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wonder woman nuff said... Diana hasn't left yet/ Danny and hunters are amazons, mattie/carm/evie escape.
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The sun was always shining here in Themyscira and Danielle loved it. This sunglight gave her something bright to wake up to everyday and kept her warm through out the day until the moon cooled her skin. At the moment Danielle was ridding her horse practicing her shooting and javelin throwing, she was pretty good but no practice was enough when it came to the amazons.
The training area was over flowing with the sounds of swords meeting, battle cries, and the wealth of energy they all produced. It was a different experience fighting along side your sisters and training with them either way Danielle savored it. Her horse rode hard and she rolled with the motions letting her body catch up as she slid off her saddle to scoop up her sword and raise her shield. Arrow's were deflected and she hooked her right leg around the pommel of the saddle and pulled herself up. With a quick lunge she bashed her opponent off her horse and raised her sword to block a second attack.
The rush was there and she used that to push herself to swing with full strength and leap from her horse when spears got involved. It was a bit of melee from one side to the other she used her shield to block their attacks until one lunged too far forward then she rammed the pummel of her sword into their back sending them tumbling. one down one to go. she was spinning out of an attack when a horn filled the air stilling every amazon on the training field.
The sounding of the horn only meant one thing: intruders.
A scout, Lamia came ridding up to the training area. "We found the remains of a boat on the eastern side of the island"
"Were there signs of any survivors?" Antopie set aside her
"There weren't any footprints but it must have washed up last night there was no moon" The lack of moon light would have made their patrols harder but not impossible they all knew that and so did their queen.
"Send out scouts, I want the whole island searched for possible intruders"
"Yes general"
they all dispersed in a flood of movement and Danielle was among them kicking lightly at her horses flank it took off. Charging through the city towards the sandy beaches that surrounded their home it wasn't long till she heard others behind her. Glancing back she saw Melanie and Cassandra catching up to her and turned her eyes back to the beach scanning for anything unusual.
There were few changes in their home so it would be easy to find any disturbances in the land scape. As they rode to the southern side of the island they found a few more pieces of drift wood from what was most likely the intruders boat.
"We're getting closer"
"Wait the Queen's old bathing cave is close by" Cassandra took the lead and rode ahead leading the straight to the queen's cave. It didn't look like anyone had been there but it wouldn't hurt to take a closer look.
Sliding off her horse Danielle walked towards the cave entrance knowing it was an easy place to hide. It was dark, cool, and had a small spring that wasn't used for bathing or cooling off after training. From the stories Danielle knew that princess Diana used to play their as a child and the queen would bathe her there but that was long time ago. Nearing the edge Danielle reached for her sword because there on the rock wall was a bloody hand print with deep claw marks beside it. There was nothing on the island that could make such markings and Danielle didn't like the sight of them because whatever made them was likely still in there.
"Mel-"
"I see it, I see it" Running back to her horse Melanie blew her horn sounding for the others to join them. The resounding cries of their sisters and thundering of hooves told them that they wouldn't be alone long much to Danielle's relief.
"We'll need to go in one group, that caves not very big and we would only need a handful of torches"
"Let's see who shows up first before we do anything" Warned Casandra, drawing her bow she stepped closer to the cave and peered into the darkness. She knew something was still in there but there was little chance of it coming out now.
"What have you found?" General Antopie didn't both stopping her horse choosing to jump off mid ride and joined the others by the entrance.
"Blood and claw marks, we'll need torches but aside from that its still in there" Cassandra reported.
"Alright grab a torch and arm yourselves"
Each of them grabbed a torch and drew a weapon. Lighting the torches they slowly made their way into the cave following the smears of blood until there was nothing. It wasn't a huge space but the fresh water pools to the far right bubbled naturally, the stalagmites dripped from the ceiling and their torches flickered. Whatever was in there was silent, it must have sensed them, they must have sensed them.
A sharp hiss was all the warning they got before one by one each of them was thrown aside by a shadowy wraith, its hissing turned into a bird like shriek echoing through out the cave.
