rCreeper's Captive

Chapter 21

/

When Goliathus awoke, he was surprised to find his head was aching. Usually, any injury or pain he suffered was quickly remedied with some raw meat, but this was lingering even after a quick hunt for a deer. He grunted and stood after crouching over the carcass for a time, and sniffed the air quickly. Ami was in the house, and he could smell Solarus too.

Also, the scent of that strange bat. He growled and flexed his wings slightly, not liking this at all. The bat had completely immobilized him, how in the hell was that even possible?

Suddenly his eyes widened in surprise as he saw several four-legged shadowy figures coming towards him on the horizon in the darkness, highlighted only by the moonlight. He then caught sight of two figures in the sky above them, sweeping in his direction.

Mother?

Yes. It is I. I have brought someone else, too. My mission has succeeded.

What the hell? Is that him? He smells like human death. Foul.

Be patient, Dinarius. Remember what I told you.

Goliathus stood still, watching.

In another few moments he recognized the oncoming shapes. Wolves. Many of them. Twenty at least.

Well this was interesting...

They flowed around him, snarling and growling, and one particulary mean-looking one padded up closely to his feet, teeth bared.

You. Human killer.

Goliathus was a little more than surprised to hear a damned wolf talking to him. He just stared at the intense eyes that were staring him down, with no fear whatsoever.

He snorted. He liked THAT even less. Nothing had ever approached him without any fear before. Nothing.

Alonus landed, and then the new heradus. This was the nephew she spoke of. Dinarius? Yes, that was his name.

"Well. And here you are." The younger male had a fluffy white mane of sorts down his back, a lithe figure and stark blue eyes. Eyes which never left his.

Goliathus tilted his head slightly at him but said nothing, as he shifted his gaze to his mother.

What are these wolves?

They are the RIng of the Dark Moon.

Goliathus snorted, and eyed them all. Not for eating?

The wolves all bristled and growled at him in a defiant challenge. Goliathus attempted to scare them off by rising his head crest and screaming, but they all simply stood there, unphased and snarling as they circled.

They aren't afraid of you, idiot. These wolves are no ordinary wolves and you sure won't succeed in eating them, I assure you that. Also, it seems I have a new human to protect. Ami, is it? I'd like to meet her. But you will know something.

The way Dinarius spoke to him made him tense and snarl, and he stood rigid, flexing his claws.

You won't be touching her in any way whatsoever unless she's ok with it. You're a rapist as far as I'm concerned...and that's not going to happen to her again. Also, better watch your back while I'm here. Because I wil be watching YOU, that is for sure.

Goliathus glanced at his mother, but she only stood staring, doing nothing to chide her nephew for these words.

Who the hell do you think you are?! He growled and surged forward, attempting to grab Dinarius but he leapt into the air with incredible speed and back down again a moment later.

Son...

Mother, who is this insolent worm?

I told you, my nephew. And he is no insolent worm, that is more YOUR description. I need his help...to deal with you. All of this will stop Goliathus, whether you like it or not...things are going to change.

It seemed Goliathus would say something more but he suddenly snorted and turned, walking away from them and heading for his cave. He needed to get away.

But the wolves followed and in an instant, they were upon him, biting and clawing him furiously.

Not leave! Not leave until master SAY you leave! Kitsune snarled.

/

Puvo chirped, becoming excited as he seemed to sense something was up. In an instant, he was out the windown and Ami ran over, peering down. She saw them then, all of the heradus now, including the new one Alonus had spoke of! Excited and nervous all at once,she ran down to meet them after tucking her son into bed, who had fallen asleep.

When Ami got outside, she froze in her tracks. Goliathus was awake now but had an entire pack of wolves holding him down (much to his great anger) and they were tearing at him with tooth and claw. Her eyes however were locked and held by such vibrant blue orbs that she found it impossible to look away.

Hello there... the voice was gentle and kind, and he walked closer to her. I am DInarius. It is nice to meet you...Ami?

Y-yes...Ami. It's nice to meet you...well more than nice, it's incredible really. Ami kept staring, taking in all that she saw, from the white mane to his tall and slender form, just like in the vision Puvo had shown her.

DInarius is an excellent guardian, I think you will like him , Ami. Alonus grinned, coming nearer herself and giving her a hug. Have things gone well while i was gone? You seem...all in one piece.

Ami sighed, but she seemed reluctant to answer. Jezelle?

Oh she is fine, I took her back home for the time being, she is fixing up that old house of hers so she can live in it again. Alonus smiled. I found a great friend in that old woman...well, she is not so old anymore.

