some reason most of them like to blow shit up to the point they're almost pyromaniacs.
"But if I time it close to when they show up, I won't have to worry about anyone popping by and seeing my handy work before the evidence is blown up." I said. "Decisions, decisions."
Well, whatever I decided, I needed to make it quick. There really wasn't any reason someone to come poking around here, so I guess I didn't have to worry about that. Besides, risking getting caught up in an explosion didn't sound good either. It fact, that'd be worse case scenario. Guess I'm going in now.
"Alright then." I said to myself. "Let's do this."
I waved my hand over my bracelet disguised bow with it appearing in my hand a second later when it snapped loose. My quiver appeared on my back as well as I crept forward. I decided to bypass the porch since old porches like that one made too much noise. First I needed to surveillance the area before I set step inside. I went around back where I found a tree that would give me a direct line of sight into the first floor if I climbed to the lowest branch.
I set my bow on my back then started climbing up. I made it to the lowest branch while peeking inside. I did seem movement, which had my eyes snapping over to the one moving. Human by the looks of it since he was closing up the curtains to prevent the sunlight from coming in. I didn't want to hurt the poor guy, but if he was too far gone, I'd say it's a mercy killing. Hopefully I can get him out of there in one piece, so he could get the help he needs.
I didn't see any sign of the vampires, but I could see through an open doorway four coffins. Guess I'd find my vampires in there. I just hope Bill isn't in there, and that I was right when I thought he hadn't switched sides. After seeing the vamps were to bed, I jumped down from the tree. I went up to the house while drawing my bow off my back again while re-notching the arrow. I felt my heart thump, but not out of nerves. This is the most excited I've felt in a while. The thrill of the hunt never really leaves especially when you've hunted and killed as much as I have.
I carefully climbed on top of some crates outside the house peek in as the fangbanger started making his way closer to take care of the curtains on the backside of the house. Though his back was turned to me at the moment, so I carefully opened the window then slipped in. I touched down silently on the floor then crept up behind the fangbanger. Just as he was about to turn around I hit the back of his neck with by bow. He barely grunted, and I made sure to catch him before he could hit the ground loudly. However, it seems as if that grunt was loud enough to wake them. I whirled around bow pointed to see all three of them out of their coffins.
"Oh, lookie here." Malcom said. "Look, a sweet little mouse let herself into our home. Hi there, Sweetie. Not get enough of us at the bar."
"The reason why I'm here is because I've had enough of you." I said. "You see, I don't like big and bads near my home and near the people I love. Hence the house call I'm giving you."
Malcom chuckled as Diane and Liam snarled while moving closer to me, but I remained calm. After all I've dealt with and fought in my life, a couple of vampires don't even register on the give me a bit of a fright scale.
"Sweetheart, I'll admit you're a tough little thing, but you're on our turf now." Malcom said. "You won't be walking away from meeting us a second time."
"Funny," I said smirking. "I was going to say the same to the three of you. Understand that when a monster escapes me once, it's a miracle for them. But they can never pull of the same miracle twice if they have the misfortune of meeting me again. Sorry, but whatever hundred years you've lived ends today."
Then before any of them could blink, I let loose the arrow, which flew forward to pierce Diane, who was closest, in the chest. She exploded into goo a second later with her two friends jerking back in shock. They looked at me with wide eyes.
"How did a weapon of metal kill one of us?!" Malcom demanded.
"Considering you're about to die, I don't see the point in telling you." I said as I notched another arrow. "Now who's next?"
Liam hissed at me then tried to charge forward. I ducked down to avoid his reach when he tried to make a grab at me. I let my arrow go, and it hit Malcom in the chest, which turned him into goo just like Diane had. And without losing momentum I had my sword drawn. I whirled around while cutting Liam's head clean off. It fell to the ground with a soft thud before turning to mush just like the body as I twirled my sword around my fingers.
"That wasn't as fun as I thought it was going to be." I said as I looked around at the dead vampires.
