The Black Monster: The Beginning

Part 5

Day before the Wedding Day

"Rose hurry up, your aunt will be here any minute!"

"I'm coming," Rose called back to her father.

Evan sat on a chair in the corner of her room watching her hurriedly prepare for her aunts arrival.

"You'll be fine Rose."

Her mouth dropped open as she stared at him, "are you kidding? Amelia...we're talking about Amelia, no one is fine around her."

Amelia was the sister of Rose's mother and always a critic about the small things.

"'Oh her hands aren't clean enough' 'that's not lady like' 'please that dress is disgusting'"

Evan started to chuckle.

"Rose..."

"You would swear to Soa that she has something against me. I never do anything right in her eyes. Her voice annoys the hell out of me and she walks like she has a stick up her..."

"Rose."

"What?"

He stood up and took a hold of her shoulders his eyes staring into hers.

"Calm down, you still have me for some sort of...sanity."

Rose smiled, "I know."

Over the past few weeks Rose has actually taken the time to get to know Evan. She allowed him to do the same as well. She discovered that he truly was a genuine man and he did love her. She did not have as strong of feelings for him but she knew that she could grow to love him.

"Now," Evan picked up Rose' choker from the dresser, bringing his hands about her neck he tied it, "let's go get this over with."

They found their way into the kitchen where the dinner Rose had prepared earlier sat in waiting as well as her father.

"You two look great," he said from his place at the table.

A sharp rapid knock on the front door erupted and Cordon stood from his seat.

"Ready?" he asked.

Rose glanced at Evan who gave her a reassuring smile; she turned back to her father and nodded.

Cordon left the room while Rose sucked in a deep breath. The door creaked open.

"Cordon how wonderful to see you dear!" came the high pitched voice.

Rose cringed and stepped closer to Evan who put his arm around her shoulder with a slight laugh.

Footsteps neared the kitchen and Rose squeezed her eyes shut with every distinct step until...

"Rose you look magnificent."

Her eyes snapped open. What?

"...thank you," she replied almost unsurely.

The older lady wearing her dark intricate dress trailed her eyes over Rose then found her way to Evan.

"Evan my darling I haven't seen you in years," she said, embracing him.

Evan glanced over the short woman's head at Rose and lifted his eyebrows. Rose shrugged. She had no idea what was going on.

Pulling away Amelia looked up at Evan, "how is your mother?"

"She is doing very well...thank you."

Amelia's thin lips curled into a smile, "ah yes, a strong woman your mother is...after all she is still with that father of yours."

Evan laughed, "Yes she is."

In a one to one talk a few days ago Rose had discovered that Evan did not like his father too much. He found him too...full of himself.

"Amelia would you like to sit down to dinner?" Cordon asked, setting his hand upon his sister in-law's shoulder.

"Please," she nodded with a smile, "Rose I have heard that you are quite the cook."

"I have my days," Rose said quietly.

"Ah hah! Don't we all." Amelia laughed, finding her seat at the table.

Cordon and Evan sat down as well while Rose dished out the meal of Roast chicken with stuffed potatoes (mmm). When she finally sat down Amelia piped up in conversation.

"So, Rose, now that you are getting married to a fine young man when are we going to see some little ones?"

Rose coughed on her drink and Evans head shot up. They had not even discussed children yet. Their wedding day was tomorrow and already Amelia was expecting there to be children out of it.

"That will come Amelia; they have enough problems thinking about the wedding. Throwing children into the mix would make it a disaster."

Amelia patted Cordon's arm, "ah yes Cordon you're always a smart one."

"I try."

Amelia polished off her plate, the others soon after while she told them stories from her own life. Her and Rose's mother as children, Amelia's kids and how difficult farming was going. She was just full of news today."

"...and it just so happens that wingly sightings have increased greatly. I am surprised that they have not doubled the knighthood," Amelia continued with her gossip while helping Rose with the dishes.

"How far from here?" Rose asked.

"Oh not far at all, they could invade any moment."

"Thanks for the good news."

Rose could only imagine the terror arising in the village if the winglies did attack. With how much of an uproar Ziegs presence had caused, and he wasn't even a wingly, the reaction would be chaos. What if they come during the wedding?

