CHAPTER 10
A DARING RESCUE
The next morning, Michael awoke to find Kenna gone. He quickly put on his clothes and rushed down the stairs and into the kitchen to see her sitting at the table with her breakfast in front of her. In her left hand was a coffee cup and in her right hand was the ransom letter Alexia had given her the other day. Kenna read and re-read the note over and over. Michael walked up to her and put his hand on her shoulder, startling her. "What is it?" He asked and she looked at him.
"It's this note. Why would humans do this?" She asked and her husband sighed and sat next to her.
"Kenna, our kind and humans have been at war since the beginning. Only recently, some humans have learned to coexist harmoniously with us, but the hunters have not. Their kind still believe that we are the scum of the earth and must be annihilated. I don't know what reason this particular group has for taking those girls and using them to persuade Alexia to try to kill us, but that's not important right now. The important thing is that we get those girls back alive." He explained and Kenna nodded in agreement. At that moment, Kana and Kell walked into the dining room with Alexia behind them. Her hair was matted and unkempt, and her clothes were rumpled, she also had bags under her eyes.
"Good morning sis." Kana said and she smiled him.
"Good morning Kana." Kenna replied back and she looked behind her brother at the woman standing behind him and smiled. "Come sit." She said and Alexia walked over and sat across from the queen. She motioned for her brothers to leave and they bowed, walking out. She then turned her attention back to Alexia. "Did you sleep at all?" She asked and Alexia shook her head no.
"I haven't slept since the girls were kidnapped." She said, closing her eyes and started crying. Kenna sighed and reached across the table, placing a hand on top of Alexia's.
"Alexia, I promised we would get your daughters back alive and I am going to keep that promise." She said with a strong tone and the woman looked up at her.
"But what if…" Alexia started, but Michael interrupted her.
"If my wife said she will get the girls back, then she will." He said and Alexia took a deep breath.
"Ok." She responded and the king and queen stood up.
"Now, we must go prepare for our mission, our chef will bring you breakfast soon." Michael said and Alexia nodded. As the two walked out of the room, Alexia closed her eyes and thought to herself, I hope they make it.
Jamie slowly awoke as the morning fog drifted through the camp. She was still tied to the tree and had a cloth tied between her teeth. She slowly opened her eyes and her vision was blurry at first, but cleared soon and she saw Rongo, her captor, looming over her.
"Good, you're awake." He whispered and knelt down, stroking her face.
Jamie glared and growled at him. "Ah ah ah." He said, "Good girls don't growl." He said as he gave a cruel smile and roughly pulled her pants and underwear down to her ankles. "I got word that Mommy did not keep her end of the deal…" He growled. "So, first I'm going to have some fun and then you will die, along with your sisters…" Jamie kept her glare and moved her legs up as the man reached for her.
"Put your legs down." He growled and she shook her head no. Rongo growled and slapped her face with his glove and she let out a yelp. "PUT YOUR LEGS DOWN NOW." He yelled, but she still refused. "Very well…" he hissed and grabbed her legs, forcing them down, and spread them open. Rongo then took out a black cloth and folded it, tying it over Jamie's eyes. "It's more fun for you this way…" he said in a sexual tone. Jamie froze and when she felt the man grab her privates, she jumped up a little. Rongo smirked and began to rub, slowly at first. After a while, Jamie's back began to arch and he started to rub faster and soon she gave out a muffled moan. Rongo removed the gag and whispered "I want to hear your pretty little moans…." As he continued his assault, Jamie's back arched more and more and her moaning grew louder. Her captor's smile grew even more cruel and he rubbed even faster. Jamie let out a scream and Rongo lowered himself to her and sucked the white liquid as it came out. Once he was done, looked up to see Jamie's face all red and sweaty, and she was breathing heavily. He smiled and said, "Stay put little girl, I'll be back." He stood up and walked over towards the tent. As she sat, Jamie couldn't help but think about what was happening to her sisters.