Whipping out her cattails Allura tried to anticipate the creatures movements only for Daya to be thrown into her. General Antopie tried to take aim but it seemed pointless in such a confined space, forgoing her bow she drew her sword and slid aside as the creature tried to attack, swiping at it with her sword. The screeching grew louder and black blood splattered across the cave floor.
The creature could be hurt, that meant it could be killed if nessacary.
Danny jumped out of the way as it swiped again some how she managed to slip on some rubble falling backwards into an alcove. Looking around her Danielle was pretty sure this wasn't here before, the opening wasn't natural. A deep rumbling growl came from behind her and she rolled to her feet sword at the ready only to be met with tired red eyes. Whatever beast was attacking her sisters wasn't the same as this one, this was some kind of panther an abnormally huge one at that.
The panther watched her with intelligent eyes waiting for her to strike Danielle slowly lifted her sword and the panther opened its mouth revealing some very sharp teeth. If they were to fight in such a small space it would be hard for the beast to move so she had the upper hand but the panther had greater strength and its weapons couldn't fall from its paws if struck. With the screech of the shadow beast in the background and the panther's low growls Danielle sent a silent prayer to the gods as she always did but before either could move a pained whimper came from behind the beast .
Red eyes widened and Danielle didn't know what to make of it as the beast backed away from her and towards the source of the whimpering. Danielle went against her instincts and lowered her sword in favor of her shield. If the beast did attack then she could deflect it until she got a better vantage point but still have access to her sword. Watching the panther back away Danielle was surprised to see in the barest light of a fallen torch...was a girl. She had white blonde hair, wore a torn dress, and blood stained her back as she pressed her side into the rock face.
It was horrifying to see someone so broken and yet the moment the panther was within reach the girl left the wall and pressed her face into the beasts side. They obviously knew each other, the desperation in the girls grip gave that much away but the wounds on her back were troubling. The panther nuzzled the side of the girls face with its enormous head looking right at Danielle, those big red eyes seemed to grow weary, losing all fight in them. It was then that it struck Danielle that these beasts weren't beasts at all... they were people, creatures of some kind that could change into beasts but all the same they were just following basic instinct and protecting their most vulnerable member.
"They're just scared..." It was Danielle's turn to back away leaving the pair in their secluded alcove she rushed to the others finding her sisters and general Antopie wounded but ever more determined to fight the shadowy beast.
"Stop! all of you stop!"
Danielle's untimely entrance caught the attention of the shadowed beast and it roared. Her shield raised on instinct and she readied herself for impact but it never came as the panther leapt in front of her meeting the shadowed beast head on. seeing its companion the shadowy beast came to a halt and Danny was able to see for the first time a humanoid avian creature, they had feathers covering every inch of skin and ink like wings flared up behind it. Much like the panther it had strange eyes of silver instead of red but they were just as fascinating.
"Danielle?" General Antopie was hesitant to lower her sword but she knew her sister must have a good reason for it.
"They are the one's who washed up on our shores but they're protecting one of their own, she's wounded"
The avian creature cried out but the panther growled butting its head into the avian's chest. It was a strange but pleading motion and Danielle found herself watching as the panther yowled lowly. The Amazons watched with baited breath as the panther and avian faded away to reveal two very different women. The panther became a pale skinned girl with wild black curls and drooped shoulders while the avian became a regal woman with dark skin and guarded eyes. they stood for a moment leaning into each other before the regal woman brushed back her companions curls.
"Looks like we're caught sis"
"I'm sorry Mattie...i'm just so tired" Danielle could hear the exhaustion in the girls voice and it made her own body ache with the second hand feelings.
Looking around the cave at all the Amazons the newly named Mattie raised her chin. "I know we have no right to ask it seeing as we are trespassing on your island but we are in need of shelter until nightfall grant us this and we will leave"
"What of your third? Danielle says she is wounded and we have healers" Cassandra stepped forward ignoring the general's stare as she approached the pair. She wanted to look out for Danielle and she couldn't do that from so far away.
"No healers can help her...we need blood to heal most of her physical wounds"
"Blood? do you need it for a ritual of some sort?" Danielle couldn't withhold her curiosity and it certainly caught everyone's attention.
