Previously:
"She's been hiding her identity probably for her whole life, Caleb," Pogue spoke softly. "I don't think she's going to tell you anything."
Caleb nodded and rubbed his eyes. "I know, but I'm going to give her the benefit of the doubt anyways."
"And if she doesn't talk?"
Caleb sighed then stood. "Then we're going to have to resort to drastic measures." The bell rang a second after his final words and the group of teenagers quickly dumped their garbage then went to their next class.
Chapter 5: Derael
Crap, crap, crap and re-crap! This wasn't supposed to happen! Who was Derrick? How did he know my father? He didn't sound like one of my father's goons, and he certainly didn't act like it! But then what would that make him? A rival perhaps?
Beautiful, I snarled to myself as I stalked through the hall to my class. I'm stuck in the middle of a demon rivalry! Can things get any worse?
"Hey Viviane!"
Open mouth, insert foot.
"Viviane, wait up!"
I turned around slowly and forced Tyler a smile as he quickly caught up to me. "Hey Tyler. What's up?"
"Nothing much. I just wanted to make sure you were all right. You left rather quickly after Derrick left."
I shrugged. "I'm fine. I just needed to talk to one of my teachers. I wanted to do that before the bell rang. I was going to leave earlier but then Derrick showed up."
Tyler nodded. "Ok. I just wanted to make sure you were ok."
"I'm fine." Sheesh, how many times do I have to say that?
We walked into class silently and sat in our seats. I doodled in my notebook again while waiting for the rest of the class and ignored the looks Tyler was giving me. I knew he suspected I wasn't as fine as I was saying, but I didn't really care. All I wanted to do was get school over with so I could figure things out without any interruptions at home.
And again the big person up there didn't like me very much. What had I done to him?
At the end of my last class I was out of my seat and in the hall faster than the rest of the kids gathered up their books. Earning a few strange looks from others in the hall I walked briskly through the halls and to the parking lot. Thanks to my rush I had missed most of the crowds and I was the only one there. Well…almost.
"Viviane!"
That's my name. Don't wear it out. I thought sarcastically. I turned and forced a smile at Sarah's boyfriend. Caleb was his name, right? "What can I do for you Caleb?"
"I wanted to talk to you about what happened at lunch?"
I mentally winced and turned back to my car, packing my things in the back. "I'm really sorry if it caused you any inconvenience. I met him on the plane on the way here and he just won't leave me alone. I'm seriously thinking about getting a restraining order." I was serious too. Just not the legal kind I was suggesting. No, my restraining order would involve some holy water, magic, and other necessities.
Caleb laughed. "It's ok. I just wanted to make sure you were ok too."
I slammed the trunk closed and suppressed the urge to tell him to but out. That would just arouse suspicion. "I'm fine. Honest." I don't think he believed me. But he let it slide.
"I also happened to over hear part of what he said to you."
Double crap. "Really? What did you hear?" I asked, feigning innocence.
"Something about 'playing with the humans'. Do you know what he meant by that?"
Oh yeah. It means that I'm not human and he likely isn't either. Yeah, like I would tell you that. I shrugged to Caleb and unlocked my car door. "I have no idea what he meant by that. I think he might have lost some of his marbles. He's been acting pretty crazy since I've met him." Crazy for a human that is.
Caleb nodded, but I could see the doubt in his eyes. "Uh huh."
I grinned at him, feigning ignorance. "Yeah. Anyway, as much as I'd love to stay and talk, I really need to get home. It was nice meeting you."
"Yeah, you too."
I climbed in the car and quickly drove away, hoping he wouldn't press any further on the subject. I didn't understand why he didn't understand me. Surely the fact that Derrick was crazy was far more plausible than the idea that there were other races out there besides humans. I mean, I knew it was true, but hardly anyone else did if any at all. Perhaps Caleb was slightly off his rocker as well.
Or perhaps he is one of the few that knows.
I shivered at the thought and banished it from my mind. I had more important things to worry about at the moment. I pushed Caleb out of my mind and concentrated on the road. When I got home I would do my homework quickly, have dinner with Jo, then go out on the streets and see if I could find Derrick. I needed to find out who he was, and what he wanted. That took precedence over everything.
XXX Reid POV XXX
"So what did she say?" Reid asked impatiently when Caleb appeared after talking to Viviane. Pogue and Tyler looked questioningly at Caleb who sighed and ran a hand through his hair.
"She said that Derrick was crazy and that he was talking nonsense."
The four boys exchanged a look, looking grim.
"She could be telling the truth," Tyler pointed out quietly.
Reid snorted. "What are the chances of that Baby Boy? We all felt that something was strange about her. Just because Derrick might be worse doesn't mean that Viviane is nothing."
"She did meet him on the plane ride here. Perhaps he's just stalking her."
Reid rolled his eyes. "Perhaps there's a reason why he's stalking her. Like they are the same thing, or they know each other or something. We still need to figure out what is so different about Viviane."
