Now on to the story.
Chapter Two
Her mind was foggy as she drifted in unconsciousness. All around her was oblivion.
Cutting across the silence came a high, cheerful voice, one so familiar, yet so distant. "Hanae, Hanae, look I made the ground shake. See, see it did it again." A young girl of seven years perched on the ground, drawing symbols in the soft dirt. Glancing up at the older girl, she gave a large grin, rich mocha curls swaying around her every time she moved. Her petite figure was shaking with excitement.
Hanae laughed at her young charge's joy, and said, "Very good Reve, you're getting better at controlling your powers."
"But I'm not as good as you," the little girl looked down glumly.
"Hey, you'll get better as your magic grows. It'll just take time." Reve brightened only slightly, but soon forgot her unhappiness when she saw Hanae's blade, and then she stared at the taller girl, fear apparent in her dark eyes. "Are you going away again?" At Hanae's grim expression, she jumped up and wrapped her thin arms around Hanae's waist, and added, "Please don't go. Don't leave me. You said you'd always be there for me."
Crouching until she was able to look directly into the solemn child's eyes, Hanae said, "I am here, Reve, I'll be back, I promise. This mission isn't as dangerous as the others. I'll come back, okay." Lifting up Reve's chin, Hanae wiped away her tears.
"You promise?"
"I promise, alright?" Then she turned to head back to their home.
Reve placed her hand in Hanae's, and beaming again she said, "We'll always be together, right, and you'll always protect me."
"Yes, I'll always be with you and protect you," Hanae answered with her own smile.
But I failed. Oh, Reve, I'm so sorry. I failed you; I couldn't protect you.
Gone was the memory, but the void was filled with the Reve's piercing shrieks.
No, no, not Reve, please, leave her alone, please, take me instead. Someone called out to her, but still the little girl's screams could be heard. "NO!"
"Hannah, Hannah, wake up!" Her body was shaken again.
Opening her eyes, Hannah found them slick with tears. Staring up at her soulmate's face, she tried to rid herself of the horrible memory. Already the cries were fading in her mind.
"Hey, it's alright, it was just a nightmare, it's over now," Thierry whispered in a soothing tone.
With a sob, Hannah wrapped her arms around him, nestling her head under his neck. "I failed her. Oh goddess, I couldn't save her. She's dead because of me."
Holding her tightly to him, Thierry rubbed her limbs, but was at a lost for words. Who is this she? Instead, he said, "Sshhh, I don't know who she is, but I do know that she did not die because of you."
"How could you know that? You don't understand. Oh God, I thought I never would hear her voice ever again. Why now, after all this time?"
"You're right. I don't understand. Who are you talking about? What happened?"
"No, I don't want to remember. There are no words to describe it. Please don't make me remember."
"Oookay, but at least tell me who this girl is."
"She was just a child, the most innocent and sweetest little girl. I promised her that I would protect her, but I couldn't." Staring into his eyes, she asked, "Why does fate have to be so cruel? She didn't deserve her destiny." Going into a trance, she added, " She didn't deserve what they did to her."
"They?" She looked up at him, startled, but then turned her eyes away. Thierry didn't want to quit, but the look on Hannah's face told him that she wasn't ready to face it just yet. It's strange. Why are her pasts haunting her now? Aloud, he said, "How long have you been having these dreams?"
Again Hannah was pulled from her thoughts. Trying to compose herself, she opened her mouth to speak, then stopped. One part of her wanted to tell him everything, but another reminded her that this was her problem. "Only a few times. It's okay now. This one was just a little unnerving, but I'm alright." Please believe me, her mind willed, but she could see the disbelief in his eyes, and something else, hurt.
She's lying, but why? Why won't she tell me? Still confused, Thierry decided to let it go for now, but was determined to find out what was she was hiding from him.
Desperate to end the topic, Hannah asked, "So when did you arrive?"
"Yesterday." "What! But that's not possible."
