Creeper's Captive
Chapter 29
/
When Ami awoke she was pleased to find Dinarius sleeping beside her as well as one of the huge direwolves that had curled its warm body around her. She petted the soft fur as the sun glistened into cracks in the alcove, making many spots on the stones glitter like gold. Adalwolf stirred, gave a mighty yawn with huge teeth and then yipped at her in greeting.
"Well look at you, with all that beautiful timber fur." The wolf loved the attention as she patted and stroked its head and even scratched by the ears.
Look whose getting spoiled. Ami turned slightly to see Dinarius waking, his head crest pulling back and settling into place. He stretched a bit and then blinked at the strong sun rays. Wow, nice day. I see you made friends with Adalwolf here.
Is that his name?
Yes. And he has appointed himself your bodyguard, it seems.
Ami's face lit up, and Dinarius loved that happy expression. She loved the wolves just like he did, and that made him admire her even more. This amazing woman...who could fully love a creature like him.
Whoa a wolf of my own? That's unexpected! She grabbed the huge wolf around the neck (just barely) and gave a hug. Adal gave a low whine with his tail wagging away and licking her face.
Thank you, friend. The more protection, the better. Dinarius aimed the thought at the wolf who met dark brown eyes with him and waved its tail about excitedly.
It was strange, that the other wolves couldn't speak. They understood just fine, but perhaps the magic was just not able to spread amongst all of the Ring enough? He wasn't quite sure why this was the case. He stared into the eyes of the beast pressing for words, but this only caused the canine to yip and chatter. The beast got to all fours and barked some more at him.
You're only frustrating him I think, Dinarius.
I'm testing to see if even one word comes into my mind...I can see some visions, but nothing else. Perhaps I can find a way to get them all talking someday.
Or maybe Alonus can!
Maybe...hey that reminds me, you have someone to meet. Well, after breakfast anyway. Dinarius rubbed his growling stomach and Ami giggled.
I guess I'll have to roast some of your deer for breakfast. She got up, looking around for twigs or branches she could use to start a fire.
You don't mind? Dinarius rotated his shoulders and stretched quite a bit before finally getting ready to fly. Ami just grinned at him. Look I've had to live on nasty old venision jerky for three meals a day not too long ago...and that included poor Solarus...so yeah I don't mind. We're kinda making it work as we go along, anyway.
I could get some fish, too. Not only for you but Sollie too...I know he loves it.
Yes, yes thank you, Dinarius. Ami put her hands on her knees as she crouched to put the small pile of firewood together. I've got a couple matches left in my pocket but, they kinda got soaked. She frowned as she pulled them out and examined them.
Ah. I have a trick for that. He winked and pulled Puvo out from Adal's thick, furry neck who had been snoozing there the whole time. Once again he got a flurry of irritated chirps and a few nipped fingers.
Sorry pal. I know I've been an ass about disturbing your sleep lately. He chuckled. Could you please use a little bit of your magic to light a fire for Ami?
Puvo drooped his wings to his sides with a little shake of his head and then crawled out of his hands and along the cave floor until he reached the wood pile. His eyes glowed a fierce green just for a few seconds and a fire began on the small pile moments later.
Now that's a neat trick! Thanks Puvo! Ami smiled and Puvo seemed quite proud of himself.
Good work, buddy. OK Ami I'll go now...it seems safe up here especially with Adal and Puvo to guard you while I'm gone. He gave another warm smile. Think I'll take a nice shower in the waterfall afterwards, too...want to join me then?
He winked and took off with a smirk but Ami shivered all over. In THAT cold water? Hell no he's crazy I'm not going in there. Brrrr.
Puvo squeaked in total agreement, showing her mental images of his previous shower experiences and looking incredibly disgruntled for such a small creature. Ami burst out laughing.
/
Ramonus chased the hapless human child through the forest. She was about ten he estimated, but one heck of a determined little runt. Her fear was strong, but her will to live even stronger. However this meant very little to the heradus, he simply wanted to feast on her tender, young organs and nothing more. She meant nothing to him. Besides he had already eradicated nearly the entire campsite, loading the dead bodies in a gigantic pile near the center. He was about to start the real feasting after his hunting spree when this little bitch had escaped him. Annoyed, he opened his head crest to roar at her and she had taken off from the pile of firewood she had been hiding behind. Thus the chase had started and now they had been running for quite some time.
It doesn't matter where you go, little dear. You don't have the stamina I do...eventually you'll tire out, and then I'll tear off those juicy legs from your body and you won't be running anymore.
