Chosen
Destiny
Chapter 4
Kim got
home late, or very early depending on how you look at it. While she
and Ron got a little sleep in the car her parents insisted that she
went strait to bed after cleaning up.
It was
late morning by the time she dragged herself out of bed, with no
missions from Wade and the events of yesterday still going around in
her mind she needed time to think. Half way through brunch Ron came
by looking very tired.'You
alright Ron?'
He covered a yawn 'No sleep, not good.'
'So what's the plan for today? Mom and Dad are at work and the Tweebs are with him.'
'Training. After breakfast.' With that he made himself something to eat.
He was half way through eating when Kim decided to tell him what she was thinking of for that morning. 'Ron you have today to convince me about this whole Slayer thing. If I don't believe you drop it. Alright? Say you made a mistake or something.'
He looked at her something in his eyes told her this was important, 'KP, I promise by this time tomorrow you will believe every word I have said. Deal?'
'Deal. So training, what's that? You teach me how to sick a piece of wood in a guy?'
'No. First I teach you restraint, then how to stick some wood in a guy. But before all that the amazing Ronald invites you to a magic show.'
'This is where you prove to me that you can do magic.'
'Sure, you want proof and I can show you proof.' Ron picked up a knife. 'What will happen if I drop this?'
'It will fall.' Kim rolled her eyes and saw something with the corner of her eye. It was so mind boggling she refused to look again.
'Will it? What do you think Rufus?'
The hairless-mole-rat was floating at head height, he shook his head and squeaked a 'No'.
'Lets try it shall we.' Ron dropped the knife it fell for a moment before it wobbled in the air. Rufus also began to wobble.
Kim adamantly refused to look at either of the impossible things that were happening instead she was looking at Ron's face. She was so focused on not looking to her right or left that at first she didn't notice the sweat that was building on Ron's forehead. After a few seconds she could tell he was breathing heavily. 'Ron are you really doing this?' She finally looked around.
He just nodded and reached out for the knife and Rufus. Plucking them out of the air he put them down on the table before slumping in his seat. 'Yes Kim that was magic, before you ask that's all I can do.'
'That was real magic. I mean there was no tricks or anything you can really make things float by thinking it.'
'Emotional control and a lot of concentration. It's hard but I can do it.' He started to finish his food. Kim picked up the knife and examined it, it was a normal knife, kind of blunt and covered in finger prints but no wires or funky stuff. 'Now that that's over with come on.' He stood up and took her hand in his. Half pulling, half guiding her they left the house. Rufus was perched on Ron's shoulder.
'Where we going?' She asked a little in awe of him for a moment, was she beginning to believe?
'My house. The basement is kited out for training.' He shrugged.
'Basement? The top secret, your mother won't let anyone down there even if somehow their best hair clip just happens to fall down there, basement.'
'Yes that basement KP. By the way did you really think Mom would fall for that?'
Kim knew she didn't have to answer, her face went bright red all on its own. 'So your mom knows about this stuff?'
'Sure, why do you think I call Rupert "uncle", he's her older brother.' They had made it to his house and instead of going inside they went around the back. The trap door was pad locked shut as always, Ron reached in his pocket and pulled out a key. After opening it they went down the short fight of steps. The only light came from the open door behind them.
After a she reached the bottom Ron, who was behind her closed the doors. After a moment in the dark the lights came on. The floor was empty but the walls were cluttered one was covered in what looked to be target boards some simple circles others in the shape of people, another was concealed behind a bookshelf stocked with books at least two deep. The wall that was dominated by the steps had training equipment stacked against it, punching bags, a vaulting horse and what looked to be a coat rack were easy to make out. There were also wood cut outs in the shape of people piled against everything.
While she was looking around Kim saw Ron pick up a bag from the foot of the stairs and walk with it to what was the final wall, it also looked the blandest of the four walls. Two old cabinets and three chests and that was it. She inspected the targets, able to make out lots of different holes in them, when she saw him pull out the pump action crossbow he used last night out of the bag.
'They gave you that then?' she asked.
'And the sword you used. That was all they could do, things are going to be difficult for a bit with supplies and such. Good thing this is a quiet town.' He opened one of the cabinets. It was half full of quarterstaffs and axes. He put the crossbow on the bottom of the cabinet and closed it.
'Where did you get all this stuff?' Kim asked as he pulled out the sword.
As he opened he second cabinet he answered, 'Demon arms dealers. One, Dorigon, passes through every other month. Convinced him that you were a demon hunter. He's a good guy and knows he'll be the first one to die if anything goes wrong.'
This cabinet was full of different swords some huge others barley a hand span long. 'I thought that I was some kind of vampire and demon killer? Why wouldn't I kill this weapons demon guy.'
'Not all demons are evil KP just like not all humans are good. You have to learn the difference. But most of the good ones like to lay low, when in doubt kill it. That's your best bet.' He walked over to the punch bag. 'We'll start here,' pulling on a rope next to it caused the punch bag to move down a rail on the ceiling until it was near the middle of the room. 'Punch it. As hard as you can.'