"Something like that"
General antopie clenched her jaw and something changed in her eyes, a flash f recognition perhaps but Danielle didn't know. "You will stay here under guard until we can consult with our queen as to what you need for your...ritual"
"That's fine we'll be here"
Mattie pulled her companion back into the alcove and the amazon's made their way to the caves entrance. Their queen was waiting with their sisters she turned to them immediately checking for any major injuries but they came out with only scratches and bruises.
"I'm relieved your all alive what was that? I could hear screeching"
"There are some beings taking refuge in the cave" Antopie began. "Not only are they ship wreaked but one of them is wounded"
"Send for a healer"
"My Queen the kind of healing they need is not of herbs and remedies but blood" That caught the queens attention.
"You mean to tell me there are blood drinkers here?!"
"They were only defending themselves" Danielle knew it was out of line but she would not let the wounded be left defenseless. "I saw I her my queen and the wounds she sustains no matter what she is are terrible"
The general and Queen share a whole conversation with just a look and Danielle found herself almost envious. She had been there since the beginning yet she still found herself out of place at times. When the princess was growing up it was easier because there was some one else to be awkward around but after she left with that man Danielle found herself alone once more.
"Get the lasso then begin a bleeding collection not too much but enough to keep them from attacking us out of hunger"
"Yes my queen"
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Mattie kept watch from the edge of their little alcove it had been pure luck they'd found this damn island to begin with but the cave was harder in accommodations. It wasn't that deep nor well hidden and so she had Mircalla help her carve away at the rock face until they had a pretty good sized cave of their own that was hidden from the light as well as out of the way. it had taken one of the amazons falling into the shadows to even find it so Mattie was pleased while it lasted. Now here they were trapped like rats with literal Amazons guarding the only exit during daylight hours, how the mighty have fallen.
"Mattie..." Mircalla's voice brought her back. Looking over her shoulder she found her sister and the runt in the furthest corner of their cave. The blonde was wrapped in one of the blankets they'd taken from their ship it was one of the few things that shielded them from the sun. Now it was being used to comfort the blonde as well as cover up her back wounds Maman had done a number on her.
In a moment of pure luck Mattie had found where her sister was buried and although there was a hell of a lot of digging to do she had freed her. In the time it took to spirit her sister away to a hiding place their sire had called upon her to join her siblings in their "reeducation". There was no way that was happening so she retaliated and took her banishment with a sneer that rivaled their sires, fleeing the country shortly after. It took weeks but eventually Mircalla left her catatonic state and graced her with the first spark of life after the violent death of her lover.
They rejoiced but their celebration didn't last long for some reason after finally escaping their sire's tyranny Mircalla wanted to go back! It had taken hours for Mattie to drag it out of her sister and even then she still thought she was crazy.
"I have to go back for her Mattie"
"I suppose you want to go back for Afton and Marcella too"
"Mattie"
"Miri"
"I need to get her out, you saw what mother was doing to them, Evie will die down there"
"They all will either by mother's hand or their own"
"That's why we need to get her out of there"
"I could have saved her but Maman sent her to America for a few last minute errands and she doesn't know what's happened she probably doesn't know i'm still alive!"
"It's not going to help her if she knows, if anything it'll make her feel worse knowing you were imprisoned"
"I don't care Mattie I need to get her out of there, please help me" Mattie would deny it till the day she died but she gave in when she saw those damned big eyes filled with unshed tears, gods she hated having a weak spot for Mircalla.
It took weeks of preparation and a few random invitations but they managed to distract their sire long enough to slip down into the dark depths of the basement to find a dangerous horror show. All of their siblings were chained to the walls mad with blood lust and attacking anything they could get their claws on. In the middle of that was Evangeline chained next to William as he snapped and snarled at them and her. The poor girl was trapped in a state of shock much like Mircalla had been but she was constantly crying and cowering the poor thing would jump at the slightest touch but after they unchained her it wasn't hard to see why, Lilith had let somebody get too close and the girl was caught in their claws. Mircalla had a fit which set of the runt but all in all they wrapped the girl up in a blanket and she seemed fit enough for travel.