He chuckled loudly and sped up, huge talons digging sharply into the earth and kicking up great clumps of dirt as he did so. The forest was a bit too thick for any real flying but it didn't matter since he was enjoying the ground pursuit. Up ahead, the little girl with blonde hair whipping about fiercely in the wind as she ran, was indeed starting to tire. She kept yelling out for her mom or her older brother, but they were all dead.
"Justin! Justin!"
Pathetic, mewling creature. Your brother is dead, his heart was delicious.
The girl looked over her shoulder with a tear-stained face as she ran, she could hear the monster's painful thoughts and it made her cry even harder. He was not far behind, and gaining on her. Still, she didn't let the fear paralyze her completely and kept running as hard as she could even though her chest burned and her heart was pounding. Her dad had always told her to be strong no matter what the situation, and she was trying to do just that. He'd also taught her some about survival skills since he had been a hunter and outdoorsman.
Go away! Go away! You horrible monster! She had learned quickly this monster could shoot his thoughts around so she did, too.
Ramonus snorted at the remark and only grinned as they neared a cliff up ahead past a thick line of trees. Soon, she would have nowhere to go but down...and even if she tried to jump, he'd catch her from the air and she'd become his meal, one way or the other. No, he wouldn't let her escape from him even in a suicide attempt. Besides he'd seen that before, many times in fact. It was rather amusing to watch as a human would try to jump from a high point to escape him, only to watch in horror as time seemed to slow and Ramonus jumped too, spreading his wings and nearing them with outstretched arms and talons, grabbing them just before they could hit the ground or water. That look of absolute horror and defeat as they realized they could not escape him and soon would be eaten alive.
Such blissful memories.
The cliff came into view. The girl sprinted past the trees but then began to flag as she neared the outcropping of rocks and a wide river far below. In that moment Ramonus leapt to the open air and sprang down near her on purpose causing her to fall on her back, just to scare the poor girl and she screamed loudly. He raked at her shoulder and tore it badly, she screamed some more as she clutched her bleeding shoulder, scrambled back to her feet, and headed for the edge.
"Help me, help me!" She screamed, and continued to try and run, albeit more slowly and with labored, heaving breaths. Ramonus cackled again, his laughter echoing about the forest's edge.
Meanwhile, not too far away on the other side of the cliff, Goliathus heard the shrill cries for help and he rose from his slaughtered deer he had been eating, shaking blood from his claws. What was that? Ami?
No, it was too young sounding to be Ami...
"Help me, please! Somebody!"
Goliathus sniffed the air and listened carefully. After a moment he flew upwards to a high boulder and then he saw it...the sight of Ramonus and the tiny form of a human near the cliff's edge. It was a little child, he did not know her scent, but he could smell her raw fear clear as day.
For a moment, old feelings returned...of how tempting her fear was. She was injured too, and the coppery scent of blood was enough to draw him towards her, wanted or not.
However eating her was not his plan. He fought all of these old urges aside and flew as fast as possible to the scene.
Ramonus could have easily killed the girl now, but he was toying with her. As she scrambled on all fours to the edge of the cliff, wincing in pain from her injured shoulder, he simply walked behind her with an evil grin.
And what will you do now? Jump? Try it, see what happens.
Leave me alone! She turned to face him, sobbing, sunk down on her knees haphazardly and still breathing hard. Blood ran down her injured arm.
No, I think not.
Who ARE you? She demanded, still crying profusely.
That doesn't matter. You're going to be the tastiest meal I've had in a while...all that delicous fear seasoning your flesh.
Ramonus lunged forward just as she tried to move closer to the edge, but at that moment he felt an immense force slam into his right side and he violently rolled along the ground several feet before managing to use his claws to stop himself.
As he slowly rose trying to claim his bearings, Goliathus kicked him hard in the face and he felt his jaw break on one side and the large black talons tear through his skin.
Roaring in fury he got to his feet and snarled, seeing his great grandson glaring him down and with a loud huff he attempted to hit him again, but the other jumped back barely in time.
Oh...well hello there! Did you perhaps decide you wanted this girl for yourself, Mr. Creeper? Ramonus made a sweeping gesture towards the stunned child who was just watching them with wide eyes. Be my guest.
No. I am here to stop you from killing her.
Are you fucking serious? The giant black tipped wings snapped towards him as if in irritation. Goliathus I am afraid you are becoming rather soft. She's a tasty meal. Go and eat her, you know you want to. I'll just find another.
He grinned wickedly and chuckled. You go do that.
Oh? You think I should?
I told you, do what you will, but leave me out of it. I don't go by that name anymore either. I am just Goliathus.