I then sighed guessing after fighting off some of the oldest monsters in Greek mythology during a war against a Titan, fighting regular monsters just wasn't as fun anymore. But I guess the less bloodshed the better. I looked down at my hands while just remembering all the blood that has covered them throughout my life. I didn't know if they could take anymore being stained red. I shook my head not wanting to think about it as groan caught my attention. I turned my head towards the fangbanger I had temporarily knocked out as he started to get up and lift his head.
"Oh yeah." I said. "I still need to worry about you."
At the sound of my voice the guy turned around with a confused frown on his face. It was a handsome face though, but he was obviously too young for me.
"Who…who are you?" He asked.
"Not important, pretty boy." I said pointing my sword at him. "Now get your ass up and out the door. Time to check your dumbass self into rehab or into whatever place can help you get over your time being a vampire's bitch boy."
His brows furrowed in confusion, but I didn't give him much time to think as I put my sword and bow on my back to walk over to him to haul him onto his feet.
"Oh wait, nearly forgot." I said. "I have to take these with me."
I turned around picking the two celestial bronze arrows out of the goo on the floor. I frowned at them before looking to the kid I just saved.
"Hold these," I said.
Before he could protest, I shoved the arrows—non-pointed ends, of course—into his chest.
"Thanks." I said then grabbed the back of his jacket.
I dragged him out the door while not really caring about if we were seen or not. The job was done, and I highly doubted anyone would come here purposely considering vampires live inside. Or used to live inside. What I did know is that those rednecks would be here sooner or later to have their fun. I'm just glad Bill wasn't there because that would have been awkward and hard to explain.
"Okay, kid, what's your name?" I asked him as we walked to where I stashed Sookie's car.
I didn't think she'd need it since she did spend the night at Bill's place. It wasn't as if it was a far walk. If she gets mad, I'll explain. I tossed my sword into the back then looked to the kid who hadn't answered me. He just looked around as if he hadn't seen the sun in days. Not properly anyway. I sighed then had my bow and quiver return to their hidden states on my wrist.
"Kid," I said getting his attention. "Name?"
"Oh, uh, Nathaniel…Nathaniel Car." He said.
The name didn't ring a name, and as far as I knew there weren't any Cars around here. And Bon Temps was known for not having many families outside of the ones who helped get this little, speck-sized corner of the world started.
"You're not from here, are you?" I asked.
He shook his head, which had me sighing. I swear if I have to get this kid to another state, I won't be going into work today. I haven't slept a wink yet as it is. Wouldn't be the first time I went without sleep though.
"I live in Shreveport." He said. "With my mom and her old man."
My brow quirked when he said his mom's old man as if this guy wasn't his dad. And the frown forming on his face had me believing his mom's old man wasn't exactly a nice guy. He's a runaway. Great. I didn't want to send a kid home to an abusive home, but it wasn't as if I could keep him. I guess the best thing would be to drop him off at the sheriff's station. He can be Easton's problem. Even though I said that I had a feeling I'd be worried about this kid until things were worked out.
"And was there anyone else besides you living with those vampires?" I asked.
"There were a few others, but they were already dead." Nathaniel said. "Two were killed before we made it to the new house, and…and Neil was killed last night before they went out. I was afraid that when they came back that I'd be next. But they didn't touch me. They just talked to their guest seeming happier than earlier, but when he left…they all took their turns on me."
He clenched his arm tightly as if to hold it together, and I frowned guessing I didn't get there in time to do much saving. He's obviously been hurt many times before he was recused. Some hero I am. I'm just glad Bill got out of there. Before I could console him, there was a sound of a small explosion, which had us looking back to the house, which we could see on fire through the trees.
"Well, Nathaniel, that's our que to get going." I said.
Nathaniel looked at me with wide eyes while obviously wondering if I had all my marbles.
"Gees, kid, you really need to chill." I said shaking my head as I opened the driver's side door. "No reason to get all worked up over a bit of fire and smoke."
I let out a breath as I returned home after dropping off Nathaniel at the station. By the time we arrived most of the cops were leaving to take care of the fire that was reported. I made sure Nathaniel kept his mouth shut about all that, and made a story that I found him wondering the road have out of his mind and covered in vampire bites. And he was covered in bites, so that part wasn't a lie. Easton, who stayed behind to take a statement, hadn't looked too convinced, but took it all anyway while promising to get things worked out for Nathaniel.