Back in the tent, Ancal was untying Alexis from the pole, but kept her hands tied behind her back. She let out a muffled cry as her captor picked her up by her waist and threw her over his shoulder and carried her into the sleeping quarters. He pulled down the curtain, and a few minutes later, Alexis let out a muffled scream.
Back outside, Jamie could hear her sister's screams. Even though she couldn't see, she knew what was happening and it angered her. Rongo had retied the black cloth between her teeth. She began to struggle against the rope binding her to the tree. In doing so, she attracted the attention of the other hunters. Seven of them walked over and formed a circle around her, all of them wearing cruel smirks on their faces. One of them walked up to the girl and kicked her in the leg. They all laughed as she groaned in pain. Soon, they were all taking turns, kicking the helpless little girl. As the assault continued, Jamie began to feel there was no hope for her or her sisters.
Back at the castle, Micheal was explaining the plan to Kana, Kell and Rex. "So, when we get there, destroy everything and everyone except the three girls. You are to bring them back alive and unharmed." He ordered and the three men nodded. As Michael turned to leave, Kana spoke up.
"How do we convince the kids we are not there to hurt them?" Kana asked and the king turned around.
"You must figure that out yourself." Michael replied.
"So what are you going to do?" Kell asked.
"Me? I am going to turn every single one of those humans into ash…." He growled. "Now, let's get going. We don't have much time." He said and the four of them walked out room.
As they walked out of the castle, Michael closed his eyes and large black wings appeared on his back. His wings opened with a strong whoosh, and he flew into the air, Kana flying behind him and Kell and Rex following on the ground.
Inside Kaba's tent, Lexi lay naked on the bed. A thick, black cloth was tied between her teeth and her hands and feet were tied to the bedposts with a thick scratchy rope. Her hair was mated and tangled. Her panties were draped around her ankles and the rest of her clothes lay in a heap on the floor next to the bed. A white bra was draped over the headboard above her. Her body glistened with sweat and she was shivering. Kaba walked in and approached the helpless girl.
"Hello my little toy…" He cooed in a sexual tone. Lexi began to shiver even more as Kaba ran his hand down her body toward her womanhood. She jumped a little and whimpered as he grabbed it and squeezed it. "Turns out mom failed to kill the vermin and their little monster." He growled as he stuck his pointer finger inside Lexi. She continued to whimper as he moved his finger around. "Too bad I have to kill you….You would have made a fun little sex toy…." He said pulling his finger out. As he reached into his cloak and began to pull out his dagger, a scout appeared.
"Sir! The king and three of his men have been spotted, they are headed straight for us!" He informed and the leader sighed, lowering his weapon back into his pocket. He turned to the scout who asked. "What do we do?"
"You and the other men stay here. Liuri, Ancal, Rongo and I must leave." He said and the man gulped.
"You mean we must fight the vampires?!" he asked in a shaky voice and Kaba nodded.
"But we will be killed!" He explained and Kaba shrugged.
"Oh well…" the leader said with a slight hint of evil in his voice. He glanced at the girl on his bed. "Leave this one and her sisters to the vampires." He ordered and the man nodded and saluted. A life for a life. The leader thought as he walked out of the tent.
Micheal and Kana flew through the forest as fast as their wings could carry them. Kell and Rex running not far behind them. Michael scanned the forest for any signs of a camp and soon he spotted a small light. "There!" he yelled and they flew and ran even faster.
As they approached the camp, all the men were rushing to grab their weapons and meet their enemy. Michael sneered as the men rushed at the four of them with spears, swords, arrows and other weapons. Kana, his brother, and Rex watched as Michael held out his hands and closed his eyes. The air around the hunters began to glow red and soon they were surrounded by a large red aura. Michael lifted his hands, causing the aura to lift the men into the air. He then lowered his hands in a fast-paced motion and the men slammed into the ground, killing them instantly. Once the aura disappeared, the four men rushed into the camp.