Ramonus sighed, rubbing at his painful broken jaw and snarling. You are also just a pathetic guardian again it seems. I told you, we shouldn't fight. We should team up. He tilted his head, eyeing him closely for a time before speaking again.
You're not reformed. Barely, maybe. There's still time to go back to the truly superior being you've always been...my dear, dear great grandson. So join me. He offered a clawed hand, one covered in the girl's blood to shake on it.
Goliathus snorted loudly again and stepped back, not touching him. He bared his teeth and glared with a look Ramonus had not seen before. He went quiet and still, as if something had already changed between them.
I have been weakened by eating humans. Mother and father have proved this to me. There are vampires, and I intend to find them.
Silence reigned for several long minutes.
You are forgetting it was humans...in fact Roman soldiers...that tortured you, aren't you? And your mother? And what about dear Barabas killing your first human slut?
I have forgotten nothing. Goliathus flexed his claws, his fury building, but fighting hard to restrain himself. He would try not to let his great grandfather get to him. The mind games he played were cunning and tricky, and he knew this was only a taste of what he was capable of.
Also...call Aelia a slut again and I will rip your throat out.
A slow, creepy grin spread across Ramonus's face and he chuckled loudly.
Oh. Did I hit a nerve? He turned suddenly as he saw the young girl who had been slowly trying to crawl away unnoticed. Just as he moved towards her, Goliathus punched him hard in the gut, causing him to double over from the immense strength of the blow. Then he howled in fury as he felt the shark-like teeth sinking into his shoulder blade.
You will PAY for this betrayal! If you won't join me then you are nothing but human-loving garbage!
He leapt up into the air at incredible speed. Goliathus was surprised at how fast he lost sight of him, but he remembered how Ramonus could disappear for short spells. Quickly he moved towards the girl and grabbed her shrieking form and almost took off but at that moment Ramonus plummeted from the sky, crashing into him and with an enormous howl the two managed to roll right over the cliff.
Goliathus roared and lashed out with a wing, catching the side of the larger heradus's face who shrieked in rage as he lost his grip. He barely had the girl clutched under one arm and had only seconds to wrap wings about himself and his charge in the next moment before they smacked down onto the river, causing a great geyser of water to spray updwards. It hit Ramonus in the face seconds before he too hit the water, temporarily blinding his senses.
Furiously Goliathus clawed his way to the surface, with the sputtering girl still screaming and now coughing water from her lungs.
Quiet!
Amazingly she quieted down , staring at him with wide wonder as he pulled them both out of the frigid water after swimming towards the bank.
Shaking water off his dripping form Golaithus then quickly took to the air, but noticed how his right wing hurt badly. He realized he had torn a muscle, and it was very painful flying now. Still, he couldn't stop lest the girl be brutalized by his psychotic relative.
These thoughts were foreign to him but still, they were there. For reasons he could not fully comprehend, he was trying to protect the girl. It seemed instinctual and natural, and yet...also surprising to himself. Maybe he really was changing.
They flew on for several miles, Goliathus occassionally looking back to see if Ramonus followed.
He didn't. Perhaps he had finally given up and disappeared again. His great grandfather was unpredictable but also...his main motives were pretty easy to determine. Wasting anymore time chasing them would mean less time hunting humans. Ramonus was furious but had finally decided one little human child was no longer worth anymore of his efforts, and that fact was solidified when Golaithus turned again and saw him flying off in the other direction.
He had just saved this girl's life.
He wasn't sure how to feel about it.
/
Goliathus had almost returned to the campsite when the pain in his wing forced him to land. He had to eat and get it repaired, it was bad enough to make even him wince. The little girl sat on the rock ledge where he had landed, still staring at him in wide-eyed wonder mixed with her fear.
"Hi...uhm...did you save me? Or are you... going to eat... me instead?" She asked the question in a halting manner as she cried and wiped tears from her face. The girl was nothing but misery and he could feel it. He sighed and crouched down near her, trying to appear less frightening.
I saved you.
She blinked a moment and rubbed her head. "I wish you wouldn't talk inside my head. It hurts."
"Sorry. Speaking is not...my thing."
The voice was terrifying...deep, raspy and grating and she backed up just slightly with wide eyes.
"Okay...maybe it's better you don't then. I'd rather have the headache." She whispered.
He chuckled slightly at this but nodded.
You said your name was Goliathus? I head the other gargoyle speaking too.
Yes. But we are not gargoyles. Well...not really. Goliathus winced, rubbing at his aching back where the wing connected.
The young girl watched, frowning. You're hurt too.
