Chapter 14- The beast.
A/N: Thank you to all those who reviewed!!! Cookies, candy and prizes for every one who reviewed ;;;
Valerious Manor-
At long last the group returned to the Valerious Manor. They looked very near pitiful, Van Helsing now put his full weight on the stick, Libby and Anna had switched and James was sleeping but his breath came in pained gasps. Libby and Anna sported scratches from their battle with the shapshifter Arsitoph. Libby held onto more of the cuts due to her drop from the tree. All where dirty and in great need of rest. Anna opened the door and they filed in. A fire burned lightly in the hall fireplace, keeping its nightly vigil like a watchman. Footsteps could be heard echoing down a hall to their left. Kevin, Alice and Carl came around the corner, caution written upon their faces until they saw the tired trio.
"Oh my god! What happened to you!?" Carl said rushing over to James and Van Helsing.
"We where attacked by a shapshifter." Libby said and Carl looked up from examining Van Helsing's arm wound.
"What happened? You two." He pointed at Anna and Van Helsing. "Have handled shapshifters before and they have never been a problem."
"This one was not an ordinary shapshifter." Anna said taking a seat in one of the chairs that where placed in the hall for guests.
"How could ya tell?" Kevin asked.
"Remember that werewolf that nearly killed Kyle?" Libby said.
"Yea. Big ugly thing." Alice said looking at James sadly.
"That was him."
"You're kiddin! I saw it go down with my own eyes!!" Kevin exclaimed.
"We all did. But Libby and I killed it." Anna said watching Carl scurry out of the room for supplies.
"How do you did?" Alice said as Carl came back with his arms full of medical equipment.
"Unless he suddenly decides to become the Headless Horseman he's not coming back." Libby said.
Carl was trying to wrap Van Helsing's arm.
"Carl. James is in more need then I am, take care of him." Van Helsing said taking the wrap from Carl. "My wounds don't have me incapacitated."
Carl turned and took the coat from James looked at the wrap and gently removed it before putting a fresh wrap around his ribcage. He then dipped a cloth in some water and set it on his head.
"Carl...Jimmy gonna live?" Libby said, sadness and worry still etching her voice.
"He will live. He just needs time to heal. Help me move him to a bed."
Kevin and Carl carefully moved James into the room he was given. They laid him on the soft bed and told everyone to leave so he can have some peace and quite. He then led Van Helsing into another room and looked him over for any serious injuries. A few minuets later they immured and Van Helsing was frowning.
"What's wrong Gabriel?" Anna said looking at him.
"I have to stay behind until my ribs stop hurting...." Van Helsing said rather annoyed.
"It's going to be so bad Helsing, I mean you can keep Kyle and James company."
Van Helsing sighed and smiled a bit.
"I think the best medicine for you everyone is a nice hot diner and a long nights rest." Carl said while walking toward the kitchen.
"Food is your suggestion for everything Carl...." Van Helsing said and followed as everyone went into the kitchen.
Arsitoph's P.O.V-
I had ejected my spirit before the swords could sever my spine and finish me. I floated in place as the air currents of Castle Frankenstein where long stagnant. I saw my body fall to the floor and only had to wince when that girl staked my heart and put that burning cross to my chest. Both will pay, however. The only task that remains is finishing those pests. I can take my time, Van Helsing is out of the game....for a bit. But that is all I shall need to finish off a bunch of kids, a friar and the last of the Valerious clan.
Now the only task was to get back into my body.....how do I do that? I know! I'll just do everything backwards! I felt myself being pulled back into my body, my drained blood formed a column of sinew and flesh and reconnected my head and the rest of my blood was sucked back into my body. I felt myself come alive again! But with that came the searing pain of the consecrated item sticking out of my chest and burning into my flesh!
