By: Lady Isis
Rating: M
Disclaimer: Don't own, don't sue.
Chapter 17
Life to be?
Beautiful, Diamond thought, sifting through the new photo's his spy had snapped.
Leaning in his chair Diamond tightened at the few rare pictures of Serena scantily clad in lingerie. He could just imagine her, those exotic blue eyes shining with love and a special smile adorning her sweet lips, all for him. Nothing would give him more happiness then to own her, he couldn't wait to see De Silva's shocked face when he stole her right from his hands.
Serena mumbled and slowly sat up in bed.
"Morning Sere," Ray said, placing a cup of coffee on her bedside table.
Serena looked up, "Morning," she said weakly.
"I called Seiya and told him you weren't well," Ray said.
Serena nodded and slipped from the warm bed, softly padding to the bathroom. Shutting the door Serena leant against the wall and took in a trembling breath. I refuse to cry over this, she snapped as her throat clogged, you knew it could never work, you don't want him.
Turning the shower on Serena slipped under the hot water and stood there, a silent debate raging through her mind, but then why did you almost have sex on his desk? Her conscience sneered cruelly. Serena winced; maybe she needed a little time to get her priorities in order. She could always go back home for a while.
Keeping that thought in mind, she wrapped a towel around her body and left back to her own room, where she grabbed a pair of jeans and tee-shirt. In the kitchen she saw Ray sitting at the table, walking past Serena made herself some toast and slowly munched, trying to avoid eye contact.
"Serena," Ray said, "We have to talk."
"Okay," Serena muttered looking up, "Me first, why were you at Crimson Corps?"
Ray shrugged, "Don't get your stakes out or anything just give me time to explain."
Serena nodded, wondering what Ray meant.
"Darien is my brother," Ray answered tentatively, twisting her fingers.
The toast in Serena's hand dropped onto the plate, "If he's you brother…then…" Serena took a shuddering breath, "Then you must be a vampire too."
"Yes," Ray answered firmly, "But I'm not like Darien, I promise, he was one of the reasons I left."
Serena bowed her head, feeling as if someone had punched her, "Please go."
Ray slumped, heart heavy, "Look after yourself, okay, even though you may hate me now I'll always be there for you."
Serena didn't react or move until she heard the door softly close. Slamming her fist onto the table she swiped her dish onto the floor, relishing the loud smash that reverberated round the quiet room. Jerking back, her seat clattered onto the ground – she had an unexplainable anger burning within her. Standing, she swiftly marched to her room, as she passed the couch side table she deliberately hit the lamp and the glass shattered seconds later.
A dull ache had started in her neck, but she was done being weak, look where it got her – on Darien's desk! Ripping through her side cabinet, she threw books from the draws until she found what she needed, her personal book of shadows. Each Coven member usually had their own book of Shadows, which kept records of spells and potions they learnt as children. Serena's book was more wide-ranging, with spells varying from normal magic, to illegal black magic.
Serena lovingly stroked her hand over the hard cover; it was one of a kind, made especially for her. It was large and thick with knowledge, the blue leather cover etched with Celtic knots and protection runes. As Serena was taught illegal spells, Aunt Meredith had specially requested a lock to be fitted that could only be opened by a secret rune they knew.
Tracing her finger over the lock there was a little 'click' and Serena opened the book. The pages within were thicker than average books and tinted soft blue. Flicking through Serena smiled at the random drawings and diary entries – which she had long given up.
Getting to business, she scanned the pages till she had found the special spell.
Soul Blocking
Serena felt a little uneasy about performing the spell. It was black magic and according to her notes, was used by witches in the past to block the soul mate connection. They then would kill their soul mates, (as they were viewed as weaknesses) and because they blocked the connection wouldn't go insane with sadness. Shaking her head she hardened her expression, she needed to do this.
Ingredients: 50g Maple root, 20mL powdered lapis lazuli, 1 raven egg, drop of blood (soul mate or caster), 15g deadly nightshade, 15g black senol fungi.
Serena winced; she didn't have all the ingredients and the powdered lapis lazuli was going to be expensive. Grabbing her coat she jogged out the door and caught a taxi to the witch store, 'Ink'.
The shop was situated in an uncommon area, out of central Manhattan, discreetly tucked between two large stores.
"Nadia," Serena called, jogging to the main desk.