It is nothing a little meat won't fix-
She gasped again, scuttling away more from him and dangerously close to the ledge. Well, this was becoming a fimiliar situation. He quickly moved to prevent her from falling, but she shrieked and used both arms to cover over her head, mistaking his movements as a threat.
No! Don't eat me! Please!
I will not. I spoke of deer...not...you.
The young child's heart was going a mile a minute, but she peered through a space between her arms.
You...promise?
He sighed with a grunt. Yes. I promise. Listen, you stay here, I will be back shortly.
Slowly rising he groaned as he spread his wings open again, but before leaving he looked back at her. What shall I call you?
Oh! Sorry. I'm Josephine. A lot of people call me Josie, though. She gave him a weak smile and Goliathus simply gave a slight nod before going in search of food to heal himself.
Josephine sat there watching him go a while, holding her knees and tears streaming down her face. Her whole family was gone. Without this terrifying creature called Goliathus, she was old enough to know she'd stand no chance of survival out here in the wilderness...at least not in her condition. Tearing some of her shirt she tied it tightly around her wounded shoulder, and then moved back to rest against the mountainside. For a while, she sobbed, whispering the names of her now dead family. Then she promptly passed out asleep from exhaustion.
/
Goliathus feasted on another slaughtered deer with relish and felt his wing healing. The pain finally melting away he was satisfied, and wasted no time in flying back to the girl he had left on the rock ledge. When he arrived, his talons clicking lightly on the stone ground as he landed, he saw her fast asleep in an upright position, but she was shivering. Night had almost fallen, there was very little light save for the barest of sunset which still remained, and it was getting quite cold.
No good. She will get sick. Goliathus said quietly to himself as he neared, picking her up (she only stirred slightly, mumbling names in her sleep) and taking to the air. He had to head back to the camp and check on mother. He also knew she was a fine healer, she'd know how to care for Josephine's needs better than he would.
As they flew the girl put his arms around his neck and held on tight, although she still did not awake.
Goliathus realized how much he liked the feeling of her depending on him.
'Guardian. Protector. You are protecting me.' Ami's words of the past came to his memory in that moment. Once, not too long ago on a little island she had said that to him. He hadn't said anything then in response, only felt a purr rise in his chest...unbidden. He had fought it away but now he understood this feeling he hadn't known in a very long time.
She had been right.
/
Catrice Valient sat in the opulant dining hall of the large castle in her blue evening gown and white silk gloves, looking tired and bored. For the past few days the Royal clan had spoken of nothing in fervent whispers and a sense of urgency about the loss of Sampson. When some trace of him had finally been located in a remote forest near Bells Rock in the southern regions, they could find nothing but a pile of ash. Still they knew it was him. Marcus was furious...and nervous. And whenener her elder brother got nervous...he became an unpleasant character to deal with.
He was standing off to one side of the huge, elobarately decorated doorway with a few of his trusted council members. She recognized his right-hand regent Donovan with his shoulder-length greying hair and tall form, as well as curly-haired Drake who always dressed in a black trenchcoat and his ever-brooding brother Taal, who was looking more annoyed than anything else. Catrice could not make out much of what they were saying but truthfully she could care less. Grabbing her crystal wine glass she sipped on the delicate and sweet Riesling with a slight grin on her face from the flavor.
"Catrice!" Sighing, she set the glass down slowly and turned to her brother, who was now beside her, while resting her chin in her hand. Pale-blue eyes blinked at him slowly.
"Yes, dearest brother of mine?"
"If you don't mind we have more pressing matters then you finishing off your dessert wine. I'm pairing you up with Drake and Taal to go search for more answers regarding Sampson-"
She rolled her eyes and he stopped, glaring at her. "Don't be ridiculous. Who cares about that neonate Sampson? He was a traitor anyway, talking about leaving our food alive and all his nonsensical arguments with-"
She did not expect the tremendous burst of pain as he struck her hard across the face, and she gasped in pure shock.
"Remember who you are speaking to!" He shouted, causing all of the other vampires in the room to go silent and look towards the siblings.
Catrice slowly rose to her feet and forced herself to remain composed. She tried to ignore the stinging pain on her cheek from the blow. "Brother despite your position you have no right to be striking me!" She shouted the last words at him, but his icy glare didn't budge.
