Disclaimer: I do not own the Naturals in anyway . I do own Karliah , the name Blood Harvest , the research on vampires and werewolves , the Coven , Valor , and Undead Vampires , the Collector , and the story itself . I have several OCs and my own creatures that may appear in this story , if you want to use them that ' s fine , but please give credit.
Chapter 3 : Black Dogs
American Wilderness
It had been a few days since the group left Hawthorne City going to magic school , they had hoped to run into Lucas on the way , but didn ' t have any luck .
" If Lucas doesn ' t want to be found , then he will find a way to avoid detection , he ' s been strategizing for years as a warrior and it ' s served him and his allies well on the battlefield . " Tyson said when they stopped for the night to allow everyone to rest and regroup in a dry cave .
" Would he use a scent concealer like the Collector ? " Andy asked .
" No , but he would stick to the skies as much as possible and it ' s nearly impossible to leave a scent in the sky unless the wind is blowing , " Tyson said .
" It ' s starting to get cold out , Spark , let ' s put your warmer clothes on , buddy , " Chase said pulling out the warm clothes for Spark that Seth and Shay had given him for the fizz .
" Oohhh , " Spark said letting Chase put the warmer clothes on him happy to have some warmth .
" There , I ' m okay right now , but it has to be miserable without that fur on for you when out in this cold . " Chase said .
" Hooo hooo , " Spark said .
" Alright , " Karliah said looking at Oslow out in the snow looking at the ground .
" What are you doing ? " Chase asked Oslow .
" Hmm , there ' s a mountain lion somewhere in the area , " Oslow ' s gravelly voice said as he looked out around the area as they came over and looked at the tracks in the snow .
" You can tell that from just a few tracks ? " Andy asked .
" Yes , when you are out in the wilds like I am , the first thing you learn is how to spot tracks and look for things that will benefit you in the wilds like this . If I was to guess , it ' s an older cat and the creature has seen some battles , there ' s a limp in his front left leg , maybe from fighting other cats and predators or making a mistake while on a hunt . " Oslow said pulling his bow from his back , stringing it , as the other ' s looked at him .
" Uhm ? " Chase asked .
" I ' m gonna get the old boy and then find a deer to cook for dinner . " Oslow said pulling his hood up over his head as he trekked off , following the tracks of the mountain lion .
" Okay , " Chase said as Tyson chuckled .
" He ' s a tracker and hunter , " Tyson said like it wasn ' t a big deal .
" Either way , we need to hunt too , Chase , I suggest you either cook something for yourself and Spark or wait until Oslow gets a deer . " Karliah said giving him the deer meat she and Andy had gotten outside of Hawthorne City before the vampires left to hunt .
" Thanks for the idea and the meat , " Chase said looking at it wondering what to do with the meat .
" Hoo , " Spark said .
" I have an idea , " Chase setting up a campfire and fixing a stew with some of the venison and vegetables he had gotten back at Hawthorne City .
" You ' re not a bad cook , " Oslow said coming back into the area with a mountain lion carcass and a couple of snow hares instead of a deer .
" Thanks , you couldn ' t find a deer ? " Chase asked .
" Nope , no deer , they are probably bedded down already since it ' s so cold out tonight , " Oslow said .
" And the mountain lion ? " Chase asked .
" I figured I will let Karliah drain it for the vampires and then use what I can off of it , fur , meat , bones , claws , teeth , even the eyes can be used by someone , nothing goes to waste in our world . So , how did you get the venison ? " Oslow asked curiously .
" From Karliah , " Chase said .
" And the cooking skills ? " Oslow asked .
" A friend of mine from my world , " Chase said thinking of the Cowboy .
" Make sure to use your skills wisely out here , it helps not just our world , but your world , too , " Oslow said .
" I will , " Chase said .
As soon as the stew was done , Chase made sure to put some in the thermos for Spark , letting the little guy go and drink from it as Chase and Oslow had dinner from the stew and warm , mint tea that Oslow made from tea bags he carries with him and hot water from the kettle .
" I never had tea like this before , it tastes minty , " Chase said as the vampires came back from their hunt .
" There ' s a mountain lion for you , Karliah , and snow hares , " Oslow said .
" Wow , that ' s a big fella , " Tyson said .
" He had a few years on him , too , " Oslow pointing out the grey hairs on the muzzle of the mountain lion .
" I will drain him and the hare , " Karliah said getting things to drain the blood from the dead animals .
" How are you feeling , Spark ? " Chase asked after he wandered out of the thermos .