Everyone turned to look at Caleb to see what he had to say. His lips tightened and he looked each of his brothers in the eye before replying.
"Reid's right. We need to figure out what she is, but we won't confront her about it now. At the moment let's lay low and watch her. If we find out something definite then we'll act on it. Talk to her guys, try and get in her head…without using," he added glaring at Reid. "Ok guys. Let's go to swim practice." The four boys walked casually away from the front doors of the school and made their way to the pool. None of them noticed the pair of eyes watching them.
XXX Viviane POV XXX
When I got home I followed my plans to the inch. I did my homework quickly, then ate supper with Jo. After giving some excuse about meeting with friends I changed into my butt-kicking attire then started wandering the streets.
An hour later I felt like I had come across every person in Ipswich, except for the one I wanted to meet. How was that possible? I dunno, but you weren't there walking through the now drizzling weather looking for a person who might not even be there. Several times I debated going home, but something in my gut told me to keep going.
And going.
And going.
I must be insane.
Two hours later I decided I was going to wrap it up. I still needed to go to school tomorrow and I wanted to get as much rest as possible before then. With a heavy sigh I took a short cut through an alley. That's when I felt it. I was being watched.
Without hesitation I let the Demon come forward and crouched into a ready position. I sniffed the air and with my Demon's heightened senses I could smell it, even through the rain. Brimstone. There was a demon nearby.
I turned in a circle slowly, trying to figure out where the demon was, but I didn't see anything. I sniffed cautiously, then was alerted by a strange sound behind me. I whipped around, a snarl imprinted on my face ready to attack Derrick. But before I could do anything I was thrown into a wall. I quickly recovered and jumped to my feet, glaring at Derrick.
"Stupid, little idiot," I snarled.
Derrick laughed, his white teeth glinted and I noticed he had grown some fangs. His eyes too had changed into the telltale slits. Give him a cape and he'd look like Count Dracula. "Come now, my dear," he said silkily. "I thought you were more mature than to stoop to name calling."
I snarled wordlessly at him. "Who are you?"
He feigned hurt and placed a hand over his heart. Drama King. "Why, I thought you knew. I'm Derrick."
I snorted. He should get a comedy act he's so funny. Not. "That's just a name you made up to fit in with the humans. Who are you really?"
He smirked at me. "What are you going to give me in return? I'm not going to give away free information."
I glared at him. "Tell. Me. Your. Name," I said through gritted teeth.
He laughed again. "Very well. Just because you're so cute when you're angry." I gritted my teeth and listened to him carefully. "My name is Derael. I'm a…business rival or your father's."
"Then go away and do your business. There's no reason for you to be here blowing my cover with the humans."
"Of course there is my dear Viviane."
I blinked. "What?"
"Because of who you are."
I stared at him. "What?" I was beginning to sound like a broken record.
"You're your father's daughter," he said as if that explained everything.
"That doesn't make any sense. What does his business have to do with me?"
His eyebrows rose again. "Why, it has everything to do with you." He looked at me carefully then frowned. "Do you know why your father wants you so badly?"
I looked at him warily then shook my head. "No."
"Because of a prophesy. A powerful seer told him that he would only be able to conquer this world if he had a child. And if, and only if the child agreed to help its father before it reached its eighteenth year. That is why he wants you Viviane. He wants to take over the world with your help. But his time is running out. You have done a remarkable job keeping at bay, I'll give you that. But your father is weak so it doesn't say much."
My father was weak? I didn't want to meet who Derael thought was strong. "So why are you here?" I asked warily.
He stared at me as if I had grown a set of horns. Though in my case it might not be so surprising. "Because I can't afford to let your father gain control over you. It would be bad for business."
"What business?"
He smirked at me. "The taking over worlds business, love. Your father and I have been rivals since before time, trying to destroy more worlds than the other. We both found Earth at the same time, so now we are racing against each other to destroy it. I can't afford to let your father get you, so I'm going to have you instead."
"What? I'm not going to help you take over the world!"
He arched an eyebrow at me. "Did I ever said I needed your help? All I said was that I can't afford for your father to find you. So you have two choices. You can join me, or I can kill you. What's you choice?"
"My choice. You want to know my choice." Did he really not know what I was going to say? "Yeah, I'm going to join you and let you destroy my planet," I said sarcastically Honestly! He had to be mentally unstable.
He brightened for a moment. "Really?"
"No."
He clucked his tongue mockingly. "Come now Viviane. I could give you a good life as my wife. You'd have everything you could ever wish for. And I could teach you more about your powers."
This was getting ridiculous. "No," I said firmly. "I'm only 17. I don't plan on getting married for a long time yet. And besides, I already know how to control my powers."
He arched an eyebrow at me yet again. Honestly, what was with him and that gesture? "What you use now? Please, that is just a tiny taste of what you can do."
