I sorta dragged my feet on this chapter, I could've had it done the day before it was posted, or even earlier. I am setting new daily goals to push myself to write instead of procrastinating.
"Fuck!" came Ethan's shout, back peddling rapidly to avoid the curved blade. Cassandra had put too much energy into her strike, however, and created an opening that Ethan saw and went for. Stabbing the sword forward, Cassandra's eyes widened as it approached her. Rolling out of the way, she sprung back up and swung. Just catching Ethan's shirt, the blade tore the fabric. Ethan brought the sword over his head and down toward Cassandra. Anticipating her step back, he then also stabbed the sword forward.
Almost flaunting her weapon skills, she hooked the sword with her sickle and pushed it aside. Continuing forward, though, Ethan punched Cassandra right in her face. Stumbling back, Cassandra put her hand over the area of impact. Ethan stood still, shocked that he landed the punch.
A dramatic 'ooooh' could be heard from Daniela and Bela could be seen shaking her head before speaking, "You are getting complacent, sister. This manthing isn't completely weak, they survived attacks with Lycans."
Cassandra calls out from the fight, "They also killed a few Moroaică in the dungeons- dammit! Stop distracting me!"
"Wait what!?" Bela snaps her attention to her sister.
"Talk about it later! Fighting!" Cassandra went to slice at Ethan's legs, and in a moment of desperation, he jumped to avoid the strike. This left him open to a shove from her other hand. Landing on his back, he looked up at Cassandra, who was grinning like the cat that ate the canary. Holding the sword between them, hoping it would keep her at bay, Ethan tries to crawl backward and create distance between them, but it's no use.
"Nice try, manthing, but that's it. Submit." Cassandra smirked.
"...no. I ain't gonna give up that easy, bitch!"
"Yes, manthing! That's the spirit! Get up, manthing! I will only wait so long…"
"You should have pressed your advantage, Cass, instead of giving him an opportunity." came Bela's comment.
"Hush, sister! I know what I am doing!"
Standing up now, Ethan readied himself. Gripping the sword with both hands, Ethan felt he had better control over its direction and weight now.
Cassandra made the first move. She sent a strike towards Ethan's shoulder, but raising the sword up and horizontal, Ethan met her blow and it deflated to the side with a loud CLANG. A second strike immediately came upwards towards his chest. Lowering the sword, he was able to meet it again. This blow, however, was more forceful and caused him to backstep. This happened again. Then again. Then again. Cassandra was trying to hammer at Ethan's defenses. Every blocked strike enraged her until she made a mistake.
"Stand! Still! Man-! -Thing! GAH!" a scream of frustration disrupted her flow, slowing her neck strike by only a second. A second which Ethan seized.
Slashing towards her body while Cassandra was mid-swing, Ethan hoped to end this damn duel right there. Seeing his strike coming, Cassandra moved back to avoid the slash. While her original target of his chest was too far to hit now, she opted to slice his left forearm.
Screaming, Ethan's left hand let go of his sword as blood now rushed from his wound.
"Halt the duel!"
"What do you mean 'Halt the duel'!? I was so close!"
"Be quiet, Cassandra. Manthing, that wound, while not fatal, is severe. Do you wish to yield?"
'I can't yield, not now! I can win this!'
"Hell no. We are just getting started. Ain't that right, Cass?"
"Oh, you little fucking shit! I'm going to enjoy carving you up!"
"Alright then. Make ready. Resume!"
Enraged by Ethan's use of her nickname, Cassandra came at Ethan with a vengeance. Swinging, stabbing, slashing, and hooking at anything she could reach, Ethan was starting to become off-balanced. His blocks became sloppy and late, unable to recover as quickly. Eventually, a few slices barely broke through his guard and nicked him. Blood slowly trickled out of his wounds, a mighty blow staggers him. Stumbling back, Cassandra smirked.
"Aw, poor manthing. It seems I got you a few times. Sure you don't want to submit now?"
"What, these? Just paper cuts. Got so bored I started reading a book. It's about this bitchy psycho vampire fighting a human. It was getting good though, the human was about to kick her ass!"
Having regained his composure, Ethan stabbed at Cassandra rapidly while advancing. Having to focus on pushing his sword out of the way, she had to give up ground and backstep. Trying to fake her out, he made to thrust his sword once more but quickly turned his wrist to give a moderate slash towards her leg.
Not expecting deception, Cassandra assumed the manthing was trying for the same attack again and went to block once more, only to feel her flies buzz lightly in her leg as Ethan's sword passed through it.
Looking down at the area of impact, there's now a cut in her gown, through which a sliced leg could be seen, slowly leaking black blood. Not hers, she didn't have any, just a few dead flies. Nothing they couldn't replace in a few minutes.
The cut, however, was not enough to constitute a killing blow, though.
'Damn, I was so fucking close! Keep going, Ethan! Press your advantage!'
Not letting her recover from the shock of being struck, Ethan decided to try and swing the sword in reverse, trying to hit Cassandra with the back edge of the sword.
Noticing the incoming strike too late, the only thing Cassandra can do is kick her legs back and throw her off balance.
Seeing her extremely off balance, Ethan sends a swift boot to her gut, forcing all the air out of her lungs. Doubling over from the impact, Cassandra doesn't think to protect herself. Smashing the pommel into the back of her head, Cassandra flops to the ground.
"Holy shit!" Bela and Daniela said in unison, shock evident on their faces.
Smirking, Ethan leveled his sword toward Cassandra as she lay on the ground. "Do you wanna give up?"
Looking up with a fire in her eye, she smirked "To quote a certain manthing, 'Hell no. We are just getting started. Ain't that right, Ethan?'"
Ethan can't help it when a subtle smirk comes over his face. He kinda liked beating on this bitch.
"To quote a certain psycho-bitch, 'Oh, you little fucking shit! I'm going to enjoy carving you up.' Now get up, I will only wait so long…"
Daniela leaned to whisper to Bela, "This duel is more entertaining than I thought." Giving a simple 'mhm' in response, they both go back to watching the fight.
Slowly rising from the floor, Cassandra got into her stance with a sickle.
Ethan, mirroring her, got ready with his sword.