"AHHHH!!!" My shouts exploded through the castle and my hand flew to the holy water cover stake and ripped it out and flung it a crossed the room. The wound slowly heal but was left as a red, irritated and burning mark. My attention was directed to the cross-stuck to my chest. I reached up with a shaking hand and ripped it away. The loud and very painful sound of flesh and fur being ripped away from the body echoed, mixed with my screams of pain. I flung the cross away and looked down. There, burned into my skin was the distinct shape of a cross. The skin closed but no fur regrew, as with the other wound. I lightly touched the spot and it burned my fingers! AH! Help! I'm a walking consecrated item!! My master is gonna kill me!! I scrambled to one of the very few mirrors that where still usable. I looked into it to see that the red marks where pulsing and still very raw. I looked at the cross and frowned at it. I had to go back to Castle Dracula sometime.... I walked out of the room and shifted into a falcon and noticed that my chest had to bear, red spots on it.
Oh joy...they stayed.
I flew off into the clouds toward my most likely last resting place.
Kate's P.O.V-
I slowly eased my eyes open and the memories flooded back to me. Dracula trying pissing me off, those horrible images painted on the inside of my eyelids, the fight. I shuddered and cursed myself for giving into the images. I looked around and I was on some kind of platform in a large empty room.
What the hell did he do?!
"I see you have finally woken up, my child." He said melting out of the shadows.
"Where am I and what did you do?" I said coldly.
"I did nothing. You are about to find out why I wanted you." He approached me and I backed up. "None of that now." He kneeled down next to me and in his hands he held chains.
What the hell!!! He is soooo not getting those on me!!
I struck out with my foot and he caught it before it hit...well...down there. He set his mouth in a smirk and his eyes held back something, something that at the moment scared the crap out of me. He shook his finger in my face and chinked the shackles around my hands and feet.
"What the hell are you going to do you blasted bat!!" I pulled franticly at them, it did no good.
"As I said before. You are about to find out why I need you."
"Ugh. Fine! Tell me then!"
"You are a bargaining chip for that boy....Kyle Dragon. I believe you two are familiar with each other." He smirked.
"That's it? DID YOU HAVE TO CHAIN ME UP!!!!"
"You did not allow me to finish."
"Grrr."
"And you are to be the vassal for one of my beasts. A beast so powerful that even Van Helsing will not be able to kill it!!"
"HELL NO!!! Like I'm gonna surrender my body to that thing!! I like my skin thanks!"
"You have no choice. It feeds off of a certain kind of rage and your never-ending rage will suite it perfectly." He walked off of the platform and grinned before pointing his hand to a massive hole that was made out of skulls and bones of the damned. I had failed to notice it.
"This is your fate! This gate! This beast! I now control you!" He stepped back into the shadows laughing.
No! NO! I'm not gonna let it take over!!
"I'll fight it!!"
The hole blew up in a fiery boom and the flames died down to only consuming the gate. A serpent like monster was coiled on the ground. It rose its ugly head and flicked its tongue at me. Slowly it moved toward me, I tried to strike out but the chains prevented me. I moved and squirmed as much as I could but to no avail. I suddenly froze. I was paralyzed. The beast held its glare at me and I felt my mouth drop and it rose up and began to lower it self into my very soul. I saw a white mist leak out of my mouth and the beast took the form of watery mist and blended with my soul. I tried desperately to close my mouth, to prevent my tainted soul from reentering my body. I failed. It shot into my mouth and I grew cold. So very cold. Then I felt the most pain I have ever felt. Like my skin was splitting open! And it was. My skin split like a tomato and a great black beast rose up! The beast was me! I could feel it feeding on my inner most anger and pain and rage.
I fought with all my might to expel it. That only frustrated me and fed it more. Soon our souls where merged completely. I thrashed out and pulled and tried to break free of my chains. I let loose a earth shaking roar. I saw Dracula come out of the shadows. Just the sight of him angered me to no ends. He did this to me, he released this beast into me. He made me a monster! I snarled.
"Wonderful. Now you will obey me."
I roared in response and with one mighty pull the chains shattered, shrapnel flew everywhere. Pieces dug themselves into Dracula's body. He looked calm. I flung my fist out at him and he flew back and collided with the wall. I roared and charged him. I could kill him. I was stronger. I had the ability to kill the one who made me this beast. He got up.
"I see we shall have to tame you."
I picked him up and squeezed, I could feel his bones snapping. He looked as thought he was in pain. Maybe it was the beast but, I was enjoying myself. I threw him down and brought my foot down and he caught it. I could tell he was gripping my foot so I kicked out as hard as I could and he flew into the wall. I balled my clawed hand into a fist and launched it at the wall. I hit my mark with such force that the wall literally shattered into the outside. Chunks of the wall fell into the endless craves and Dracula went with them. He transformed in midair and shot up and knocked me back.