She did so, and was shocked at how it flew backwards, almost hitting the ceiling. So shocked that she didn't move when it came swinging back…
'Oww!' She had landed on her back. Rising to her elbows she glared daggers at Ron and Rufus, who were dubbed up laughing. 'You knew that would happen!'
'Of course I did. That's proof number two that you're a Slayer Kim.' He walked over to her and helped her up. 'I'm going to put a dummy on the other side of this bag KP. The point is you have to punch the bag hard enough to touch it with out knocking it over. When you've done that I move the dummy closer.'
'Sounds exciting.' She didn't hide the sarcasm.
'It would be next time you try hanging off the rafters during cheerleading practice. This is all about self control. What just happed was your first lesson, too much power and you can get hurt. Remember that. If you ever learn anything else that is important.'
It was a long afternoon each time she thought she had it right the bag would ether move too short or too long. After forever she reached a point where she only moved the bag an inch. At which point Ron moved the bag back and she had to find the right amount of strength to use all over again.
'Kim it's past five, time to stop.'
'Thank God!' she exclaimed
'Did someone promote me when I wasn't looking?' Ron asked dead pan.
Kim laughed at that. This new side of Ron's was a lot wittier with comebacks and she found reassuring that he still could make her laugh. 'You still up for dinner with us?'
'Always, but after dinner there is one more piece of proof that you're a Slayer.'
'But it will be dark by then…'
'Exactly'
Jim and Tim ran into the house and to their room, after avoiding all the security traps (or junk depending on who you were) they deposited their bags, ran down stairs and sat in front of the TV.
Half an hour later Kim and Ron came in. The twins watched as Ron barely glanced at them and held on to the bag he was carrying tighter. In their own language they agreed to investigate.
Unfortunately Ron wasn't as careless as they hoped. During dinner their Dad asked Kim and Ron how their day went. While he was distracted Jim slipped under the table intent on getting into the bag. From Tim's perspective Ron lent back at just the right moment for Jim to get the goods. From Jim's Ron's legs struck like snakes, catching him in a vice grip around the neck. In the seconds that followed Tim wondered what was keeping this brother while Jim wondered how much longer he could go with out breath.
'Kim? What's your brother doing?' Ron asked calmly.
Finally released Jim catapulted up and made a brief excuse about dropping his fork and trying to find it. In quiet tones he told his brother about Ron's reaction and the meal moved on.
When dinner had finished The twins went to the living room and started planning.
'Jim, Tim I doubt that the fork fell into my bag.' Ron's calm voice shocked the brothers, they never heard him approach. 'You two are too curious. Next time you stick your hand in someone else's business you might not get it back. Hear me?'
'Yes. We're sorry Ron, we won't do it again.'
'Good.' He smiled at them
Just then Kim came down the stairs. 'We're going out for a bit.' She shouted to her Mom and Dad in the kitchen.
'Don't be too late Kimmie-cub.'
'We won't' Ron shouted back as they left.
After a few minuets the twins looked at each other. 'Should we follow them?'
'Yes. Should we tell mom and dad?'
'No' and they ran after the two teens.
Ron lead Kim to the cemetery. He tried to keep it a surprise but half way there she guessed.
'So we hang around here for a while and you try to convince me that this person is a vampire.' They had stopped next to a fresh grave.
'Yep.' Was all Ron said before pulling the wooden stake from the bag and a knife. For a while he whittled and honed the point of the stake while leaning against a tree.
Time passed slowly in the cemetery, the more Kim stood there the more nervous she was. She could feel something building in the atmosphere. It was infuriating that all Ron did was lean against a tree and sharpen sticks. 'That's it! We must have been here for hours…'
Rufus ran out of Ron's pocket and handed him a watch 'One and a half.' Ron noted looking at it.
'Huh?'
'One and a half hours KP.' He blew on the tip of the stick and threw it to her, she caught it easily. 'Get ready. It's about time.' He handed the watch back to Rufus who ran back into his pocket.
'No it isn't Ron. I'm going. There is no way a vampire is going to crawl out of that grave.' Kim pointed at it, the same instant a clawed hand burst through the top soil.
Behind two gravestones the twins were literally paralysed with fear.
Ron watched Kim's face as it lost all expression of thought. 'Right Kim trial by fire time! Slay the vampire and live. It's that simple.'
The vampire shook the dirt off his cheap suit before looking at the scared Slayer and growling.
You can stake it any time now KP, in the heart. You know, the heart? Just to the left of the centre of its chest?'
She didn't move, only whimpered as the vampire reached out for her neck grasping her roughly.
Knowing that only he could save Kim this time he fell back on to his back up plan. Reaching into the bottom of the bag he grasped the composite steal/plastic handle of what he was looking for.
