Creeper's Captive
Chapter 28
/
Goliathus was completely sullen and silent as the small group made their way to their new home. They spent days flying (and mainly by night to avoid being seen) and some of those hours trudging through the forest in order to search for food. Overnight, they camped in makeshift tents or small caves they may find and Dinarius kept Ami warm with his own wings wrapped about her. This surprised Alonus who saw the fast-building relationship between Ami and her nephew. But it also saddened her to think Ami may have completely given up on her son...or even fallen out of love with him.
In the end, what did it matter? So long as the human woman was happy...but could her son just let her go? She certainly hoped so. Perhaps, as a mother, she had little choice but to do her best to support Goliathus. Showing him affection was one thing but getting any in return...was another.
He was not easy to like by any stretch of the imagination. The distance between them seemed to be growing, and Alonus knew it. She tried to be as understanding as possible but her son's constant stubborness and resistance to change grated on the very edges of her nerves.
Just be patient. Patient...
Meanwhile Dinarius was having a similar thought about patience. They had landed on the third traveling day to set up camp, and Ami had taken off to a nearby stream to wash up and give her less than thrilled son a bath, too. Dinarius tried to busy himself with helping his aunt get eveything set up and was itching to go hunt as his hunger was roiling. Unfortunately another sort of hunger was building fiercely within him by the day. He began to wander away from the camp but Alonus didn't seem to notice. Goliathus was busy helping to axe down some trees for the night's firewood.
And so, Dinarius stalked off into the forest. At first he truly wanted to go find Ami but he diverted towards a waterfall and decided he might as well distract himself with a good wash himself.
Ok Puvo. Bath time, buddy.
The bat perked its ears and poked his head out of the furry mane of his master, yawned widely showing pincer teeth, and then ducked back in.
Uh no. Get your furry butt out here. Dinarius chuckled and reached back to pull the protesting familiar from his mane and Puvo squeaked and flapped his little wings in irritation.
You're just like a little child. Stop complaining. Dinarius rolled his eyes and placed Puvo on a little rock ledge where a small trickle of water was falling. He folded his arms and raised a brow, and Puvo gave a flurry of more annoyed chirps to make his point before going under his little shower and just sitting there, glaring back at him as he got soaked.
Ha ha you look like a drowned rat. Look do I gotta hold your little wing claw, too? Get clean while I do the same. Spoiled, aren't you?
Puvo squeaked again quite loudly and Dinarius who had been walking towards the bigger waterfall looked over his shoulder and shrugged. Well I'm sorry little prince that I disturbed your warm nap. He grinned with a shake of his head after shucking off his loincloth and walked into the deep pool of crystal clear water beneath the waterfall.
Yikes! That's cold...but it's very serene here, isn't it? He asked to no one in particular while the water ran down his back, soaking his mane. His tail swayed back and forth as he washed vigorously under the cool water. It was marvelously refreshing.
After several minutes of this he stepped out from under the waterfall, wading through the waist-deep pool and stepping up onto a rock that was nicely positioned in the waning sunlight.
Ahhh. Heaven. He lied down, enjoying the warmth on his face.
He almost drifted off into a nap when he heard a slight gasp. Jolting up quickly into a sitting position he looked around but didn't see anything at first.
Sorry! Didn't mean to disturb you.
Oh! Ami. Found my little hiding spot, did you? Dinarius gave a mental sigh of relief, he wasn't in the mood for any unexpected vampire encounters today.
He smiled at her, but she was blushing quite intensely. I decided I would wash up too here and yeah, you kinda beat me to it. Curiously her eyes kept wandering away from him. For a moment this puzzled him until he released he hadn't bothered to put his clothing back on yet.
DInarius suppressed a chuckle, humans were kinda amusing with their shyness regarding nakedness. But he could respect that, at least. He sat up with a smirk, reaching to put it on, but Ami sat next to him just as he did so. Despite him still being mostly wet she didn't seem to care and was leaning into his side.
You all right?
Yeah. Yeah I'm fine. I rather enjoyed getting a good view, I have to be honest here. She grinned back now but was still blushing, as she glanced at the waterfall.
Wait...were you watching me the whole time? His smirk only grew wider.
Ami was utterly embarrased but nodded. Like I said I came to bathe here after sending a rather disgruntled Sollie back to his grandma, but I saw you and ducked out of sight. I don't know why...