Ami regarded her curiously, but Alonus shook her head. I'll tell you more later. For now, know that you can feel a whole lot safer Ami. With DInarius here, he will guard you from my son as much as is necessary.

Ami looked over at Goliathus who had the wolves tightly packed around him, still snarling. They had stopped biting him once he had finally relented and stopped trying to leave, but Ami could see how full of rage he was...like a volcano ready to explode.

It's ok Alonus...before that strange bat Puvo got here, we were uhm...mending things.

Alonus blinked and fell silent for a moment, looking back at her son. That is good Ami. But still...there is yet a long road to go-

That damned bat interrupted a perfectly good mating opportunity... Goliathus snarled and snapped his wings at the wolves, who backed off slightly but still growled at him with teeth bared.

Ami actually couldn't help a small chuckle at that one, but Dinarius did not look amused. Puvo knows trouble when he sees it. He was protecting Ami.

She is my MATE. We were enjoying ourselves until your little PEST of a familiar ruined it. AND WILL YOU GET THESE CURSED WOLVES AWAY FROM ME BEFORE I SLAUGHTER THEM ALL!

Goliathus roared, fishing out a large dagger from his duster and threatening to puncture Kitsune in the eye at any moment.

Dinarius, call them off. It is enough.

But Auntie-

NOW.

*sigh* Fine. Dinarius snapped his clawed fingers, and the wolves padded away until they were behind him.

Ami could feel the growing tension and unease between Goliathus and Dinarius. She was quite sure her enraged lover did not like him at all.

She coud also sense other things that she hoped the other two could not. Slowly she moved towards him and stood right near his side. She had been, on and off, practicing the art of mental blocking as he had told her, and she tried it now, hoping her thoughts were for him only.

Goliathus...

His eyes shifted to meet hers.

He's going to keep an eye on things, but you know how unpredictable you are. Can you blame them? Also how you will explain Trisha?

He snorted, but his anger had calmed already, being replaced with uncertainty. They will simply find out. What more is there to do?

Ami nodded and was going to head back to the house with them, figuring he had nothing more to say, but she was completely surprised by the urgent yet gentle demand which came next.

Can we not continue from before? Go off somewhere.

Ami had turned and met his gaze again, after glancing at Dinarius. Both he and his aunt had gone silent, but it was evident they could not hear them. Goliathus you heard what he said...I don't think they are going to allow that-

Allow what? He snarled. They determine what we do together now, is that it?

I- I want to go with you, but-

Then let's GO. I had thought our conversation before on the rock had...changed things.

It did but-

"HEY." Ami spun around at the interruption, to see Dinarius glaring at the other. "I realize you're having a private conversation here, but Ami, if he is threatening you, ignore him and come with us."

Ami sighed and shook her head. "He's not threatening me, he just wants to take me somewhere-"

"No." Dinarius spoke with finality. "He can keep his pants on. You need a damned break from all the god-awful horror he has put you through. Ami..." Dinarius put his clawed hands on her shoulders, looking her in the eyes. "Remember that you are not his pet anymore, okay? Auntie told me everything. He does not own you. If you agree to do something it's only out of fear isn't it? Well you don't have to anymore. C'mon, come into the house with us and let's talk for a while. I'd like to meet your son. " He smiled. "Come!" He grasped her arm and was gently insisting she follow as he pulled. Ami looked helplessly behind her at Goliathus who seemed to tremble at the terrible anger brewing within him. Alonus came up behind and blocked her view, as they went into the house.

/

It's amazing what you've done with so little. Dinarius looked around with arms folded, as Puvo clung to his shoulder, his little nose quivering. This home is fairly cozy.

It's...well, it's warmer in the caves at times, where the fires are bigger. But yeah it's much better here, much better than the ware- Ami caught herself, and stopped before she said anymore. But Dinarius frowned...he knew already. Perhaps Alonus had really told him everything.

Can I see the child? Dinarius gratefully diverted the conversation.

Ami nodded and slowly made her way upstairs to the crib. She peered in and Sollie was still sound asleep, but she gently shook him and he awoke with a yawn.

Momma? He rubbed sleep from his eyes while peering up at her.

Someone wants to meet you. She smiled, picking him up and heading back down the stairs.

Solarus' eyes widened when he saw the other heradus, even causing his head spines to lift a little, as he sniffed the air. Dinarius reached out and Ami handed him over, watching this sniffing ritual all over again as he had done with his father.

Well look at you, little guy!

Who you? Solarus snuffed again, then looked at his grandmother with questioning eyes.

This is Dinarius. One of us, precious. He'll look after you. A friend.