"Oh I'm so sorry Rose, and old woman's rambling. Just rumors my darling."

Rose glanced into the seating room where her father and soon to be husband sat talking. Evan would protect her from anything...even a wingly...right?

"I hope you're right," Rose whispered.

Later that night Rose had helped Amelia get settled into the guest room before going to bid good night to Evan. Her father was already in bed which surprised Rose. He usually waited until everyone else was settled.

"It will be a very busy day tomorrow," Evan said quietly as he glanced at the night sky.

"It will," Rose nodded, closing the front door behind her.

They stood in silence for quite a while. During that time Rose was beginning to feel like she was making a mistake by marrying Evan...but at other moments she wanted to settle down with someone, even if it was Evan.

Evan leaned against the wall and closed his eyes.

"Rose," he whispered, "I know you don't love me..."

She held her breath.

"...but maybe it will just take time. We have been getting along better within these past few weeks."

"We have," she agreed, "and Evan, I am more than willing to learn to love you. I just...don't know how."

He opened his eyes and looked at her, "then I will help you."

Rose watched him for a moment. His brilliant green eyes...soft brown hair the way he clenched his teeth when he was nervous. She was starting to like seeing those features. Her eyes slowly found their way to the stars. What did they have written for her? Would she marry Evan and live the life of a housewife? Or...was there something else planned for her future?

White beads, delicate lace, ribbons and roses. Behind the sheer white veil Rose studied herself in the mirror. The armless dress hugged her just right and small white gloves clung to her nervous hands. She continued to fiddle with tiny beads that hung on her dress and veil. She knew that in only a few minutes she would be walking down the aisle of the church.

A soft knock at the door startled her for a moment. She fixed a loose strand of hair then said, "Come in."

Her father entered and beamed with pride. How beautiful she looked, so much like her mother.

"Rose you look magnificent."

She smiled, "thanks."

"Nervous?"

Rose turned back to the mirror running her hands over the dress, "just a little bit."

Cordon approached her, placing his hands upon her shoulders.

"It's normal to be nervous."

"I know."

Now that she thought about it she was not nervous...she was scared. She could not stop thinking about the winglies and whether or not this wedding was a mistake. Would she be ruining her life going through this?

"Are you ready? It's time for us to go."

Rose gave herself one last glance then nodded and followed him to where the church doors stood. Taking a hold of his arm she watched as the doors were pulled open. Red and white rose petals blew out of the church and soft piano music met her ears. (Did pianos exist back then? who cares lol)

'Oh my god,' Rose thought as they started walking down the aisle.

All of the guests stood from their pews, smiling faces watching her every move. The church looked just as she had imagined it would.

'I'm getting married...'

She felt her fingers clench nervously and had to take a deep breath for her to continue.

Aunt Amelia stood at the front tears in her eyes as she watched while Evans parents stood on the other side...both beaming proudly.

"Ok Rose," her father whispered.

'We're there already?'

Cordon kissed her hand which he then placed into the strong hands on the groom.

She walked up three small steps toward the minister, where they stopped then turned to face each other. The minister's words were a blur as she studied the man before her. His deep blue eyes, rustic blonde hair and strong brave facial features...Zieg?

"Rose do you take Evan to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

She blinked and now stared into green eyes.

"I do," she said without thinking as she studied Evan.

Why had she seen Zieg?

"Evan do you take Rose to be your lawfully wedded wife?"

With a smiled Evan nodded, "I do."

"Then by the power invested in me I pronounce you husband and wife," the minister paused with a smile at Evan, "you may kiss the bride."

Evan turned to her and his hand took hold of her veil. As the veil was lifted so was her old life. He leant down and brought his lips to hers but it was not Evan that she though of as she kissed her husband...it was Zieg.

"Where do you want this old trunk Rose?"

Rose glanced up at Evan as he lifted her trunk off of the carriage.

"Oh...that can go in the study closet."

"Alright," he hoisted it up onto his shoulder and took it into the hut.

Only a few days have passed since the wedding and they have begun to settle into their own home. One of the larger huts set by the ocean which Evans father had purchased them for a wedding gift. Hired help included. Rose had not yet gotten used to having people wait on her or cook dinner for her.

The trunk of her prized possessions had been the last item from the carriage. They were moved in now.