Both of theirs darting back and forth, making plans and waiting for the other to act. A silent moment passed with no action. Then all of a sudden, the violence resumed with fervor. Cassandra brought a downward slash onto Ethan, but he brought his sword up to meet it. The weapons' steel biting into each other, the combatants tied up, trying to push the other away. Using his momentum against him, Cassandra stepped back and to the side, hooking the sword and wrenching it from Ethan's hands.
Going into a panicked survival mode, Ethan rushed forward and grabbed Cassandra's wrist, trying to wrestle the sickle out of hand.
"No! This one is mine, manthing! You- Can't- Have-" snap "AH FUCK!"
Ethan grabbed one of her fingers and snapped it, making her grip loose enough for Ethan to take the sickle.
Before he could get a good hold on it, she threw him. As he hit the ground and slid, the sickle fell from his grasp and it went towards the other end of the room.
Propping himself back on his elbows, he watched as Cassandra snapped her finger back into place. Seeing the anger on her face, Ethan stands, ready to act. Then like a gun, she shot at Ethan. Shocked, Ethan doesn't move when she punches him across his jaw. Smirking as he staggers back, she stands in superiority over Ethan.
Feeling his fire grow, he decides to bum-rush Cassandra and tackle her. While she did have superhuman strength and speed, she wasn't extremely heavy. Spearing his shoulder into her gut and lifting her into the air, he then slammed her to the floor with a mighty roar. Laying there stunned, Cassandra couldn't stop Ethan from sitting on her and wailing on her face. He gets some good strikes in before she finally tosses him off.
Landing hard on his back again, Ethan starts to feel his exhaustion. Breathing heavily, he looks over at his opponent. She begins to stagger up, black blood leaking from her nose and lip. On one knee and a hand to the ground for stability, she looks at Ethan.
Ethan rolls to his stomach and pushes himself up. Bloodied grins on both of their faces, they run at each other.
Cassandra grabs Ethan's shoulders and drives a knee into his gut and tosses him. Ignoring the pain, Ethan tucks and rolls to spring back into stance. His exhaustion gone and vision narrowing in on Cassandra, he sprints to her. Deciding to do something tricky, he baseball slides between her legs and slams a fist into the back of her knee.
Dropping to said knee, Cassandra doesn't have time to recover before Ethan jumps onto her back, with one arm wrapped around her neck, he uses his other fist to slam punch after punch into her face.
"Fuckfuckfuck!" Cassandra swears as Ethan wails on her. Some the of military martial arts training had taught Ethan kicked in. Adjusting his arms and wrapping his legs around Cassandra's mid-section and sunk in a rear naked choke. Squeezing as hard as possible on Cassandra's neck.
Strangely, Ethan feels Cassandra's neck give under the pressure. Her skin and flesh gave a little like how a normal human would.
'Maybe while they are strong, their actual bodies are still humanlike?'
Not giving Ethan more time to think, Cassandra ran back into a wall, smashing Ethan into it.
Gasping in pain, Ethan's grip loosened. Reaching over, she gripped his arms and threw him.
Slamming onto his back for the third time, Ethan's air left his body. Wheezing, he tried to sit up. After some effort, his muscles screaming in exertion, he was able to lift his head. Watching a disheveled and bleeding Cassandra bent over, gasping for air, gave him one more ounce of fight. Staggering, trying to get up, she began to walk towards him, stumbling every other step still wheezing.
"Fucking hell, manthing. You're tougher than you look, but it's over now. You are exhausted, while I still got stamina for days. Yield, before I beat the fuck out of you!"
"Get… fucked… bitch…" Wheezing between words, Ethan tries to stand. Feeling his hand land on something, he looks at the object, smiling in satisfaction. "Why don't you… get over here and… what did you say? Oh yeah, 'beat the fuck out of me'." Spitting a small amount of blood out onto the floor, he gave her a cocky smile.
"Get ready manthing! Stand up!"
"Nah, I think I will finish this fight on a knee if you don't mind."
'Humph'ing at Ethan's words, Cassandra runs towards him, fist cocked back with a battle cry.
"RAAAHHH- shink"slamming her fist into Ethan's jaw, he is thrown back.
But not before plunging the sword he picked up into her chest, right through her heart.
Looking down at the handle sticking out of her chest, she just let slip a quiet 'oh' before looking towards her sisters, both of whom were wearing stunned expressions.
"...HOLY SHIT!" Bela and Daniela comment again.
"Damn. It seems you won. I will honor our agreement. Damn it at to hell!"
"WHAT IN MOTHER MIRANDAS NAME IS GOING IN HERE!?"
An almighty boom echoed through the hall as the extremely tall mother Dimitrescu briskly walked in.
"Oh fuck." everyone said in unison.
"Just what on earth are you three doing in here to cuss such a ruckus- CASSANDRA! What is that sword doing in your chest!?"
Rushing over to her daughter, Lady Dimitrescu began looking her over. "Your nose is broken, your leg is cut, your face is swollen, and there is a SWORD in your CHEST! And do not get me started on your hair or make-up! What the hell were you doing in here!?"
Pulling the sword out of her chest, Cassandra tries to explain, "Well, mother, I… was fighting the manthing."
Whipping around in a flash, the Lady was towering over Ethan's claws slowly expanding out.
"You dare touch one of my daughters AND HURT HER!? ETHAN WINTERS, YOU WILL PAY DEARLY FOR THIS! TO HELL WITH MIRANDAS ORDERS, YOU DIE NOW!"
"MOTHER STOP!"
Stopping in her tracks, she looks over to Cassandra, who was holding onto her arm to keep her back.
"I had challenged the manthing to a duel. I restricted myself to their speed and strength, mother. Please. Don't kill them. I don't want Mother Miranda made at you."
Claws retracting, Ethan could see Lady Dimitrescu calm down. She faced her daughter and wipe a smear of blood off her face. "Well. I am not happy that you challenged the manthing to a duel without my permission, but I suppose as long as you won, it's ok. It seems he was more trouble than you had anticipated, dear."
At this, everyone paled. Cassandra's face slipped into a look of horror.
This did not go unnoticed by Lady Dimitrescu.
"What's that face for, dear? Dear? Tell me how you won, dear. Cassandra? Tell me how you won, dear!"