The young heradus smiled, but he seemed conflicted. Looking back at his mother, she saw nothing but a strange sadness in her son's eyes.

He's good, baby. Are you worried about him? Something is wrong?

Nuuu, momma. He good.

She giggled. Then what is wrong? You look so sad.

Daddy is sad. He upset. Solarus was looking out the window.

Ami followed his gaze for a moment but looked down, not knowing what to say to that. She had wanted to go off with Goliathus this time, and she perfectly understood Dinarius being protective as well as Alonus, but deep inside she felt this was too much. Goliathus was still bristling at his ealier treatment, she could feel it.

He'll be fine, little guy, your father can handle himself. He gave the child a nuzzle before handing him off to Ami. You're a great mother, you've done well. You've kept his heart pure.

Ami blushed slightly at such praise, but kept glancing out the window. She was feeling nervous about leaving an irritated Goliathus outside after such a confrontation.

Stop it,Ami, this is what I'm talking about. He doesn't own you. You don't have to go around in fear of him all the time, wondering when his next little outburst will be. You don't deserve that and both of us know it. The fact you are even still here and with this child is amazing in itself. We want to be sure you are safe and cared for. In fact... Dinarius drew closer, glancing over at his aunt before his warm blue eyes settled on her again. ...in fact if you want to go back home we could even-

Go back home? With Solarus?

Your cabin is pretty remote, isn't it? In the woods?

Yeah but I can't see myself going home and trying to make it work! Ami thought about going back to her old life, but could just not see it anymore...like some kind of faded dream.

Ami I can watch my grandson for you so you can have some time to be a normal human again...whatever you desire is what we want you to do. Your happiness is paramount.

Yeah! Solarus would be fine with us, and we-

NO. Ami shook her head fiercely. I'm not going back home, I...can't. I don't even want to anymore. Goliathus is here, and I want to be where he is.

Dinarius looked at Alonus in utter shock, but she only sighed and nodded once. I understand.

Ami listen... Do you really love that monster, or do you just want to please him because you're afraid? Dinarius frowned, scratching the back of his head. I mean it when I say you're much safer with me here- he stepped closer with arms outreached, as if to offer a comforting hug.

Ami was about to answer, but suddenly Goliathus was there, having swept in between them from above.

I think you need to back off...and now. Goliathus was snarling and trembling with rage he was barely controlling. You think you scare me? You think you can beat me? Let's try this right now then, if that's what you want. Insolent little PUP.

Dinarius bristled and bared his teeth, but Alonus sighed loudly and tried to intervene. Please Goliathus, understand why he is here.

He ignored his mother and was staring hard at DInarius, who didn't budge an inch. Alonus' eyes widened.

Fighting will solve nothing-

Goliathus surged forward only moments ahead of Dinarius and the two collided, becoming an entangled mass of slicing claws and biting teeth. Alonus surprisingly did very little but sit there and watch. The two ended up outside, snarling and clawing at each other.

Puvo, who had temporarily been knocked off at the first collision, came around from behind his master and attempted to blast Goliathus witht his magic once more. The wolves also started to circle.

Oh? You can't fight without any of your little pets? The much larger heradus managed to evade the bat, but he was circling around ready to try again.

They're here to protect, which is what they're doing! DInarius attempted to back off, not really wanting to allow the brawl to escalate, but Goliathus was having none of it and kept coming at him.

I'm warning you...DInarius' own thought was cut off by great surprise when a particularly large crow came out of nowhere, grabbed a startled Puvo, and carried him off.

HEY! Dinarius shot into the air after the bird, but suddenly hundreds more started appearing out of the blackness and settling all around in the nearby trees.

Alonus looked truly stunned and kept starting with great confusion, as did Ami. But the one large crow suddenly came back, with a completely shredded bat in its beak. It let the little mammal go, which fell to the ground in a heap, then the bird fluffed out its glossy black feathers and gave a loud caw...and settled on Goliathus' shoulder.

PUVO! Dinarius cried, staring in horror at his now unrecognizable familiar, who was at least still moving...albeit feebly.

There was absolute stillness for several moments. Goliathus glanced at the crow and then slowly a creepy grin spread over his features. Would the bird listen to him? He was going to find out. Crows had always followed him...in fact over three hundred of the strange corvids had been following him over the years and feasting on scraps...not that he minded or cared. But nothing like this had ever happened before that he could remember.

Go then. Attack the pup!

Cawwww? The bird cocked his head, its beady little black eye gazing.

The one who attacked me. Can you tell all the crows to go after him?

The bird squawked, poofed out some more, then hopped off his shoulder.

