Goliathus Chronicles

Chapter 33- A New Beginning

/

Jezelle managed to get a vial of blood from Goliathus despite the fact she was far less experienced and made him hiss in response. Apologizing profusely she tried her best not to hesitate too long knowing Ami's urgent situation, and injected the half human, helf heradus girl quickly.

Ami had taken the next dose of heradus blood far better than the first. After some time the pain finally ceased. She felt better...no more than better...she felt amazing. Her hunger increased tenfold, and Dinarius helped out by bringing her more food. He was on the ball, and Goliathus was happy for it, despite their tenuos friendship at the moment and the argument, he had come back with whatever remained in the kitchen, which wasn't much.

That was fast. Thank you.

Dinarius gave a nod, but didn't meet eyes with him. He was too focused on Ami anyhow, who was shapeshifting right before their very eyes. Her wings started to flesh out, with a strange rosy colored skin Dinarius could not remember ever having seen before on a heradus. She formed her own head crest, wicked curved teeth, full claws and talons...and a tail.

That surprised him.

"Well...oh...geez. Is it done already? She looks done to me."

Goliathus was staring in amazement, probably even moreso than Dinarius, or even Jezelle who looked frozen in shock.

Beautiful. Goliathus said gently, his mind voice quite hushed. Surging forward he knelt by Ami to helps support her as tried to push herself up with her hands off the floor, and rubbed her forehead.

Wow I feel strange. You have no idea how strange this feels...and good lord the smells! What are all of those smells? It's maddening!

Dinarius chuckled. Things you never noticed before, that's what. Don't worry Ami, you'll get used to it. By the way, you look stunning if I do say so myself. Check out the mirror.

Slowly she rose, and noticed the different feel of weight on her back from the wings which hung haphazardly along her sides. Goliathus turned her towards the mirror...and she gasped.

Part of her almost wanted to scream, but not out of horror. It was more like perhaps she didn't even realize how different she would look after all of this.

Rosy, scaled skin much like her male companions, but the bumps and ridges were less severe...such as with Navius. She was taller, and lithe...a lot like Dinarius but even more serpentine. Her tail was longer than his, and her wings quite long. Her feet had turned into long talons with dark, rosy tips and her hands were clawed with elongated fingers. Her mouth felt strange too and when she opened it, set in her jaws were rows of wickedly curved teeth, sharp as razor blades.

Uhm...wow. That was the only thought Ami could manage in the moment. Dinarius, however, was marveling at her eyes...such an icy, pale blue like he had never seen. He shook his head, meeting eyes with Goliathus a moment who seemed to agree without words.

She has done it. He said at last, after a long spell of silence between all of them.

DAMN, you lucky bastard. That's one hot female heradus.

Goliathus actually chuckled at the pup's words. Maybe so. But I am more relieved that she is all right. She has survived the ordeal.

Yes. But now the hunger. Good lord, we will have to teach her to hunt fast, and now. Errr, someone has to get her flying. You want me to help?

We can ALL help. I will get the children. They can see her now. Goliathus turned to leave, but Dinarius stepped out in front of him.

You think...they'll be ok with this?

Why would they not be?

They've only known their mother as a human.

True. But they also know that as human, she will die. And I have known this. Now, we can be a family for what I hope to be a very long time. If the children are not ok with it, then in time they will have to get used to it. But I doubt this, Dinarius. I happen to believe Solarus especially will be pleased. With that he left the room, and Dinarius turned his attention back to Ami.

Finally Jezelle moved, although she didn't exactly look happy.

"Oh good lord have mercy."

"What's wrong, Jezelle?" Dinarius asked, looking over at her with concerned eyes/

"I hope this is what she really wants."

Ami sighed, and turned around to face the psychic. "I'm ok, Jezelle, really I am. Of course this is what I want...or I never would have gone through with it. But as I see it, I can not only be with my family now for as long as possible, I can also help in the fight against vampires."

"Hell yeah! Now that you're more badass than ever!" Ami turned quickly to the small voice, and saw her son Solarus staring at her from the doorway with wide eyes. His father stood behind him with a smirk, while Navi also marvelled and stood there stunned.

Solarus, your language...

Oh! Sorry mom. But you are badass!

Mom, did it hurt? Are you all right? Navi looked concerned, her eyes shimmering.

She walked over to them and held them tight. Yes, I'm all right. She paused with a frown. But I'm hungry..again.