Shaking her head every so subtly, Cassandra averted her eyes to the floor in shame.
"They beat you!? The manthing beat you!? How did that manthing beat you!?"
"Uh… Well mother, they… well. I mean I- uh. Bela? What… what did you say earlier? When they first punched me?
"When they firstpunched you?"
"I told you that you got complacent and that you didn't press your advantages."
"Yes, that is how I lost. I got complacent and-"
"But now I think they were just more skilled than you are.
"BELA! NOT! HELPING!"
Hand in her face, shaking her head, Lady Dimitrescu was obviously disappointed in her daughter.
"Cassandra. Darling. My sweet daughter. How in the bloody hell is this manthing better at fighting than you!? You've been alive three times longer!"
"I… I might be out of practice, mother. I can rarely practice my skills."
"Out of practice, indeed. Come, Cassandra, you and I will have a little chat. Bela, Daniela; peel the manthing off the floor and put it back in its cell."
"Yes, mother."
As Cassandra and Lady Dimitrescu walked out of the ballroom, Ethan could make out them whispering heatedly at each other. Laying there exhausted, bloodied, and beaten, he can't help but smile at his victory.
"Up you go manthing, we have to get you back to your cell."
Standing on wobbly legs, Ethan gets his barrings. Seeing Bela and Daniela walk out, he stumbles forward, following them.
"Daniela, I have to get a maid to clean this mess up. Take the manthing back on your own."
"Okay! Come on manthing!"
Trying to take a step forward, Ethan's legs want to give out, so he has to lean onto the wall to avoid falling.
"Ah. It seems you are more exhausted than it appears. Stay here for a moment, I will get a maid to help you."
Daniela walks off and around a corner, disappearing from sight. Ethan thought about running, looking for his daughter and a way out, but he was certain he would collapse after just a minute of running.
Good thing he didn't, too, because only a minute later Daniela came back with a maid.
"Help the manthing up, and assist him down to the dungeon."
"Yes, Lady Daniela."
Making their way through the halls, Ethan sees two maids cleaning the blood out of the carpet where Cassandra had slashed the girl from earlier. Noticing Daniela, they stood up and gave a curtsy and a gentle 'Lady Daniela' and then went back to the carpet.
"Do the servants always do that?" Ethan asked.
"Hm? What? Oh, greet us like that? Sort of. It depends on how busy they are and who is around. Sometimes if they are hard at work with something, they just give a simple 'lady so-and-so'. If it's Mother, they will drop whatever it is. Someone like Cassandra demands the best from the maids." the slashing comes forth to Ethan's mind. "However, I personally could not care less, honestly. As long as they don't disrespect me. Bela, though, is a bit different. She is a bit more professional than either me or Cassandra."
"How so?"
"Curious, aren't we? Didn't your mother teach you that saying about the cat?"
"I don't see how asking that sort of question can be harmful, though."
Shrugging, Daniela continued, "Well, where Cassandra wants to be treated like a princess, Bela wants to be treated like a boss."
It strikes Ethan as strange how much of a normal conversation he can have with Daniela. Unlike the Bakers, whose minds were completely gone, these people still seem to have their wits intact Not acting out whims of a mentally deranged bio-weapon, but just seem crazy in the 'normal' sense.
"What about you? What do you want to be treated as?" Daniela stopped for a moment to think, causing the maid to halt also, almost dropping Ethan. She gave him a horrified look. Maybe he shouldn't have asked that.
"Me? Well… I suppose I just want to be treated with professional indifference. I don't desire to be welcomed like a great queen, but I also want respect." Nodding his head, he begins to walk forward again with the maid's help.
Walking around the halls, they eventually find the stairs that lead into the dungeon. Lantern in hand, Daniela leads the two towards Ethan's cell. "Ok manthing, in you go." Walking in, Daniela goes towards the chains on the wall and beings to open them up with a set of keys.
"Uh, excuse me… Cassandra and I made a deal; if I were to win, I wouldn't be chained to the wall anymore. I would just have my hands bound."
"Did she really, manthing?" Daniela asked in a teasing tone. Inspecting his face for a moment, she spoke again. "Oh my, she actually did? Well. I suppose since she challenged you under the Dimitrescu name, I am obligated to it as well. Fine then, manthing. Let me get some cuffs."
Picking out an old pair of iron cuffs from a group hanging on a hook, she locks them around Ethan's hands and turns to leave. Feeling emboldened by Daniel's relaxed demeanor, Ethan asks, "Is it possible for you to leave that lantern down here? I don't wanna sit here in the dark."
"Aww, is the little manthing afraid of the dark? Perhaps you need someone to hold you, too?" Daniela teased as she gave him a bashful look. Rolling his eyes, Ethan down in his cell. "So fun to tease. I suppose I can leave the lamp out here on the wall, manthing."
"Thanks"
"Oh, before I forget; manthing…"
Ethan looked up at Daniela. She rushed toward him and grabbed his shirt. "Wh-what the hell!? Get the fuck off me!" Ignoring him, Daniela lifts him into the air with one hand. Her other grabs a fistful of hair and jerks his head to the side, exposing his neck. Her face lights up in delight and she buries her teeth into his neck. Ethan can't contain the scream of pain that erupts from him as Daniela's teeth tore through his flesh. Unable to push the woman away, all he can do is try to remain calm and conscious as he steals his blood. Hearing the sucking and gurgling of his blood being drunk, Ethan felt a bit sick.
Looking past her, Ethan sees the maid. While she looks pale at the sight of all the blood pouring off him, she doesn't look horrified.
As Daniela continued to drink, Ethan was able to relax. The shock has worn off and the pain started to subside, Ethan just hoped Daniela would finish her drink soon. Dangling in her hands, Ethan began to feel sort of awkward. The situation had mellowed out and now he was just being held in the air as this creature sucked the blood from his neck. Was he supposed to keep screaming? Cry maybe? He felt like he should do something.
"So… how long do you need to feed for? Is it like a quantity thing or quality…?
Unlatching from his neck, blood covering her mouth and neck, she left out a laugh.
"No one has ever asked me that, manthing! Oh, now that is funny. It's, how you would say, 'Bit of column A, a bit of column B'. Now hush, when you talk your neck muscles tense up, ruining the blood flow."