In all honesty Dinarius found her blushing like a tomato to be somewhat amusing but also...it seemed to open a doorway he hadn't expected to come so quickly.
He had to be sure though, very sure.
Well. If you watched me then I suppose it's only fair that I do the same?
Her eyes widened and then she giggled, shoving him. Wow. Typical male response, I'd say.
Excuse ME, you were just watching everything I was doing, weren't you? I mean c'mon by your own admission here. He playfully shoved her back but stood up. Waving an arm in defeat (but still smirking) he started to walk away, more than willing to give her privacy if she truly wanted it.
Ami watched him go for a minute...but her eyes wouldn't look away.
Dinarius.
Hmm? He turned from his stance a few yards away and waited.
Where are you going in such a hurry?
Oh. Well...didn't you want to get clean? I think Puvo and I will go hunting for some deer, I definitely could use a couple of livers or-
Ami smiled warmly. Dinarius. Please come back here.
He blinked, feeling his heart rate starting to pick up as he slowly headed back. Puvo had come out of the little trickling water stream some time ago and had been watching them. Seeming to sense something about the situation though he flew off away into the forest, back towards the camp.
Dinarius hardly seemed to notice. Ami stood as he neared and then reached to hug him and the two embraced tightly.
He enjoyed this immensely and held her small form for quite some time, but he felt a surge of strong emotions tormenting her. Frowning he looked into her eyes and they were just like the shimmering pools of the clear water he had been standing in just recently.
Ami...you are not ok.
No. No I...I don't know what's wrong with me! I feel like my mind is going in a million directions-
Where shall we go this time?
Anywhere you want to...just...we don't need to go far. But somewhere private?
Well damn, that heart rate of his just got faster. Private. But where exactly?
He looked around and smiled slightly when he noticed an alcove about halfway up to the right of the waterfall. It looked like it went pretty deep into the rock, too. Perfect.
Gently grasping her more tightly Ami felt his muscles tense and she instantly reacted by doing the same as he leapt upwards and with one flap they were on the alcove. He let her go and urged her inside. The roar of the waterfall was quite loud up here.
No one will see or hear us in here. Dinarius assured her. Surprisingly it was mostly dry in the alcove but very cool. Ami sat down next to him but shivered and he used his wings again to keep her warm.
Nothing was said for a few minutes. Ami seemed like she might fall asleep as she leaned into his warm body with eyes closed. In the next moment however she fought to control herself but Dinarius was such a rock that she needed, and the dam simply burst wide open. She cried hard on his shoulder. It seemed at last she was letting out a lot of the tears that needed to be shed, from her whole abduction to all of the trauma she had experienced. So much had happened in just over a year, and it felt good to just let it all go.
There there... see? You need to get this out. Don't feel bad, I understand. He pulled back and looked into her eyes, holding her face. I told you, you never deserved one day of this shit. Goliathus he doesn't deserve you, he really doesn't.
She smiled at him warmly, her big expressive eyes glistening. Their faces were so close...she reached up to caress him but in that next moment, his mouth was upon hers again, and they kissed deeply.
Dinarius...thank you for always being there. In fact I have to admit I can't imagine you not being here at this point. She pulled away, eyes leaking more tears but finally calming down. You're a fantastic friend and-
Hmm. I'm hoping to be far more than that Ami. I can be your protector, your guardian. Anything you want, really. Again he kissed her, and Ami had no desire whatsoever to stop him. She felt herself melting into his embrace and leaned into his chest. Dinarius moved to kissing her neck and she moaned, feeling intense desire overwhelm her.
I'm thinking you want more than even that...
Yes, yes I do. He paused for one moment, crystal blue eyes fixated on her with eons of lustful desire. But only if you want to of course-
She cut off his thoughts with another kiss and he worked on getting her shirt off. She helped him, lifting her arms to shuck off her clothes and he continued to explore her body, but she caught him frowning as he stared at her-half naked form. Feeling a bit self conscious Ami folded her arms over her exposed breasts. What...what's the matter?
He looked up at her solemly. You've got bruises, and scars all over. Something tells me these weren't here before the abduction... he bristled, an action which caused all of his white furry hairs to stand on end. That bastard raped you multiple times, didn't he?
She blinked away more tears but sighed with a quick nod. Yeah those early days were...well yes, how can I deny it now? I was practically barely existing, just trying to hold onto my sanity. I wouldn't even call it what it was just to protect myself.
