AN. This idea just popped into my head so yeah, at this point I don't know where I'm going with it so please work with me k? I'll try and get a new update soon. MLO

The Ascendant

Chapter One: A Beginning

Everyone has thoughts, thoughts that enable everyone to survive. If we didn't have these thoughts, would we be dead? Would we become that which we fear the most? Would we become the monsters that plague our nightmares and the stories that are intended to scare us into good behavior? The mere thought of becoming a monster…it's more than anyone can handle. No one wants to be plagued by this darkness forever. No one would wish this eternal black on even their worst enemy. The mere thought is simply terrifying. Yet…there is always one; always one that will stray. That will lead others willingly into the dark. It is a simple enough task, for humans tend to be drawn naturally to that which is dark and mysterious. Their curiosity overwhelms them and leads them to that which will be their end. Humans are strange and entertaining in that sense.

Hmm…what kind of attitude must one have in order to think these thoughts without being looked upon as a freak? Perhaps there is no correct attitude. Perhaps if one were to voice these thoughts out loud any person within hearing range would turn and gaze upon you with a look of confusion and utmost displeasure. What normal human has these kinds of thoughts? Of course, it's simple. Someone who's simply…crazy.

The sky was a perfect cerulean blue, not even a cloud to disrupt the beautiful color. A light breeze blew in from the east, just enough to make the grass and the leaves rustle. Every flower was a bloom and even the bugs were respecting the beauty of the day, not bothering at all. The only thing that was missing from the gorgeous day was the perfect sounds. But that was denied.

The perfection was cut through by the wailing sounds of the ambulance as it rushed down the street, hastily trying to reach its destination before more trouble could happen. We all knew where it was going because the police cars were already at the scene. Crowds had begun to gather just outside the yellow caution tape that had been set up immediately. Police officers stood on the other side, making sure no bystanders or reporters got in while higher officers, detectives and paramedics did their jobs with the survivors.

I didn't know what I was waiting for, but my breath was held nonetheless. That's when I saw her, strapped to a gurney and being taken to the nearest ambulance where she would be taken to the closest hospital. I had to be there with her so I hopped into my car and followed, trying to keep a respectable distance. I reached the hospital at an excruciating pace and once I parked I rushed out and into the lobby where I waited. I knew much time had passed when I realized that other survivors from the fight were also in the lobby, waiting on news for loved ones who were also brought here. There was no one from her family; I didn't think there would be. They had made it clear that they would have no connections with the gang, thus when she decided to join them she lost all contact with them. It didn't matter though; the gang was her family now. I noticed a few other members were there as well, waiting for the news of how she had faired. I nodded at them when they took notice of me. It was a sign that I would be the first one to see her, I would be the one to report how much damage had been done and therefore determining what we would do as revenge.

The attack had been unexpected. If we had known what was going to happen we wouldn't have left her with very few others. We were stupid to think that the Cobras wouldn't try anything. All the strong fighters had gone on the hunting game leaving her with very little protection. Growling to myself I waited for a doctor to come out with news on how she was. I didn't have to wait very much longer.

"Is there a Rue present?"

I froze and looked around; it must be bad if she had used my real name. Luckily, no one was paying the doctor any attention. I stood and walked over to the doctor. Looking up at him I frowned, "I would prefer you not say that name again."

The doctor raised his eyebrow, obviously confused by what I said but then understanding flooded his face and he nodded once to confirm it. "Very well. Are you here for a Miss Quinn?"

Annoyance was clear in my expression as I glared at the doctor before me. "I would be wise if you just forget mine and her names. But yes, I am here for her."

"Very well, follow me." He turned and headed down the hallway, making no comment about my advice. I hoped he would listen though, for his own sake. He entered the elevator around the corner and we proceeded to go to the third floor. When the familiar ding was heard and the doors opened we exited and made our way down the hall, stopping in front of room 310. The doctor opened the door and stepped aside, allowing me to enter first. Without glancing at him I walked in and nearly cringed when I saw her.