This was going to be a challenge.
Arsitoph's P.O.V-
I arrived at my master's castle. I changed back to my usual form looked up at the intimidating yet impressive castle. I walked up to the door and froze.
I don't wanna go in!
I retreated to a cliff, stopped and cringed.
But I have to. I am bound to give my report to him.
I moved up to the door only to hear inhuman shrieks coming from deep inside.
Oh hell. He's pissed off...I'm dead for sure!
I ran once more to the cliff and shifted my feet and ran back to the door, hoped from one foot to another and ran back to the cliff. I continued to do this until I reached an idea.
My master's spell book! There's got to be something in there that can unconsecrate items! I'm saved!
I transformed and flew up to his room and carefully looked around. The shrieks where now accented by the shaking and rumbling of the castle.
Great. He released that 't he have done it in front of the Valerious Manor?! This place might just fall down.
I grabbed his spell book and began looking. I stopped at one that greatly confused me.
Hair Regrowth...why does he have this?
My voice of reason kicked in about that time.
He's over a thousand years old. He's got to keep his hair someway.
I bit my lower lip and furrowed my brow then shook my head.
This will just have to do, at least he won't notice unless he has reason to strangle me...then he might...
I quickly said the spell and almost immediately hair started to sprout from the bald areas.
Yay! Now I can give my report!
I flew out of the window and back to the door, entered and followed the inhuman shrieks.
Kate's P.O.V-
For a little bat Dracula was strong! He had thrown my against the wall and now had me by the neck. He was bloodied and breathing heavily. I struggled against the loss of air. He had tried his sleeper hold on me a few times only to find that it did not affect beasts of rage. I had found that I could extend my claws, I had used that to great advantage. I swiped him with my extended claws, I hit a vein. Blood burst forth and spilled over his cloths before the wound could close. He transformed once more and dove at me. He knocked me back and once again darkness consumed my world.
I'm not strong enough...
A/N: Thank you to all those who reviewed!!! Cookies, candy and prizes for every one who reviewed ;;;
Valerious Manor-
At long last the group returned to the Valerious Manor. They looked very near pitiful, Van Helsing now put his full weight on the stick, Libby and Anna had switched and James was sleeping but his breath came in pained gasps. Libby and Anna sported scratches from their battle with the shapshifter Arsitoph. Libby held onto more of the cuts due to her drop from the tree. All where dirty and in great need of rest. Anna opened the door and they filed in. A fire burned lightly in the hall fireplace, keeping its nightly vigil like a watchman. Footsteps could be heard echoing down a hall to their left. Kevin, Alice and Carl came around the corner, caution written upon their faces until they saw the tired trio.
"Oh my god! What happened to you!?" Carl said rushing over to James and Van Helsing.
"We where attacked by a shapshifter." Libby said and Carl looked up from examining Van Helsing's arm wound.
"What happened? You two." He pointed at Anna and Van Helsing. "Have handled shapshifters before and they have never been a problem."
"This one was not an ordinary shapshifter." Anna said taking a seat in one of the chairs that where placed in the hall for guests.
"How could ya tell?" Kevin asked.
"Remember that werewolf that nearly killed Kyle?" Libby said.
"Yea. Big ugly thing." Alice said looking at James sadly.
"That was him."
"You're kiddin! I saw it go down with my own eyes!!" Kevin exclaimed.
"We all did. But Libby and I killed it." Anna said watching Carl scurry out of the room for supplies.
"How do you did?" Alice said as Carl came back with his arms full of medical equipment.
"Unless he suddenly decides to become the Headless Horseman he's not coming back." Libby said.
Carl was trying to wrap Van Helsing's arm.
"Carl. James is in more need then I am, take care of him." Van Helsing said taking the wrap from Carl. "My wounds don't have me incapacitated."
Carl turned and took the coat from James looked at the wrap and gently removed it before putting a fresh wrap around his ribcage. He then dipped a cloth in some water and set it on his head.
"Carl...Jimmy gonna live?" Libby said, sadness and worry still etching her voice.
