Part X

"They woke you to come here?" asked Elena.

"Yes, to prevent the curse from being lifted. If it is, then the Others no longer have any power over the children they created. Being so powerless they would fade painfully until they no longer exist."

"Well from what you've told us, I would think that would make you more like to not do as they'd told you to," remarked Damon.

Aibie's burdened and saddened gaze fell on the floor where Rius, who was unusually silent, sat staring into nothing.

"As punishment for not completing my task one thousand years ago, Shashei made a deal with Hades and had Rius' soul dragged from the Netherworld to this one and chained him to me. If I do as I am told the chain will be broken and Rius may return to the Elysian Fields. That would be enough for me to do whatever they ask, but I made an oath the last time I was wakened: never again will my actions cost another's life. I will not take an innocent's life and that is how they intend to break the curse, so it cannot be."

At that moment the front door slammed open, jerking everyone out of the silence that had encased them during Aibie's explanation. The door was kicked closed again, the noise reverberating through the silent house, shaking the walls. Heavy footfalls stormed through the house to where they now all stood alert and at the ready, with the exception of Aibie who knew the only person it could be. Rhy froze when he found the living room filled with a lot of people – the most of which were not human. He raised an eyebrow to Aibie in silent demand of what was going on.

"Just giving this lot an explanation of why we're here Rhy."

"I'm guessing he's not your uncle then," said Stefan with a hint of a smile.

"No, Rhy is with the Marackian Order. They are the keepers and guards of my tomb and me."

"He's not a witch," frowned Bonnie.

"Most of the order are witches, but some are simply hunters like Rhyodan; like Mr Saltzman here."

"So you kill vampires?" queried Damon.

"And werewolves and witches that threaten to expose us all or work against the Others."

"What's got you in such a sourpuss mood anyway?" frowned Aibie, knowing that Rhy was usually very adept at containing his emotions.

"I've been searching for those people that have gone missing recently. Group of hikers and a park ranger were reported missing the day after a full moon. I just found their bodies…or the remains of their bodies."

A/N: Please review. More to come tonight and tomorrow.

xx