CAWWWWW!

This caused all the other birds to start coming at Dinarius like bullets. There were so many, it was like a swarm of angry hornets and actually made him nervous.

Dinarius GO! Alonus screamed and he did, rising fast, but the crows followed him and were catching up quickly.

What is this? Son, call them off now! Alonus' inky black form came closer and he could see a myriad of troubled emotions in her eyes.

Ha. Why? I never knew I had control over these crows. Interesting. I think this will be amusing to watch, mother...after all, Dinarius struck me down with that cursed bat out of nowhere.

He sat down with that grin still plastered on his face, and crossed his legs. Yes I think i will sit here and watch. He laughed, eerie and deep.

The entire time Ami, who had been standing there looking baffled, finally snapped herself out of it long enough to say something.

Goliathus you have your own Ring...and you knew nothing of this?

He thought on that a moment, and then shrugged. They must have chosen ME. Because I was not around at the time of the mages...that was before my birth.

Crows always remember who is kind to them. Alonus stared at her son and the words were curt. You never tried to harm them?

No...why would I? They ate the human flesh right along with me. That made them kin in my book. His grin only widened. Interesting development, do you not agree?

They heard a shrill howl, and Dinarius came plummeting down with several dead birds in his claws, but hundreds more came after him still. Finally Goliathus rose, shrieking loudly and the birds immediately stopped, veering off and heading back to the trees. However that was not his intent...he grabbed at Dinarius once again and tore into him, the fight erupting anew.

Stop this now!

Ami felt so bad for Alonus...here she was so sure Dinarius wasgoing to really do what she had hoped, but Goliathus was just too strong...

The wolves came then, and leapt upon him, tearing at this wings and mangling him fast. Dinarius finally had a chance to get away, clutching at his terrible and bleeding wounds, and after watching in satisfaction the wolves tearing at his opponent for a few moments he reluctantly called them off.

Enough, enough.

Master? All well now?

Yes Kitsune, for the moment. We need to end this brawl...

The wolves obeyed but stayed close by. Goliathus rose slowly, breathing hard and clenching his teeth.

What was particularly interesting though was the way he stood near Ami, and refused to let Dinarius get any closer to her.

She is MINE.

I'm not here to take her from you...although that's a tempting thought...and I don't even think you deserve her at all if you want the truth. But she's not your PROPERTY. You don't OWN her. DInarius had picked up his poor bat, but was still staring hard at the other.

She is MINE!

Did you hear what I said? Dinarius's eyes narrowed.

Goliathus stepped closer until he was right in his face. I love her. She is mine. Stay away from her you say? No it is YOU who willl stay away from her. Or I will rip you to shreds...especially if you look at her in that way I saw before again!

OH. Is somebody jealous? Dinarius snickered, but Goliathus found no humor in it and growled menacingly. But the expression changed dramatically when he realized what the other had said.

Dinarius tilted his head slightly and kept his gaze intent, with arms folded. If you love her...then why did you treat her the way you did?

Goliathus snorted and looked at the ground a moment. Because I may love her but I still hate humans.

Dinarius raised an eyebrow and took a look over at Ami, who only gazed back with the saddest, most confused look on her face...obviously she could hear none of this.

That doesn't really make sense...

Humans are the monsters, Dinarius. What they did to me...what they did to mother. Even father...in the end he hated and killed. He is sorry but he did it all the same. I am not sorry. I still hate humans. He paused and locked eyes again. But I love Ami. And you will not stand there and tell me when I can be with her.

To this, Dinarius said nothing...he simply stood there and looked troubled by what he was hearing.

I have...found another breeder.

What? DInarius unfolded his arms and looked shocked.

That woman, Patricia. Maybe you should protect her instead. He snarled. From ME.

With that he turned away and gazed at Ami.

Goliathus? Her big eyes questioned him, and he gave an almost imperceptible nod towards the sky, as if imploring her to come with him.

She gave an equally imperceptible nod back, but just before Goliathus could move to pick her up, Alonus came between them.

Ami...

It's OK Alonus...it is. Look I can feel his emotional turmoil...he needs to get away. And I need to go with him. She was crying softly now, the tears flowing down her face.

Alonus was obviously extremely reluctant, but nodded. If you need help, call immediately-

Auntie what the hell? I'm supposed to be protecting her and she's just going to go off with him like that? What is the point then of me being here?

Dinarius...things may have changed quite dramatically while I was gone...but even if not...we can be there in a heartbeat if she needs us. And my son knows that both of us are here.

There was a sudden flapping of large wings and Dinarius looked to see them both disappearing into the sky.