Relatching onto his neck, the pain isn't as bad this time. Deciding just to wait for Daniela to finish, he counts the bricks in the ceiling.
After a few moments that felt like hours to Ethan, Daniela drops him to his feet, which instantly give out from exhaustion and blood loss. Holding his bleeding neck, Ethan was having trouble seeing straight. The damn vampire took more blood than he expected.
Walking out of the cell, closing it, and locking it this time, Daniela looks at him. "Well manthing, I have other matters to attend to. I will have a maid bring down food for you, I am sure you are halfway starved, and you also need to replenish your blood. Goodbye~"
With a little wave, she was gone, leaving Ethan to his own devices. A bit dizzy from the blood loss, Ethan wants to lie down. Looking around, he sees a patch of hay placed down in the corner. Figuring it's better than nothing, he crawls over and lays his aching body on it. Instead of laying on rocks, it felt like Ethan was laying on the world's hardest mattress. Not comfortable, but far better than rocks.
Eyelids slowly getting lower and lower, Ethan eventually drifts off.
Nightmares again. He sees the Bakers again; Jack is chasing him through the dining room again. He can't hear what he's saying, all Ethan knows is he must get out! The room feels like it stretches over miles. The table is at least as long as a football field now, absolutely stacked with entrails, human meat, and the occasional eye. Hiding from Jack's sight from around the corner, Ethan tried to come up with a plan.
"You thought you could slip out on dinner early, son? Marguerite put all this together for you. She even made a delicious dessert; your daughter. Nothin' more tender…"
Trying his best not to vomit at the statement, he carefully slips into the hallway. Distancing himself from Jack's heavy steps. Ethan spots a door and goes to open it. However, before he can even reach it, the door opens from the other side, and Lady Dimitrescu walked through it.
"Oh come now, Mister Winters, it's rude to try and leave a celebration early. Especially when it's being thrown for you!"
"What the fuck are you talking about!? A celebration for me? For what!?"
"Why your death, of course!" claws grow out from her hand, "Such a joyous occasion…"
Turning to run, Ethan sees Mia. Bleeding from the bullet holes all over her body and half of her was face blown off, exposing her shattered skull and brain.
"Ethan? Why are you running, dear? You're gonna miss your own party, silly." Leaning in to kiss him, Ethan pushes her away.
"Ethan…? Why did you push me? Don't you love me? …Oh right, you must not. You let Christ kill me. How could you do that, Ethan? I thought you were going to protect me. I thought you would protect Rose. All you did was let me get shot and let people take our daughter! How could you, Ethan? How could you be this horrible at being a father!? What have you done since you got to that damn castle? You played with a silly sword and made out with vampires, that's what you did!"
Stumbling back, Ethan starts to cry. Shaking his head no at the accusations, he felt his heart shatter. She was right; instead of trying to find his daughter, he had just been talking to the creatures that held his daughter and him hostage. Every minute mattered, he couldn't just sit around on his ass.
Turning and running from Mia, Ethan ran from room to room, searching for his daughter.
"Don't worry Rose, dad's coming. I'm gonna get you outta here!"
After finally bursting through one door, Ethan finds her. Chris is holding her again, and around him surrounds the Bakers, Lady Dimitrescu, her daughters, lycans, Moroaică, and every other moldy and twisted creature he ever killed.
Feeling something materialize in his hands, Ethan looks down and sees his LEMI pistol in his right, and his knife in the left, Ethan takes aim at the first creature approaching him, aiming to kill.
"Wake up!"
Shooting up, now wide alert, Ethan looks around. Finally able to focus on his surroundings, he sees a maid standing outside his cell with a tray of food. "Finally. I was trying to get you to wake up for a minute." Sliding his food through a small opening on the bottom of the door, she looks at him.
The maid herself didn't have any outstanding features. Dark brown hair was done up in a bun, with no scars, no freckles, no blemishes. Her uniform was the same as well. The only thing different was her thick accent.
"I would eat up if I were you, I overheard Lady Bela saying she was getting hungry for manblood, and I only know of one man in this castle."
"Wait, how are you down here alone? Won't the Moroaică go after you?"
The maid grabbed the pendant around her neck and lifted it, "This thing has a small vial of pheromones attached to it, smells like bodies. They are given to the maids when they need to come down here. Keeps them away, but I still don't want to stay down here, so I must cut our little conversation short."
Turning to leave, Ethan stops her. "Wait! Can you… can you tell me something?"
"Hm? What is it? Hurry up, I hate it down here."
"Is there a baby girl here in the castle? She's my daughter. Please, I need to know where she is."
"I could have ears cut off just for hearing you ask me that! Do you have any idea what danger you just put us both in!?" Infuriated, the maid turns to leave.
"Please! I beg you! At least tell me if she's ok!"
Stopping in her tracks, the maid doesn't turn to look at Ethan as she speaks.
"...she is… still here. In a way. I must go!
"Wait! What do you mean 'in a way'!? Hey! Please, don't leave! Damn!"
Banging his fist against the bars, Ethan slumps back down. Stomach rumbling, he takes a look at his food. Even though he's technically their prisoner, the food they sent him didn't look too bad. Salted meat, hard salami it looks like, a small block of cheese, and a small bun. A wooden cup is also on the tray, filled with water. Taking the meat and biting into it, he groans. It's the first thing he has eaten in at least a day, maybe more. Him and Mia never got to eat dinner the night that…
'What the hell did she mean by she's still here 'in a way'? If she brings me any more food later, maybe I can get an explanation.'
Getting up, Ethan walks towards the bars. Giving each a little shake, he tests each one's stability.
'Of course, they are extremely sturdy. I would need a grinder to cut through these bars. No way I can break them loose by hand.'
Idly eating the meat, Ethan checks his jacket. Sure enough, he has a small bottle of disinfectant left, as well as his knife.
'I best save the disinfectant for when I really need it, need to make it last.'
Finishing the small meal, Ethan sits down. Trying to find something to do, he eventually contents himself with watching the lantern's flame flicker. As it dances back and forth, Ethan remembers once, after him and Mia escaped from the Bakers, the power to their house went out. That was a bad storm. Luckily, they had some candles they could light. They had just relocated and had just unpacked into their new home. When the power went out, both Ethan and Mia panicked. Worried someone or something might be out to get them, they grabbed some guns and hid in a closet. They even shot at Chirs when he came over to check on them.
