V Beauty and the Beast
It is a hot afternoon and D and Minerva has been riding for more than two hours without making a stop. The barbarian woman has been looking at all the novelties that Planet Earth had to offer. As they head towards their destination, the scenery changes from a grey rocky landscape, to deserted and lifeless, to green and plain. She has been comparing the flora and the fauna of the place and she finds it very similar to that of her world. She has also been asking the hunter about the new things she has seen, like strange buildings in ruins and also the remains of old spaceships. Patiently, he has explained about the events that occurred on the planet thousands of years ago, and how vampires came to rule the Earth. He has been like a knowledgeable guide and she has been the inquisitive tourist. In so little time Minerva has made the hunter talk more than he has in a long time, but he didn't mind instructing her about his home planet for she'll be needing all that information. She must learn how to move around and how to deal with people and things during her stay. There are so many things she has to learn, but since they will start searching from zero, she'll have enough time. The hunter is aware of the time it will take to find Minerva's sword if the Vampire King has it. He could be anywhere, or nowhere if he doesn't want to be found. Finding her partner won't be easy either. He could also be anywhere if he's still alive that is. D makes up his mind and he'll be searching for Sparen first. He thinks that since Minerva is confused and she doesn't remember everything that happened, maybe her partner does. Any information he could provide will help to find the Vampire King, and therefore her sword.
The beautiful valley is covered by soft green grass and wildflowers of different colors. There's also a river that at some point gets divided into three smaller streams, keeping the land moistened. D stops the cyborg horse to let it rest, but he also thinks Minerva might want to rest and refresh herself.
-Why are we stopping? -, she asks.
-The horse needs to rest. You may go and refresh yourself if you want -, D replies.
-It's a hot day, I guess that I'll do as you suggest -, she says jumping off the horse. She removes her backpack and takes two canteens out of it. She looks over to the hunter who has gotten off the horse too.
-Hey, do you think the water is safe to drink? I need to refill -, she asks. -I don't mean to bother, but I usually rely on Sandhalewind for those tasks. He's a ranger after all.
-I'll check it out -, he says and takes the horse over to one of the streams.
-Ok, thanks -, she replies.
While the hunter takes the horse to the stream, the barbarian woman prepares herself for a refreshing bath. If the hunter says that the water is ok, then she won't think twice and jump into the water. She takes a box out of the backpack. The box enlarges once outside the backpack and it looks more like a case. "Armor off," she says and the armor comes off her body and splits into parts. The case opens and in seconds the armor parts disappear into it. The case closes up. She removes her red cloak and the long red skirt and lays them over the armor's case. She is only wearing her barbarian outfit which consists of a leather corset, a leather miniskirt dyed in red and leather boots. She is also wearing some accessories like leather and gold armlets and bracelets, gold earrings, and a necklace with a figurine and a belt in which she has her dagger. She picks up her backpack, the armor case, and the canteens and walks over to where the hunter is. The hunter looks over at the woman as she comes and sees her without the armor for the first time. Her body was well built looking a little man-like, but her nicely shaped curves and her voluptuous breasts gave her a more feminine touch. The hunter has a soft spot for human females, but he has seen so many beauties that he's not easily impressed just by physical traits. "Not bad. There is a real woman under all that heavy metal after all", the Left Hand whispered. D clenched his fist to make him shut for she was approaching and she could hear him.
-So, what do you say? Is it safe? -, Minerva asks as she approaches.
-It's all right. You can drink it -, he replies.
-Good. I'm going to take a light bath too if you don't mind -, she says. She lays her stuff on the ground and removes her boots.
-Go ahead -, he replies and moves away taking the horse with him. He wanted to give the woman space and some privacy.
Minerva watches him as he walks away and feels a little comfortable. "You are a gentleman vampire hunter", she says to herself.