Mmmhm. And this is what you call love, right? That this monster loves you? I think not.
Ami shook her head again, tears flowing down her face. Dinarius, you're making this hard on me...
He gave a look of shock then held her close. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. But sometimes I can't help but speak my mind. He started to kiss her neck again and she felt his body trembling with some gargantuan effort of restraint. Ami giggled to herself even through the tears, she knew he was trying to make sure she was okay with this, especially this soon. And she was...god how she was, because her body was on fire, and her aching womanhood was begging to be filled by him.
Dinarius caught this desire, he groaned and urged her to take the rest of her clothes off, which she did. Then he picked her up and took her as far back into the alcove as he could get before gently laying her down again. He ran his clawed hands all over her delicate skin and she in turn ran her hands through that fluffy white mane, loving the soft and silky texture between her fingers.
Words were starting to die in Ami's mind, there wasn't anymore need for conversation...just desire. Pure desire and a comforting warmth that Goliathus just couldn't give to her. As much as in the back of her mind Ami wanted to keep finding reasons to stay with him, none would surface. There was such a distinct difference to the shuddering caresses and shocks of sensation that tingled all throughout her body when Dinarius touched her. A dark void somewhere in her soul began to find a light, and she clung to him more tightly than anything she ever had in her entire life.
This finally broke down any weak barriers which remained, igniting a frenzy of lovemaking. Ami spent the next few hours in that cave allowing Dinarius to eradicate all the fear that had been running her life for over an entire year.
And such release felt utterly wonderful.
/
Some miles away, closer to Bells Rock, Ramonus had found the little brick house and the cave, hoping to find his great grandson there. It seemed no one was home, however. He sniffed the air, his breath coming in great huffs and he could detect it, that barest scent of human. Why did it smell so much like chemicals too? He wandered into the cave and when he got towards the center, he folded his arms with a chuckle.
Well. That's an interesting form of art, indeed. He inspected the crudely preserved bodies...there were hundreds of them. As he leaned in he also noticed how some heads were sown back on or others stitched together in interesting ways.
What is this waste of human flesh? He only takes the one thing he wants most, then preserves the rest as this ridiculous art. Perfectly good meat...all wasted.
Shaking his head, Ramonus left the cave quickly and flew towards the stronger scent of humans in the far distance. He smelled smoke...wood...roasting sweet concoctions...processed meats (which made him cringe in disgust)...hair products...and even slight whiffs of perfumes.
Ah. After a long while flying it finally came into view, looking like triangular dots littering the ground from high up. A campground, a place full of tasty humans with only canvas between them and his claws. How wonderful. A truly sinister grin spread across his features.
Time to feast.
/
Trisha couldn't believe she was home, at last. She sat in her white recliner sipping herbel tea and closing her eyes, trying to fight off nausea. Just like any other pregnancy she sometimes experienced morning sickness. She tried not to think about, just like she tried not to think much about this baby growing inside her.
It's not even human. I don't want anything to do with it!
Trisha, you hear me?
The loud intruding voice startled the poor woman so much she dropped her tea in shock, the contents spilling all over her nice white couch.
Dammit Jezelle! Why do you have to scare me like that?!
Oh! I'm sorry dear. Truly I am! It's important though.
Trisha sighed and with a quick shake of her head got up, trying to wipe tea off her arms and headed for the sink for a quick washup. After that was done she trudged to her bedroom down the hallway, rubbing her swelling stomach. The nausea was persisting a little but she just lied down on the bed and decided maybe a nap was best.
I need some rest Jez, but what is it?
It's good that you went home. There's another more dangerous sort out there now. And even worse...those vampires are trying to find out what happened.
Vampires. Great. Why doesn't this surprise me. So why are vampires after them now?
Because Dinarius found and killed one of 'em. These Royals ya see, a clan known for their lavish, old-fashioned lifestyle...they don't like anyone killing their own. They'll find out who it was, human or otherwise, and get their revenge.
Trish smirked widely. Yeah? Well they probably don't realize the huge heap of trouble they'd run right into...
There was a pause of silence, but Trisha just waited with eyes half-closed as she was already starting to drift off.
Yeah that's true and all...but...then there's Ramonus. You see it's worse than he just eats humans-
Excuse me? Who the hell is Ramonus? Trisha snapped her eyes open and sat up, all urges to sleep having vanished.