Luckily, Mia was a horrible shot…
"Jesus fucking Christ, Mia! You almost killed me! Calm your trigger-happy asses down, a limb fell on a nearby powerline. Everything is ok."
After Chris had talked to them and calmed them down, he left them with a LED lantern. They tried to pass the time by just talking. They talked about the move, the area, and other times the power had gone out before everything. Then they moved on to games. They didn't have any board games, but they did have cards. As they played different card games, they continued to talk about how they fell in love in college, how they were so awkward around each other, and how they missed those simple times. Mia had even apologized for hiding so much stuff from Ethan back then. They decided to turn the LED lantern off, and just hold each other by candlelight.
That was the night Rose was conceived. Rolling thunder, piercing lightning, and howling winds outside. In their home though, it was peaceful. Warm. They had everything. They had each other and they had survived together. They had arguments, screamed at each other, and threw things at the wall. Hell, once Mia got drunk and punched Ethan in the face, but they knew that they loved each other and all their fights never changed that.
Some nights they slept perfectly, wrapped up in each other, snoozing away.
Other times, Ethan slept on the couch. They would be mad at each other and Mia would lock the bedroom door as a sign. Ethan would drink a few beers on the couch, watch some late-night show, then pass out. Without fail, Mia would gently shake him awake at about 2am. Annoyed with herself more than anything, she would gently drag Ethan into their bedroom by his wrist, wrap themselves up in blankets, and silently forgive each other.
That stopped a few weeks before she died. Ethan didn't know what had happened. Maybe the stress of having a baby around and her just trying to forget the past pushed her to the edge. Ethan did feel guilty about bringing up the past at times, but it was something they needed to talk about. Talk about what, exactly, Ethan didn't know. He just knew they needed to talk.
But now we didn't have the chance to talk to her. He never would, again either.
'I miss her… so much.'
Fast-approaching footsteps brought him out of his thoughts (thankfully). When Cassandra stepped into the light, Ethan see that she had completely recovered. Confused and worried at such a visit, he sits up.
"Manthing. Mother wants to talk to you. Come along." Opening the door and waving him to follow her, Ethan doesn't have much of an option. Falling into step behind Cassandra, Ethan's curiosity gets the better of him.
"Why does your mother want to talk to me?"
Stopping in her tracks, Cassandra turns around and grabs Ethan by the throat.
"You are in her castle, manthing! Do. Not. Forget that. You will call her 'Lady Dimitrescu' if you value your tongue." Letting go, she continued "Mother has summoned you to discuss our duel from earlier. She has some questions and wants you to answer them."
Walking up and into the ground level of the castle, Ethan sees that night has descended on the castle. Dimmed lights line the halls, casting just enough to see where one is walking. It feels like no one but him and Cassandra are out at the current time. The staff of the castle must be in their own quarters by now, too. The meat and cheese he was given early must have been dinner.
A short but brisk walk later, Cassandra and Ethan walk into a study. It was only lit by the fireplace, making the room warm and quaint. Sitting in an oversized chair, smoking a cigarette, was Lady Dimitrescu herself. With a large glass of wine in her hand, she acknowledges the two.
"Cassandra, thank you for fetching the manthing."
"It was my pleasure, mother. I will be off, then."
"Not so fast, dear daughter. You are to be a part of this conversation as well."
"Of course, mother."
"So uhh… Lady Dimitrescu. What is it you wanted to talk to me about?"
"Right to the point, manthing. Good. My question is simple; how did you beat my daughter?"
"I guess I got lucky? She didn't think much of me, so I was able to surprise her."
"So my daughter underestimated you and let her ego get in the way against a manthing, is it?"
Standing up and walking towards a table nearby that had an opened wine bottle on it, Lady Dimitrescu poured herself another drink. Swallowing the lump in his throat, Ethan now realized just how much taller Lady Dimitrescu was compared to him. He wasn't short, not at all. He stood 5 foot 11 inches. Lady Dimitrescu stood easily beyond 8 feet. Maybe even past 9. She struck an imposing figure.
"Uh. Yeah. It was just sheer luck."
"See, I do not believe that." Shooting her daughter a scowl, "I believe that my dear Cassandra here was bested by you in skill."
"Mother-!"
"Hush, Cassandra. Anyway. While I typically don't care for what a manthing can do, I will admit your ability to best my daughter in combat piqued my curiosity. Where did you learn to fight, manthing?"
"I… didn't. Not really, anyway. I've just seen some people use a sword before in movies, but that's it."
"Oh? Interesting. While I myself was never one for combat sports, the Dimitrescu family did have a few fencers years ago. I speak from some second-hand experience when I say that fighting with a sword is not an easy thing to do. I hate to admit it, but it appears you may have some natural talent with the weapon. However, what kind of mother would I be if I didn't push my daughters to be the best in whatever they do? So I have a fun little idea. You will be Cassandra's sparring partner. Someone for her to fight against so she can regain what skill she lost over the years. Cassandra."
"Yes, mother?"
"I want you to start practicing on the manthing tomorrow morning. Make sure you eat first, I don't want you fighting on an empty stomach."
"Wait, don't I get a say-"
"But mother! I don't want to-!"
"Silence, the both of you! Do not interrupt me when I am speaking. Where was I? Ah yes; start practice tomorrow morning. Don't hurt the manthing too much, you will need him in shape. Teach him some things as well, so that he can become a better opponent for you."
"But I- but he-... of course, mother."
"That is all I wanted to speak to you about. Come give your mother a kiss goodnight."
Shooting Ethan an awkward glance, Cassandra is a bit embarrassed by her mother, but ever the loving daughter, she approaches and kisses her mother's cheek.
"Wait, Lady Dimitrescu. I need to ask you a question, please. I beg you…"
"Hm. Fine, I will entertain this, but only for a moment. Speak quick."
"My daughter is she- is she safe? Is she ok?"
Narrowing her eyes in anger, she replies to the question. "What do you think gives you the right to ask me a question at all, let alone that question, manthing? I should cut your tongue out right now…"
"Wait, please. I just-... do you love your children, Lady Dimitrescu?"