"Yes it is. You must have been really tired from your trip." He gave her a questioning look before continuing. "You slept for two days; it's Friday afternoon." He stared at her, waiting for her to explain.
Hannah was in shock. 'I was out for two whole days? But, but, what's happening to me?'
Getting frustrated at her lack of response, Thierry couldn't hold his suspicion and impatience, and started to ask, "Hannah, what the hell is..."
"Oh, damn, I promised Poppy that I would go shopping with her and Lupe. I hope they didn't go without me. I need to get ready." Then she jumped out of bed, and rummaged around in her drawers for clothes. Thierry was dumbstruck by her behavior, which only confirmed his belief that something was really bothering his soulmate, and he couldn't help but be irritated at her evasiveness.
"Ahem."
Thierry looked at her; her hands on her hips, and her toe tapping the carpet. He just continued to stare at her, and said, "what? I've seen you change many times, and anyways since I'm here." In just three long strides he was in front of her. Wrapping his arms about her again.
Hannah gave him a smile, and said, "As much as that idea sounds good, I'm afraid that I can't. I have to go." She tried to move his hand that was tugging at the belt of her robe.
He gave a sly smile and pulled her against him. "Can't it wait? I haven't seen you for months. Come on, just stay a little longer," he whispered in her ear.
Already she could feel her resolve start to weaken. I'm so weak, she thought, disgusted with herself. "Alright, fine I can go shopping another time. I'll spend the day with you, but can we please get out of the house?"
He laughed, and said, "As you wish."
"What do you want to do?"
"It doesn't matter as long as I'm with you."
"Now you're just sucking up."
"What? I'm being sincere," he said with an innocent expression.
"Really." "Mmm, hmmm, and if I get a kiss as well, then it's all for the best."
"Humph." Men!
"Hey! I heard that."
"Good, now just go." At his sad expression, she laughed, "I mean it, I need to get dressed."
"Good, I'll help," he said grinning.
"Your incorrigible. Now go. I'll be out in a second."
"Fine, I'll wait for you outside."
He quickly left before she could say anything else. It's just like him to have the last word. She threw up her arms in exasperation, and went to go change, a gleaming smile still on her face.
The man's eyes scanned the street as he searched the crowd. Proceeding down the street, hands in the pockets of his shorts, he blended in well with multitude of people. He was just about to give up, when he suddenly stopped. Through the window of restaurant he caught a glimpse of wheat- blond hair. It's her. It has to be. She's here.
Immediately crossing the street, he entered the café. After he was seated, he looked around the crowded place, for the same face he'd been searching for all these years.
There. He saw her, and he couldn't believe his eyes. She was exactly the same as he remembered, the same blond locks, the same stormy grey eyes, and face. "Hanae," he muttered to himself.
As if she heard him, Hannah looked up, and her eyes widened as they met his own green orbs. Oh God! It's him! The man from my dream! As soon as she remembered him, a name came unbidden to her mind, Nivar. Then it was gone.
Thierry looked confusedly at his soulmate, until she dragged her gaze back to his.
When she turned away from him, Nivar saw the man, who she was with for the first time, and his breath came out in a hiss when he recognized him for what he was. Vampire! What is she doing with the likes of him? He felt a sudden wave of protectiveness wash over him, and he stared at the blond-haired young man with an intense loathing and distrust.
Hannah was trying not to panic, but was failing miserably. What is he doing here? What does he want? She gave Thierry what she hoped was a convincing smile, seeing his puzzled expression. Okay, don't look at him. Hey, maybe you're seeing things. Glancing back over to his direction only confirmed that he was indeed real, and that she wasn't totally crazy.
She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't even notice that Thierry was talking until he shook her hand. "Huh, what? Oh, I'm sorry. What was that again?"
Thierry frowned, "I asked if you were alright. You looked like you've seen a ghost."
Hannah gave a shaky laugh. You have no idea. Oh what am I going to do? she thought frantically.
"Do you feel alright? I mean you've been acting really strange lately."