I am so sorry to be so abrupt Trisha...sometimes, well sometimes I forget other people don't know things like I do. She sighed and Trisha could feel her mounting worry. Ramonus is an evil monster. He was once poor Alonus' grandfather...but he turned bad and now well...he's back. And let me tell you Miss Jenner he is a foul, foul creature. He will HELP the vampires, instead of kill them. He'll join up with them...all to get more of the human prey he so craves.
That nausea that had been plaguing her only grew worse. Trisha clenched her fists, her body trembling, as she fought the growing feelings of fear, anger, and anxiety.
When does this nightmare end, Jezelle? When does it end? I don't want to be involved in this anymore. I started making phone calls and spoke with my men. Many of them have decided they will say nothing and move on. Some still want to go after Goliathus but I told them as much as I could make sense of it all. I didn't mention the baby. I just made up whatever I could, excuses about more time or whatever. For now, they all believe me. But we'll see.
And now...now there's this even bigger heradus creep out there?
Yes, I am afraid there is.
Trisha let out a deep breath, eyes closed, and laid her arm over her forehead.
Great, just great.
/
The crows had become restless. They squawked and cawed loudly on and off in torrents outside the little makeshift camp, but Alonus lie asleep, her head crest covering her face. Once again, a vivid dream entered her mind.
Or was it a dream?
She saw the great catherdral in the far distance as she stood in the desert, the sands whipping about in a furious wind. Confused, she looked around until she noticed a glimmering form in white coming closer and closer. Finally through the dust and sand she could see Barabas again. And when at last he stood before her, the winds suddenly died down.
Beloved.
What is it? Why are you here again? She asked with confusion furrowed into her brow. He was up to something, or had something to tell her...she could feel it. Unlike the last time however this wasn't ominous news...at least it didn't feel like it was.
The Ring of Dark Fire knows something. They want to reveal a powerful spell to you. But not only do you have to agree to it...so do I. You see, they know my time is running out.
This left Alonus baffled but with increasing interest. She stepped closer and hugged him.
You know I myself am here because of you, my love. And also because I want to do what is right. Our son...the vampires-
Your terrible grandfather.
She nodded, fear evident in her eyes. Even the Queen wondered what they would do to stop him and it seemed Barabas knew her thoughts and concerns.
I barely understand it myself, Alonus, for what am I but a simple Roman priest? The crows suggest there is something called a "Dark Shadow" mage, and they say I can become one. It is perhaps a last ditch effort to do something to help. Or are there other motives? A way to further your cause against the vampires? I cannot say for sure.
Alonus' eyes widened, and she stepped back in utter shock. A way for you to return? How is such a thing possible? You have been dead a very long time.
Yes I have. But I suppose this Dark Shadow mage is what it sounds like. A creature of pure dark magic. An energy, a force. A way to become solid but still be a spirit. That is as far as I can understand it.
Marveling at this Alonus wondered what the possible consequences would be. There always WERE consequences when it came to dark magic. It always demanded something in return. For the heradus it demanded energy through never-ending hunger. She wondered what that would mean exactly for Barabas.
But oh how she longed to have him with her again. Could they even hope to...be physically together again? For her to know a warm embrace lying next to her once more after so many eons of loneliness?
Barabas regarded her intensely as he continued. I am fine with whatever you choose. I want you to be happy again. Even if this new existance means pain for me. Because I deserve it, for all the horror I committed. For the death of my daughter.
Oh! Barabas, but we all know your remorse! Your regret and sadness. We all make mistakes, but you have learned from them. Please my love, learn to forgive yourself!
Barabas smiled faintly, placing his hands on her shoulders.
I leave it to you.
/
Alonus awoke with a start, in her little tent. She then heard the incredible racous of the crows as they swirled around and around all about the camping site.
"Stop this! You may be heard by the vampires seeking us!" Alonus quicky shoved her way out of the tent and pleaded with the birds.
No no! Blocking! CAAW. Blocking!
What do you mean, Starcrow?
The raven came, with talons outstretched and large wings wide open as it sailed down onto her outstretched arm.
He fluffed up as usual, making rattling and clucking noises as he preened his feathers. It seemed the usual way of Starcrow, to often take his time answering as usual, no matter the situation.
A beady black eye regarded her a moment as the head tilted, and the bird raised a claw to preen its toes.
Blocking our sound. Block. Yes.