The barbarian woman filled her canteens and put them back inside her backpack. Then she went to refresh herself in the water without stripping off her clothes. She washed her face, her arms, and legs, and then she sat on a rock with her feet in the water. She waits for the hunter to tell her when it was time to continue with their journey. Soon the man appeared.
-We must leave now. We still have a long way to go -, he said.
-All right -, she answers standing up.
-Before we go, there's something I must give to you -, he says.
-What is it? -, she asks and walks over to where he is.
-Here -, he says taking something out of his belt and handing it over to her. It is something that looks like a very small Bluetooth headphone.
-What is this? -, she asks with some curiosity as she takes the small gadget.
-It is a translator. You will need it to communicate with other people while you stay here on Earth. Put that in your ear and you will be able to understand what other people say and they will understand what you say -, he explains.
-I see, so it works like one of those language spells. This world has its magic too after all -, she says putting the thing in her ear as he said.
-That is called technology -, he replies.
-I supposed this is how you have been able to understand me -, she says.
He simply nods and says, -We'll be leaving as soon as you are ready -. He goes back to the horse and waits for Minerva to come.
-Ok -, she answers. She puts her boots back on and her cloak. She takes her backpack and the armor's case and walks over to where D is. -I'm ready, let's go -, she says.
They both get on the cyborg horse and start riding again. The Sun is starting to come down, but they were still on time to make it to the village before nightfall. D wanted to get there as soon as possible, not just because he wanted to report to his employers, but because things were more dangerous at night. He wouldn't mind if he was riding alone, but now he had company. He thinks Minerva is a strong woman, but she's a foreigner and she doesn't know about the dangers of his world. So it will be better for her to stay at the village's Inn to pass the night.
Two hours later they make it to the village. The road was no longer solitary and empty. There were some farmers and their families returning to their homes after a long day of work. Many curious stares fall upon the two strangers. The kids are more daring than the adults and they wave hands and smile at the strangers. D nods at the kids and Minerva smiles back at them, but soon their parents reprimand them. The barbarian woman notices it and gazes at them disapproving. The hunter doesn't pay much attention to that for he was used to the people's fear and their rejection.
-What's wrong with those people? -, she couldn't wait to ask not minding if they could hear or not.
-People tend to turn away from strangers. That is usual in most towns and villages -, D replies.
-I know, it's the same on Finisterra, but there's something different. It is usual to be looked at with mistrust, but those people have a deep fear in their eyes. Now tell me, did you do something to them? -, she asks hoping that's not the case.
-No, they just know I am a vampire hunter and a dhampir -, he replies.
-Oh, right, I forgot you told me you are a half... -, she stops before completing the word remembering how uncomfortable it is for Sandhal to be addressed like that, so she thinks it is the same for D. -Sorry. I mean, a dhampir -
-You don't need to apologize. What others say won't make a difference -, D replies.
-You are right, but still it is not ok to be addressed like that because of your origin. You know?... I think we are not that different after all -, she says.
-Why do you say that? -, he asks.
-Because some people look at me with disdain and others with fear just because I come from the lands of Targolia -, she answers.
-I recall you said you come from a place called Barbaria -, he reminds her.
-Yes, I did. That's how the people of the other kingdoms call my land, but the real name is Targolia. Being called barbarians is supposed to be an insult, but we have made it our trademark -, she replies.
The hunter remains silent as they enter the center of the village. There are still many people walking on the streets. Most of them returning to their homes and others making their last errands. It was just about an hour for nightfall and most stores, offices, restaurants and general markets were closing. Just like the farmers, they found on the road, the people at the town center were staring at them with the same look in their eyes. Minerva sighed, she couldn't stop returning them her disapproval stare.
-Just ignore them and it won't bother you anymore -, he suggests.
-Easier said than done -, she replies.