"What are you getting at, manthing?"
"Humor me, please. Do you love them?"
"Yes, of course, they are my daughters. My family. How could I not love them."
"So you want them to be safe. To be protected, correct?"
"...yes."
"I just want the same for my daughter, Lady Dimitrescu, the same you want for yours. I just need to know if she's ok. Please."
"...fine, manthing. I will answer your question. Yes. She is ok. Now, leave before I cut out your tongue."
Nodding his head, he allows Cassandra to lead him back to his cell.
"Can't believe you asked mother that, manthing. We must have caught her in an excellent mood tonight if the fact you still have your tongue and penis attached to your body is any indication. It's been a few years since we've had a manthing in the house that survived past 6 hours. Usually, we torture manthings, slowly bleed them for all their worth, then gut them alive. Rip out their intestines in front of them, sometimes we even strangle them to death with it. Between you and me, its kinda tricky. Intestines are so slick and soft that they are hard to get a good grip on without ripping them. The sight is worth it though."
Trying his best to tune her out, Ethan hopes they make it back to his cell quickly.
"However, none of the other manthings ever had Mother Miranda's attention as you do. What makes you so special?"
A moment of silence passes.
"That was a question, manthing! Answer it!" Giving him a shove for ignoring her, Ethan quickly responds.
"Oh uh, I don't know, honestly. Hell, at first this 'Miranda' wanted me dead. Gave me to some crazy guy. Sent those damn lycans at me as some sort of game."
"Wait? You met Mother Miranda and lived?"
"Well, like I said, she wanted me dead. Your mo- Lady Dimitrescu offered to kill me first. Then this guy came up and started to argue with her. It didn't seem they got along much."
"Ah, that was Uncle Heisinburg! Great man, a bit egotistical though. Daniela, Bela, and I get along fine with him, but not mother. She can't stand him. So Mother Miranda gave you to Uncle, but yet here you stand. How did you survive?"
"Long story."
"Damned manthing, if I didn't have other things to do tonight, I would've cut the story out of you. Anyway, why does Mother Miranda want you alive now?"
"I honestly have no idea. From what I can tell, not much even happened between then and now."
"Hm. Well, anyway manthing, I am feeling like a late-night snack…"
"Wait our deal!"
"Gah! Damn you, manthing! In your cage, be ready tomorrow morning!" Shoving him in and closing the door, Cassandra was off, leaving Ethan alone in the dungeon.
"Well… shit."
Laying his head on his straw bed, Ethan does his best to get some sleep.
While restless throughout the night, tossing and turning, Ethan did not dream. That was one of the only saving graces this night. No dreams to give him hell, simply because he either didn't remember or his mind didn't even have time to conjure something up before he awoke again. He was awake when a maid had finally walked down and given him his breakfast; some eggs, a piece of bread, and water.
"Lady Cassandra will be down momentarily to collect you. I suggest you get ready."
"Wait. You're the maid from last night, correct?"
"Yes? What is it?"
"What did you mean my daughter was still here 'in a way'?"
"I can't tell you that. You already know too much! I need to go before I am late for my other duties."
Left with more questions than answers, Ethan doesn't know what to think. Whatever his daughter and he are involved with, it's important. People could lose their lives just telling Ethan about his daughter, that's pretty serious. The only reason he got any sort of answer from Lady Dimitrescu was that he played the family card.
'Well, pretty much back to square one it looks like. Damn.'
Unsure of what to do, Ethan sits and eats his food. The eggs were fine and the bread was fresh. Quickly finishing his food, he stands up and begins to stretch. It was a good way to wake your body up for the day. It also got his muscles ready for what lies ahead. Like fighting a blood-thirsty psycho vampire. You know, normal stuff.
After about half an hour of waiting, someone finally comes down to get him. It was Cassandra.
"Manthing. It's time to get started."
Following her out of the cell and into the halls, Ethan notices the castle is much busier now. Maids were walking the halls as well. Some carrying sheets, blankets, and other linens. Others carry cleaning supplies, trays with dirty dishes on them, and a few even bottles of wine. Ignoring the maids as they greeted her, Cassandra led Ethan into her room.
"Ok manthing. Today I will just be going over my stances and maneuvers. You will stand here and give me something to act against. Since we are not going full speed today, we don't need room to fight. I will unlock your cuffs and you go grab your sword. It's sitting on the bench. You damaged the edge, so I had to reprofile it. If you try to run, I will cut the tendons in your heels."
Now free, Ethan walked over to the bench where it sat freshly sharpened and oiled. Grabbing the sword, Ethan returned back to Cassandra, her sickle now in hand as well.
"Ok, stand in front of me and face me. Get into a basic stance."
Standing in front of Cassandra, Ethan held the sword out in front of him, knees bent slightly.
"...that stance is absolute horse shit. How the hell did you beat me. No manthing, like this; put your left foot forward and your right back. Good. Now, hold your sword with both hands, hold it close to your body. Back straight, feet wide and planted, a little bend at the knees too. Good. I want to first start with defense. All you have to do is swing your sword at me, slowly."
Shrugging, Ethan slowly brought the sword back and swung at Cassandra.
"No, no. Not like that. Fucks sake, that's a terrible swing. You are telegraphing your attack. Here, like this." Taking the sword from his hand, Cassandra demonstrated a few proper swings to Ethan.
"You don't want to bring the sword back, it opens you open to an attack and tells the enemy where you are going to strike. These swords are heavy and sharp, you don't need to cut your opponent in two. Step forward and off to the side a bit with your right, and at the same time bring the sword into a cut towards my neck. Stay aware of where your cross guard is, it'll help protect you from counter-attacks. Here, try."
Ethan imitated Cassandra's examples, and she gave small notes on what to correct.
"Ok, now let's get started. Keep trying to slash at my midsection and I will deflect them."
Begging the exercise, Cassandra had easily hooked his sword and redirected its momentum. She did so in different ways and styles. Soon the movements became rather easy, so it left Ethan time to think and talk.
"So what's the point of this? Using me to train on, that is."
"Well, manthing, if you must know, mother had somehow come to the conclusion that you had beaten me, not by luck, but by skill. I think you just got lucky."