I shook my head stretching my limbs while ready to try and get some sleep in before I had to be to work today. As I was climbing the steps, Sookie's car came to park in front of the house. She got out the car, and when she slammed the door, I guessed that Bill never returned home. That had me wondering where he could be if not at his place. At least I could put her mind at ease, and tell Sookie he managed to get away from those three creeps.
"Hey, Sookie, I have good news." I said. "Bill's—!
"Dead, I know!" Sookie snapped. "And why am I not surprised you think that's great?! It's not like you care about anyone!"
I froze there in shock as her words sunk into my mind. What did she say to me? I hurried inside to find her in the kitchen with her head in her hands.
"What are you talking about, Sookie? What do you mean Bill's dead? And how could you say I wouldn't care?" I asked.
Bill shouldn't be dead if he got away as Nathaniel told me he had. And Nathaniel didn't seem like the type to lie. In fact, I'd say being honest to a fault is one of his many weakness, which led him to be in the clutches of vampires.
"Someone burnt that house down with the vampires inside—four dead." Sookie said. "And you know you don't care. I haven't seen you cry a single tear or even show any emotion...not when Maudette died, not when Dawn died, and you didn't even spare a tear for Gran! You're like some emotionless robot!"
I stared at her not believing the words coming out of her mouth right now. Sure, I didn't cry in front of her, but that didn't mean I shed no tears at all.
"I cried for Gran...I was so torn up inside, but I just didn't let you or anyone else see it." I said. "I have emotions, Sookie Stackhouse. And when I came home to see Gran dying in her own blood I felt so much panic, and when I realized she was dead...I just froze. I've felt so much pain and sadness that you can't even imagine, so don't you dare tell me I don't feel emotions."
Not to mention I still have nightmares, and I wake up still thinking my hands were covered in blood.
"Well, then how about you show it!" Sookie snapped. "And how about you actually open up to me! You've covered yourself in this thick wall, and you keep everyone on the outside of it to protect yourself and your secrets. Just what the hell is so bad that you keep out your own family?! What happened while you were away at your half-blood camp or whatever?!"
I said nothing as I thought about my life the last eleven years. Sure, she knows about some of it, but it wasn't as if I want her to know all of it.
"The less you know the better." I said as I backed away from her. "Trust me."
"Where are you going?" She demanded as I started heading for the door.
"Out." I said. "I'll be back later when you're in a better fucking mood."
I opened the door while pausing to look back at Sookie as she was glaring at me.
"And Bill's alive—FYI." I said. "I'm the one who went into that house, and killed those vampires. They were long dead before those redneck idiots set that house on fire. Bill wasn't there. I don't know where he is, but I do know that if he's smart, he won't come back to a selfish bitch like you."
I then walked out while slamming the door behind me hard. So hard I heard something fall off the wall and break. I didn't stop the check though. If I went back into that house, the next time Sookie went back into the public, she'd be missing some teeth and showing off some bruises.
I sighed sitting out in the pouring rain as I twisted a twig between my fingers. I spent the day out in the woods brushing up on my tracking and I even hunted a bit. It was rather peaceful almost like I was back at camp just on my own instead of with my siblings. I've honestly not run into my normal monsters since coming home—besides those vampires—, and if it wasn't for them, I'd say life was almost normal. Lightning flashed above as I sat under a tree in my secret haven. The rained hit against the pond's surface, and I watched it quietly.
I should probably have went home a while ago, but honestly, I didn't want to deal with Sookie. As I continued to rest underneath the tree being soaked to the bone, I started contemplating finding my own place. My mother's home was actually still waiting for me, but I hadn't been ready to move back into my childhood home when I had arrived back to Bon Temps. She left it to me in her will, and maybe it was time I officially moved back home.
The rain stopped falling as suddenly as it had started, and I looked up at the dark night sky. Maybe it was time to head back to Sookie. I stood up while wrapping my arms around myself. I started heading back home while hoping Sookie was in a much better mood. It didn't take that much longer to return, and when I returned the house...no one was there. I frowned feeling lonelier than I've had in a long time.