D heads over to the village's inn, hoping that they give lodging to Minerva and him. Finding a place to spend the night is not easy for those of his kind. Most of the people fear dhampirs because of their vampiric nature and for that reason, they are not welcome in most towns. There are still places that allow them to stay, but they are under constant vigilance (cameras and audio devices) and the rooms they spare for them are away from the rest of the guests. Also, even though the rooms are like the others they are more expensive. The hunter stops the horse in front of the building and dismounts.
-Stay here. I'm going to check for lodging -, he says.
-Don't you think I should come in as well? -, she asks.
-It will be better if you don't walk in with me -, he answers and turns to walk to the door.
-Why? -, she asks but has no reply.
The hunter disappears behind the lobby's entrance door. Minerva is not pleased with his response so she dismounts. She looks at the cyborg horse and talks to it. "Your owner is not very expressive is he? He should have given me a reason to stay out here, but he just turned his back on me and walked in". She looks around with boredom. Some ladies glance at her and whisper things about her appearance and her outfit, but she doesn't pay much attention to them. They remind her of the women of Finisterra with their long skirts and fancy dresses. Some men stare at her mostly because of her revealing outfit, but she glares at them, so they turn to look away. There is also that kind of man on Finisterra. Some of them are so daring that they try to make a move on her, but most of the time they end up biting the dust. It has just been a couple of minutes since the hunter left, but to her, it was like an hour. She looks at the horse, "Now be a good horse and stay here and don't let any stranger take you." She heads over to the door and walks in.
-There you are! -, she says as she walks over to the counter.
The hunter was there talking to the receptionist when he sees the woman approaching. He sighs inwards. The receptionist looks over at Minerva, and so do the other people around. The man turns to D and says:
-I suppose that is the lady you are paying the room for -
-That is right -, D answers.
-I'm sorry, but there is no room available -, the man replies.
-But that's not what you said a few minutes ago -, D claims.
-I'm sorry, I was wrong. The only rooms we have available are the special guests' rooms -, the man says.
Minerva interrupts:
-Sorry, but I was getting bored out there. So, do we have a place to rest? -, she asks looking at D then at the man.
-I was telling the vampire hunter that we only have available the special guests' rooms miss-, the man says.
-Special guests rooms? That sounds expensive -, Minerva says. She looks at D wondering. She had no idea what the man meant when he said special guests, she thought he was talking about people of higher class or rank.
-Yes, the price is a little higher than the other rooms -, the man answers.
-I'll take two rooms -, the hunter says. He knows the man was cheating just to get more money out of him and of course, he was being prejudiced too. He takes a bunch of gold coins out, but Minerva stops him.
-D, wait -, she says taking the vampire hunter away from the man. -There's no need to spend your money like that. One room is enough if you don't mind sharing. I think that man just wants to take your money. I do hate swindlers -, she speaks lowly -Besides, we'll be leaving early in the morning, right?
-I know -, he replies. -Are you sure you want to share? -, D asks.
-It's ok. I'm used to this. I can sleep anywhere -, she replies.
-As you like -, he says to Minerva. He turns back to the man. -We'll be taking one room -, he says to the receptionist.
The man looks disappointed, he thought the woman wouldn't want to share the room with a dhampir, which makes him think that either she's crazy or something is going on between those two. The vampire hunter indeed asked for an ordinary room for her while he was going to take the special guests' room, but the man wanted to take advantage and give him a more expensive room for the woman even though there were rooms for ordinary humans available. The man asks Minerva to come closer and so she does.
-Miss, are you sure you want to share a room with that man? -, he whispers to her.
-What's the problem? -, she replies.
-He is a dhampir, don't you know that? -, the man whispers as if D wouldn't be able to hear him.
Minerva leans closer, -Oh really?! Who would have thought?!
Suddenly she grabs the man by his shirt and pulls him closer glaring at him. -I'm tired, I'm hungry and I'm sick of listening to your greedy plot. Mr. D has been patient enough, but I won't be. So just take your stupid money and give us the damned key -, she whispers to him showing him her dagger. She smiles at the other people around and they didn't notice what was going on, but D has his full attention on her. The man is a swindler, and maybe he deserved to be punished, but he won't allow Minerva to harm or kill anyone.