" Wooo , " Spark looking happy .
" Good , nice and warm , " Chase said filling up the thermos with a little more stew before cleaning it up , saving the leftovers for later , and wrapping the extra venison and vegetables back up before sticking everything back into his bag .
" Everything , quiet since we left ? " Andy asked .
" Yes , nothing happened , " Chase said as he put on a thicker cloak with a hood to keep warm as the night came bringing colder weather with it as Karliah finished with the mountain lion and hares allowing Oslow to deal with the rest before the vampires put something over the entrance of the cave to keep out the cold .
" That ' s better to block the wind from making it cold in here for Chase and Spark , but also to keep the fire from being put out or starting a bigger fire . " Tyson said .
" Seth , left me a warmer sleeping bag from the trip out to the abbey , so , I have it to help with keeping Spark and myself warm , " Chase said as Spark had already went into the sleeping bag to sleep .
" Then we will all get some rest to keep fatigue from setting in , " Andy said as Oslow came back in the cave with the supplies from the animals wrapped up and secure putting them in his own bag to be further dealt with later .
" Snowstorm is on it ' s way , but we should be fine in here with shelter dry and the fire going , " Oslow said .
" You ' re not bothered by the cold either ? " Chase asked .
" No , my lycan blood and fur keeps me warm , " Oslow said .
" Alright , time for sleep , " Andy said as they all laid down for a night ' s rest .
The three vampires weren ' t bothered by the change in temperature so they didn ' t bother with sleeping bag and warmer clothes , Oslow changed into his wolf-form using the fur of his lycan heritage as extra heat , while Chase and Spark snuggled into the warm , fur insulated , sleeping bag happy for the warmth of it , the dry cave , and the fire going to keep them warm .
Next Morning
The group woke up to find fresh snow on the ground and a cold wind had come into the area causing Chase to put on his warmer armor to keep from freezing to death .
" So much for being okay last night , " Chase said as they packed up their stuff after Chase , Spark , and Oslow had breakfast while Andy , Karliah , and Tyson settled for blood packs this time instead of fresh blood .
" We need to get to magic school , soon , it ' s warmer for them there as they have ways to keep warmth within their institution . " Tyson said .
" The blizzard may even throw me off , " Oslow said .
" Then we will make for the school while keeping our eyes open for Lucas , " Andy said just as howling was heard .
" Skeletal Dogs ? " Chase asked .
" No , skeletal dogs would of given off a scent by now , this is something different , " Karliah said .
" Black Dogs , " Tyson said making Karliah look at him .
" What are Black Dogs ? " Chase asked .
" In your world they are known as Death Omens , only because people are usually scared to death when they see them . To us , in this world , they ' re evil spirits that have been transformed overtime into these dog like being with dark skin and red-eyes , they often travel in packs and they are not hesitant to go after the prey they want most . " Karliah said .
" Prey they want most ? " Andy asked .
" They eat the souls of people usually by ripping the body apart to the point where the soul is expelled due to the stress of the Black Dogs attack on the body . " Tyson said making Andy look at Chase .
" Can we fight them ? " Chase asked .
" Magic and silver are the only things that kill them . " Tyson said .
" I have silver , the Shield powers , and the power stones , " Chase said not worried .
" We still need to get out of here , to fight these things in most places is difficult , but to fight them in a wide open area is worse , " Oslow said .
" He ' s right , we need to move , " Karliah said .
The group finished packing up and put out the fire before moving out towards magic school as fast as they could without drawing attention to themselves while keeping their ears open for Black Dogs . Soon they came up on a small stream that ran underground with icicles hanging on tree branches and rocks hanging over the stream as it ran down south and got bigger until it spilled over a bigger waterfall .
" We ' re not that far , look up at the lights over the next ridge , " Tyson said as they saw the glow of odd purple and blue lights up on the hill .
" The lamps give off the glow and help sustain magical energy to help mages learning how to use magic . " Karliah explained as they heard more howling closer to them .
" Up the river , they must have followed us from the campsite , " Oslow said readying a bow and silver arrows .
" Spark , stay close to Chase , he may need you during this fight , " Tyson said .
" HOO ! " Spark smelling the dogs .
" Huh ? " Chase asked .
" Electricity is a powerful magic against creatures like this and he can sense them better than we can . " Tyson said .
" Could we make a break for the school ? " Andy asked as a giant , black looking dog with blood , red-eyes , and a menacing snarl appeared on the ledge in front of them just across the stream making them back up .
