Chapter 21

Disclaimer: I really hope you all like the story. It is nearing the end!!! And I hope you all are ready for a clusterfuck of mind boggling proportions….unless I screwed up and I receive death threats in the mail. Either way it calls for something interesting for you tot tell your shrink about.

So recap. Two witches just cast a spell on me where they had to smear vampire blood all over my face and neck…I have a six inch dagger stuck in my chest so big even Mick Dundee himself would have said, "Now that's a knife."…in the span on two hours I found out that that not only am I not the only fairy in the world, but I have three cousins, two grand's and a partridge in a pear tree and to top it all of…I was still standing there with my shirt off…and I would have covered myself up….IF IT WERENT FOR THE DAGGER IN MY CHEST!

"What do I do?" I cried out as I began pacing from the living room to the dining room. "DO I leave it in or do I take it out?" I paused in from of Sookie "Is this a good look for me?" I didn't wait for her to answer I just proceeded to pace.

"Compose yourself." Octavia grumbled.

"Compose myself? I have a dagger in my chest lady!" I was pissed.

She simply shrugged and said "It could be worse."

The pint up energy that I felt in my chest was unleashed and I ran up to where she was sitting. I crouched down so my mouth was to her hear and said "Octavia…I have a DAGGER IN MY CHEST!!"

Octavia immediately shot out of her seat.

Everyone in the room was shocked.

"What?" I asked.

"How'd you get over there so fast?" Sookie asked.

"What the hell are you talking about?" I was so confused.

"Case…one minute you were by my side and the next you were over there."

Was she on crack? I mean yeah everything did seem to be moving in slow motion when I ran up to Octavia but I blamed it on me feeling a little lightheaded after removing a fucking KATANA FROM MY CHEST.

"Nu-uh." I protested with my brows beginning to furrow.

Octavia took a deep breath. "I didn't perform a protective spell on you like I did with Sookie, Casey. What I did was a hybrid version of an aging spell. I needed his blood." She gestured to Eric. "To make sure your heart was strong enough and could withstand the strain I was putting on it. Instead of you aging physically, I honed in on your fairy capabilities and sped up the process. " The woman has the audacity to sound proud.

"Just take this damned thing out of my chest." I snapped.

"She can't. You have to." Amelia said suddenly.

Why was I not surprised?

"How the hell do I do that?" I asked. "What if I pull it out to fast or to slow and I bleed to death. I looked down and saw that considering there being a sharp as the devils tongue blade sticking out of my chest, I wasn't bleeding as much as I would have expected.

"Well, id imagine, you just yank it out of your heart." Octavia.

"You imagine? You mean you've never done this before?...Hold on….this thing in in my HEART?!" I then said after catching onto that last part. I was outraged. Since when did Casey become the fucking lab rat?

Octavia looked away. "No, to the first and yes to the second." She answered simply.

This woman was becoming more and more infuriating by the second.

I began to pace some more. I would take my hands clutch the dagger and then quickly release it out of fear. "Why do I have to be the one to pull it out?" I complained. My hands were shaking.

Octavia sighed. "That's the way it has to be done. The spell isn't finished until you pull that dagger out. The hard part is over all you have to do is pull it out and even then it will take time for you to rise to your full fairy potential." She said simply.

"You know…for someone who has never done this before…you seem to know a lot about it." I said giving her a quizzical glare.

Octavia said nothing and looked away.

Ohhhhh Casey this bitch is hiding something.

I took one final breath clutched the dagger and with one careful swift movement the dagger was out. As soon as the blade left my chest I was assaulted by a whoosh of energy that sent me flying through to air into the kitchen.

Sookie came running to my side. "Casey!" She shrieked.

She immediately ran to my side. "I'm okay." I said with a grunt. "Thankfully this nice stone wall broke my fall" I turned around patting the nice little dent I managed to make. I looked down at my chest and saw there was a hole but the surprising thing was that I wasn't bleeding.

"I'm okay." I coughed. "Just…give me some room." I then looked at her wall. "Ill pay for that I promise."

Sookie hesitantly backed away. I was anything but okay though. Emotionally at least.

I struggled to get to my feet. "We've gotta get out of here." I said to Sookie.

"Why?" She asked alarmed.

I then raised a hand a pointed to Octavia. "Because, I'm going to kill her!"

Octavia tried to stand her ground but I could smell her fear.

You can smell fear? What?

Sookie grabbed my arm. "Casey, go upstairs, find yourself a clean pair of clothes. Amelia can Casey borrow some of your clothes?"

All she did was nod.

"I'll clean up down here and we can head on out…ok?" Sookie asked but it came out more like a plea.

I didn't say anything. "CASEY!" She then growled. I shot her a look and turned around and walked upstairs. When I got to Sookies room I was still pissed. I needed to punch something. My fist made contact with the wall and I punched a hole clear through it.

I removed my hand from the wall and backed away in shock. I looked at my hand. I wasn't even bleeding.