The shop was always dim and heavily scented with lemongrass incense. There were shelves along the walls, groaning with old and new books, and cabinets holding expensive stones and silver wear.
"Hey Serena, long time no see," the brunette shop assistant said, raising a pierced eyebrow.
"Yeah I know."
Dropping her voice Serena added, "I need some special ingredients."
"Gotcha," Nadia said a dangerous twinkle in her blue eyes, "Whacha need?"
"Powdered Lapis, Nightshade and Senol Fungi," Serena answered.
"Oooh the Lapis ain't cheap," Nadia said, fingering one of her multiple earrings.
"Yeah I know, but it's important."
"I'll be back in a minute; I have to dig them out. Damn goodie goodie witches pokin' round again,"
She said rolling her eyes.
Nadia left with a swish of her long skirt through the doorway, colourfully adorned in gauzy materials. Wandering around the dim shop, Serena looked at the new items in stock. She lifted a bottle of crude oil and swirled the viscous black liquid, watching it streak down the interior of the glass bottle. Shuffling through the incenses Serena picked up a slender box and held it under her nose for a smell.
"Ya still there?" Nadia called.
"Yeah," Serena said, stepping from behind the decorative rune screen.
"Okay, so the Lapis, Nightshade and Senol are in this box," She said softly, glancing wearily round the shop.
Serena nodded, "And I'll take this," handing the incense over.
"North fog, not very popular," Nadia said, totalling the purchases, "That will be $326 please."
"Pricy," Serena muttered, pulling out her card.
"Mmm Lapis has gone up, we have to directly import them now," Nadia informed, swiping the card.
Pushing in her pin, they exchanged some pleasantries and Serena left, getting back to her apartment before lunch.
Dropping her purchases on her bed, Serena consulted her book and darted to the kitchen for a bottle of purified water. Creating a makeshift alter Serena collected all she needed, as once the circle was formed there was no breaking it. Not bothering to change into robes, she performed a circle of protection.
Ready to execute magic, she started a witch fire in a shallow dish sliding it under the three-footed cauldron and poured the water within, leaving it to boil. Sitting on her knees she carefully chopped the Senol mushrooms, using gloves for safety. Waving her hand over the cauldron she could feel light steam condense on her hand and continued to shred the nightshade.
"So," she muttered, placing the ingredients around her and resting the book on her knees.
Method
1) Once water begins to boil drop in the Lapis Lazuli.
Serena pulled out the container that held the lapis. Shaking the blue powder she frowned, for the price it cost there certainly wasn't much. Grudgingly she tipped all the powder in, turning the water into a boiling ocean of blue. Giving it a gentle stir she continued.
2) Place maple root fibre into water and disperse evenly, this will thicken the liquid. Mix the Nightshade and Senol and for maximum results make as powdery as possible. When adding to mixture use caution!
Serena dropped the illegal dry plants into her mortar and pounded it with the pestle. Moving in a clockwise direction, she reduced the dark plants into a dull grey powder and slowly tipped into the blue liquid. The water spat, as if detesting the foul concoction of poisonous plants, and Serena quickly drew her hand away in fright. Shaking her head, she dropped the whole raven egg into the liquid and continued. Picking up her special atheme – made devoid of silver – she punctured her left ring finger, letting the blood bead and drip into her potion. At once the potion changed from a dirty blue, to a dark black, Serena shuddered – it was defiantly dark magic.
3) Potion should turn black, to finish spell drop a wearable item in – Amulet, ring, necklace etc.
Looking on the floor, Serena picked up her chosen piece, a glass beaded choker – that would hopefully hide her bite scars – and carefully laid it into the swirling black potion.
4) The object should absorb the potion and once in contact with skin will block all soul mate connections.
If Serena's theory was correct, by blocking their connection she wouldn't feel his presence and wouldn't long for him – she just hoped it worked.
Leaving to cool, Serena broke the circle and thoroughly scrubbed her hands before preparing a light sandwich. Slowly chewing, she touched her bite wounds; she couldn't wait to retrieve the necklace to block the incessant nagging. What was it that Darien had with biting her? She guessed it was some sort of primitive urge, his bites were initially painful, but then that melted away producing amazing pleasure. Despite the whole blood lust vampires possessed, Darien had extreme self-control, he never took much blood. Noble yes, but Serena wasn't born yesterday, she had heard of his dark past, he was no saint. However now that they were finished she didn't have to worry about it.