"Rissy, where the hell is Sookie?" Arlene asked as she grabbed a large tray of orders.
"Don't know. Don't care." I said. "We had a fight, and I've been avoiding her."
Arlene paused before she walked off while looking at me in worry, but I just grabbed another large tray since the normal ones weren't cutting it this time. I walked off with my orders, and delivered them as fast as possible since we were getting way behind. As I was heading back towards the window, I saw Sookie passing. She froze to look at me, and for a moment we just stared at each other.
"Rissy, order up." Terry said.
I snapped out my daze while narrowing my eyes at Sookie. I didn't want to speak with her at the moment.
"Okay, Terry, I'm coming." I said hurrying passed Sookie.
I grabbed as many orders as possible, and I ignored Sookie as I passed her a second time. I really didn't want to talk right now about yesterday. Besides, there was no time to standing around talking. There were hungry mouths to feed. I set down the orders then went to check on some of the customers that just walked in. I walked up to a booth, and I paused when seeing Jason with some girl.
"Hey, Jason." I said. "Anything I can you get and your friend?"
I decided to be civil since I'm sure Jason had a reason for doing what he did, and I didn't want to be mad at two cousins at once.
"Rissy." Jason said with a small smile on his face. "This is Amy...she's with me."
He seemed really giddy as he said this, so I gave the girl another look. She seemed nice and she was pretty.
"You're Corissa?" Amy asked. "Jason has told me a lot about you and Sookie. Nice to meet you."
She held out her hand to me, and I shook her hand before asking if they needed anything yet. While I needed to be polite, I didn't have time to sit around and chat.
"Not yet." Jason said. "You okay? You seem tired?"
I might have called out yesterday from work, but I hadn't really gotten the rest I wanted yesterday either. I felt like I could fall over at any second from being sleep deprived.
"Just a little swamped right now." I said. "Sookie just walked in, so hopefully things will go more smoothly. If you figure out what you need, let me know."
I went off to continue my job, and after getting an order for some drinks, I went up the bar. I placed my orders to Sam, and I took a moment to lean against the bar to rest.
"You doing okay, Rissy?" Sam asked.
"Yeah." I said. "Just a little overwhelmed at the moment."
Sam nodded his head in understanding as Arlene, who had been grabbing some of her own drinks, rubbed my back soothingly.
"You must be happy though to know Bill's alive." Arlene said.
"I knew that before everyone else actually." I said. "Tried to tell Sookie, so she wouldn't worry, and she calls me heartless and unfeeling. Gotta love family."
Arlene gave me a sympathetic look then went off to get to her customers as I waited for the drinks.
"Hey, Rissy." Sam said as he finished my drinks to place on my tray. "Think we can talk later...about the other night..."
I froze with my hands on my tray, but honestly, I shouldn't be too surprised. I've been waiting for someone to ask something.
"I'd rather not, Sam." I said. "It's complicated and the less everyone knows the better. Just know that I'm not some mystical monster or kickass vampire slayer."
Sam sighed though he did nod his head in consent, and I smiled for real for the first time today. I leaned over the bar to kiss his prickly cheek, and he grinned at me in amusement.
"Thank-you." I said.
"You're welcome." He said. "And don't worry too much about the rumors. Don't let them get you down."
I frowned since I had nearly forgotten about all these rumors being spread around about me. Just something else to deal with. I nodded though to Sam then continued on my way. I delivered the drinks, and on my way back to the kitchen, I paused beside Sookie when seeing Amy waiting Arlene's tables.
"Isn't she something?" Jason asked walking up to Sookie and me.
"If she's helping out, she's the greatest thing in the world." I said.
Jason smiled at me looking happy. Sookie looked between Jason and I, and I refused to look towards her. Still didn't want to talk about the fight yesterday.
"She's with you?" Sookie asked frowning.
"I know you're pissed at me, but...I really want you to like her." Jason said to Sookie.
Sookie's frowned deepened as she looked towards Amy who was walking towards us with a smile.