I felt my anger boiling up and I growled at him. "You have no idea what I can do."
"Telepathy, telekinesis, mind control," he said smoothly. "You think those are the only powers you have, but you have no idea how wrong you are."
Who did this guy think he was? "Oh yeah? Enlighten me."
He smirked. "Have you ever felt truly angry?" He held up his hand to stop me from speaking. "Not this petty, slight annoyance you're feeling right now. True anger. When you will stop at nothing to hurt those that hurt you or yours. The kind of anger that burns, making you lost control over your actions. Have you ever felt that anger?"
I put aside my mistrust for an instant and thought about what he had said and then felt a cold stab of fear. He was right. I had never felt that kind of anger before, and now that he had described it I didn't ever want to. I tried to hide my answer from Derael, but he saw it in my eyes.
"You never have, have you?" He laughed and the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. "That anger, Viviane, is the key to your true powers. The closer you get to feeling that anger, the more power you have. Your telepathy, telekinesis, and mind control are just some of your powers that come more easily for you. But if you get truly angry, the power of your demonic heritage comes forward."
"I don't believe you!" I couldn't believe him. If what he said was true then I would be like a ticking time bomb. If I got truly angry, I might lost control and hurt an innocent. I couldn't let that happen.
"Don't you?" he questioned.
I gritted my teeth and glared at him. My slitted eyes flashing dangerously. "I will not help you destroy my world, or any other! And don't even think about your second option because I ain't going along with that either!"
If I ever write a book about the top ten ways to anger a demon, not doing as they say would be number one. Derael's eyes flashed and I could feel the power drape around him like a cloak. Fear paralyzed me for a second, but I quickly shook it off. I couldn't afford to freeze up any more.
"Don't make me do this, Viviane." His voice had deepened and it now resonated with more power than I could ever hope to use. "This will be your last chance."
"Bite me." That would go on as number two on my list of ways anger demons.
Faster than I could see a ball of fire came flying towards my head. It was only because of my Demon's reflexes that I was able to get out of they way without getting too crispy. I quickly rolled away and slammed a dumpster into Derael. Without flinching he held out his hand and stopped the dumpster a inch away from his hand. With a flip of his wrist he sent it flying towards me and I again I dodged out of the way.
"Is that the best you got?" he asked mockingly as he threw dozens of fireballs at my head at once.
Oh crap. Moving faster than I had ever moved before I managed to dodge most of them, but one hit me on the shoulder. I was thrown to the ground and I hissed in pain when it moved my shoulder.
Come on Viviane, get up! You can't let him beat you!
'Shut up!' I growled.
No, you have to get up.
'You don't know how it feels.'
Yes I do, I can just ignore it.
'I'm can't get up.'
And you call yourself a demon. You're a pussy.
'I am not!'
Then prove it. Pain is optional.
'I hate you.'
Then you hate yourself. Now get up!
With a grunt I got to my knees then to my feet. I staggered a bit, but bit down on the pain that was threatening to overwhelm me. I couldn't lose this fight. Not only was my life in danger, the whole world was at stake. Sheesh I was beginning to sound like a superhero. Don't tell me that ain't sad.
"Come on Viviane. Just speak the word and all your pain will stop."
"No," I growled. "Bring it on buddy, I'm ready." Oh boy. Don't ask me why I said that. He must not be the only one who's mentally challenged.
With an evil grin Derael gathered even more power around him. I could see the world warping around his figure and all the blood drained from my face. The human part of my mind screamed at me to run, but my Demon half was too stubborn. I widened my stance, crouched slightly and watched him carefully. Ready for what he would throw at me.
He held his hands in front of him and the power began to gather on his hands. Black electricity crackled over his hands as more and more power accumulated on his hands. As I watched in horror he compacted it so it would fly faster then I could move.
I knew I would never be able get out of the way on time so I did the only thing I could think of. I quickly fished a bottle of holy water out of my pockets and used my powers to send it flying towards him just as he released his ball of destructive power at me.
I had just enough time to regret not being close to anyone before it slammed into my chest. The force of it threw me into a wall and I cracked my head against it. Still that pain was nothing compared to the pain in my chest.
It was excruciating. That was the only word I could find that could possibly describe the pain, and yet it never gave it justice. My limbs locked in place and my muscles twitched despite how hard I tried to stay still. A scream erupted from my mouth, destroying my vocal chords with the force of it.
Slowly the pain flowed to my other parts as well, until my entire body was in pain. I tried to control myself, but the more I tried to stop it the more it hurt. I was beginning to see black spots dance across my vision when I heard a sudden crash in the background. I tried to open my eyes, but they wouldn't cooperate with me.
Suddenly the pain began to intensify, if that was possible. I arched my back and screamed even louder. Tears streamed down my face and I wondered for a brief instant if I was going to die. Then the blackness over took me.
Dun dun dun daaaahhh!