Oh c'mon, I KNOW that feeling! I'm always hungry. Solarus grinned at his mother.

You're a pig, Sollie.

I am not! I just eat a lot because I'm a growing boy... he huffed, with arms folded.

Goliathus quickly pushed past his arguing children, effectively silencing them. Ami let us get you flying, and quickly. We also need to find more food...for all of us, the kitchen is empty.

Dinarius nodded at the leader's words in agreement, but sighed. The crows outside sense something though. We might have an unwanted visitor nearby.

Marcus?

I think so. And I smell shed blood...I think it's that Jenner girl out there somwhere, but I can't be sure She could have just gotten wounded but still went home. he paused a moment and then gave a deep, forlorn sigh.

Listen Goliathus I'm going to go and get my bat...I think I can manage it without anyone noticing, and then I will be back as fast as I can. If I see Marcus or anyone else for that matter, I will let you know immediately. I have to get him though, I can't take much more of this empty feeling. Dinarius frowned, scratching his neck again out of force of habit, his very soul feeling like a void without Puvo there.

Goliathus only nodded in agreement. Of course. When you find him bring him to me. I am sure the talisman can heal him just as it did my raven.

Puvo was important anyhow, they needed him to help find and complete Dinarius' own Ring.

Ok then. I'll be back as fast as I possibly can. He leapt into the air, and was gone in moments into the inky blackness of the night.

/

Goliathus decided to hold off on the flying lessons until the other returned...and explained this to his family. Ami agreed wholeheartedly and could completely understand Dinarius' need for his little companion. After all, that bat was made for him and part of his own powers.

Those crows of yours are so vigilant on their watch that I don't think we'll be in danger for the time being. But I sense it too, Gollie...I sense that vampire creep is close by. She growled now herself, which caused Goliathus to grin.

I think you will like the taste of vampires. I will be sure to let you have the heart of Marcus when we catch him...because we will.

Now that sounds good...which is the weirdest thing I think I've ever said. This will take some major getting used to. She smiled and hugged him, and they held for a long time, just enjoying each other's company. Goliathus realized much to his delight that Ami did not smell much different...it was still her in every way, just in a different body. A new shell, as one could put it. Still he was filled with an immense happiness like he had never known. This woman could put past all fear and love him to the point that she would not only have his children...she would be like him in every way so that they could stay together. It was such a foreign emotion to him, but he absorbed it into his very soul.

/

When Dinarius arrived at his former prison, he was indeed surprised to find no one there. It had been abandoned apparently. But had anyone taken Puvo's remains? He hoped they hadn't even bothered with them, considering they probably thought the bat gone for good.

But he felt a very faint connection, and as he moved slowly about the dungeon he stopped short as he felt something near his foot. And there it was, Puvo's bones and charred ash around him. Dinarius rarely cried about anything, but he felt a tear or two fight its way to the surface, moistening his eyes.

Damn it, they are going to PAY for doing this to you.

Dinarius carefully gathered every last little bone he could find and quickly got out of there. He was sure if he stayed around long enough, someone would have noticed.

But he wondered where are all of the vampires had gone, and especially the Shadows. They were up to something, and he knew it. Letting their guard down would not be wise, even for one instant.

/

When Dinarius returned Goliathus and Ami were already waiting for him inside. The children had also gathered, wanting to see Puvo again.

When Solarus saw the bones, he sighed with tears in his eyes, as did his sister.

"They did that to him? How could they kill Puvo?" Solarus hiccuped.

"They didn't, little guy. It seems that way, but they forget how powerful these familiars are. Puvo can come back, I'm sure of it." Dinarius looked hopefully at Goliathus, who nodded and took the remains carefully into his own claws. He sat down, and concentrated. The talisman glowed and he tried for a long while, but nothing happened.

Dinarius stared at the bones, crestfallen. Why isn't it working?

Goliathus thought on this for several minutes, then got an idea. Cut yourself, and use some of your own blood. He is connected to you, not me. I think that is what we need to make it work.

Without much hesitation the other heradus complied, and used his own teeth to bite deep into his wrist. He flinched slightly, but came over quickly and allowed the seeping blood to drip onto the bones. That triggered some odd movement, and when Goliathus tried again, everything started to reform until a quivering, agitated bat with a fluff of white fur to match his master came back to life and looked up. He chirped happily, and immediately flew onto his shoulder and planted himself against the back of his neck.