"Yeah, that much I already heard. I was there, remember?"
"Do not get snippy with me, manthing! I will still remove your tongue if I have to! …Mother wants us to excel in everything we do. From the simple things, such as Bela and her crocheting, to me and my combat sports."
"...I meant like, why me specifically. Wouldn't your own sisters be better to train with?"
"You showed more aptitude for this kind of thing than either of my sister. I tried training with mother once but… she was too good, to say the least."
"Ok, I think I understand then. How long are we going to keep doing this then?"
"The training in general or this little warm-up?"
"Uh.. both, I guess?"
"The training will last until you die. When we can finally kill you, I think I will challenge you to another duel, but try and kill you instead. This little warm-up we are doing will only be for another, say, 10 minutes. We will speed it up after that. So focus on your movements, and get used to them. In the heat of battle, you won't have time to think about your next move, you will need to be doing it already. Ok, now every so often, after you have reset from a slash, throw in a lunge to change up the mix."
Ethan got into a simple rhythm of slashing and the odd stab. Going slowly allowed him to feel all the micromovements he needed to perform in order to keep his strike perfect. Getting rather bored, he decided to speed things up now. Starting slowly, he sped up his attacks and tried to get back into his stance quicker. This was not lost on Cassandra, as she felt the increased pace. If the manthing felt ready to go faster, she wasn't going to object.
Soon enough, the force behind the movements had increased as well. The room was now filled with the sound of metal hitting metal.
Clang. Clang. Clang. Clang.
Ethan found that with some of the ways Cassandra redirected him, he could just move to strike from his new position instead of resetting. Cassandra had noticed this as well. Curiosity swirled in her eye as they continued this little dance for a moment. She wanted to see more of what this manthing could do, see if he could keep up this flow. Each time she deflected his strike, she could see him looking for his next move, looking for a way to turn this back on her and strike her again and again. Deciding it was time for a break, she spoke.
"Pause, manthing. Let's take a moment. Drink some water, I had some brought up before your arrival. The glass container, on the barrel next to the door."
Ethan leaned on another barrel, catching his breath. Pouring himself a bit of water, Cassandra spoke again.
"It's interesting, manthing. You figured out how to flow into attacks without being shown how, or even me asking you to do it. Tell me, how did you figure it out?"
"Well, I just saw how you would sometimes put me in a spot I could attack from, and I also felt how my momentum was turning perfectly for an attack as well. So I just carried through and… attacked."
"And you said you don't have any prior training?"
"I wrestled for a year in high school, worst idea ever, and was taught to fight with my hands by a former friend, but no I was never really trained in anything like this."
"It seems that you do indeed have a certain aptitude for this, manthing. If I had to guess, I would say the small amount of fighting you have learned previously has given you some insight on how to fight with a sword; namely the concept of flow and momentum. Now, let's get back to work, then. This time, I am going to attack you as well. You will deflect me, and attack in return, then we repeat. Sadly, I have other business to attend to later, so I can't practice for as long as I wish today. We will continue this little exchange for about 20 minutes. Starting tomorrow, however, my schedule will have been adjusted, so that means longer practice times. Now, back in your stance, manthing!"
Continuing with the simple movements, Ethan realized that Cassandra hadn't hit him or yelled at him since they started this little exercise.
'Maybe she just became more focused on this? Maybe it calms her down, too?'
With every passing minute, Ethan became more fluid and clean with his movements, Cassandra as well. While she was leagues above him, he could tell that at first she was looking at everything and calculating possible moves, but now she had gotten into a rhythm as well. An almost empty but calm expression took over her face. Maybe she really did find peace in this sort of thing. Ethan liked puzzles, they were a way for him to keep his mind sharp and active, solving problems, and figuring out solutions. It was possible that fighting was Cassandra's puzzle; chaining moves together, finding openings, feeling what's next best move.
"Ok, manthing, that will be it for now. We will pick back up later today, I have things I need to attend to. A maid will take you back down to the dungeon, I am already late to my duties."
"Has it already been 20 minutes?"
"About. Place that sword back where you found it then I will cuff you. Come."
Walking over to the bench to place the sword down, Ethan sees a finished pipebomb. He might be able to slip it into his jacket without Cassandra seeing, use it to maybe blow open the cell he was in.
'No. I can't. Even if I survived the blast, everyone in this goddamn castle will hear it. I will just make things worse for myself. Maybe I could just keep it around, hide it in that prison cell. Wait, damn. How would I even light it? I don't have a lighter on me.'
Deciding against it, he just drops his sword off and walks back to Cassandra, hands held out waiting to be secured.
"You are to wait outside my door until a maid comes to collect you. I suggest you do not run away at that time, manthing. Or do, I oh so enjoy a good hunt~" Giving him a sicking smile, Cassandra, dragged Ethan out of her room, shutting and locking the door behind them. "Stay, manthing. Be a good boy." Walking away and around a corner, Ethan was left alone. Having decided not to try for an escape, he simply walked over to some paintings to look at them. They were good. Really good. And old. Not much of an art guy though, Ethan didn't recognize any of them.
"Mister Winters? Cassandra has asked me to take you back down to the… dungeon."
Looking over, Ethan sees a young maid had arrived.
"Ok, lead the way then."
"Can I ask you something?"
"Yes, you may."
"Most of the time I have been around Cassandra, she has been… well, rough, to say the least. But when I had helped her practice, she seemed more at ease, content almost. Didn't yell or threaten me as much. Why is that?"
"Oh, that is simple; fighting is something she likes to do. All of the Dimitrescu women have hobbies and passions, just like us. When they are partaking in their activities of choice, they are most calm. It is the safest time to be around them. The staff here quickly learned that and now it's one of the first things taught to newcomers. If you see one of them in a foul mood, try and get them to talk about their passions."
"You said all of the Dimitrescu women, what do the other two sisters and Lady Dimitrescu do that relaxes them."
"Well, Lady Bela, the oldest sister, likes to help out with running the day-to-day here in the castle. She likes the management of it all. Lady Cassandra, the middle sister, you already know likes to fight and hunt. Lady Daniela, the youngest, likes to read and spend time in the library. Sometimes she writes her own books, but no one ever read one. We believe she either destroyers them or hides them. Lady Dimitrescu herself is a bit of a mystery. She drinks wine and smokes cigarettes in her downtime, but a few of the eldest staff say that is somewhat new. There is a rumor that she used to sing, but no one has ever heard her."
