Baudelaire V4

by Johnnyjon616

Rough and ongoing, whimsical tale. Edits through ch.3

Baudelaire

by JCL

Chapter 1 - Strange Sightings.

The world was once dark, imbalanced.. the infancy of morality.

There became glimpses, of light.. like a tide rising, turning a new direction.

The Crusades, a raging world wide war, versus the forces of evil.

These dark ages, of feudal savagery.. lasting hundreds of years,

have left behind a sharply divided world from the ashes.

.

Entire civilizations molded anew, from defeat or retreating into exile,

or assuming power by way of proxy.

There was no determination of right or wrong.. the statured merely acting accordingly.

Driving a wedge between the populace, the regions grew further, an further apart.

The war torn Southern reaches fighting for food and survival,

failing to even meet common civility.

While the central lands of Capital City and Freeport,

flourished in their spoils of war, hoarding their coffers, walling themselves in.

As they re-wrote history to suit them best, burning any evidence otherwise.

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Life moved on in fast pace, racing towards a civilized world, the ideal of luxurious refinement.

Leaving behind like a bad memory, the thrones of deceit and horrific destruction it was built upon.

Begging to forget.

Capital City engorged itself in opulence, the teeming masses from all corners pleading to be let in.

Spanning out in a spiral over the decades, to become the beacon of the civilized world.

.

However the Northern reaches, don't forget so easily.

The Northern reaches are an entirely different matter.. even a whisper of it is met with trepidation.

King's far too powerful, to give up control so easily..

mercenaries, elite warriors and their supporting houses, chose a different way of life.

Showing little interest for the new world's politics and etiquette.

.

Protected by the Northern climate and terrain, creating bottlenecks..

narrow valleys through the crags, far too arduous, for an army to advance upon.

The powerful denizens of the region were unknown,

leading to constant speculation, and curious treasure hunters.

Sightings and stories constantly filter out of the North.. like pulp fiction to the rest of the world.

Books and songs are written from these stories.

These renegades and war heroes that live like savages, spinning tales of supernatural beings..

.

Until one day the sightings became very real.

One after another.. the same sighting, the same description..

One got out of the North.. Central eyes gazed upon it.

A Werewolf.. there can be no mistaking it.

.

But not just your average Werewolf.

A shambling rogue, with glowing green eyes.. these Werewolves have no family crest,

not bound to any code of conduct passed down by generations.. They are savage.

Reports reach out like webs of panic, disrupting this otherwise peaceful new Era.

The attacks now reaching a level of ferocity, that hasn't been seen in ages.

At the far reaches East.. the Vatican, reacts quickly for confirmation.

As the Church takes these matters quite seriously, and being all too familiar with the ways of the North.

Immediately dispatch their most prized pupil.

.

Life is hard in the North, you can tell a Northerner they say..

They are direct, politely cunning.. as if they've seen so much they assume nothing.

They carry no politics from the Central world, as words and broken promises don't go very far,

faced with the various superstitions and supernatural sightings, that happen quite frequently up here..

People tend to go missing, with just a story.. they live by their wits.

.

A few spread out kingdoms and small settlements, scatter the north.. in hard to reach places.

Allowing refuge for those that maybe don't want to be found..

or come to the north for the discovery of troves awaiting.

The main city of Gideon, lies on the eastern seaboard, as a threshold to the North.

Providing the easiest entry point with supplies, and the largest standing Army in the north,

constantly on guard.

Considered the safest place to be, Gideon townsfolk are charming with a strong sense of community.

You do not step out of line in Gideon.

Rumors are.. they have their own methods of justice.

.

A two horse carriage, makes it's way out of the Gideon West Gates.

Winding upwards through the Northern trails.

Slow progress, as the mountainous crags and passes up here.. take time to traverse.

A light snow covered dusting of the grounds, a soft wind giving a dance to the flurries,

on a mid winter's afternoon.

The occupants inside.. hard at study of what they're searching for.

As they investigate the pattern of received sightings, the much younger gentleman..

notices something else..

.

"Van.. what's this on the map here?"

Carl asking as he's scanning every inch of the Northern map,

with his very large magnifying glass, an unyielding passion for his work.

.

Noticing there is a large area, in front of a natural land bridge.. with a shape like a castle.

However the stencil has no description, or key.. it's just blank.