There was a jingle of keys in the door, and a flustered Amy walked through into the apartment.
"Um hi Sere," she said.
"Hi there stranger, long time no see," Serena said, smiling happily.
"Yeah, these early mornings and late evenings are beginning to get to me," she sighed.
"I really do sympathize," Serena said, "that's why I never became a doctor."
"Mmm," Amy muttered strangely.
"There's something different about you?" Serena scrutinized.
Amy looked a bit shocked and contemplative, "Um, I, um broke up with, um, Greg."
"Why!" Serena blurted shocked.
"Well," Amy said slumping into the couch, "it wasn't working out."
"You're a lil liar," Serena said, "Did you meet someone else?"
Amy opened and closed her mouth like a fish, then blushed, "yeah," she muttered quietly.
"Ooh who is he," Serena questioned.
"Uh someone I met at the ball," Amy said, blushing furiously.
"Oh my god! You slept with him!" Serena shrieked.
"Serena!" Amy snapped.
"But you did, didn't you?" Serena antagonized.
"Yeah," Amy muttered, "I don't do that, just meet a guy and sleep with them – no dates, but I felt…I don't know…this might sound stupid – a connection?"
"This might be stupid to a philosophical person like you. But you never know he could be your soul mate." Serena suggested seriously.
"Do you think so?" Amy questioned, actually accepting a supernatural idea.
"Yeah I do," Serena said.
"What is that smell?" Amy asked, wrinkling her nose, "it smells like – I don't know."
"Uh, I was cleaning my bedroom," Serena blubbered stupidly.
"Jeeze what did you have in there, a dead animal?" Amy said.
"Yeah sorry, I'll fix it somehow," Serena said.
"Well I only came back for lunch, so I'll just grab something and go back."
"Okay, I'll go and deal with my, um, room," Serena said.
Returning back to her room, Serena grabbed the cooling cauldron and poured the sludge like liquid down the sink. Cleaning the cauldron Serena thoroughly washed her necklace and returned to her room. Smiling with barely contained excitement and dread, she put the cold beaded necklace to her throat and attached it. At once Serena's head felt clearer, she was surprised at how much the bites had affected her. As well as relief she felt a little strange – empty?
Serena dismissed the feeling and packed the rest of her equipment and unused ingredients. As she slipped the cauldron into her closet, there was a knock at the door. Standing from her knees, Serena headed to the door and cautiously opened it, not wanting to repeat the past Darien incident.
"Seiya!" Serena said surprised.
"Here I was expecting someone really ill," Seiya smiled, handing her some pale pink flowers.
"Thank you Seiya!" Serena said, taking the flowers and sniffing them, "I feel 100 better, come in."
"No can't, I'm on a time limit – but since you're feeling and looking better how about coming to dinner with me?"
"Oh um," she hesitated, "Yeah okay, I'd love to."
"Great! I'll pick you up at seven," he said happily.
Checking his watch Seiya looked mournfully up at Serena, "I've got to go."
"Okay, catch ya later," Serena smiled.
"Bye Sere,"
Serena took one last glance in her closet mirror, she looked lovely. She was wearing a sleeveless periwinkle dress with a low scooped neckline; the soft material clung flatteringly to her figure and ended under the knee. To finish she had done her hair in a soft curling bun and wore strappy white heels. Messing around as she waited, she tidied her room feeling slightly nervous. Something didn't feel right. Ignoring it, she centred the choker on her throat and grabbed her evening bag, just as her fingers wrapped around the blue strap there was a knock on the door.
"Seven, exactly," Serena commended and rushed to answer.
"Hello," Seiya said, dressed stunningly in a dark suit and blue tie.
"Hi," She answered with a soft smile.
"You look beautiful," He said, his brown eyes focused on her.
"Thank you," She blushed.
"Shall we go?" Seiya asked handing her his arm, Serena nodded and took it.
Seiya had a limousine waiting outside, and Serena felt like royalty stepping within the spacious vehicle. The trip was short and before she knew it the limo had come to a stop, outside the high class restaurant 'Savour la moment'. Stepping out of the car, with Seiya's aid, they walked straight through the glass doors into the main body of the restaurant.