Kim knew that this was a nightmare and that she would wake up any time now. What if it wasn't? she couldn't remember falling asleep. Wha if this was real? She couldn't think straight, every nightmare she ever had replayed in her mind. This was a vampire, it was gong to bite her and she was going to die. That was the end and all she could do was be terrified at the reality of the situation.
An explosion came from Ron, the arm that held her neck vanished and the vampire stumbled back. Another explosion cut off the vampire at the knees. Ron walked in front of her, cocking the shotgun in his hand before planting his foot on the vampire's chest and firing another shot into its other leg. 'Believe me now Kim?'
'It… It's all true. Everything?'
'Sorry KP it is. Pop quiz; how do you kill a vampire.'
'Wooden stake, sunlight, fire and beheading.' She answered automatically.
'Top of the class!' He moved his foot to the vampire's face and, half crouched, he put the shotgun against its neck. Rufus scampered down is leg and ran for the tree. 'This is beheading, with a shotgun.' He pulled the trigger. The vampire arched its back before exploding in a cloud of dust.
'Is that it, are we finished?' Kim hoped and prayed that was so.
'No, I really am sorry Kim but there's one more going to rise tonight. And there's always the one who sired them. I think one more would be enough for tonight. Cracking the gun again he dropped it. 'This one your flying solo for Kim. I wish I could help but its not my place to interfere.'
'What?' She asked clutching the stake tight to her chest.
'From what I can tell the grave is about ten feet that way. No idea when it will rise so hurry.'
She looked from Ron to the grave he indicated, then back to the now empty grave.
'You can do it KP. You are a Slayer it's your destiny to save this world from the likes of them. Go.'
Mutely she nodded and walked to the mound of fresh dirt.
Ron watched her face her nightmares, over the years she had told him everything. The only thing she feared her whole life were the nightmares she was plagued by almost every night. Wincing he held his foot that was still smoking. Feeling proud of his Slayer, his Kim, he watched as she shook, standing over the grave. He wanted to run to her, take the stake from her hand and kill the thing that was rising even now. More than anything else in the world he wanted to help her, protect her from those nightmares made flesh. But he could not.
She was ready for it this time and after stepping back, charged the vampire back into the ground. Ron watched her beat it over the head with the stake before plunging it deep into the vampires chest. She stood up at stared down at the vampire before turning to Ron
'The heart is to the left of the breast bone KP.' He sighed straightening up. Ron watched as she pulled the stake out and tried again. 'Kim. His left, not yours.' Silently he wondered if any other watcher had this trouble. 'That's better.' Finally the vampire dissolved into dust as Ron picked up Rufus.
The twins saw their sister stake the dead man. Looking at each other for a split second they ran as fast as their legs could carry them back home. Without saying anything to their parents they barged past them before locking themselves in their room.
Ron walked Kim back to her house. The trip was in silence as she came to terms with the drastic changes in her life. Outside her house she looked at Ron, 'Is it true that they can't come in with out being invited?'
'Yes. I'll see you tomorrow KP.
'Ron… Ron I'm sorry I should have believed you. Are we training tomorrow?'
'Only if you want to.'
'I'll tell you in the morning,' she kissed him on the cheek before going to the door. 'Good night Ron.'
'Night KP. Remember, you can fight nightmares now.' He gave her an encouraging smile before bowing his head and leaving.
Upon entering the house she found her father waiting for her. 'Where did you and Ronald go?'
'Why?'
'Your brothers followed you.' Kim gasped as her father continued. 'They came back like the demons of hell were chasing them and locked themselves in their bedroom.'
'I'll talk to them.' She admitted.
'First you tell me what happened. Now young lady.'
Faced with the truth she knew she couldn't tell him what really happened. Telling him they spent the whole day practicing was one thing. What she was practicing for was quite another. 'I had a nightmare last night and it spooked me. Ron set something up that showed me how silly it was. That's what he was talking about, the tweebs must have been as scared as I was at first and ran before Ron told me what was going on.'
'Go tell your brothers that, they insist you're the only person they'll talk to.'
Outside their room her mother was pleading with them to let her in. 'Mom, I'll do it. You go down to Dad he'll tell you what's happened.'
'Try to talk sense into your brothers Kim.' Her mother went downstairs.
'Tweebs. You let me in right now or I take the door down, you hear me?'
The door opened very slowly. She pushed her way past them and shut the door. 'We're sorry.' We should have listened to Ron.' 'We won't do it again.' They blurted at her.
'What did you see?' She asked in a quiet voice hoping she could pass things of as easily as she did with dad
'A hand came from that grave.' Jim said
'Ahh, you see…' she started.
'It grabbed you and Ron killed it with a shotgun.' Tim finished to Kim's dread.
'Then Ron told you to kill the other one.' Said Jim.
'It took three tries but you got it.' Finished Tim
'It turned to dust.'
'So did the first one.'
'Were they vampires?' The two said in unison.
'Oh boy.' She held her head in her hands.
End chapter 4
There you go. The next chapter is ready for posting but I'm off on holiday for a week. Expect it then.