" I take it , that ' s one of them , " Chase pulling his own bow out with the silver arrows he had gotten from Tiwanza and making sure the Vision Power Stone was on his belt .
" Chase , " Karliah said also readying her crossbow and silver bolts .
" I can handle it , " Chase said .
The Black Dog in front of them howled signalling to the other dogs to start the attack , soon dark , menacing dogs were making their way into the area before charging at the group . The battle seemed like one mass chaotic situation , the Black Dogs weren ' t controlled by anyone like the skeletal dogs out at the Northwatch Abbey and they weren ' t vampires , lycans , or humans who could think for themselves . But , they did seemed to have a pack like mentality like the lycans and wolves , there was a hierarchy with a big , alpha male directing them after that it was almost an ambush situations where a couple of them would lie in wait while the others attack , before they would attack while their victims were overwhelmed .
" What is with these dogs ? " Andy asked after a few of them had been killed , Karliah was up in one of the trees sniping the dogs from far away .
" They don ' t think like we do and they don ' t have mercy . " Tyson said .
A little further away from them was Oslow now posted up on a ridge shooting the dogs from further away , while Chase had changed to using Savage to help him better as Spark zapped any that go too close .
" These things are nuts , " Chase said to Oslow .
" Just stay focused and we will get through this . " Oslow said .
The alpha male of the group disappeared from view for a few minutes placing itself closer to the prey he really wanted , keeping his eyes glued on Chase .
" The big male moved , " Tyson said .
As if it happened so fast the alpha male decided to attack as Chase was busy with the other Black Dogs , grabbing his left arm .
" AAAHHHH ! " Chase screamed as the alpha male tried to drag him away only to get a spear thrown through the dog ' s neck as the others tried to get to them .
" Chase , " Andy trying to get free of the dogs as more vampires came into the area with purple and blue robes on using magic to fight the dogs .
The vampire from earlier that had pierced the alpha male with a spear used a throwing axe to take another that was coming for Chase .
" Who ... ? " Chase asked through panting as Spark tried to help him .
" You guys get into trouble when I ' m not around , " Dimitri pulling the axe out of the dog .
" Dimitri , " Tyson said as Andy and Karliah came over checking on Chase .
" Mages , bring the cart , " Dimitri ordered as a cart pulled by a large horse was brought over to them as Karliah put some medication on Chase ' s arm and wrapped it with bandages before putting Stevens in the cart .
" Spark , come with me , we will follow them , " Andy said as Spark looked at Chase before wandering up onto Andy ' s shoulder into his bag as Tyson picked up Savage and Dimitri grabbed the pack .
" Oslow , you need to ride in the back and shoot these things as they will probably follow , we will be right behind you . " Karliah said covering Chase up with a blanket .
" Sure , " Oslow got into the back of the cart with Chase , readjusting with the bow and arrows .
" Go ahead , " Dimitri said to driver and soon the cart was off towards the lights of magic school .
" We will follow , once these things are gone , " Tyson said as the other vampires formed a line between the direction the cart had went and the Black Dogs .
Andy had to control his worry about Chase for now until the mutts were gone as the fight continued between them and the dogs , the numbers kept coming giving even the vampires trouble .
" I thought with the alpha male gone it would slow them down , but now they seem disorganized more than usual , " Dimitri said as a large , black warhorse came into the area with a fully armored warrior on its back .
The warrior took a large staff with an orb on top from his back sticking it into the center of the battle taking place between the vampires and black dogs sending the brightest light up around the area making the dogs leave back down river before disappearing altogether .
" Who ? " Andy asked as they caught the scent realizing .
" Lucas , " Tyson said as the older vampire punched his brother in the face .
" Lucas , " Karliah said as he pulled his hood back as the Collector known as Lex got down off of the warhourse .
" Do you really think I would be so foolish as to try and have myself killed , Tyson ? " Lucas asked his brother shaking his head .
" You ' ve been acting strange ever since the abbey ? You leave without warning or telling anyone ? And the family is worried about you ? Holly and Xander sent me a message saying you were not right ? What else was I suppose to do ? " Tyson asked .
" Think it through better , " Lucas growled .
" Hey , I ' m not the enemy here , " Tyson said .
" No , but you had to go and involve someone else here , when I had a secret mission to deal with , Tyson , " Lucas said .
" Secret mission ? " Andy asked deciding it was best to step in .
" It doesn ' t concern you , " Lucas said .