-All... all right Miss... here is the key to your room.. please enjoy your stay -, the man gives her the key. His body is shaking. Minerva lets go of him.
-Oh thank you, sir -, she says still smiling.
D leaves the money on the counter. He wonders if Minerva was seriously going to hurt the man or she was only teasing. He thinks he must be cautious around that woman. He glances at her as she takes the key.
-What? -, she asks the hunter.
-Let's go -, he says.
They walk out of the hotel for the special guests' rooms were on the back of the building away from the rest of the guests. D takes the horse and asks Minerva to follow him.
-Where are we going? Why are we out of the inn? -, she asks the hunter.
-We are going to the special guests' rooms -, he replies.
-Ok, so are rich people so fragile that they can't stay with the rest of the people? -, she asks.
He stops and looks at Minerva and says, -By special guests he meant people like me. Some hotels spare rooms separated from the rest of the guests meant for dhampirs, mutants, and cyborgs -, he answers.
-I see, now I understand, but why are those rooms more expensive than the rest? -, she asks.
-Because most people do not want to stay in the same place a non-human stays. The owners of such hotels try to compensate their loss by charging extra money to their special guests -, he answers.
-That's so unfair -, she replies. D simply nods.
-Well, let's see what we got -, she says
-Ok-, he says.
D ties the horse and takes his saddle and all his stuff. Minerva takes her stuff as well. They walk over to the back door of the building and step inside. Two men are watching the place. They both have guns and there are cameras everywhere. Minerva glances at the men, but they remained at their posts like statues. D doesn't pay attention to them and heads upstairs where their room is. Once they reach the third floor, they look for room 303. Minerva opens the door and steps in. D turns on the lights and the barbarian woman is surprised.
-Magic lights? -, she asks.
-No, electricity -, he answers. -Make yourself comfortable. You may take the bed, I can rest on that chair-, he says. He lays the saddle and his stuff somewhere on the floor. Minerva does the same. She sits on the bed to see how comfortable it is.
-Wow... this is soft. It's been a while since the last time my butt felt something so comfy -, she chuckles.
-There's something I have been wondering -, he says.
-What is it D? -, she asks.
-What were you doing back there? -, he asks. She changed her mood back then so suddenly that he couldn't read her.
-Did you think I was going to kill him? -, she asks.
He remains silent but keeps his eyes on her. He wants to know what kind of person he will be dealing with.
-No answer?... I guess that's a yes -, she says looking back at the hunter. - I'm a barbarian yes, but that doesn't mean I kill for fun as most people think. Besides, there's no fun nor honor in killing the weak, that's what cowards do-, she replies.
-Now stop looking at me like that. Come on, I know you did want to kick that man's butt yourself. He was being outrageous. I know you're not very expressive yourself, so I had to read your mind and put your thoughts in motion -, she says.
-Just don't put my thoughts in motion anymore, you might get in trouble -, he warns her. It is the first time someone tries to interfere on his behalf like that, it was weird.
-Ok, whatever you say -, she replies.
-I have some business to attend. Stay here and don't open the door to anyone -, D says getting ready to go out.
-How long are you going to be out? -, she asks.
-I have to report to my employers. I'll be back soon -, he answers.
-Ok, I guess I'll check my provisions while you're gone -, she says.
D walks out of the room. Minerva looks around the room and explores all those things that are new to her, like the small electric lamp on the night table, the small closet, and the bathroom. There she found a couple of things that are different from those on Finisterra, like the toilet for example. It took her a couple of minutes to figure out what it was and how it worked. The washbowl was a little less complicated, but the bathtub was fascinating to her. She got all wet trying to find out how the faucets worked, but she was thrilled, just like a child that has discovered something new. Once she was done exploring she walked over to the window and opened it. She looked at the few people who were still walking on the streets and then she looked over to the last sun rays that were bathing the buildings with the beautiful orange color.