Speaking of Lady Dimitrescu, they were just about to pass by her door when he heard her talking to someone. He couldn't hear the other voice though. As they got closer, he could make out what she was saying.
"..of course, Mother Miranda… No... I do not believe so... The ceremony is being pushed back? Why? …I apologize, you are correct; it is not my place to question you. What do you want us to do with her, Mother Miranda? …Yes, I understand. Goodbye, Mother Miranda."
Picking up her pace, the maid leading Ethan does her best to get away from Lady Dimitrescu's room as soon as possible. Curiosity piqued, Ethan wondered what this 'ceremony' was and why was it being postponed, and who was 'she'? Were they talking about his daughter? Was she somehow involved in this ceremony as well?
Arriving back at his cell, the maid holds the door open for him as he walks in. Getting a good idea to both pass the time and learn something, Ethan turns to the maid before she leaves.
"Uh, excuse me. Could you maybe ask Cassandra if I could get a book or something on sword fighting?"
"I can ask Lady Cassandra on your behalf, yes. Lunch will be down shortly, Mister Winters. Goodbye."
Shutting and locking the door, the maid was off. It was some time before another maid finally showed up. It was the same maid who brought him his food last night and this morning as well. In her hands was a tray, and the food this time seemed to be a bowl with some diced meat in some sort of sauce. Next to the bowl, was a piece of rolled-up paper.
"Hello, Mister Winters. I have brought you lunch, as well as what you had requested of Lady Cassandra. The Lady told me that while she possessed no books on the art of sword combat, her sister, Lady Daniela, did have some old manuscripts from the medieval period you could look at. They had been translated into English at some point, so you shouldn't find difficulty in reading them. Also, Lady Dimitrescu requested that we acquire some new clothing for you. She said that 'if the manthing was to walk the halls more often now, he should wear proper clothes."
The idea of new clothes raised Ethan's spirits. His jacket and hoodie having been ripped to shreds and soaked in blood that has since dried, he was in dire need of a change.
"The Lady Dimitrescu has put an order in with the Duke, so they should arrive soon. If I don't have them brought down before Cassandra comes to collect you, they should be here when you get back."
"Speaking of Cassandra, when will she come to get me?"
"In around 2 hours. I must be leaving now. Goodbye, Mister Winters."
Looking at the bowl of food, Ethan's mouth starts to water. It has been a good few hours since he's actually had a real meal. His spirits were dashed when he went to eat though…
'... there's no goddamn fork or spoon! What the fuck, I'm supposed to eat with my dirty fucking hands!? Maybe they assumed I would pick the lock or something with it… I mean I totally would have but still.'
Deciding that it really wasn't all that bad, Ethan began to eat. It was a fine little meal, the meat was good, the sauce too. Deciding that since he was to get new clothes soon, he had no qualms about cleaning his hands and face with his crusty shirt. Deciding there was no better time than now, Ethan reached for the manuscripts and began to read. Some of the terminology Ethan didn't understand, but there were a few drawings, each showing a certain move. Some Ethan liked, others not so much. He decided to also ask Cassandra for a stick or something to practice with down here as well later. The specific manuscript Ethan was reading was talking about different ways to strike from a standard guard. Honestly, the words were lost on him mostly, but the pictures did indeed help.
"Those manuscripts are pretty simple to understand, manthing. I've already read and reread them myself. A good place to start."
Cassandra seems to have snuck up on Ethan without him hearing her approach. Slightly startled, he rolled the manuscript up.
"I assume that you came down here to get me to continue your practice?"
"No, actually. I still have a few more things I need to do manthing. We brought down a maid- well former maid now- but I have someone to torture and butcher. You get to listen to those oh-so-beautiful screams and wails as she begs for me to stop while I slice the meat from her bones. Shame, though. I asked mother if I could let her loose in the castle and hunt her down, but she said no. Said that she didn't feel like hearing all the noise today. Apparently, she's got a headache. Anywho, till later, manthing~"
With that, Cassandra had left. For a moment he thought she just left until he heard another cell open and then close.
Then he heard it, a faint whisper.
"P-please Lady Cassandra. I didn't mean to- SMACK"
"Silence! I will not stand your excuses!"
"Please! I don't want to end up like… like them down here too…"
"Oh don't worry, you won't. There won't be anything left of you to turn."
"W-what…"
"Now, what to remove first… your eyes? Yes, that sounds like a fun idea! Hold the fuck still, bitch!"
Ethan tries desperately to drown out the screams and sounds of gore coming from the cell but it's all in vain. It only muffles the sound of flesh being torn, blood being spilled, and the screams becoming hoarse. Ethan heard it all. Ethan just wished the maid would die soon. He couldn't bear her screams anymore.
Thankfully, it appeared they did. No more screams. No more noise at all, actually. It was quiet.
Then a god-awful sound. It sounded like wet rags hitting the floor, or if you were making pasta and dropped the pot of noodles.
Ethan didn't know what could cause that horrid noise, nor did he want to find out. He just hoped Cassandra was done with the poor woman and she had finally died.
"Hello, manthing."
There stood Cassandra, in front of his cell door, absolutely covered in blood and chunks of flesh. In her hand was… another hand. She morbidly waved it at Ethan in a twisted way to say hello, only to then clamp down on a finger and bite it off.
Hearing the sickening crunch of bone, Ethan could only watch in horror as Cassandra ate the finger like a fucking baby carrot.
Vomiting onto the floor from the sight, Cassandra laughed.
"I will be back down in less than an hour to collect you for our next session. Be ready."
Tossing the severed hand at Ethan with a cackle, she was gone.
I am going to try and write roughly 1.5k~2k words a day now, starting Sunday. That should give me around 5 or so days to write a chapter, after which I will publish when it's done. I have gotten the general idea of my story down now, and I have started coming up with sub-plots. The title and summary for this story will make sense later, I promise.
If you see any spelling or grammar errors, general writing errors, or things I could change to make the story better, please let me know! Thank you!