So they left without a drop of blood to sustain them and a traumatized starved vampire under their wing. It wasn't easy getting out of the country but the good thing about having such a broken vampire was that they actually followed commands to the T. She was too paranoid to attack anyone for fear of punishment again it was horrifying but worked in their favor when they had to stowaway on a few different boats. They would have just taken one but most the good ships were carrying precious cargo and needed to be checked in so they had to play nice the problem with that is you can't always scout reliable ships and so the one they were on blew up. Needless to say most the occupants were killed but they had already been hidden away in the life boats when it happened so they were safe...until now.
"Her back is actually healing now and I got some of the splinters out but we really do need some blood" Mircalla held the trembling blonde in her arms, careful not to touch her back. The blonde had always been hypersensitive about having her back to anyone but when they were in the life boat she'd been sleeping on Mircalla's chest so when the explosion happened most the debris went straight for her adding further injury to the fragile girl.
"We'll get some eventually sis, I'll make sure of it"
The sound of boots on the stone floor echoed announcing the amazon's return but there were more of them this time. At the lead was that general from before, she was a fantastic fighter and nearly had Mattie on the ropes. Beside her was a woman who carried herself in a way Mattie knew all too well, this woman was royalty and everyone bowed in her presence even if it was just the slightest nod they did it out of respect. With them was the general's second with a golden lasso and two others carried a clay pot filled with something Mattie knew all too well.
"Blood drinkers, I am Hippolyta queen of the amazons" the regal woman began, pulling no punches it seemed. "and I want each of you to take hold of this golden lasso"
The second in command unraveled the lasso and threw the end into their little cave startling the runt.
"Hey, hey Evie it's ok I'm here, your alright"
Mircalla had her work cut out for her but with a steady hand and a gentle voice she calmed the girl. Taking a deep breath Mattie took hold of the lasso wrapping it around her hand before nodding to Mircalla. Her sister was just as hesitant in holding on to the lasso even though she did it anyway but the runt wasn't moving. She pressed her face into her sisters shoulder taking comfort in her scent to block out the world around her. It was a common sight now that they were away from their tormentor, Mircalla had gone through a similar phase when she was first released from her prison and still did it sometimes.
"Her too"
"She is in no condition to do anything right now" Mattie wouldn't have all her efforts to save their hides wasted now."I doubt she would be able to answer your questions seeing as she hardly knows where she's at much less how she got here"
Hippolyta frowned but upon further inspection of the trio her jaw clenched as memories of her own enslavement came back to the surface. She didn't know what happened to these three blood drinkers but for now she needed to stay on task.
"I would like to know what you were doing out this far in the ocean and how you came upon our island"
Mattie thought about lying, its easy as breathing to her by now but the moment she did her hand started burning. It was like sticking her hand in the fire, looking down she saw the lasso glow bright and realized this was more than just a staple piece. it was best to just tell the truth for now, the sooner she played nice the sooner they'd be fed.
"We were stowing away on a boat when something went wrong and it blew up, we were already in a life boat so we managed to survive and hid under the blankets until we washed up on your shores last night"
The amazons whispered amongst themselves wondering how big were man's ships? what could destroy such a large ship? why they were hiding? but it was their queen who hit it right one the head.
"What were you doing on that boat?"
"We were running" The words left her mouth before she could stop them and Mattie was surprised. She didn't know the full extent of what the lasso could do but she didn't like it .
"Running from what?"
"Our sire" that got the whisperes up again.
"Why would you run from your creator?" Mattie pressed her lips into a thin line.
There was no way in hell she was talking about Lilith, no ma'am it wasn't happening. The lasso flared brighter and burned hotter than before but Mattie held strong looking Hippolyta in the eyes as she resisted the damn lasso but it seemed they would be shifting speakers. While Mattie was still proud Mircalla was not and saw no point in prolonging her sisters pain when the blood was only a few feet away from them.
"She tortured us, she banished Mattie after she imprisoned me in a coffin filled with my lovers blood, and slowly destroyed my sister's will" Mircalla held Evie closer as the blonde trembled under the queen's gaze. It was imposing like Lilith's but where their sire held nothing but the void this queen held compassion locked behind fortified walls. She would show kindness when she knew her people were safe and right now she didn't know if her and her sisters were a threat.
"She is slowly killing all of my siblings through starvation and madness for the sake of obedience, I couldn't stand to see my baby sister go through that so we saved her"
"But not the others?"