He seemed to ignore her statement completely. "Every vampire lost matters, sister. But more than that, I want to know what managed to kill him and how. GO with Drake and Taal, and find out what's going on." When she didn't move and kept staring at him defiantly, he slammed down on the table with a fist, causing her glass to go falling onto the floor and shatter into pieces. Flinching slightly, she sighed deeply and rubbed her temples. "Of course, Marcus. Allow me to go to my room first and change, if you don't awfully mind." With that she brusquely swept past him, high heels clicking furiously on the marble floor as she left the room. On the way down the brazier-lit hallway to her large bedroom, she flung open the door and slammed it with a yell. How she hated him. Once she could at least get along with him to some degree when they were much younger, but ever since he had become the leader he was insufferable.
Why do I have to be related to the biggest asshole in the coven? She sighed again and carefully took off her favorite dress (she'd be damned if Marcus caused her to ruin it in her anger) and hung it back up in her ornate Japanese wardrobe and put black clothes on instead to hide her in the night, a simple blouse and pair of dark jeans. She pulled the clasp out of her brunette hair and let it hang loose and scowled into her large floor mirror while bearing her teeth.
Well all right brother. I'll go on this little mission for you. But know this...someday this clan will be MINE.
/
Alonus walked the treeline with Barabas in front, marvelling at his eerie presence. While he seemed to walk and move normally enough, a dark shadow of sorts persisted around his form and undulated slowly like a living force.
Is that what the dark magic actually looks like?
Also, as he moved, things died around him. Plants he touched would shrivel, some small animals nearby such as a mouse would shriek, curl up and die, and the very air seemed to still. Even more eerie, several of the crows followed him high above. Everywhere.
This wasn't anything like she had expected, and she frowned, but refused to allow any further negative thoughts to enter her mind. They would simply have to find a way to cope with all of Barabas's interesting...qualities.
My love you will have to learn how to control that power.
Barabas turned to her, his robes constantly waving about in tune with the shadows, as if a soft wind in slow motion.
I am not so sure that I can. It worries me, Alonus. If I touch you long enough, will the same happen to you?
As I said, if you learn to master it I think it will go better. You are a Dark Shadow mage now. It is a power which can be controlled as all mages of the ancient past learned to do.
Barabas didn't show much emotion, as was usual for him in his quiet, reserved manner, but he smiled for her and nodded. Turning he continued to walk and she followed him until at last they reached a pure, sandy beach of a huge sparkling lake where they sat down together.
Ah! How beautiful it is here.
Truly. Far better than the dusty desert I once lived in.
Alonus chuckled and showed little fear as she leaned into him. He was unfortunately cold to the touch, still more like a ghost, but nonetheless she adored being so close to him again. This action did not seem to drain her energy either. She figured it simply had no effect on heradus. They were truly immune to dark magic, a fact that even after all this time was still a marvel to her.
Alonus you said that I had to learn to forgive myself. He turned to her and she nodded, a clawed hand touching his own shadowed one.
Yes. Yes my beloved you do.
In some ways I suppose I do...although I am not so sure that Goliathus will. But I have a question. He stared into her eyes a moment. Do you forgive me?
She nodded, stroking his hand. I do. You know that I do. While we faced some great trials...in the end our son made his own decisions. I do not blame you for it, Barabas. It is OUR kind. We have a terrible hunger that the males especially find they are weak against. It is a quality in which...well...in which I hope someday to find an answer for. A cure, if you will.
Barabas seemed to absorb her words and looked back out over the water, but he shook his head.
A cure I fear is...impossible. It is your nature. The heradus are designed with a fierce hunger to kill and consume these monstrous vampires. It must have been that once they were in far greater numbers. So much so that the mages were desperate to find a force to stop them. But every strong force does indeed have at least one weakness. Still my love, you did well in avoiding this curse. Even if your relatives...did not.
Alonus gave a short sigh and curled her knees to her chest. My poor father I can forgive...he was so miserable and disbelieving at what he had done, and he fought the Hunger until the end. I knew how much he loved my mother, how he adored and spoiled this human who loved him despite appearances, despite his nature, despite everything. Loved him so much that she bore him a child. He could not bare to kill a human, even though many that did find out about us despised and feared us he still knew that not all humans were like this. Some could be friends and learn to live with us in harmony. Even if in secret. But...as for Ramonus...
She lifted her chin and glared out over the water at the thought of her grandfather, and Barabas turned to look at her with sad, understanding eyes.
Ramonus is an evil monster past any reformation. I have only one desire in regards to him, and that is to find a way to destroy him forever. Her expression softened and she turned back to Barabas, leaning in for a kiss that he embraced.
Something tells me you are the key to that, my love.
/
Dinaris was under the cool waterfall and getting himself clean after feasting on a few deer. He was soon joined by Ami who came up riding on Adalwolf who didn't seem to mind at all that she was on his back.