Kana lowered himself and ran through the mob of people, stepping over the dead bodies. He threw aside anyone who got in his way. Towards the edge of the camp, he noticed a young girl tied to a tree and ran even faster. He reached her and noticed she had been blinded and gaged. She was also badly bruised and beaten. Kana started to untie her and an arrow flew past his face, hitting the tree above the child's head. He turned to see two men standing in front of him. One had his bow drawn, with another arrow inserted, and the other had his sword drawn. "Untie her and the next one goes in your heart you bloodsucker." The archer stated, trying to sound strong, but Kana could sense his fear. He chuckled and stood up, cracking his knuckles.
"Looks like I get to have some fun after all." He said to himself and as the swordsman ran towards him, he disappeared. The man looked around bewildered. Kana reappeared behind him and whispered, "I'm behind you…" in his ear. The man turned around and before he could react, Kana picked him up by his neck and threw him into the black of the forest. All that was heard was the sound of his body hitting the tree and then the ground. The archer's eyes grew wide as the vampire turned to him. "Your turn." Kana said and charged at the man. He dropped his bow and ran, but was unable to escape as Kana grabbed him by the arm and flung him backwards. He hit the ground stunned. Kana rushed back to the child and untied her, removing the cloths from her eyes and mouth. Kana stood and saw the archer slowly rise to his feet. The vampire glared and closed his eyes. He held out his right hand and a large plume of fire shot out and engulfed the man, burning him to nothing but ash. Kana then turned and rushed into the forest before anyone else noticed.
As Kana ran, the little girl in his arms slowly started to wake up. Once her vision cleared, she screamed and jumped out of the vampire's arms and rolled on the ground. She jumped up and hid behind a tree. "LEAVE ME ALONE YOU MONSTER." Jamie yelled as the creature approached her.
"Kid, it's ok, I'm not going to hurt you." Kana said quietly and the girl looked at him suspiciously.
"My name is not kid, it's Jamie. How do I know you're telling the truth?" She said and Kana looked at her.
"Because I know your mother and I'm going to take you to her." He said and the girl's eyes grew wide.
"How do you know my mom?" She asked.
"She tried to kill the queen, my sister, and when she was caught, she told us about you and your sisters." He explained and Jamie studied his eyes and decided he was telling the truth.
"Ok, but if you're lying…" she said as the vampire picked her up.
"I'm not, I promise." He said and the girl wrapped her arms around his neck and he took off again.
Alexia paced back-and-forth in the living room thinking to herself. What if they fail? What if my daughters are already dead… Her thoughts were interrupted as Asuna comes into the room and sat on the couch.
"What is wrong? You seem nervous." She asked and the young mother stopped pacing and took a deep breath, sitting next to the wolf.
"What if the king, queen, and their fighters don't succeed…" she said on the verge of tears.
Asuna sighed and put her arm around the woman. "Kenna and Michael promised they would rescue your daughters and they don't break promises. I know they will succeed, plus they have Kenna's brothers to help them." She said trying to reassure Alexia.
"But what if…" She started, but was interrupted by the front doors opening and slamming closed. The two ran to the door and saw Kana standing there with someone in his arms.
Alexia's eyes filled with tears of joy as she saw it was her daughter, Jamie. "Jamie!" she yelled.
"Mom!" Jamie yelled back, jumping out of Kana's arms and ran to her mother. Asuna and Kana smiled as the two hugged and cried. Asuna then looked up at Kana.
"Where are the others?" She asked.
"They are still at the camp." He replied.
Back at the camp, Kenna heard the scream of a young child and flew as fast as she could towards it. She reached the tent and saw the little girl cowering in front of a man. The queen glared and rushed in, slashing the man with her claws. The hunter screamed in pain, which attracted the attention of several other men. Three of them rushed in and froze at the sight before them. Kenna looked at them with blood dripping from her claws. The men shook as they unsheathed their swords and rushed her. Kenna hissed and held out her right hand. Three large lightning bolts shot out and hit each of the men, killing them instantly. Once she was sure they were dead, Kenna turned to the child curled up in the corner of the tent.
Alexis screamed at the sight of the creature in front of her and shook with fear as it lowered itself to the ground, folded its' wings behind its' back, and bent down in front of her.