And Dinarius finally felt as that void was finally filled. He was once again complete.

/

Ok! You ready for this?

Ami, Goliathus, and Dinarius were on a ledge above the Atrium, with the great night sky yawning out before them. Ami was staring at the myriad of sparkling stars her human eyes had never been able to see. There were so many stars now to her newly heightened sense of sight, that it was almost dizzying. Tears formed in her eyes, tears of wonderment and joy.

Hey, stay focused Ami, we don't have time for all the amazement and stuff. Look, look at the crows, they are restless. It's not a good sign. Dinarius urged, fanning out his wings in a sign she should do the same.

Snapping out of it, she listened and moved her shoulders in a completely foreign way. A way in which newly formed wings would respond and move. She flapped them only once and felt herself lift a little in surprise.

Whoa!

Yeah...it's like that. Our wings are powerful, it doesn't take much to get in the air. You have to remember that, or you'll go all over the place or way too high. Got it? C'mon, let's just try gliding first, and get you used to directing yourself.

Goliathus stood and watched, he was ok with Dinarius helping, but hid his annoyance. It was like he was trying to take over the whole thing, which is what he didn't like. Still, he decided fighting over it was not in this best interest at the moment and would have to be dealt with later.

Dinarius leapt off the edge, and glided away. In no time at all , he was out of sight, but he sent some mental encouragement.

Gollie?

I am right here, beloved.

Go with me. I'm terrified here. I have this feeling I'll just plummet. Ami stood as her long brown hair swayed in the wind and ruffled her outstretched wings.

You will not. Trust yourself and your new abilities. But you have to remember the wind currents. They direct where you go and the key is knowing how to flow with them or fight against them when you need to.

He unfurled his own massive wingspan and stepped closer to Ami with his classic grin.

Nothing more was said and when he leapt forward, she followed.

/

Puvo had circled the perimeter many times at his master's command, finding no sign of Marcus. After a while he landed near Starcrow, who puffed out his feathers immediatey as if in a greeting.

Puvo? Puvo? No Mar? No Mar?

Puvo shook his head, his little body quivering all over with every movement. He showed the bird mental pictures of empty fields, Ami trying to fly with the other heradus, and the crows everywhere. But no vampire.

Not good! No Mar. Hiding. Bad. Crows find!

With that Starcrow took off with a loud caw, calling many other crows to him, who went out in many directions, determined to find Marcus Valiant.

Puvo stayed where he was for several more minutes, his little head jerking back and forth and ears twitching. After a while, he saw her. On the ground near some big trees, and bleeding with two bite marks on her neck. Puvo gave a squeak of alarm and headed back quickly to his master.

/

A high pitched, unearthly shrill pierced the night air. Marcus, who was hiding in shadow and using all of his abilities to hide his scent, cursed under his breath with a start. That was a different call. He knew the way Goliathus sounded, even Dinarius. But THAT was something else entirely. It was higher, more ear-splitting.

It was feminine. It didn't take long for Marcus to put two and two together. It certainly could not have been the little girl brat. His eyes widened and he shuddered.

Oh...shit, don't even tell me...

/

Ami couldn't help but laugh, it was all so surreal. How did that sound?

They were on the ground, after a successful glide. It was straightforward, but had still gone smoothly.

Dinarius shook his head from his still-ringing ears. Good. Good. I'm sure you'll burst a few vampire eardrums with that.

Goliathus chuckled. She sounds frightening. Which is a good thing.

Nah Gollie, nothing is as frightening as YOUR roar. Ami teased, but he only smiled at that.

Well at least you won't need lessons in heradus location calls...Dinarius suddenly sniffed, looking around. Puvo hasn't found the vampire, but he found Trisha. She's injured and near death.

Great. We need to help her! Ami sighed, but she looked at Goliathus with a strange gaze. He blinked at her.

What?

YOU go. Help her, and maybe she'll learn to trust you.

He laughed, which was of course as disturbing a sound as ever. You hope for too much.

Goliathus...we HAVE to get Patricia Jenner on our side here. Please, just remember how you can treat me, it isn't so hard is it? You CAN gain her trust. That's one way to start.

He snarled. She called our children monsters. Right in front of them. Mistakes. The low growls sent shivers of fear down Ami's spine, even now.