"Sorry about that." She said smiling. "You were looking swamped, and the natives were getting restless, so..."
"Don't be sorry." I said. "You just helped us out big time."
Amy smiled at me, and I smiled in return. I looked towards Jason winking to let him know I approved, and his grin widened.
"Um, you're Jason's sister, right?" Amy asked holding out her hand to Sookie. "It's...uh, I've heard so much about you."
Sookie hesitantly shook Amy's hand as Arlene came over asking Amy who she was.
"My name's Amy...Amy Burley." She introduced. "I'm with Jason."
"With me." Jason said like a love struck teenager.
I shook my head in amusement as Arlene blinked at the young woman in front of us.
"You must be Arlene with the beautiful red hair." Amy said smiling. "It's nice to meet you."
Arlene asked how Amy knew the tables' numbers, and Amy explained she waitressed in college, so she assumed the tables were clockwise. She then gave Arlene her tip from table five, and I smiled. I was liking this girl more and more.
"Sam, I think we just found a replacement for Dawn." Arlene said.
"I second that." I said as she and I walked off to get our orders. "Terry, I'm here for another order, my friend."
"I can't believe I'm working tonight." I grumbled as I placed Hoyt's food in front of him. "It isn't far, Hoyt. Not after the day I had."
"I'm sorry you're tired, Corissa." He said smiling sweetly.
I smiled at him in return, and I kissed his cheek as I thanked him for caring. He blushed lightly as I walked off to continue working. Luckily there weren't too many people here tonight, so I could work more leisurely.
"Don't worry, Rissy, you have tomorrow off, so you'll be fine." Sam said.
"Whatever." I said shrugging. "Working here got me out of babysitting the little devils with Sookie."
I loved Arlene, and I'm good with kids...but her son was the spawn of Hades for sure. No offense to Nico or anything since I love that kid to death-pun not intended.
"You've still not talked to her?" Sam asked me.
"Nope." I said. "I'm even thinking about moving into my mother's place. I think it'll be the best for the both of us."
Sam frowned shaking his head, but he said nothing, which was smart on his part. I continued on my way while praying to the gods that I remain sane at least a little while longer.
"Sookie, I'm home." I called walking in through the side door.
I paused when seeing Arlene, Rene, and Bill in the kitchen with Sookie. Well, wasn't this a little get together?
"Yo." I said waving. "Bill, good to see you're alive. Though I already knew you were."
Bill nodded with a smile as I walked over towards the fridge. Sookie stood up at my arrival while looking ready to speak. She opened her mouth to say something, but I raised a finger to get her to stop.
"I don't want to talk about it." I said while getting into the fridge. "You crossed a line. You know you did. We'll leave it at that."
Sookie looked crushed when I said that, but she did nod her head while pulling out a bottle of water.
"So, what are we talking about?" I asked to break the slight membrane of tension that formed.
It was silent for a moment with Arlene looking to Rene. He nodded his head, which had me wondering what was going on. Arlene then squealed loudly before I could ask while making me wince as she showed me her ring. She told me she was engaged, and I mustered up the energy to be enthusiastic for her.
"You'll be one of my bridesmaids too right?" Arlene asked.
"Sure." I said shrugging. "It'll be an honor."
Arlene smiled brightly as she hugged me tightly, and I pat her on the back awkwardly. Rene chuckled in amusement, but I shot him a glare over Arlene's shoulder. He shrugged innocently while not making a move to help. The happy atmosphere was brought down when Rene suggested Sookie and Bill will be the next two to marry.
"Well, I mean, when it becomes legal." He added quickly as Arlene let go of me.
If Bill is smart, he'll run while he has the chance. I then took a sip of water when I heard movement coming from the living room. One of the little rugrats were up. Lisa, Arlene's daughter, came into the kitchen sleepily rubbing her eye as she asked what was happening. Arlene told Lisa she was going to be her momma's flower girl, and Lisa squealed in joy. Oh, gods, why did she have to be another squealer? I then sighed as I guessed it was nice something good was happening for a change. Let's just hope nothing bag happens in return.