" As the Vampire Prince , everything concerns him if it pertains to the vampire community , I ' ve already told you that and before we have any other discussion here or further this , we need to get to the school before those things come back and to tend to Chase , " Dimitri said with a cooler head seeing the anger creeping up on the Vampire Prince ' s face .
" Dimitri has a point , " An elder vampire that looked something like a sage spoke up .
The vampires agreed to continue the conversation at the magic school , once Chase had been healed , as they made their way to the school .
" You seem to be in charge ? " Andy asked the older vampire as they approached the school .
" I ' m Saladira , the Archmagister of Arcania , the School of Magic and Historical Arts , and as the Vampire Prince , you and those you call friends are welcomed here any time , sir , " Saladira seemed friendly enough and wise even amongst the vampires Andy had already met .
" Thank you for the aid and hospitality , can you help my friend ? " Andy asked .
" Yes , our best healers will attend to his needs , " Saladira said as the others went into the large doors of the school .
Once again the Vampire Prince had to be amazed at what he was seeing , as if carved into the mountain side , a magnificant , beautiful castle was standing before him , big turrets were at the four corners of the castle with a large stone wall surrounding the entire school . Sconces were outside , placed in various places with blue and purple flames dancing around in the holders infusing the place with strong magical energy , the giant doors were made out of sturdy , red wood and reinforced with steel to keep anything less than a giant from breaking it down .
" Wow , " Andy amazed as the went inside the school , he couldn ' t believe what he was seeing .
The school was cozy on the inside with vampires , lycans , and humans all together in a place of learning , the sconces continued in various places of the school with the blue and purple flames with various normal candlestands and light sources were around for the people there to study under adequate light where ever they pleased . A giant tree grew in the center of the school which was in full bloom despite the cold , winter outside , the leaves on the trees were pink in color and other trees and bush grew around the tree along with various herbs and plants with medicinal purpose . Tapestries of various kind hung in different areas of the school , two big ones hung on each side of the main hall entrance that was blue with a purple eye and stars in the center with purple bordering around the design , and pictures hung around on the walls of the school as well . Despite being open in the top , it was quite warm and dry from the cold thanks to the magical flames .
" Come with me , if you wish to see your friend , sir , " Saladira said as he led the Vampire Prince to the infirmary .
" I ' ll catch up after I check on Chase , " Andy said to Karliah and Dimitri before following the archmagister .
" Yeah , " Dimitri said .
Arcania - Infirmary
Archmagister Saladira led Andy to a window at the infirmary where Chase was sedated in a glass pod filled with an herbal water used to draw out poisons in wounds .
" What ? " Andy asked the archmagister .
" There ' s venom in the fangs of black dogs , so , we have to use special herbs to draw it out , so , we apply the herbs to the water inside the pod . It will take no more than a hour , so , he should be about done since we brought him here during the fight , we will treat the wounds normally after that . " Saladira said .
" I see , will he be okay ? " Andy asked looking at his brother ill and hurt .
" He should be now that the poison is gone , but it will still take time after we dressed the wounds and for him to get his strength back . He ' s tough , tougher than any human I ' ve seen in a long time , even amongst the people out here in this world , a lot of them would have died from a wound like that instantly . " The archmagister said as one of the nurses attending the pod checked on Chase ' s condition .
" What ? " Andy asked .
" They ' re about to take him to a bed and dress the wounds , " Saladira said .
" Okay , " Andy said as they moved away to give the nurses time to dress the wounds .
" I ' m still concerned that they ' re black dogs in this area , " Saladira said .
" Is it impossible ? " Andy asked .
" No , but it is highly unlikely , they don ' t usually come close to the school due to the smell of magical residue , it messes with their senses to the point that it makes a black dog useless . " Saladira said as Dimitri came up to the infirmary ,
" What happened ? " Andy asked .
" I was hoping you could tell me what happened while I was gone ? Lucas and Tyson are about to tear into each other and this Oslow guy . " Dimitri said .
" I ' ll go check on your friend , " Saladira said .
" Thank you , " Andy said .
" And if I may sir , I think your friend would benefit from the school here , " Saladira said before leaving the two alone .
" What did he mean by that ? " Andy asked .
" Learning magic from the school here , Chase , could benefit from it seeing as his body has been attuned to magic through the Ancestor Stone and the Power Stones . " Dimitri said .
" So , about all of that you ask , " Andy said before the Vampire Prince told Dimitri everything that had taken place since he parted from them .