A bandage was wrapped around her head; part of it was dyed with the rich crimson that was her blood. I wondered how she could have survived, thinking perhaps it wasn't as bad as it looked. There were ugly bruises covering all the skin I could see, and there was no doubt more where I couldn't. Along with the bruises were some cuts, I noticed another large bandage on her arm that wasn't bleeding through yet, though I wondered what kind of cut lay beneath. The Cobras were known to leave original cuts, often spelling words of nicknames. I visibly flinched thinking about the pain she had to endure to look like she did now. I looked back at the doctor wanting a full status report on injuries and the like.

"She took a serious wound to the head. It appears she either hit her head very hard on something concrete or she was hit with something. Her right arm is broken in several places and on her left arm there are several deep cuts. They seem to spell out something but the nurses who did the cleaning haven't been able to read it. Those are the worst of the injuries. She has minor cuts and bruises over a vast majority of her body and she lost a lot of blood. We were able to do one transfusion because she had actually donated blood once before. However, with her blood we weren't able to do any more because of the rareness of her type. We were afraid that her body would reject the other types. She's still low on blood but we have none left."

"I have the same type as her, take mine."

"Are you sure?"

I glared at him once again, daring him to question me. Instead he cringed slightly and left; returning a few minutes later with a nurse who was holding a large syringe and a rubber rope. After sitting me down the nurse wrapped the rope around my arm and after a vein quickly came into view she proceeded to take blood from me. I kept my gaze on her, knowing that if I turned I would be met with the surprised gaze of the nurse taking my blood. I knew what it looked like, the strange bluish hue that was unlike any human.

After awhile the nurse removed the needle and proceeded to hook up the bag of my blood to an IV that she entered into her arm. I noticed that her eyelid fluttered when the blood managed to reach her vein but no other reaction was made. I stayed seated in my chair, the loss of blood making my head spin. Scooting closer to the bed I crossed my arms over my chest. I knew after I got my strength back I would have to leave. I needed to tell the others how she was fairing, as well as make sure that I got a chance to avenge her against those who had done this. I had barely closed my eyes for a few minutes when I heard her soft whisper.

"Regulus…"

"Shhh…I'm right here Lilith…"

I knew by her use of our nicknames that she was on a path of recovery. I smiled softly at her, willing her to open her eyes. Instead they tightened shut and her face contorted into a mask of pain. I sat by her helpless.

"Regulus…"

"I'm right here, right here next to you." I took a gentle grasp of her hand. I understood that she had something to say, but the words were stuck. If I could heal her faster or better yet turn back the clock so that none of this had happened.

"Regulus…Chi-"

"Chi? Lilith what are you trying to say?"

"Chi...Chiron…"

I stared at her, shocked. Chiron? What did Chiron have to do with any of this? Before I could question her though she had passed out, her breathing coming out even. What was going on? I walked out, taking one last look before heading back down to the lobby. I walked to the main desk and confronted the nurse in charge. "Excuse me."

She looked up, "Yes?"

I handed her a slip of paper with my cell number and my nickname on it. "I want you to give this to the doctor on the third floor. It's the contact number for the patient in room 310. If there is any news on her condition have the doc contact me." Without waiting for a response I turned and headed towards the rest of the gang who had gathered just outside the hospital doors.

"So what's the news Reg? How is she?"

"She's got a few big injuries. The worst being a deep head wound."

"Man, I gotta admit. The girl's tougher than I thought."

I nodded, though I knew just how strong she was and how strong she would be if she had the right training. But I left my thoughts unsaid.

A boy with blond spiked hair and ice blue eyes glanced at me, "So Reg, we up for a little hunting game?"

The image of Lilith all banged up in the hospital bed flashed through my mind, oh yes. They would most definitely pay, with their very lives. I nodded, "Let's get started. But first, how many did we lose?"

A brown haired, skinny boy spoke. "We lost about five guys. Lil and Tanner are the only ones that survived." He motioned his head to another brown haired boy. He had a few cuts and bruises but he looked like he had dodged most of the major fighting. I wondered why Lilith had been beaten so badly while this boy barely got away with a few minor injuries.

Not trusting my voice I turned and headed in a separate direction, knowing the others would be following closely behind me. There were too many questions running through my mind. I had to find answers and quick.