He turned, blinking at them in surprise. How did you get down from there?
Ami smiled. These guys are super strong...Adal jumped down! He found crevices and crannies in order to gain purchase, and made a few leaps down. Admittedly I was nervous but we got to the ground safely. She shrugged, while the direwolf just waved his tail about. Ami hopped off and sat down closeby on one of the many smooth rocks.
Dinarius smirked slightly because she was once again blushing, too. He wondered how long it would take for her to get over this nakedness thing, but he figured it was just part of her own experiences and human nature. Most of them just didn't like being without clothes on. He took a few more minutes to finish showering, then stepped out of the pool and shook his mane of water much like a dog would.
Aren't you freezing, Dinarius? She asked him, in disbelief of how he could tolerate such cold water with barely a shiver.
Nah. We can handle most temperatures...but I'm not a fan of heat. Too hot and I feel all my energy dissipating.
He came near and sighed, folding his arms. I'm a whole lot more concerned about what's going on with everyone else...haven't seen Alonus in a while although I know she's with Barabas. And Goliathus...he's gone and left Sollie in his cave...but I think maybe he ran into trouble or something.
Ami shot to her feet. Oh my god is Sollie ok?
Yeah he's fine. I checked on him and gave him the few fish I managed to find. Sleeping peaceful as anything in there. His dad knows how to hide him well, too. He's in this little natural crevice in the cave wall that almost looks like a crude bed of sorts and his grey skin blends right in.
Ami came up closer and leaned into Dinarius, getting a little wet in the process, but he wrapped his wings around her and held her close. Don't worry about him, he'll be all right. Instinctively like a baby fawn he knows what to do if he senses danger. Hide, and stay quiet. His lack of natural scent makes him hard to find, anyway.
She nodded, and he could feel some of her anxiety melting away. Ami was getting better at controlling her emotions again, and he was very happy about this. She needed healing after all just as much as her ex-lover did. Most of all, he wanted her to feel she could trust him.
They held each other for a little while and then he let go, but she seemed reluctant to do the same.
I wouldn't join you in that freezing cold water for anything, Dinarius. She chuckled, pulling him closer to the ground as he wondered what she was doing. But my hunger for you is a whole different story.
He joined her on the soft, sandy ground and kissed her wildly, clawed hands caressing all over as she moaned and writhed beneath him.
What is going on here? Her scent of heat is...just so strong... There was already a baby, wasn't there? Shaking his head he ignored the strange scent of change in her and reached down to gently nudge her legs. She did nothing to resist him and in no time at all he was thrusting against her on the ground while Adal watched curiously from a distance with his head resting on his paws, tilting his head back and forth at the myriad of sounds they were making.
Then his ears perked and he looked upwards, catching sight of something nearing in the sky...two forms in fact. He growled slightly as he realized it was Goliathus, but he was carrying the scent of something human. Was it a prey victim? Snarling he leapt up to his big furry feet and ran past the lovemaking couple and down the woody path for a time until he met up with the huge heradus just as he landed. Goliathus saw the large canine bounding towards him and tensed, expecting an attack. Josie, who had awakened at the moment they landed, gasped and clung tighter, burying her face in his shoulder but then there was quiet. She turned her head slowly to see the wolf snarling low but just staring at them.
Well. I half expected it to be Kitsune. Calm yourself, I intend no harm to this young girl. Ramonus came after her, and I intervened. Her family is gone, and now she has no one.
The growling quieted and now the beast looked at him, confused but wary. After staring several more minutes Goliathus could feel the creature demanding the child be let go and away from him. Not words at all, just odd...feelings. It amazed him as he had never known such strange communication was possible with animals. Still, he got the point and put Josie down, but she still clung to him.
It is all right. The wolves are friends...of a sort. They will not harm you. Go with this one and you will find another like me, her name is Alonus. She is my mother who can help you...you are becoming hot with fever.
Josie swayed on her feet, indeed she was starting to feel sick. All of the trauma in the past day had taken its toll on her. Ok. Was all she said, before she slowly ambled over to the wolf who whined and seemed concerned. She dropped to her knees wearily and clung to the beast's furry neck when she realized the huge animal was indeed not going to harm her. He nosed her and urged the child to climb on his back before he turned, giving Goliathus one last long stare and then sprinting back through the forest and away from the waterfall.
Goliathus watched a while, but he stood rooted in his spot. Just a few yards away, he could see Dinarius and Ami on the ground. Because of the rocks around them it was hard to see much of what they were doing, but he knew all the same. His claws curled into fists when he realized something else by scent alone.