" So , a warlock is magically kidnapping people and using them as slaves , Ethereal is the next artifact you need to find , and the past issues plaguing the people of this world is rearing its ugly head ; I hate to say this Andy , but our world seems darker than usual with everything going on now . " Dimitri said .
" It has some wounds , Dimitri , and it will take all of us to make it better , we ' ll deal with the warlock and find Ethereal , it ' s the reason I decided to make the trip here , but all of this infighting between the vampire community , isn ' t gonna help . " Andy said as they moved back down to the windows watching as the nurse cleaned up and put medicine on Chase ' s wounds , she then bandaged his wounds up to keep air and infection from setting into the bite marks on his arm .
" He should heal for the most part from it , but some may have a scar or two , nothing real serious . " Dimitri said .
" Why would someone keep secrets from me , Dimitri ? " Andy asked .
" You are talking about this mission Lucas is on ? " Dimitri asked .
" Yeah , " Andy said .
" It depends on when he got the mission , if this came from someone before your Awakening then he would still be under the orders of who ever gave him the mission . All though some missions are voided when the new Vampire Prince comes , those that are top secret or involve the safety of our world are not . Like the order to shut down the Northwatch Abbey Monks from Samuel , since it was a matter of security and safety for our world that concerned the last , Vampire Prince it was still in effect even when you transformed . Less important orders like some of the keeping files and orders from you are not , even if this mission was an order from someone higher up and meant to help the community , you still have the power and the means to look into it , just not stop it unless it proves to be absolutely detrimental to the community or the safety of others . " Dimitri said .
" Understandable , " Andy watching Chase rest from the fight and wounds he received .
" Archmagister Saladira suggested that Chase learns magic from here and you should probably educate yourself in some too while we are here , but I also suggest that you take the time to check out the Historical Arts and Archives here , Andy , it would help you understand the government , societies , and philosophies of our world here . " Dimitri advised him .
" Thanks for the advice , " Andy said before Dimitri left making the Vampire Prince look back at his hurt buddy .
" He ' s ready for you to see him , sir , " The nurse came up to tell the Vampire Prince .
" Thank you , " Andy said following her down to a private room in the infirmary .
" Andy , " Chase groaned not able to move his left arm .
" Hey , brother , how are you feeling ? " Andy asked .
" My arm feels stiff and heavy right now like the weight of the world is holding it down , but I think I ' ll live to tell about these crazy adventures with you , Vampire Prince . " Chase said making Andy laugh .
" Smart ass , you scare me like that again and I will let you go another round with Karliah this time with your arms tied behind your back . " Andy shook his head .
" Sure , sure , " Chase said .
" Hoo , hoo , " Spark said wandering out happy to see Chase awake .
" Spark , there you are buddy , I was worried about you , " Chase said as Spark wandered onto Stevens ' good shoulder , rubbing his head affectionately on Chase .
" Hoo , " Spark said .
" See , I told you he would be okay , " Andy said .
" Hmm , " Spark satisfied to be back with Chase .
" An impressive little friend you have there , " Archmagister Saladira showed up looking at the fizz .
" Thank you , uhm ? " Chase asked looking at the mage .
" I am Archmagister Saladira of Arcania , the magic school here , " Saladira said .
" Be nice , Chase , he ' s the one who brought you back to us , " Andy said .
" Brought me back ? I died ? " Chase asked .
" No , but the toxins in the black dog ' s teeth passed you out for a little while , " Saladira said .
" Thank you for the help , " Chase said looking at his left arm with bandages on it .
" You are most welcome , and if I may , I would like to invite you to study with us here at magic school . " Saladira said .
" I don ' t understand ? " Chase asked .
" I understand you received the Shield powers from the Ancestor ' s Stone and have in your possession two Power Stones ? " Saladira asked .
" Yes , I have the Force and Focus or Vision Power Stones and the Shield ? " Chase still curious .
" With you already in possession of magical powers and artifacts , it will benefit you to study magic further , especially if you plan to stay in this world for any length of time and aid the Vampire Prince better as the creatures of this world are best defended against through the use of magic . " Saladira explained .
" Then I will take you up on your offer , " Chase said looking at Andy wondering if he was okay with this since they had so much to do .
" You should do it , since we may have to spend some time here with getting you healed up and now that we ' ve found Lucas , " Andy said .
" Found Lucas ? What happened while I was out ? " Chase asked now focused on the task at hand .
Andy told him everything that had happened since Chase was attacked by the black dogs and brought to Arcania for healing , when he was done , Chase knew they had to help heal the bad situations in this world by helping their new friends and allies .