I know, I know and it made me bristle with anger, too. But humans will say a lot of things out of fear. She doesn't understand yet. But maybe if you save her life...if she can finally see you in a good light, then maybe finally that can change. She walked towards him, and this time was able to return a wing-hug, much like the ones he had given her many times in the past. Help her please. This is your chance.

Goliathus sighed with a chuff. Fine.

He took off by foot, heading in her direction.

You sure that's a good idea? Dinarius asked, his blue eyes watching him go.

This has to be made right. I saw a good opportunity, and went with it. She smiled at him, and he shrugged.

All right, if you say so. Back to flying...your second lesson? Turning! Now for the hard part.

/

As Goliathus approached Patricia Jenner she seemed to be dead, as she was not moving and blood was still seeping from the wounds in her neck. The king heradus snorted and picked her up, heading back to the Atrium and going through the roof. He found Jezelle and uncermoniously dumped Trish onto a medical table.

So, Ami says to help her. How do we do this?

Jezelle blinked at him helplessly. She had the children with her, who both glared at the unconscious woman.

"Why should we help her, dad? She called us monsters!" Solarus scowled, walking over to him.

Goliathus didn't answer but stared at the psychic. She sighed, running a hand through her tight curls. "I'm no nurse, you hear me now? But what she needs is a transfusion."

A loud snort filled the room. If I give her my blood, she will be-

NO NO! I don't mean YOU, I mean myself...Jezelle sighed again. I guess it has to be me, I'm a match...I can sense it. She fumbled around the room looking for a syringe and tubes, but was again stopped, this time by a large, clawed hand.

We don't have time. The talisman will have to do. Goliathus went back to Trish's body and touched both her shoulders. He remembered how this mystical artifact had healed Starcrow, and so it was pretty certain it had healing powers in general. He concentrated and dark, flowing mist started to surround Trisha. It was very strange watching her whole form start to absorb it and the talisman glowed.

After what seemed like an eternity Trisha finally awakened, coughing and sputtering.

"Where, where am I? Oh gawd, it was a vampire, an actual vampire, he bit me and then-" Trisha saw Goliathus looming above her then, and promptly screamed. She scrabbled off the table, knocking into things and metal objects clanging everywhere. Jezelle did her best to try and calm the panicking woman down.

"Miss Jenner calm down! He went and got you, you were all alone out there and dying." As she said this Trisha relaxed, but her eyes never left his as she distanced herself from him and slowly sat on a chair.

"What do you mean he helped me?" she demanded, still staring.

"You see that big chain around his neck? That talisman there has dark magic. Look I know it all sounds crazy, and it's a long story at that, but he's got some unusual powers. Trust me, ok? He's not gonna hurt you." Jezelle quickly met eyes with Goliathus, as if pleading for him to agree. He grunted, but gave a nod. "I will not harm you." He said gruffly.

"Besides I no longer crave human flesh. Vampires taste far better." He gave a wicked grin, which did nothing to help the situation. Jezelle sighed and rolled her eyes, but Trisha kept staring.

"How did...how did you get that?" She pointed shakily to the talisman.

The huge heradus snorted, he HATED all of this talking out loud. But it would seem he had no other choice in the matter for the time being. "It was from my father, a dark mage. Maniel. He and his comrades made it. I know not how. Even to me, magic is foreign and strange. Certainly in this present time, it is even more strange to believe it even exists. But it does, and it is how I was created."

He stared right back, but Trisha bravely did not look away. It was eerily reminiscent of a time not so long ago in a police station...

Finally she got out of the chair, and stood. "So they created you to kill vampires? " She chuckled to herself in disbelief. "I can't even believe I'm saying that...I never believed in them before. But here they are...and here YOU are. I guess I can believe anything at this point." She paused for a moment. "But if you were made to kill vampires, why did you start killing us?"

That last question was more of a demand. Goliathus sighed, defeated, and sat down himself. "I'll tell you the story then."

And so he did. Goliathus rapidly unleashed his entire horrid past onto Patricia Jenner, and did not leave out one little detail.

/

Edit: I had to fix this chapter because I never explained how Puvo was brought back! lol That is remedied now. Yes it's a short chapter, but it's a start. I want to finish this story and also Creeper's Captive. But I'm not going to give a long explanation as to why this was on hiatus so long. I will say I was very ill in 2015. I got better, but am still not 100% as I struggle to deal with these health issues. One thing is for sure, I am super excited about JC3, and absolutely will be going to see that. And probably multiple times. MORE REVIEWS= FASTER CHAPTERS.