"He will live. He just needs time to heal. Help me move him to a bed."
Kevin and Carl carefully moved James into the room he was given. They laid him on the soft bed and told everyone to leave so he can have some peace and quite. He then led Van Helsing into another room and looked him over for any serious injuries. A few minuets later they immured and Van Helsing was frowning.
"What's wrong Gabriel?" Anna said looking at him.
"I have to stay behind until my ribs stop hurting...." Van Helsing said rather annoyed.
"It's going to be so bad Helsing, I mean you can keep Kyle and James company."
Van Helsing sighed and smiled a bit.
"I think the best medicine for you everyone is a nice hot diner and a long nights rest." Carl said while walking toward the kitchen.
"Food is your suggestion for everything Carl...." Van Helsing said and followed as everyone went into the kitchen.
Arsitoph's P.O.V-
I had ejected my spirit before the swords could sever my spine and finish me. I floated in place as the air currents of Castle Frankenstein where long stagnant. I saw my body fall to the floor and only had to wince when that girl staked my heart and put that burning cross to my chest. Both will pay, however. The only task that remains is finishing those pests. I can take my time, Van Helsing is out of the game....for a bit. But that is all I shall need to finish off a bunch of kids, a friar and the last of the Valerious clan.
Now the only task was to get back into my body.....how do I do that? I know! I'll just do everything backwards! I felt myself being pulled back into my body, my drained blood formed a column of sinew and flesh and reconnected my head and the rest of my blood was sucked back into my body. I felt myself come alive again! But with that came the searing pain of the consecrated item sticking out of my chest and burning into my flesh!
"AHHHH!!!" My shouts exploded through the castle and my hand flew to the holy water cover stake and ripped it out and flung it a crossed the room. The wound slowly heal but was left as a red, irritated and burning mark. My attention was directed to the cross-stuck to my chest. I reached up with a shaking hand and ripped it away. The loud and very painful sound of flesh and fur being ripped away from the body echoed, mixed with my screams of pain. I flung the cross away and looked down. There, burned into my skin was the distinct shape of a cross. The skin closed but no fur regrew, as with the other wound. I lightly touched the spot and it burned my fingers! AH! Help! I'm a walking consecrated item!! My master is gonna kill me!! I scrambled to one of the very few mirrors that where still usable. I looked into it to see that the red marks where pulsing and still very raw. I looked at the cross and frowned at it. I had to go back to Castle Dracula sometime.... I walked out of the room and shifted into a falcon and noticed that my chest had to bear, red spots on it.
Oh joy...they stayed.
I flew off into the clouds toward my most likely last resting place.
Kate's P.O.V-
I slowly eased my eyes open and the memories flooded back to me. Dracula trying pissing me off, those horrible images painted on the inside of my eyelids, the fight. I shuddered and cursed myself for giving into the images. I looked around and I was on some kind of platform in a large empty room.
What the hell did he do?!
"I see you have finally woken up, my child." He said melting out of the shadows.
"Where am I and what did you do?" I said coldly.
"I did nothing. You are about to find out why I wanted you." He approached me and I backed up. "None of that now." He kneeled down next to me and in his hands he held chains.
What the hell!!! He is soooo not getting those on me!!
I struck out with my foot and he caught it before it hit...well...down there. He set his mouth in a smirk and his eyes held back something, something that at the moment scared the crap out of me. He shook his finger in my face and chinked the shackles around my hands and feet.
"What the hell are you going to do you blasted bat!!" I pulled franticly at them, it did no good.
"As I said before. You are about to find out why I need you."
"Ugh. Fine! Tell me then!"
"You are a bargaining chip for that boy....Kyle Dragon. I believe you two are familiar with each other." He smirked.
"That's it? DID YOU HAVE TO CHAIN ME UP!!!!"
"You did not allow me to finish."
"Grrr."
"And you are to be the vassal for one of my beasts. A beast so powerful that even Van Helsing will not be able to kill it!!"
"HELL NO!!! Like I'm gonna surrender my body to that thing!! I like my skin thanks!"
"You have no choice. It feeds off of a certain kind of rage and your never-ending rage will suite it perfectly." He walked off of the platform and grinned before pointing his hand to a massive hole that was made out of skulls and bones of the damned. I had failed to notice it.