Dinarius was shaking his head. I don't like this Auntie...I don't like it one bit.

/

Ami wasn't quite sure where Goliathus was taking her, but she felt no malice from him, only a great irritation mixed with confusion and a bunch of other feelings. He seemed exhausted from his own mental battle and the fight.

Finally, they landed near a rather remote, cozy stream that was obviously a branch-off of the river they lived near. He suddenly pushed her hard against a nearby boulder and held her there. Ami shivered from the cold it emenated as it seeped into her bones. The weather was changing fast.

Uhm...you're kinda hurting me.

For a moment he looked surprised...only a moment, then backed off, realizing what he was doing. But he still stayed very close.

Ami reacted by reaching for a kiss, but he backed away slightly, snorting. Apparently now was not the time for romance...only primal need. Ami sighed but seemed to understand given the current situation he was in. She started to undress...and he helped her, perhaps a bit too eagerly, as he ended up tearing her clothes yet again.

The boulder's cold was now seeping into her breasts and stomach but Goliathus would seem to have it no other way as he pounded into her from behind. It was painful but exhilirating at the same time, and using her hands to prop herself up a little to at least get her skin off the boulder, she succumbed to it and allowed him to own the moment...again and again.

After some time when he finally released her, Ami turned slowly and panted, looking him in the eyes.

Well I guess I must be in heat or something. She gave a faint grin, but he snorted again, and was looking in the direction they had flown in from.

That pup...thinks he can tell me what to do...

Ami frowned, but he only continued.

I will shred him to pieces...

Goliathus what's wrong? You seem a little too mad at him...I get he's kind of annoying you and all because you're not used to someone treating you like that, but he only-

HE wants YOU. And you are MINE.

Ami gave a surprised chuckle, but it was fleeting. He only just met me-

What does that matter? I suppose because I am tainted with human death, he figures he has some right to you. Goliathus was still looking in that direction, flexing claws and snarling low.

Well...if that's so you can rest assured I won't let him have me. She stepped forward and grabbed one of his hands, which caused him to turn around towards her.

You said you loved me. And...I love you too. But you already knew that. Ami leaned into his form and he held her, tightly...but she could feel the reluctant affection in it. I'm not just going to give myself to him no matter what he thinks. Ami smirked. Handsome as he is.

Goliathus snorted again but a very slight grin was on his features as he seemed to be calming down.

I will still shred him.

No...Goliathus don't just fight with him all the time...what will it solve?

He sighed deeply. I hunger. Time for hunting.

Ami frowned again. Deer, right?

Yet another snort. Deer are boring. But horses and cows have at least a little more flavor.

With that, he flexed his wings and leapt, leaving Ami to stand there by the stream and wait for him. However she wasn't bothered by it and took the opportunity to search around for firewood and such while he was gone.

/

When the two returned to the brick house, Dinarius could not help the small sigh of relief that escaped him. Ami was smiling, so that was good at least. Goliathus, however, gave him quite the icy stare before heading to his cave.

Everything is well Ami?

She nodded. He behaved himself. And guess what? He seems to be interested a little more in animals now, going for cows and horses too...apparently.

Huh...so we'll see if that means anything. Although I suppose it IS an improvement.

Ami looked toward the cave and stared for a while. Trisha is in there. We've got to talk to her. She looked back at Alonus with pleading eyes. She sighed, as if flowing with Ami's thoughts that this was going to be a difficult task beyond measure, but nodded. Yes, let us go talk to her. Dinarius come along. I have felt perhaps you can get through to her.

He chuckled incredulously. "You're kidding, right Auntie? Tell me you are kidding."

She shook her head solemnly. "Of course not. I mean it, we must help her, and get through to her." She smiled, and Dinarius could feel warmth and love emanating from her, so strong, at her next thought. "My granddaughter lies in her belly, growing strong. I can feel her. And I want her to live, I want to meet this new child." After staring a while at each other and seeing her moist eyes Dinarius sighed , ran a claw through his mane, and nodded with another deep breath.

Well. How can I argue with that?

Author's notes- I apologize for the very long hiatus this story has faced. There are many reasons, which I won't go into. I have reread the story many times, marvelling at how I wrote this, as if someone else did...and almost feeling as if my writing muses had left me. But I am doing my best to finish it , for all of the fans out there. If anyone is still reading, enjoy but please let me see reviews. Give me a reason to continue, and you just might see this story to its completion. There are ideas for another story, but I'm not sure I will ever write it. It depends on a lot of factors. This is a short chapter, but I'm putting it out to avoid further delays. The next chapters should be longer. Thank you all!