Feeling like she could kiss him for giving her such a great excuse, Hannah said, "Yes, I have been feeling ill for the past few days." Seeing his worried look, she hurriedly added, "but I'm sure it's nothing. I just need some rest. That's all."
His suspicions from earlier that day rose up again, and said slowly, "Then maybe we should go back home, but Hannah, you should see a healer. At least have Thea look at you." Before she could protest, he added, "just let her look at you, okay."
Great, wonderful, and if Thea finds nothing wrong with me, then what? Then seeing her soulmate's stubborn expression, she surrendered to the inevitable. "Alright, I'll see Thea, but I'm sure that it's nothing serious."
Only partly satisfied, Thierry paid the check, and they got up to leave. Hannah tried to ignore the green-eyed man, but could feel his gaze at the back of her neck all the way until they were outside.
It was an unhappy ride home, even Nilsson could feel the tension, but tried to focus on the road ahead of him. Thierry kept on glancing at Hannah, debating on whether to confront her or not.
However, before he could even start, Hannah broke the silence, "Nilsson, could you please give us some privacy."
"Yes, my lady," and he pushed a button on his right, making the partition come up.
Thierry started to say something, but Hannah stopped him, "I know that I've been acting strangely recently, and I'm sorry for my being secretive, but..." Again Thierry tried to speak, but she just continued, "this is just something that I need to deal with, okay?"
"No it's not okay, if there is anything bothering you, then I don't see why you have to deal with it on your own. You know that I'm here for you no matter what. So why can't you just tell me?"
"Because I can't right now. Please Thierry, just trust me to deal with this. Then I will tell you, but until that time, please let it go." She could see the emotions rolling around inside him. His face gradually lost its firmness, but there was still a stubborn glint in his eyes. She knew that she had to think of something soon that would satisfy his curiosity and worry. However, no matter what story she cooked up it was even worse than the one before. Sooner or later she'd have to tell him everything, especially with the appearance of the mysterious man, but she just couldn't bring herself to do it right now. She wasn't ready to face that road yet, and what its consequences might be.
Thierry just stared at her even after she'd returned to gazing out her window. Please don't be mad at me. I'm sorry that I have to leave you in the dark like this, but I have no choice. I have to figure out what is happening to me first before I can tell anyone.
Before she knew it they have pulled up in front of the mansion. Thierry was still in a pensive mood. Hannah, tried to put a smile on, but it was in vain.
As soon as they walked in, Lupe came running up to them, a phone in her hand.
Handing the phone to Thierry, she said, "My lord, it's an urgent call for you. It's Keller. She says it's important." This news did nothing to help Thierry's mood, but make it darker. Beckoning to Hannah, he led her to his office, Lupe trailing behind.
Hannah was lost. Turning to Lupe, asked, "What's going on? What's wrong with Keller?"
Leaning into her, Lupe whispered, "You know that Keller and her gang are in New Hampshire, right? They're looking for the fourth one."
"No, I didn't know that. When did we find out where he was?"
"We, at first, came upon some information that led us to believe that the Wild Power was in New England about a little over a week ago. Thierry sent out Keller and her team to go check it out. That was five days ago. Thierry's been secretive about the whole deal, at least until we knew something concrete. The thing is, however, we haven't had any contact with either Keller or Galen, until tonight that is. Thierry's been really worried when he hadn't heard anything from them. I hope they're okay."
"So do I, but it doesn't sound good." By this time, they'd already sat down in Thierry's office. There was a knock on the door.
"Come in," Thierry said to the person. Then he went on talking to Keller, who by her tone wasn't happy at all.
Hannah smiled at Thea and Eric as they came in. Thea immediately sat down by her, and muttered, "Hi, how was your day together?" Then she noticed the Thierry's dark expression, and asked, "What's going on?"
Hannah leaned into her friend, and said in a low voice, "Thierry is talking to Keller." At Thea's confused look, she continued, "you know, the shapeshifter who found the Witch Child.Hey, where's Poppy and James?"