"This is your fate! This gate! This beast! I now control you!" He stepped back into the shadows laughing.
No! NO! I'm not gonna let it take over!!
"I'll fight it!!"
The hole blew up in a fiery boom and the flames died down to only consuming the gate. A serpent like monster was coiled on the ground. It rose its ugly head and flicked its tongue at me. Slowly it moved toward me, I tried to strike out but the chains prevented me. I moved and squirmed as much as I could but to no avail. I suddenly froze. I was paralyzed. The beast held its glare at me and I felt my mouth drop and it rose up and began to lower it self into my very soul. I saw a white mist leak out of my mouth and the beast took the form of watery mist and blended with my soul. I tried desperately to close my mouth, to prevent my tainted soul from reentering my body. I failed. It shot into my mouth and I grew cold. So very cold. Then I felt the most pain I have ever felt. Like my skin was splitting open! And it was. My skin split like a tomato and a great black beast rose up! The beast was me! I could feel it feeding on my inner most anger and pain and rage.
I fought with all my might to expel it. That only frustrated me and fed it more. Soon our souls where merged completely. I thrashed out and pulled and tried to break free of my chains. I let loose a earth shaking roar. I saw Dracula come out of the shadows. Just the sight of him angered me to no ends. He did this to me, he released this beast into me. He made me a monster! I snarled.
"Wonderful. Now you will obey me."
I roared in response and with one mighty pull the chains shattered, shrapnel flew everywhere. Pieces dug themselves into Dracula's body. He looked calm. I flung my fist out at him and he flew back and collided with the wall. I roared and charged him. I could kill him. I was stronger. I had the ability to kill the one who made me this beast. He got up.
"I see we shall have to tame you."
I picked him up and squeezed, I could feel his bones snapping. He looked as thought he was in pain. Maybe it was the beast but, I was enjoying myself. I threw him down and brought my foot down and he caught it. I could tell he was gripping my foot so I kicked out as hard as I could and he flew into the wall. I balled my clawed hand into a fist and launched it at the wall. I hit my mark with such force that the wall literally shattered into the outside. Chunks of the wall fell into the endless craves and Dracula went with them. He transformed in midair and shot up and knocked me back.
This was going to be a challenge.
Arsitoph's P.O.V-
I arrived at my master's castle. I changed back to my usual form looked up at the intimidating yet impressive castle. I walked up to the door and froze.
I don't wanna go in!
I retreated to a cliff, stopped and cringed.
But I have to. I am bound to give my report to him.
I moved up to the door only to hear inhuman shrieks coming from deep inside.
Oh hell. He's pissed off...I'm dead for sure!
I ran once more to the cliff and shifted my feet and ran back to the door, hoped from one foot to another and ran back to the cliff. I continued to do this until I reached an idea.
My master's spell book! There's got to be something in there that can unconsecrate items! I'm saved!
I transformed and flew up to his room and carefully looked around. The shrieks where now accented by the shaking and rumbling of the castle.
Great. He released that 't he have done it in front of the Valerious Manor?! This place might just fall down.
I grabbed his spell book and began looking. I stopped at one that greatly confused me.
Hair Regrowth...why does he have this?
My voice of reason kicked in about that time.
He's over a thousand years old. He's got to keep his hair someway.
I bit my lower lip and furrowed my brow then shook my head.
This will just have to do, at least he won't notice unless he has reason to strangle me...then he might...
I quickly said the spell and almost immediately hair started to sprout from the bald areas.
Yay! Now I can give my report!
I flew out of the window and back to the door, entered and followed the inhuman shrieks.
Kate's P.O.V-
For a little bat Dracula was strong! He had thrown my against the wall and now had me by the neck. He was bloodied and breathing heavily. I struggled against the loss of air. He had tried his sleeper hold on me a few times only to find that it did not affect beasts of rage. I had found that I could extend my claws, I had used that to great advantage. I swiped him with my extended claws, I hit a vein. Blood burst forth and spilled over his cloths before the wound could close. He transformed once more and dove at me. He knocked me back and once again darkness consumed my world.
I'm not strong enough...