His daughter was gone. The pregnancy had failed and Ami hadn't even noticed, her body had just reabsorbed it. And now, already she was back into heat.
Dinarius had caused it, whether he realized that or not. His own growing connections to Ami had elimanted the pregnancy as a natural effect of the new partner. So was the way of the rare breeders.
The fury and hurt that grew within Goliathus could not be contained. How he knew and understood any of this was beyond him...but at the moment he didn't even care. All he wanted to do was hurt Dinarius for all of this, in the way that he had hurt him. He'd stolen his woman, taken his breeder, and even managed to eliminate his daughter who barely had a chance to exist.
Trembling he still stood where he was, not sure what to do next. He didn't want to hurt Ami but he certainly wanted to stop their heated bliss. She was HIS after all...HIS!
Huffing and growling he decided simply waiting for an opportunity was best. He sat down slowly on a fallen log by a tree, and waited.
/
After several more minutes the two sweaty lovers finally pulled apart and simply lay there on the soft ground. Ami ran a hand through Dinarius's hair, smiling lovingly at him with pinked cheeks.
Wow. Any other time you get in that sort of mood Ami, please let me know. He chuckled but she shoved him with a grin and sat up. I don't know what came over me but I enjoyed it as much as you did. Hmmm. You are a rather skilled lover, aren't you? She ran hands again down his soft mane. Awfully nice to pet, too. She giggled and he kissed her neck, lingering but for a moment. Sighing he stood up reluctantly and brushed some sand off himself. We'd better be done with this little liason though and-
Suddenly he looked to his right and went silent, almost stiffening in place. Ami blinked, wondering what that was about when she gasped following his gaze, seeing who was sitting there in the near distance, glaring down on them.
Is that...who I think it is?
Dinarius did not respond, but she could see him tense more.
Please don't fight with him remember what we were saying about this?
The long-tailed heradus growled low. He's going to attack me. You'd best get out of the way and hide somewhere Ami, just to be safe.
No! Dinarius don't do this he-
HE is making that decision. But let him come at me. He'll regret it. Still staring at the other in the distance he made a few carefully measured steps and snarled, loudly now.
Goliathus rose his head crest and roared. He then came barreling forward at frightening speed towards Dinarius. Ami gave a small yell and scrambled up to run briefly and crouch behind a large builder further away, but she peered out to watch them. Her heart was going fast and tears welled in her eyes, but what could she do?
The only thing she could do was hope Dinarius could manage him, as brutal as this fight would be.
Goliathus kept running, and when the inevitable happened and they collided together, there was the sound of claws scraping against dirt and stone but Dinarius did not fall. He almost had fully absorbed the impact and was clutching to the arms of the much larger heradus. Infuriarated Goliathus managed a strong punch regardless to his middle, but was rather surprised when a grey talon came up not one second later and hit with with such force that he actually buckled and went down on one knee. Groaning from the pain he slowly stood, but now he just saw nothing but white. Pure and blind rage. He began to claw and tear furiously at Dinarius's hide but his face exploded in pain from another fierce punch right to his nose. He felt the blood gush from his nostrils, and coughed as some of it ran down the back of his throat and he spat. Still he fought with nothing but pure testosterone-fueled anger, and sliced into the other's wings who howled in pain.
This was gaining Goliathus nothing but he didn't care. All he could feel was hurt and despair. He just wanted to cause his cousin misery as great as his own.
Unfortantely for him, he had not taken one important fact into account. Dinarius had eaten a vampire...he had not. His eyes only widened as his cousin managed to heave him up and slam him down, almost like a wrestling move, and then use his elbows to land heavy blows to his chest. This caused one of his lungs to collapse and he coughed and choked, sputtering to get air. Black blood sprayed out of his mouth as he did so, but he opened his maw wide and clamped down on the nearest shoulder, sinking his shark like teeth deep and trying to tear off a chunk. Dinarius hissed and used a knee to hit the other in the groin, and this caused a mighty roar of pain. Goliathus was now on the ground and losing this fight fast. He was furious but all his anger was not enough to deal with the raw power the other now had. He could only continue to scream and roar as Dinarius used his fists and knees to continually land blows.
After several minutes of this his cousin finally backed off and stood, crouched and waiting. Goliathus shot to his feet, although he could not help but clutch his middle as the pain was intense. He looked up to see Dinarius was dripping blood everywhere too; his hide full of rivulets from his claws and one wing shredded. But the fury in his eyes matched his own, and the two stood there for a while, panting and staring each other down.
You fucking done yet?
Golaithus snarled with such intense malice in his eyes, but he stood heaving and bleeding worse than the other. I hate you.