Interesting

"Casey!" I heard Sookie holler.

"I'm okay…ill pay for that too!" I hollered knowing she wouldn't know what I was talking about.

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After a quick through shower I washed off my blood and Erics from my body.

When exited the bathroom I saw a pair of clothes had already been laid out for me. I put on a pair of Amelia's denim shorts which it me perfectly as did her red wife beater.

I paused when I reached to top of the stairs. Eric was in the house. I slowly kept down and saw that he was leaning against the door.

"It's alright Casey." Sookie said as he finished sweeping up the last bit of broken glass from living room.

I kept my eyes on Eric at all times. He did the same. The closer I got, the quicker his breath became.

"Are we going to have a problem?" I asked.

Eric just smiled. It wasn't his usual smug smile either. It was honest without a hint of cockiness which surprised the hell out of me.

"How much longer do we have?" I asked Eric.

His smile faded and switched to 'serious vampire' mode.

"While you were…getting situated I made a call to Bill he will be here with the car shortly and we will all go to the gathering together. "

Sookie didn't say anything she just kept on cleaning. I turned and looked at Amelia. "The clothes fit great…thank you." I said. The shorts were a little bit too short for my liking but, hey, beggars can't be choosers.

Octavia then cleared her throat. "You're welcome." She volunteered.

This lady just doesn't have an off switch…you gotta respect that…unfortunately for her neither do I.

"Oh yes, where are my manners? Octavia thank you so much for stabbing me in the heart!" I said with mock appreciation.

She just simply rose to her feet and headed upstairs. Moments later I heard a door slam.

Even though she was upstairs with the door closed I could still hear her. "God protect that girl."

My heart sank a bit. I knew that Octavia did what needed to be done but, honestly, could you blame me for being an emotional wreck.

I turned back to see Eric…apparently he had heard too. He gave me a knowing smile which I chose to ignore.

"What am I going to do about the whole clothing situation?" I asked. "I don't suppose you have an extra ball gown in your closet do you Sook?"

Sookie gave me a wary smile. "Sorry fresh out."

"It'll be taken care of." Eric answered. "I became aware of your….changes. Unfortunately Mrs. Lee was unattainable so we will be making a quick detour to a local parlor near the Grand Centime Plaza Hotel?"

"I thought the function was tonight? You said nothing about us staying overnight?" I said confused.

"Yeah." Sookie agreed equally confused.

"Yes well…" Eric paused. "Just before getting here I learned that the Queen of Virginia was murdered."

"How?" I asked.

"Decapitated…then burned." He answered shortly.

"So….why has the function been postponed?" I asked still confused. I didn't mean to sound insensitive but…honestly…I had more important things to worry about.

"it is customary. You humans usually call it 'mourning'" Eric answered not too pleased with how I was reacting to the whole situation. It kind of felt like the roles had been reversed where he was trying to get a certain emotion from me but I wasn't selling.

Doesn't feel too good do it bloodSUCKA!

I then froze remembering the letter. "Wait…you said Mrs. Lee….who is Mrs. Lee?"

"Samantha." He clarified.

Sookies hands went to her mouth in shock.

"Care to fill me in?" Eric asked.

Apparently Sookie hadnt told him the about the bathroom incident…or if she did…she left out the name.

"Samantha is dead." I said.

Eric didn't seem too phased. "How unfortunate. Would I be correct as to assume it is the work of this Xander?"

I stared at him confused. "Wait…you mean you don't know him?"

Eric gave a shrug of the shoulders. "I have been…here…for a long time Casey It would be impossible for me to remember every name."

"How much of what it going on did Sookie tell you?'' I asked completely shocked at how calm he was reacting.

Sookie had disappeared upstairs to pack I assumed.

"Jesus Christ Casey!!" I heard her shriek.

"I said I would pay for it!!" I hollered.

Eric just continued as if he hadn't been interrupted. "Someone was dead in your bathroom, that you are some sort of fairy princess--"

"Queen." I interrupted. If he was going to insult me at least give props where props are due.

"A thousand pardons your majesty." Eric said with a mock bow.

"Did she also inform you that if Xander succeeds, my entire family and everyone like me will die?" I asked.

Maybe that'll rattle his nerves.

"That's unfortunate as well but as I understand it, you are the only half fairy, half witch. So the death toll won't be that great. I hate to be the barer of bad news but your safety doesn't entirely concern me at least not after we find this Xander character. My only reason to have any concern regarding you whatsoever is to protect my queen." Eric sighed.

And Sookie I heard him mentally.

"Jesus Chris does anything phase you?" I asked in complete amazement.

It then dawned on me. "She did tell you did she?" I asked.

Eric gave me a perplexed stare. As Sookie came down the stairs.

"Told me what?" He asked.

"Eric, allow me to introduce to you, my third cousin twice removed on my mothers side." I gestured my hand to Sookie.