Oh! Well thank goodness. Alonus sighed with relief, but still...she marvelled at the way this Ring was changing. Had her mere writing of the spells done this? Or perhaps Dinarius having killed the vampire? Whatever it was, she could literally feel the increasing power of these corvids.
So what is this? Are you sensing vampires around?
Starcrow shifted and leapt off her arm and to a large boulder nearby where he dipped his head and clucked at her a few times.
Priest. Barabas. Call now! Now!
Do what now? Alonus knew she must remain patient, crows had a harder time speaking than the wolves, even as good with mimicking as they were. In fact almost none of the crows spoke very much. The raven alone was their voice.
Alon, Alon. Ghost! Dark. Shadow. Now, now! Or priest be gone.
With a deep sigh Alonus finally understood. She must recite a spell now, or whatever the crows were trying to help her with would fail.
But she had never been trained by her father. Orionus had gone to his sad end before he could tell her much but the spells themselves. He had recited them to her, she had remembered them, but she didn't understand them.
Do you know the spell, Starcrow? Can you show me, a vision?
The raven gave quite a screech, and then a deep caw. Finally he flew to her head, and she winced as the painful claws seeped into her skin, but a powerful headache came with a vision of a large and long scroll. She took a sharp breath and concentrated, and the raven stayed with her as she tried to recite the words.
A deer first. Need sacrifice. Still alive.
Now? Alonus asked, and the raven bobbed its head up and down.
She quickly called to her nephew but received a strong block (with an apology).
Dinarius, it is important!
She felt his mind was not focused , and something was happening, something with great pleasure and another strong block against the intrusion.
I am sorry to disturb you. But the crows are urgent. You need to bring a large and still -alive deer here. It is what they are telling me.
Finally she broke though to her nephew, and it was odd how she could practically hear through him. There was the sound of loud, rushing water, panting breaths, and a sensation of strong heat.
I gotcha, auntie. I gotcha. Just...give me a minute. He sounded quite annoyed, but understanding.
He was still breathing hard, but Alonus tried not to focus on the more personal thoughts and emotions she had no business poking around in. Instead she focused on the mental scroll, trying not to lose the image, but the raven still clung to her head as the murder of crows closed around her in a tornado of black feathers.
Let me make sure Ami will be safe before I go anywhere.
Leave the wolves with her.
Yes, of course.
And a short while later, she sensed her nephew had taken to the air to hunt.
/
Ami was feeling wonderfully pleasant, her body like jello as she languidly re-dressed herself. However it seemed there wonderful time together had to come to an abrupt end, as Dinarius had obviously received an urgent message from his aunt.
Is it bad? Vampires here already?
No. The crows are up to something. He gave her another quick kiss as he stood and stretched out, heading for the edge of the alcove. Stay up here. Kitsune and the others will watch over you while I am gone.
Can Puvo stay, too?
Dinarius turned to see Ami grinning at him.
Why not? Call him. I'm not sure where he went off to, but he understands privacy and so he probably went to leave us be for a while. He'll come to you, Ami...and I will be back as quickly as possible.
With that Dinarius gave a long howl, and the wolves in the distance howled back. He took to the air and in seconds disappeared in the distance.
Ami watched a while, hoping all was all right. She tried to stop worrying about everything but she couldn't help it sometimes.
As Ami walked to the edge of the alcove and admired the falling water for a while, she wondered one other thing. Where the hell had Goliathus gone?
After helping fell some trees for firewood, she hadn't seen him since.
Sighing, she gave a call to him, in her mind.
He answered rather quickly.
I am with Solarus. I took him with me shortly after mother decided to sleep. She has been...more tired lately it seems.
Ami went quiet briefly at that revelation, but didn't think much of it. Perhaps heradus simply slept more when they had the chance to. So you are with Solarus...doing what?
More hunting lessons. He seems to like the shurikens.
You are staying well hidden...and alert, I hope?
Yes. The crows are restless, however.
It's strange. Dinarius had to leave suddenly, talking about needing a deer that was still alive and bringing it to Alonus.
For a few moments Goliathus did not respond to this.
You were with him?
Yeah. There's a nice waterfall, and this clear pool...and an alcove, which is a nice hiding spot, mind you-
I mean you were with him? He asked this more forcefully , and Ami mentally swatted back a slight twinge of fear like an annoying insect. She would not allow him to use fear to control her anymore, but it was hard in practice. So hard.