Well good. Aren't you mature, acting like a child when you can't have your way. All of this...your little tantrum.
Say another word and I will make sure you cannot fly anywhere after ripping both of your wings off.
Dinarius rose to a full standing position, and shook his head slowly. You are pathetic. Really you are. Go to hell with your threats, I'm not afraid of you. All of his furry white mane stood on end, and suddenly a flurry of chirps signalled Puvo was on his way.
Golaithus went to duck out of the way but not fast enough. A powerful blast of green magic once again hit him full on, and he went flying backwards and landed on the ground with a hard thud.
Thanks Puvo, but let me handle this. He turned to the little agitated bat who was flapping furiously in the air next to him, all his pincer teeth bared. Reluctantly, he obeyed and flew behind to his neck, crawling under his mane.
HELP. HURT MASTER. PROTECT.
Yeah I know, Puvo. Relax. My cousin here is having his little fit, but he won't win.
Goliathus shakily got to his feet again, growling and huffing. His breathing was now incredibly labored and blood still dripped from his nose and mouth. Dinarius was surprised to see the tremble in his legs. He really was struggling.
Come at me again if it will make you feel better. Go on. Dinarius huffed, his icy blue eyes boring into Goliathus like knives.
You have killed my daughter you insolent little brat.
Say what now?
You heard me. She is gone.
Dinarius felt his heart sink. That's terrible. He looked over at Ami, hoping for the time being that she hadn't heard. But how is this my fault? Miscarriages can happen. Especially with breeders, actually...
It is because of you. I am not sure how I know...I just do. Your mating with her has cancelled out the pregnancy. I am assuming to make way for your own offpsring. Goliathus was still hunched over slightly and had his eyes lifted towards him, emanating nothing but malice.
Dinarius went still, not sure how he felt about this revelation. He was of course incredibly happy to think he might have his own child...something he never thought possible...but at the cost of another? Was he really responsible for this?
If that is true then I knew nothing of such consequences, cousin.
You also stole her from me...
No, that's laughable. I didn't steal anything. He pointed a long, bony claw at him. YOU made her run from you and come to me. I only saw an opportunity to take this gentle soul and protect her...from YOU! The one who would have killed her if auntie had not intervened that time.
He crouched back into a fighting stance. So I dare you, attack me again. I said to you before we can be friends or enemies, but that is your choice. I don't want to fight you but if you insist on making an ass of yourself, then go right ahead.
They both stood for several, long minutes and the very forest had quieted as if every living thing was waiting with baited breath. Ami was still behind the rock and continuing to watch with sad, worried eyes. This fight was far worse than with what she had witnessed between Goliathus and his mother. Even worse, she could hear none of their mental conversation.
It seemed Goliathus might give up then as he backed up a few steps, but then he surged forward again with wings outstretched. Somehow Dinarius just barely managed to avoid the snapping wings which would have taken his own clean off...or maybe even his arms if that what he was aiming for. He whirled around then with his tail like a whip, and a loud SNAP echoed through the air, opening up a gaping wound in Goliathus's side, and more blood poured out. He screamed so loud that Ami had to cover her ears, and STILL he rose to charge at his cousin again. They crashed together once more, but now Goliathus was flagging. His energy was fast seeping out of him with the tremendous loss of blood. Worse yet, Dinarius took the opportunity to shove him back onto the mountain wall behind them and started punching him repeatedly in the face and chest. The onslaught of blows and pain was overwhelming. Goliathus howled more weakly; memories of his tormentors rushing into his mind and instead of punches and fists he began to see images of needles, coming at him and stabbing into his eyes. Knives coming at him and slicing into his flesh as they dissected him; his mother shrieking loud in her agony as they plucked her eyes out.
He sank to his knees and made a horrible keening sound that stopped Dinarius instantly. He stepped back and saw Goliathus curl into a ball, his forehead against his knees and then he simply began weeping.
Silence still reigned in the forest itself. Other than the rushing water, nothing else could be heard but the heaving, panting breaths of the two badly injured heradus.
Dinarius took a few more steps back, absoutely taken by surprise at the sight of his cousin. It looked as if his very spirit had been broken. He nodded slowly to himself and walked away, more like limped actually...until he found Ami who sprinted from behind the rock and ran to him, crying herself.
She knew it was over now.
Truly over.
/
Author's Notes- Merry Christmas all! Here, have a finally completed chapter as a present! Next should come in two to three weeks. I am still on a roll and hoping you all are enjoying the chapter, even if you don't leave a review. Still, if you can find time to leave some comments I'd appreciate it!