"They went out, and should be back later. Someone told us to come here; so any news? What's happening? Why is Thierry so grim?"
"I really don't know a lot more than you, Thea. Keller is working on a mission with the rest of her crew, and something seems to have gone very wrong." Thea just looked at her with an anxious expression on her face.
The click of the phone got Hannah's attention, and she turned back to Thierry, who stared at the floor, hands grasping his desk in front of him. Feeling her gaze on him, he looked up. His expression was enough to tell her that something was indeed wrong.
Standing up, she went to his side, and placed her hand on his shoulder. Thierry placed his own hand on top of hers before facing the others. They stared patiently at him, waiting for him to speak.
In a low voice, Thea asked, "What did Keller say, Thierry? What's the matter?"
"Well, if you didn't know already, we've recently found some information about the Wild Power. That was last week, and since than I've sent Keller to find out if this information is true." He paused then for just a moment before continuing. "The good news is that Keller and Galen have found the Wild Power," he said in a listless tone.
"What? Really? Well that's absolutely great isn't it?" Eric exclaimed.
"So, who is he?"
"What's his name?"
"His name is Kierlan Harmen, and he lives in Litchfield, New Hampshire."
"Wow, he's another witch. A cousin."
Throughout the conversation, Hannah waited for him to get to the catch, until she asked in a dull tone, "So what's the bad news?" That made everyone fall silent as they turned to stare at her.
"Yes, the bad news, well it turns out that we weren't the ones to get to him first."
"What? But you said that Keller and her gang met the guy. How could they have lost him to the Night World already?" Eric yelled, glaring at Thierry.
"We never had him to begin with, that's why. Keller thinks that he's been fighting against us for the past six months."
"So what now? I mean, why can't we just persuade him to join us?"
"Does he even know that he's the fourth Wild Power?" This from Thea.
"Oh, yes, actually he's known about his powers for a long time, at least that's what Sarah, his soulmate, said."
"Wait a minute. He's even found his soulmate?" Eric asked.
"Yes, in fact he's been living in their home for the past month, and yes, Sarah is a human," he said seeing the question in everyone's eyes.
"But if his soulmate's a human, then why would he still fight on the Night World's side," Hannah said to no one in particular.
That's the million dollar question isn't it? Thierry said in her mind.
She looked at him then, You know why, don't you? There's more to this isn't there?
Unfortunately, yes. There's a lot more. I'll tell you later; after the meeting, he answered. Aloud, he said, "Unfortunately this isn't all of the bad news. Here's the worst part; Kierlan went missing two days ago," he held up his hand to ward off his audience's exclamations, and continued, "and last night the Strange's home was attacked. Keller and her crew were able to protect Sarah, and the attack failed." This time he couldn't stem the outrage and questions.
"Oh goddess, are they alright?"
"Was anybody hurt badly?"
"What are we going to do now?"
Seeing Thierry's raised hand, the noise died down, and he said, "Keller suffered a few broken bones herself, and the rest of her team are badly hurt also, Galen is the worst off. It was his job to protect Sarah, and he took a lot of beating, but thanks the goddess none of them were mortal wounds, but," he had to pause before going on, "Sarah's parents were not so lucky."
"Oh goddess no," Thea whispered, sadness in her eyes.
"Sarah is going to stay here, where she would be protected. I've sent the jet. Keller and the others will arrive along with her on Sunday."
"I can't even begin to imagine what she is feeling," Eric said. Hannah glanced at him then straight ahead of her. I can. Sorrow squeezed her heart until she'd thought that it would burst. And the worst thing was that the Stranges weren't even the first casualties of this war; more will follow before the fighting is through.
Just then the door burst open, and Poppy came skipping in, "Hey we're back." Seeing the dour faces in front of her, her smile drooped, "Why is everyone so glum?"
"What happened, Thierry?" James asked, from behind Poppy.