She hesitated a moment to answer, but realized there was little point in denying it. She wasn't his possession. Her will was her own, and she could do what she wanted. I have to remember that, I have to stand against this and make him understand I don't belong to him. He's not going to like that of course... She sighed and sat down near the edge carefully, still absorbing the beauty of the waterfall. It seemed to give her strength.
Yes. I was, Goliathus.
Again, a long pause.
So...you do not love me anymore?
Well that she didn't quite expect him to say. But it was more poignantly asked, then angry or demanding.
I do love you. In a way in which I still want to help you and make you what you truly can be. There are different kinds of love, after all. Not all are romantic or sexual.
With this answer, she felt his immense sadness. Goliathus would always fight the tears, it just wasn't in him to truly cry, but his feelings were another matter.
Do not leave me...
What did I just say to you, Gollie? I'm not abandoning you. I'm just...changing our relationship. You are a narcissist. There is a bad type, but also a good type. I'm not saying you have to change who you are, exactly. You just have to learn to be...well...a better you, if that makes sense. Goliathus you will never be happy unless everything is your way. Until you learn that you cannot always have your way and control that temper...I cannot trust you fully. And if I can't trust you fully...then I can't be with you. It goes beyond the phsyical too...it's mental. You have both phsyically and mentally tortured me. I'm trying to heal now. She paused a moment, forcing back tears. I had a good cry with Dinarius, and he understood. He showed me love and understanding. You can be kind to me at times...and intimate. But sex does not automatically mean patience, kindness, or understanding. Do you understand what I am telling you? She paused, but he didn't respond, so she continued.
Dinarius loves me, and I've sensed that for a while now. I've fallen for him, too. But it's more than that. He will protect me...and guide me. He will give emotional support and be there when I need him. He can be someone who will try and keep me happy and heal the wounds of my past. He loves my Sollie and he told me in this alcove he will help raise my new child as if his own. You know why he said that? Because I told him I worried how he might feel knowing another of your own seed was growing in me...it wasn't his. She stopped to sniffle and wipe a few tears from her face. But this didn't even phase him, Goliathus. He just smiled at me and held me close, he told me again that as far as he was concered it was his own. Now I don't mean to take your own daughter from you. But what kind of father have you been to Solarus? What kind? You tell me because even though you give him hunting lessons he was never more than a way for you to stay awake. I am sure you do care for him deep inside. Maybe you love him in some way. But I think it's best you allow US to raise him. And the new one.
And...Jarzius. Her too. THREE children you have now, and you've barely said a word about it. Will you name your daughter, Gollie? Go on and tell me her name. If not, I will do it.
He still didn't answer, and she shook her head.
Well. I guess that's part of the reason at least why I left you. But as I said I won't abandon you. I will continue to do all I can to help you in your fight against this addiction you suffer with. However in the end...Gollie...in the end, only YOU can change yourself. It's something Alonus is finally grasping too...and it's why she gets so frustrated with you. YOU have to change it. YOU have to stop it. Or it never will end.
With that Ami had nothing more to say. She rested her chin on her knees and enjoyed the breeze, even if a bit chilly as the night was getting close.
Puvo?
The instant she called the little bat, she heard the little chirps in the distance and when the familiar arrived minutes later he had a mouth stuffed with moths and landed near her foot. He looked up at her, chewing happily on them and Ami giggled, picking him up and nuzzling.
Puvo squeaked in pleasure and decided hiding under her own long hair suited him just fine as he scrambled over her shoulder.
Ami. Mistress. Hi!
Ami giggled more at the strange, imprinted words in her mind.
Hi silly bat. You don't mind staying a while?
No. Like you. I go sleep.
Ami grinned, just as she finally started to hear an answer from Gollie.
I have a name for the girl.
Hm? Tell me then.
Navius. It's derived from an Indian name. It means "kind to people". And so by naming her this, I hope she can be something I cannot.
That caused Ami to go silent for a while.
It's...it's beautiful, I love it. But I disagree with you. You CAN be kind to humans, you just have to believe that you can. You're not a monster, even though Dinarius thinks you are. Just believe you can change, please.
I haven't eaten humans in a long time now. So perhaps I can change. Perhaps.
Goliathus...are you going to give Dinari a hard time over this?
It seemed to take forever, but finally he answered her.
I could, but I already realized it would be pointless. More than that, I don't want mother to hate me. Nor you.