"Don't be afraid little one." Kenna whispered. "I'm here to help you." She said softly and the child peeked up at her. "It's alright." The queen cooed. "Those men will never hurt you again." She said and Alexis looked around to see the men around them dead.
"Wh…where's my mommy?" She asked, her voice shaky.
"She's at the castle dear." Kenna said kindly. "I'm here to take you to her." She said and at that, the child's eyes grew huge and she jumped up at the creature. Kenna picked up the child and held her tightly. "Hold on." She whispered and spread her wings out. Alexis closed her eyes as the queen shot up through the top of the tent and flew towards the castle.
Rex ran through the camp, looking in all the tents. He reached the leader's tent and cautiously looked in. Once he was certain no one was there, he walked in. Rex's ears perked as he heard a soft whimpering sound coming from behind a curtain. The wolf slowly pulled back the curtain and saw a young girl lying naked on the bed. He rushed over and removed the cloth from her mouth.
Lexi lay frozen as the giant animal untied her from the bed. He stepped back a little as she slowly sat up. "What…what are you….?" The girl asked, her voice shaky.
"My name is Rex. I am a wolf and the guard of the vampire king." He explained and Michael walked in. Lexi screamed and the vampire held up his hand.
"Don't scream young lady." He said in a calm voice and Lexi stopped, not taking her eyes off him. "My name is Michael and as my good friend explained, I am the vampire king. I am not here to hurt you, I am here to help you." Lexi gulped and slowly got off the bed, covering her chest with her arms.
"You must hurry and get dressed." Rex said and Lexi nodded. The wolf and vampire walked out and waited outside the tent. A few minutes later, Lexi emerged fully clothed, but limping a little bit. "Are you alright?" Rex asked and the girl gave him a look that told him everything he needed to know.
"Let's go." Michael said. "This place reeks of death." Rex nodded and swooped the girl up in his arms. Michael's wings appeared and he flew off, Rex following close behind.
Alexia, Asuna, Kell and Jamie all sat on the couch in the living room. The silence was broken by a loud knock at the door. Asuna stood and walked to the door opening it. Kenna walked in and sat Alexis down. "MOMMY." The little girl cried as she ran to her mother. Alexia bent down and swooped up the child in her arms. Kenna smiled as Alexia stood up and looked at her with tears of joy in her eyes.
"You're welcome." Kenna said and turned to close the door, but stopped as she heard her husband's voice. Michael flew in and Rex came in not far behind with Lexi in her arms. Lexi's eyes grew wide as she saw her sisters and her mother. "Mom! Jamie! Alexis!" She cried as she jumped out of Rex's arms and joined her family. Michael put an arm around Kenna and the two smiled as the small family reunited. Kenna looked at Michael and he nodded.
Kenna walked up the small family and they stopped hugging and crying. "Alexia, I've decided to let you stay and work here as one of my maids." Alexia's eyes grew wide at the queen's request.
"Your highness, I….." she began but was cut off as Kenna raised a hand.
"It is not an offer." She said and young mothered gasped in disbelief. She looked at her children and then back at the queen. "Yes, your children will live here as well." Jamie and Alexis' eyes sparkled and they both shouted "YAY!" Lexi stood looking just as stunned as her mother.
"But how will they…" Alexia started but was once again stopped by Kenna.
"Lexi will be trained with you and the little ones will receive private education here at the palace." Kenna explained.
"Thank you Your Highness." Alexia said, bowing. Lexi followed her mother, Jamie and Alexis stopped celebrating and bowed as well.
Kenna smiled, replying, "You're welcome, and please, call me Kenna." Alexia and her daughters nodded. "Asuna will now show you to your rooms." Kenna said. "It's been a long day and we should all turn in early." Everyone nodded and Alexia motioned for her daughters to come with her and Asuna.
As they reached their rooms, Asuna said "You will find all your clothes and other belongings are already in the room. Let me know if you need anything." Alexia nodded and told the girls to get ready for bed. The kids nodded and went into their rooms. Alexia walked into hers and stared in amazement at what just happened. This could be a great chance at a new start…She thought to herself as she settled into bed and turned out the light.
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