"We didn't care about the others and neither did our sire she has always made it a point to strike Evie first before giving the rest of us our punishments" That struck a cord as Hippolyta's eyes grew hard but the maternal instinct in her bled through. Mircalla could work with that so long as it got Evie the help she needed.
"Give them the blood we must hold session" The amazons nodded at their queens orders and the two brought the pot of blood forward placing it just out of Mattie's reach. "We will return at sunset till then you are to be guarded but you may bathe here for the pools are here are large enough and I can send someone to bring you clothing"
"Thank you"
The lasso was drawn back freeing them from its fiery grips and most the amazons followed their queen out. Its not like they could go anywhere with the sun still out and it was barley passed noon if Mattie guessd right.
"Well sis looks like we can finally heal the runt"
"What about your wounds?"
"I'm the healthiest of the three of us so they're already closed up" Mattie showed her side where her dress was now ripped but the skin was smooth and scar free.
"I'm relieved"
"Aw worried about me?"
"You know I am" Mircalla gave her a light nudge making her rock on her feet.
"Alright kitty lets get the little one fed then see about cleaning up"
"Sounds good"
"Come on little one it's time to wake you up a bit more" Mattie reached for the pot of blood and hoped for the best.
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Danielle was anxious to return to the blood drinkers even if she missed out on the queen's conference she knew the others would fill her in later. She had her hands full of clothing varying from skirts, dresses, and thick cloaks that should protect the drinkers from the sun. The others had almost voted against giving them the cloaks but the queen felt they wouldn't try anything after receiving some hospitality and they were scared so they wouldn't risk angering them now.
"Danielle!"
Startled Danielle found the princess running up behind her she was surprised that the princess would seek her out of all people but smiled all the same.
"Hello Diana"
"It seems I missed our guests"
"They're more of intruders than guests but yes things have calmed down now"
"Melanie says they can change into beasts and that they need blood"
"Yes they're blood drinkers"
"We have so little information in our libraries I can only wonder how that helps them"
"Well we know that they feed on it for food but from what I understand it can also heal them as one of their own was heavily wounded"
"Wound? how?"
"We don't know but it wasn't in the fight"
"Fight? why would you fight them?"
"They attacked us Diana they didn't know if we would hurt them or not and they were trying to protect their own" The princess understood now and nodded as she followed Danielle along the road. she could only imagine doing the same out of protectiveness of her fellow amazons though most of them could defend themselves quite well but she didn't know about blood drinkers. From what she'd read and heard they were incredibly fast, strong enough to crush bones, and vicious when angered but the ones on the island seemed to be all that and so much more they could shape shift and claw through solid stone all the while retaining such vivid human emotions. They sounded like wondrous creatures and Diana couldn't help her curiosity.
"So where are you off to now?"
"I am to bring them new clothes seeing as their own are ruined from the ship wreak and the fight"
"Do you think they'll be upset if I speak with them?" Danielle skidded to a stop at that.
"Princess I doubt they'd care but your mother most certainly would, she has them guarded under guard and is in conference as to what to do with them"
Diana looked to the senate pavilion no doubt conflicted between seeing her mother's decision and meeting the blood drinkers. The princess had few moments of conflict like this but Danielle smiled all the same knowing the princess wanted to do both.
"Come princess they will not reach a decision until sunset that should give you plenty of time to speak with our guests"
"Good, I can hardly wait"
they walked through the city and down to the beach saying hello and waving every now and then. The afternoon heat was just burning off but the sun itself was still pretty low for them. If it were a normal day Danielle would have spent it patrolling and training as she always did expanding her knowledge under General Antopie's watchful eyes and Cassandra's steady hand. they made great mentors and Danielle truly looked up to them always for their skill and strength.
Speaking of which it looked like Cassandra was one of the guards.
"Danielle its good to see you back so soon"
"Of course Cassandra, how are they?"
"They're bathing right now so I think they'd appreciate the clothes" She went to walk in when Cassandra lowered her spear baring them entry.
"Princess I would suggest you keep your distance they might have fed but that doesn't mean they won't attack out of instinct"
"I will be cautious Cassandra you know me"
"Yes I know your trouble every time I see you but Danielle will keep you in line" Diana laughed as Cassandra lifted her spear.