Serena doubted that she had ever been to a restaurant so flash in her life! The walls were papered in a warm cream and impressive gold mouldings covered the ceiling, focusing around the centre piece: a huge crystal chandelier. Large windows were arched, draped in rich gold and red materials giving the room a majestic appearance.
"Bonjour Monsieur, Mademoiselle. How can I help you?" The garçon asked.
"Reservation for Revell," Seiya said, his arm slipping around Serena's waist.
"Ah oui, table for two, follow me," the man replied, spinning on the wooden floor and leading them through the tables.
Their table was next to a window, giving them a perfect view of the lit city. Seiya pulled out Serena's chair and slipped it behind her as she sat; she felt out of place in the flawlessness of the room and unconsciously fiddled with her cocker.
"Here's the menus, I'll be back when you've made your selection," the garçon said, bowing in his tuxedo and retreating.
Serena opened the menu and almost keeled over at the prices they charged. They had to be insane!
"Are you okay Sere? You've been a bit quiet," Seiya asked.
"No I'm fine, just wondering if my palette can handle such exquisite cuisine."
"Believe me, you'll love the food," He smiled.
"Oooh they have Chocolate Truffles!" Serena shrieked.
"Well that's dessert sorted," Seiya joked.
Roaming the menu Serena winced at the prices. Making a decision she chose a Caesar salad, Coq Au Vin and ChocolateTruffes.
"Would you like anything else?" The garçon asked.
"Yes, a bottle of Moet and Chandon Champagne," Seiya said, handing back the menu.
"As you wish," jotting that on his note pad.
The Hors d' Oeuvres and Entreé soon followed. As Seiya had said, the food was amazing. Serena thoroughly enjoyed the courses, despite being very rich, especially the chocolate Truffles.
Asking for the bill, Seiya gave his card and the garçon returned later, handing him a clip board. Serena was positive it cost enough to feed an army but Seiya signed with a flourish and handed the bill back. Instead of driving to her apartment, they went for a walk down the bright streets, Seiya's arm curling over Serena's small shoulders as they chatted casually.
"This was really nice Seiya," Serena said, stopping and facing him.
"Yes, we should do it more often," he agreed, Serena smiled.
Before she knew it Seiya's lips had descended on hers and his arm slid behind her back, pushing her closer. It was a nice kiss, Serena wasn't denying that, but it didn't have the fire like Darien's did. Serena ignored the feeling, she wasn't Darien's property she was her own free woman. To prove this she curled her hand over Seiya's neck and she responded, her lips parting for him.
Darien calmly assessed Diamond Dufort's wedding invitation, lying innocently on his desk.
"We were sceptical at first too," Nathaniel interrupted, "But after thinking about it, this might be a peace offering of some sort."
"Yeah, if we were to reject it, the rift between our companies might become worse," Zach said logically.
"Mmm, so I guess we might as well confirm our presence," Darien sighed, "But make sure we're prepared in case he has something planned."
"My Lord," The butler interrupted, "Miss. Anderson is here to see you."
"Send her in," Diamond said coolly.
The butler opened the door wider and Amy stepped into the room. She was dressed in her hospital uniform and looked slightly haggard – empty.
"Amy you look exhausted," Diamond said, enfolding her in a warm hug, focusing deeply into her eyes.
"Yes," She said her face instantly relaxing, "I am."
"Why don't you change into something nice upstairs and we'll have dinner together, I have some important things to discuss." Diamond said as if talking to a child, cupping her cheek.
Amy nodded, "Yes."
Turning, she slowly left up the stairs to change and Diamond watched her, a satisfied grin forming on his face.
Note:The soul blocking isn't a real Wicca spell, I made it up, Wiccans highly value their soul mates.
Yes this is probably confusing I'm sorry about that, hopefully things will begin to tie up soon. Sorry this chapter is a little short. My holidays are here so I'll work more on this and maybe release my newest Sailor Moon fanfic – MIRROR OF CONTRAST.
I got a question from Miss Jessica Rabbit and she asked me to answer it at the end of the chapter so here I go.
Do they all know that she is half vamp or not?
Darien is aware that she is a witch and a vampire hunter, but like the rest of them don't know she's part vampire herself. The only person who knows that little fact is Diamond, he put two and two together, the cleaver scoundrel.
Also THANK YOU FOR THE REVIEWS! You people are AWESOME! You can check my responses in my live journal on my profile page.