Evan came out from the hut and put his arms around her shoulder resting his chin on the top of her head.

"We're finished," he said

"No," Rose laughed, "you're finished; I could have helped you know."

"Why would I make you do that? You're supposed to be pampered not worked 'til you sweat."

Rose tipped her head back looking up at him, "I've been a working girl since I was five Evan."

"That's my point, from all of the work you have put up with, you deserve a break my love."

"How sweet," Rose smiled.

They stood there for a moment staring at the hut, their home. Together they would live there for the rest of their married life...have children, make their own farm. The thought of it was almost peaceful.

Evan sighed heavily, "I should be going now...see what my father wants."

She laughed, "Oh he probably wants to congratulate you again..."

"Ask me to join the knighthood."

"Seriously?"

He nodded, "he mentioned be good I suppose."

"It's a big risk to take right after we get married, I'll be sent to battles...and most likely killed."

Rose did not answer...she did not want to think of death at the moment.

Evan tightened his arms on her shoulders, "I think I'll tell him that I would rather not."

"Would he be angry though?"

"Maybe, but I'll take that chance," he grinned and released her, "I will try to be back soon, avoid his 'conversation' then we can relax in our home."

Evan began to walk away then turned with a sudden, "oh," he continued walking backwards, "feel free to chat with the help, they're very friendly."

'That's a surprise,' Rose thought as she smiled and waved to Evan, 'who would enjoy serving others?'

When Evan was out of sight Rose found her way into the hut. It was very spacious, fancy furniture within each room...it looked almost...fake. She went into the study where a dozen bookshelves stood. She walked along the shelves until she reached the closet where her trunk had been placed.

Tracing her fingers along the trunk Rose opened it. Old tunics lined the top and she knew what they were hiding. Zieg's old belonging: his armor and sword. She wondered if he needed them right now...or had he been executed? She squeezed her eyes shut. Don't think that way.

Pulling the old tunic back she revealed the sword. Touching the red gem on the hilt Rose closed her eyes and pictured Zieg's face clearly in her mind, but not the happy and sarcastic man. A troubled Zieg instead...he seemed so terrible.

She opened her eyes again and stared at herself in the reflection of the gem. Her hand wrapped around the handle of the sword and she lifted it up until the blade was straight in front of her, the tip just reaching past her head. It was so heavy; she could not imagine fighting with it. So heavy that she had to put it back down before her muscles strained. Placing the sword back into the trunk and closing it she turned around.

A young girl in her teens stood in the doorway wearing a very worn tunic. She noticed Rose looking at her then gasped and ran out of sight.

"Wait," Rose called, following the girl.

Soft feet padded down the hallway and through a door which closed before Rose could reach it. She knocked slightly and listened. Nothing, that girl must have been one of the hired help. Why did she run away? Rose put her hand on the door knob and turned, it was locked.

"Sneaky little girl aren't you," she said with a smile.

With one last look at the door Rose continued walking down the hall where she bumped into another woman.

"Excuse me?" she asked.

The short woman looked up, listening.

"Who was that girl? She appears to be maybe fourteen or fifteen."

The woman shrugged, "we don't know her name, she just does her job and keeps to herself."

"Oh," Rose nodded, "thank you."

The woman bowed and went on her way to complete her duties.

A bored sigh escaping her lips Rose made her way out to the flower garden where she sat on a bench. There are thoughts poured out. Who was that girl? How is Zieg...Her father? Evans visit with his father? But the one she could not get out of her head was Zieg. For some reason Rose knew that he was not dead, he just could not be dead. Such a lively man could not be associated with the winglies, he had too much content with being a human already.

"Rose?"

Evan was walking toward her a somewhat concerned look on his face.

"I'm fine," she said with a smile, "just felt like sitting out here."

He nodded with a sigh then sat down beside her.

"That was a quick visit."

Evan laughed, "yeah we...he wasn't home so I just left him a note...mainly saying no to the knighthood."

"Well he'll be happy with that..."

"Oh yeah."

He put his arm around her shoulder and she leant her head on his shoulder with a sigh.

"What?"

"I don't know what to do anymore."

"Well," he said, his hand caressing hers, "we could...go for walks, read go horseback riding..."