"I have never been trouble"
"Ha I remember a wild little girl running around the island not so long ago and I'm looking at her right now"
Diana shook her head and followed Danielle in they had left torches to light up the cave so it was easy to see the pools. The blood drinkers were a sight to see, the tallest was certainly the leader and the way her eyes watched them as they entered warned Diana to keep her distance. The other two were by the pools one was on the edge dressed in her old clothes though her hair was wet from bathing while the other was in the pool clinging to her companions legs. Sensing another's presence the one in the pool let out a startled shriek and buried her face in the others lap.
"Shh Evie it's ok, they're just checking on us" Diana watched as one soothed the other they were like a frightened child but she didn't understand why when they looked about Danielle's age maybe a little younger.
"Coming to check on us already?" The tallest one asked though her tones held more sarcasm then Diana would have thought.
"I've brought you clean clothes but yes I am here to see if you need anything else" Danielle kept her composure even as Mattie stared her down. she might not have silver eyes anymore but her eyes now were so dark they were almost black in this lighting.
"Thank gods"
"Yeah i'm not staying in these seadrenched things too much longer" The brunette sighed shifting uncomfortably in her ruined dress.
"You might as well wait until she's done, she's not going to let go anytime soon"
"Is she alright?" The princess stepped closer but Danielle kept a hand on her arm. she wouldn't have the princess getting hurt on her watch no matter how compassionate she was.
"Diana.."
"She's worse for wear but she'll get back to her self in time...maybe" Mattie shrugged watching her sister cup her hands and dribble the water along the runts scarred back. Her wounds from the explosion had healed immediately but the rest were all scars and all vampires knew that most physical impairments and scars didn't heal with the gift of immortality.
"What could have done that..." The princess leaned as far as Danielle's grip would allow, she could have pulled away if she wanted but she respected her sister's acts of caution. Scars were part of the culture here on their island and most battle scars were revered like general Antopie's but with how this blood drinker was acting Danielle couldn't make heads or tails of them.
"We don't know" Again Mattie's nonchalance about her companion made Danielle frown but the other one didn't let it go so easily.
"We have speculations but nothing Evie has ever confirmed, she doesn't like talking about her human life"
"Human life..." The vampires turned to see Diana's curious stare and curled in a little.
"Sweet heart we all were alive at one point and the only way to become a vampire is to die"
Danielle didn't know how she felt about Mattie talking to the princess that way but Diana didn't seem to take offence.
"I know that but its strange to think of your life in two parts"
"Yes well death will do that to you" Mattie took the clothes and with a gust of wind she was gone just as soon as she was back! she was fully dressed in one of the longer dresses Danielle had brought as well as the cloak.
"That was-"
"Incredible? I know now Mircalla you need to get changed let me handle her"
"We'll see if I can actually get her to come around first" Mircalla leaned back to try and catch the blondes eyes but she wasn't having it and buried her face in the brunette's stomach.
"Evie' I need to get up now but Mattie's here she can hold you"
"No,non,no,no..."
"Come on little one I'm not that bad" Mattie slid in beside her sister and slowly took over running her hands through the blondes hair. It took a bit of push and pull but the blonde left one sister in favor of the other and hugged Mattie's legs.
"See? I'm not so scary" Mattie went ahead and started untangling her hair while Mircalla went to the clothes and grabbed a few pieces. Just like Mattie she was gone in the blink of an eye and back again shifting her dress so it was longer in the back to accommodate her short stature.
"Diana we should go"
"What?" She knew Diana had more questions than she knew what to do with but the next person to get dressed would be the most anxious one and Danielle didn't want to risk setting her off.
"Come along we can see them later today"
"Alright farewell for now" Diana's bright smile was contagious because Danielle couldn't fight it but neither could the blood drinkers Mattie and Mircalla cracked tiny smiles.
"See ya around princess"
Pulling Diana along Danny spared them one fleeting glance before stepping out into the sun. They would have a lot to talk about when she reported back to the queen but something told her that these blood drinkers would be around for a while longer than general antopie wanted.
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so that was that :)