"Nothing good. Here's the short version, Thierry sent Keller and her team to go find the fourth Wild Power. They found him, and his soulmate, but the ass is fighting with the Night World, and now he's gone off to God knows where, and last night his cronies attacked his soulmate's home, and now she's coming here," replied Eric in a rapid voice.
Poppy and James just stared at him dumbly.
"Could you say that again please? Just a little slower this time?" Said a bewildered James.
"I'll tell you, but lets head downstairs," said Thea, already heading toward the door. Poppy and James wondered why they had to leave for her to do this, heck even she didn't know, but she'd seen the look Thierry had given her, and knew that he wanted to be alone with Hannah.
When they had gone, Thierry collapsed in his chair, head leaning against the headrest. Hannah came over to sit on the desk, in front of him. Taking his hand again, she squeezed it gently. He smiled at her in response, but it didn't even come close to his eyes.
'There's something you haven't told, yet. What is it? What's bothering you?' She spoke to him, in his mind.
"It's something that Keller said. She told me that one of the men, who attacked them, had a mark on his chest. She saw it when they were fighting, and she'd ripped his shirt."
"What did she say it looked like?"
"Keller described it as being a black sun, or at least half of one. There were words around it, but she doesn't remember what they are anymore, anyways, she said that they were in another language."
"What does this mean? Do you think that these people were hired by the Night World Council?"
"I don't know, maybe, but I don't think so. The Council may be ruthless, but I've never heard of them using such a group of individuals."
"So they could be a new threat all together, and we know nothing about them, except that they have a tattoo, and you're sure you've never heard of them."
"Actually, maybe I haven't heard of them, but seen them," he said in a distanced voice, lost in his thoughts. Hannah stared at him with a puzzled look.
"You mean you have seen this mark on someone before, who?"
"Hunter Redfern. I only saw a glimpse of it, but I'm sure that he had a tattoo that looked like what Keller described, a black sun."
Her eyes widened with this information. "When did this happen?"
"Almost three hundred years ago."
She looked up, surprised. "They've been around all this time, and still remain a secret, which means."
"I know. If Kierlan's with them, then he will be even harder to find."
"So what do we do?"
He got up and started to pace around the room, running his hands through his short hair, "Keller is our best tracker. She and Galen.But they're still healing from their last meeting with these men. But if any body can find these people they can, and now that they've seen them, they'll be more prepared and cautious.
"It sounds as if you've already decided to send them on the trail, but what about Sarah?"
"I know. She needs to be really protected, especially now that we know that she's Kierlan's soulmate." He paused, deep in thought. "I believe that Quinn and Rashel are in Boston right now. I'll give them a call tonight, and they could escort Sarah here. You can't get much more protection than those two."
At his reference to her friends, Hannah perked up. She'd only seen Quinn and Rashel a few times since that first meeting a year ago. However, she'd grown to have a lot of respect for the tough duo. 'I wonder how they're doing. I can't wait to see them.
She was pulled back from her thoughts by Thierry's sudden movements. He'd gone back to pacing in front of the fireplace. His frustration was making him edgy. Hannah was surprised at his behavior; he was always so levelheaded and calm. This whole situation is taking its toll on him, and he was under enough stress already. First the Wild Power, now these mysterious people. She lowered her head. And now he's worried about me. Well I'm not going to be another burden for him.
Hannah walked over to where Thierry stood, staring into the blazing fireplace. Wrapping her arms around him, she tried to give as much comfort as she could. I'll be strong. I'm not going to be a burden. Turning around, Thierry embraced her, and she clung to him. This is what I miss, right here. Goddess I've been away for too long. In each other's arms, no one could hurt them; they were safe, and being locked away in their love and bond helped to sooth their souls.
Nivar stared upon the white mansion in the distance. She really is here; she saw me, and I know she recognized me. It has to be soon. However, the appearance of the vampire in the picture complicated things a bit. He'll have to slightly alter his plans, but the goal is still the same. Soon we'll meet again Hanae, I promise you that. Before he turned back the way he came, he paused and whispered, "Good night, Earth's Child."