She smiled. I appreciate that. And listen, I'm sorry if this hurt you. I know it probably did-
I will do my best to win you back, however.
No...Goliathus, that's not how this works-
I will do all I can. I will have you back...even if takes a long time.
Ami sighed, putting a hand to her forehead. And I would do what exactly, break Dinarius's heart and just go back to you? Don't be ridiculous. I'm not some whore who will go back and forth between you. And hurting Dinarius like that is terrible...don't you dare think I'm going to do that to him! He says I deserve to be happy, well...he deserves to be happy, too. We all do!
Again, a long pause.
We shall see, little mouse. I will gain your trust again. In the meantime...I have already captured a large buck and will bring it to mother.
Do you know why she needs this, Gollie?
It is father. Somehow...I think he is about to make a grand entrance.
She felt his wonder at this statement, and it matched her own.
/
Dinarius finally found a large herd of deer some miles from the camp, but they had been spooked and difficult to locate. With enough deducing he had come to the conclusion that Goliathus was here and had taken one already.
Well that's encouraging. If he'd been going for deer more readily, that was surely a good thing.
He sighed loudly. Now the annoying and less than thrilling task of having to get a large deer, carry it...and make sure it was still alive.
Goliathus had kept the deer alive by paralyzing it with one of his handmade blades, cutting the spine so it could not move but could still breathe. Of course he wouldn't have much time before raw fear alone gave out the beast's heart. Even for him it was quite heavy, but when he found the camp where his mother was he snarled, seeing only a fury of tightly packed glowing feathers and en eerie, glowing dark halo around them. He dropped the deer who bellowed in its fear but Goliathus didn't register the sound as he tried to tear the birds away from her. But as he cleared one or two, several more swooped in to replace the bare spot.
Son! Don't interfere. Bring the deer closer. I am all right...trying to recite the spell the Ring is showing me. I need concentration.
Goliathus titled his head slightly and with a shake of the head turned to grab the deer and haul the heavy creature close to the swirling birds.
The instant he did so, the eerie glow grew much stronger.
Inside the tornado, Alonus saw the words more clearly, as the birds squawked louder and flew faster. It was starting to make her dizzy so she closed her eyes and began to chant the words.
As each word was read, the written scrolls in her bag began to glow as well. Starcrow urged her on.
Go go! Chant. Words! Words!
Alonus sighed deeply and concentrated and read the mental scroll. The words glowed darker and bolder as she did so.
Airson aon a thoirt beatha...fosgail do chridhe agus inntinn...
The crows cried louder and louder, as their enormous fury of black and wind continued to swirl about her. The noise became deafening, but Alonus did her best to shout above it.
Outside of this, Goliathus watched with wide-open eyes. In the next moment Dinarius arrived with his own deer and without hestiting much he placed it near the other. Well. Two was better than one after all. They both stood then, watching the chaos in utter amazement.
Call doimhneachd na faileas...!
Thoir a-mach beatha bho bhas!
Thoir a-mach e, thoir air ais e thugainn!
An sagart... Alonus gasped, seeing the last word, the name of her beloved then appear. She had no idea what it all translated as, but she recited it nonetheless. She screamed out his name.
BARABAS!
At this, there was furious eruption of dark fire, that came over the entire area in waves, the racous of the crows at last being drowned out by its sound. Alonus felt the incredible heat, but she did not burn...she knew the dark fire...it only burned vampires and anything related to them. Still, it was uncomfortable beyond measure and she sweated profusely. Goliathus was roaring for her, and Dinarius did as well but she could not answer them.
After what seemed like an eternity the fire at last started to die down, and only dust, leaves, and debris were being kicked around by the fast dissipating winds.
However now a blurry silhoutte of a human shape could be seen. As Alonus watched in wonder, several crows fell around her dead to the ground, but at the moment she could not focus on them, even as the two deer bellowed out weakly in their last breaths and also fell dead seconds later as the dark magic had taken all of their life force. She could only see her beloved standing before her now, his white robes flowing in the wind as he stared at his hands in awe. There was a faint, eerie atmosphere around him, like a dark aurora in reverse.
"It has...worked?" He asked, a smile starting to form on his face as Alonus leapt up and embraced him tightly, sobbing on his shoulder.
"Oh...my love. To hold you again..." She grabbed his face and put her forehead to his.