The night is falling and suddenly something unexpected happens as the last sun rays disappear on the horizon. Minerva starts to feel a strange sensation she has not felt for four years. She feels her whole body tickling. Familiar magic energy flows through all her body, from head to toes. Her skin changes color to a stone gray and it becomes rough and hard. "What's going on?" she whispers. Her hands take the shape of claws and so do her feet. Her teeth grow sharp like those of a dragon. Two horns sprout from her forehead. Two black dragon wings sprout from her back. A dragon-like tail also grows on her back. "This can't be... not that again!", she says, but her voice sounds more like a growl. She looks over to a mirror that is hanging on a wall and screams when she sees she has turned into a gargoyle again. "NOOOO!" A creepy scream that didn't sound human could be heard, making shiver those who are close enough to hear it.
The vampire hunter is on his way back to the hotel. He could hear the terrifying scream and quickens his pace. The men who are guarding the entrance are shaking and they didn't know what was or what they should do. D passes by them so fast that they didn't even know who it was. The vampire hunter rushes upstairs and it looked like he was flying. He opens the door of the room and gets surprised. There is a strange-looking creature standing by the window of the room. It is wearing the barbarian woman's clothes and her hair and eyes are the same color, so he has no doubt it is her. He fears the Vampire King has made experiments on her. He brought the woman to the village, so he believes he should do something before she kills someone. "So He did change her", he thinks. He reaches out for his sword. "And I was thinking that the woman was lucky to be alive. That is very unfortunate", the Left-Hand comments.
Minerva looks over at the hunter as he opens the door and steps in. She knows he must be as surprised as she is, but when she sees he reaches out for his sword, she knows there is no time to explain. The room doesn't have enough space for her to fight now that she has transformed. She must escape to the open and face him out there, or the vampire hunter will surely kill her. D unsheathes his sword. "Shit!", she says and without saying anything else she breaks the window and jumps out quickly before the hunter's sword would reach her. She spreads her wings and flies up to the sky. The few people who are still out in the streets are first astonished then afraid as they see the strange creature flying out of the building. D rushes over to the window and jumps trying to slash the creature with his sword before she could take flight, but he couldn't reach her or so he thought. Minerva could feel the cold tip of the hunter's sword as it barely touched her right foot. Some blood comes out of the wound. She decides to take the fight over to some other place. People are watching and there are many things she must explain to the hunter. She flies higher in the air and looks over at the hunter, then flies over to the outskirts of the village away from everyone hoping the hunter could follow her.
D watches where she is heading. The people in the streets watch astonished as the creature flies away. They ask the vampire hunter, "What is that thing? Is it a vampire? Is it a demon?" The vampire hunter doesn't answer. He goes and gets his horse and mounts quickly. He hits the reins and makes the horse gallop as fast as it could. He didn't want to lose the trail of the woman. On his way, he is wondering many things. "He made experiments with her, but there is something different about her transformation, she didn't attack me or any of the people present", he says mostly to himself. "Maybe because she feared for her own life. You are scarry when you are chasing someone with that sword", the Left-Hand says. "I don't think she escaped for fear. Perhaps she jumped out of the window to protect her life as you said, but she looked at me when she was flying away. It wasn't an expression of fear, it was more like a challenge or an invitation. I wonder if she has not lost her consciousness", the hunter says. "I see, so you think beauty has not become completely a beast? She just changed her appearance?", the Left Hand asks. "I'm not sure, but I plan to find out", D replies. "All right, but be careful. This could be a trap", the Left Hand warns him. The vampire hunter remains silent as he chases the flying creature over to the outskirts of the village.
To be continued...
((Note: This chapter will continue on chapter 7. I will alternate chapters so you can read about Minerva and Sparen at the same time. I hope you enjoy reading and feel free to comment.))