"Don't say have children," she whispered with her eyes closed.

Evan started to laugh, "trust me, even I don't want that yet."

Rose smiled, "eventually...but not now."

"Yeah."

In her mind Rose already pictured herself with her own children. Playing in the field with their father swinging them by their hands, and the two of them watching their children. Looking into the eyes of the one she loved, the father of her children. Zieg.

Rose shot up in her bed. Zieg? Again Zieg. Any moment and memory she should be having with Evan she could only picture with Zieg. She glanced to Evan who slept at her side and suddenly wished it was Zieg. Her hand flew to her mouth.

"Oh dear Soa," she whispered.

Standing from the bed she found her way into the kitchen. Pouring herself a cup of water she stood by the window and drank it slowly as she watched the stars. Another presence entered the room and she turned. It was the girl.

"Hello," Rose said quietly.

The girl froze in her place shivering where she stood without saying a word.

"Are you ok?" Rose asked.

The girl nodded.

"Come closer."

The short teenager slowly approached and stopped a few feet in front of Rose.

"Well you're a very pretty girl;" Rose smiled bending down to her knees, "What is your name?"

Again the girl did not answer but she did not appear as frightened as before.

"Ok...my name is Rose...and I'm glad you didn't run away"

A slight smile formed on the girl's pretty face and her dark eyes focused on Rose.

Rose almost gasped, "wow your eyes are very beautiful...they're..."

"Maroon," the girl whispered.

"So how old are you?"

"Fifteen."

"Ah yes, I figured you were around that age," Rose remarked.

The girl continuously fiddled with the cloth that covered her head. She glanced around the room uncomfortably.

"So are your parents working here too?"

"No,"

"Oh?"

"They...abandoned me long ago."

Rose held her breath, "I'm sorry."

She shrugged, "I've gotten used to it."

"How long ago?"

"I don't remember."

Rose's eyes wandered the kitchen, "well...if you ever need to talk or anything don't feel shy to come and speak with me."

The girl nodded, "I should be getting back though."

"Ok."

The teenager turned and started to walk away but stopped at the doorway, "oh my name...is Damia."

Rose smiled, "wonderful name."

Another quick smile flashed on the girl's face before she left the room.

When she did Rose thought about Damia's eyes. Such an interesting color, they were remarkable, so different for...a normal person.

Rose got back to her feet and placed her cup beside the sink before she left the kitchen. She continued down the hallway and stopped in the bedroom doorway where she studied Evan. He deserved so much better. He married a woman who kept thinking about another man. He loved her and she loved another man. A man who she barely knew, a man considered a criminal, a man whose life was a constant rush. Did she need that...A life of excitement?

A loud bang startled her and Evan awoke from his sleep.

"Rose?" he asked tiredly.

"I don't know what it was," Rose answered disappearing into the hallway.

Wait," Evan called, hurrying out of bed to go with her, "can't let you go out there by yourself."

Rose laughed "I'm sure I'll be fine..." but she stopped when she saw the look on Evan's face. It looked as though he had frozen completely, his eyes focused on the front entry. She turned slowly following his gaze. Someone stood in their doorway, bright glowing light behind them.

Rose studied the face...silver hair...red eyes.

"Oh dear Soa," Rose whispered grabbing hold of Evan, "a wingly!"

The wingly had a wide grin spread across his face.

"Evan?" Rose asked backing up, "what do we do?"

He shook his head to clear his mind, "run," he whispered.

They took off toward the back entry the wingly following slowly behind. Out the back entry they ran...right into the arms of another wingly. As least Rose had been captured.

"Evan!" Rose cried, spotting him on the path.

He turned; he thought she had been with him.

"Rose!"

The rumors had been right. The winglies have invaded. They now had Rose and Evan under captivity. What about the rest of the village? Were they being attacked as well? Her question was answered as screams arose from the village. Great fires erupted in the distance and silver haired demons filled the sky, their glowing wings so bright to her tired eyes. So tired she felt...no not tired, weak, she was weak compared to the strong wingly who held her. He looked down at her and shook his head in disgrace.

"Humans," he said.

Holding a small needle to her neck the wingly gave her one last look. A sharp pain erupted throughout her body and she could have sworn that she heard herself screaming before unconsciousness took over.