"Barabas...it is really you. I can scarcely believe it."
Goliathus stood there perhaps even more shocked than his mother, as he could clearly remember what he had done to his father. How in the world could such an ancient spirit be standing here now in a solid form?
Barabas turned and regarded his son, although he offered a faint smile Goliathus could feel his dismay in him, which caused him to stare at the ground.
He said nothing to his son. Instead he turned to Dinarius and offered a handshake.
It's certainly nice to meet you.
The same...Dinarius. You are the nephew Alonus spoke often of in her stories with great sadness...how she missed you. I am glad that in the end, she found a way to bring you back.
I also truly appreciate you guarding my grandson...as well as his mother.
Ami will be safe with me. At least...I will do all that I can for her.
I know that you will... Barabas smiled again but it faded some when he looked back at Goliathus. However whatever else he wanted to say it seemed he decided otherwise and took both of Alonus's hands.
"We should go for a long walk, and talk about things."
"Yes, let's do so. Oh Barabas there is so much to be said...but we must remain wary. The vampires can be cunning and tricky, and we have no idea where they are."
Nodding Barabas led her away and almost instantly they chatted and even starting laughing as they conversed. Dinarius was overjoyed for his aunt but couldn't help the slight feeling of anxiety too. This whole thing was creepy even if amazing and hard to understand. He knew his cousin felt the same way as well.
What does this make father? He is not alive. Goliathus said with a snort.
He seems to be...in a way.
He is like a ghost...his scent is odd. It is not like a human. More like, perhaps...what dark magic smells like. He looked over at the dead deer and raised a brow at their now shriveled forms like they had been completely dehydrated of all blood and water. But the crows that littered the ground, about twenty of them, made him stare even longer.
This spell was powerful...VERY powerful if it even spent the energy of some of the crows.
It demands much energy indeed. That is all I know about it. Do we need to bury or burn these dead animals?
Just as he asked, another fire erupted out of nowhere and quickly consumed the birds and deer in mere minutes and then went out, smoke blowing into the wind.
Whoa...that's just like with the vampires. When you eat the heart...the rest of their body burns to dust with an eruption of fire. It's quite a sight to see.
Hm. More like in this case the dark mages knew to cover their tracks. They are clever.
Dinarius watched as Goliathus started to walk away, as if expecting him to say something else.
He did. He stopped but did not turn around.
Ami has said she is with you now. So be it. In the end...I will have her back, Dinarius.
Finally he looked over his shoulder, glaring at the other.
You understand? I will have her back.
He snorted again and opened his wings to fly, but just as he took the air, he heard the shouted response.
You will NOT. And if you know what's good for you...cousin, you won't test me. Because I won't hold back anymore.
Goliathus bristled with anger but chose not to discuss it any further and flew away and out of sight.
Dinarius grimaced, angry, and headed back to the alcove.
You really think you'll just have your way, don't you? Well. I'm not about to give her up. You will not have her back!
When he arrived back at the waterfall, all the wolves were either lying beneath the alcove or circling around the perimeter. Kitsune came bounding up to him with a chuff in greeting.
Master! The priest has returned!
Yes, I know. I'm still trying to process that...and what it all means. Where's my bat?
Puvo sleeps, with Ami.
He grinned and flew to the alcove's entrance, quietly going in and seeing Ami curled up in a corner with one of the wolves and Puvo on her shoulder.
Adalwolf, how did you get up here? Dinarius asked the timber colored lupine as its eyes shone at him in the darkness. He whined and yipped happily with tail wagging, but was unable to mindspeak.
Shrugging Dinarius sat close to Ami and gently ran a clawed hand through her hair. She was sound asleep but stirred slightly at the touch.
He decided it was best to let her rest for now. Tomorrow was another day.
Tomorrow he would tell her about Barabas.
/
Author's Notes- The gaelic is real and translates if you want to look it up ;) It's probably inaccurate though as a translator was used but I did the best I could. This chapter ended up going differently then expected. Sometimes I don't know where the muses will take me. Please review!
/
The utter evil of Ramonus is only beginning here. Also, there will be a lot of upcoming intensity between Dinarius and Ami. And of course the vampires will show how hideous they really are.
But hey, this story is mature for a reason! Please review, I appreciate those who are but it's a shame they've been so few and far between. At this point I'm only continuing the story because I want to finish it. I'm doing it for myself and for my most dedicated readers.