Eric stilled. "That's right. Look Eric I don't care about you, your fucking queen or any vampire for that matter. If you think you're the only one who has something to loose i.e. your precious queen, then think again I only have one mission and that is to kill the motherfucker who killed my parents…it just so happens that he is somehow a part of, if not, completely involved in your situation as well. I suggest you start putting more feeling to this because if you don't, to put it as graciously as possible," I then went over to Sookie and gestured with my hands to signify all of us. "we're fucked."

Eric kept his eyes on Sookie. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Sookie didn't say anything for a moment. "It was a lot to try and cram in at once and you have to admit, the actions taking place at the moment were a little distracting."

Eric still didn't look please. My ears perked. "Bill is outside we should be leaving." I interrupted.

Sookie grabbed her purse and a bag which I assumed consisted of her dress and overnighly goodies and headed for the door.

I followed in suit, minus the bag because…hell I owned no clothing at this point in time, and headed out the door. When I passed Eric I sent him a mental message.

You're an asshole.

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One thing that vampire don't know how to do is be 'low key' at least not Eric. A stretch limo pulled into up to Sookies house.

Bill stepped out and I gotta admit I didn't really find Bill that attractive but he looked damn good in his metallic flue button up and black slacks.

He opened the door and Sookie and I hopped in.

While we were about to pull away I saw Amelia running out of the house. Eric called out to the driver to stop the car as he rolled down the window.

"What is it?" Sookie asked.

"Octavia told me to give you two this." She then handed Sookie and I two small tubes with a foam cork sealing it. It was filled with a grey dust.

"What is this?" I asked examining the inch long bottle.

"It is silver." Amelia said. "If you get into any trouble…well…throw it….smear it on your body…do something with it. Octavia didn't really clarify. Just don't get it on them" She nodded towards Eric and Bill. "not unless you want to clean up the mess."

I smiled warily. "Thanks."

And with that we were gone.

The further and further we drove away from Sookies house the more terrified I got. Tomorrow could be my last night alive and there were still so many things I hadn't experienced. I'd never been on a place, danced in the rain….alright that was from fear of catching pneumonia but still the thought of never being able to get sick was daunting. Hell, I'd never even kissed a boy…Eric doesn't count. I told myself.

All of the normal things I should have experienced had never happened to me. I'd never gone on a date, never gotten drunk. I all of the things that I wanted to do I may never be able to do after tonight.

A single tear ran down my face.

"Something wrong?" Eric asked with not a hint of concern in his voice. Hell, he almost sounded annoyed. I looked at him and the scar on his face was totally healed.

I didn't say anything for a moment. I just shook my head with a smile on my face while wiping the single tear away.

I felt Sookie grab my hand and squeeze it. I just kept looking out the window.

This is a mistake

I heard Eric think. I tried to ignore it.

She's too young.

I'm all actuality I was only six years younger than Sookie but anyone is too young when it is from a vampire's point of view.

I should be with Sookie not her. What is something happens? Ill never see her again I then heard Bill think.

"Glad to see you guys are so fucking optimistic." I mumbled watching street lights pass.

What?

I heard Sookie think.

Eric doesn't have faith that I can do this. And Bills afraid you're going to die and he wont…I don't know…watch you die?

No one is going to die Casey.

I had to admit she sure did sound positive about that.

Well…if you're wrong…I just want you to know that, if we do die...I am happy to die with family…I know it sounds screwed up but--

NO one is dying. Sookie interrupted.

I looked down at the silver. How the hell were we suppose to use this as a defense mechanism. I mean, we are going into a death trap and all we were given was a jar the size of a bottle of chapstick filled with silver. Yes, I know silver can be deadly to vampires but it was such a small amount. Why the fuck hadn't she given us a mayo jar full of this shit?

I opened the jar and Bill and Eric growled and quickly moved to the opposite end of the window. They bean coughing violently. I almost dropped it out of fear. I immediately put the cap back on.

"What the fuck is your problem?!" Eric growled then said something in another language.

"I'm sorry!" I gasped while clutching the vial to my breast. "I only thought silver affected you when you touched it."

"That's silver powder in its purest form!" Eric growled. "It is highly lethal. Don't open it unless you have to!"

"ALRIGHT!" I snapped angrily.

I didn't doubt Eric's discomfort but try pulling a blade from your heart then he can talk about being uncomfortable. Pfff

I'm sorry

"Pfff whiney little pussy."

Sookie gasped I turned to look at her to see shock plastered on her face.

"I said that out loud didn't i?"

I looked to see one slightly amused vampire and one pissed off vampire and had my answer.

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**Authors Notes**

I hope you all are enjoying yourselves. This chapter was suppose to be a bit longer but I wasn't able to finish it so rather than have you guys wait another day to get your Casey fix I just decided to upload what I had so far. R&R people! I love you!! And I mean it!! We should like meet up go steady. Get married, cheat on each other, and have the whole thing end violently because…when you think about it…isn't that what love is all about?