Carl is a young man in his mid twenties,

shaggy blonde unkempt hair, with a permanent inquisitive look on his face.

Since as long as he can remember, he's had an unrelenting fascination with the supernatural..

consumed by it, he's had one path his whole life.. leading him directly to the greatest teacher there is,

in his own way.

.

Van doesn't have to look,

"It's Kara Baudelaire's Castle"

Van is a man of few words.

Stoic and straight to the point, with a large build and chiseled chin.. he seems to always get what he wants.

A gruff in his voice, that matches his always five o'clock shadowed beard.

Other-worldly charm.. almost amused in the face of death, like he's always one step ahead.

.

Being delivered to the Vatican as a baby in a crib, they took special interest in him.

Discovering he does appear to be touched by god, the man is in-corruptible.

Evil's incantations, charms and spells of any kind, have no take.. through his 'Holy Armor'.

Van can sense evil he is impossible to sneak up on, a MASTER tracker, with wits like a supernatural razor.

And at two hundred years old, Van has proven himself time, and time again.

.

Carl laughing as he searches his memory,

"You mean that witch goddess.. from the children's book?"

As Van shoots him a glance,

"She's real Carl."

.

The smirk still hasn't washed away as Carl leans into it,

"And I suppose her protector.. with the bright gold broadsword, follows her around for a thousand years too?"

laughing it out, like they're having a jest, dead eye contact waiting for a laugh in return..

.

"That would be Risha, an they're sisters."

That's all you get from Van, this is an off mission line of questioning..

but he doesn't want his apprentice un informed either.

.

Carl pauses.. his train of thought completely de-railed.

more so thinking..

About how Van's face.. hasn't dropped eye contact for one second, or changed shape by even a millimeter.

The tone and rhythm of his voice.. so steady you could set a clock to it.

What he is hearing, is indeed fact.

He must know more..

"If she's real.. how come we've never had her on assignment?"

"Haven't been any sightings."

Van shoots it back, had it ready.. like he's said it a hundred times.

.

Carl's cockles are spinning.

He's mystified, hearing from his most admired friend and Sire, that this fanciful character from a children's book!

Might actually be real, he presses..

"Have you ever seeen her?" squinting his eyes to a pierce.

.

Van ashing his cigar, sitting back in a more comfortable position, simply says..

"Lots a times."

Carl actually jumps back.

As only second term of service as a Friar, most of his time has been spent in libraries,

he's a babe in the woods up here in the wilds of the north.

.

"Everything I've ever read.. always said she's just a myth, a legend for putting children to sleep."

Carl says in his usual scientific demeanor.

.

"Maybe she wants it that way."

Van taking another drag off his cigar, and looking out the carriage window.

Carl quickly see's the logic in her doing such a thing.

.

"Fascinating."

He says as Van bangs on the roof of the carriage.. "Driver!.. this will do"

The carriage slows to a halt on the icy uneven road, as Van pays the driver handsomely,

and instructs him to wait.

.

The duo grab their tool kit, stepping down from the road's shelf,

to traversing a small, shallow powder cornice bowl, a few yards from the forest tree line now.

Carl who is still reeling, from hearing about this.. witch goddess named, Kara.

Is straying from their mission..

"If you've been in her presence.. how come you didn't apprehend her?"

Shuffling up closer behind him.

.

"As if I could"

Under his breath, barely audible as the forest is whistling through the winter snow,

Van leading the duo.. his senses reaching out in all directions like a radar.

.

"Wut?"

Carl right alongside him now.

.

"Because she isn't Evil"

Van stops, wheeling a heel, as he's towering miles above Carl.

"Carl.. I need you focused, we're on a unprecedented sighting out here..

besides she's gone, maybe never coming back..

you're not gonna be thinking about Kara, if we spot a Werewolf out here."

"I need you prepared."

Van's tone is stern, and it's for Carl's own good.

.

"Very well.. I understand."

As Carl hastily starts organizing his pack, so weapons are positioned to the front.

He's aware of Van's subtleties.. and that IF, is more often than not.. a when.

.

Pass a clearing, and into a particularly thick part of the woods.. it gets dark,

the canopy thick, and blocking out the sun.

As Van is pushing brush aside, clearing a path on his upward hike, he senses it!

Peering like a part through the undergrowth..

A smoke trail.. thick black, gently wafting from a small chimney,

barely noticeable like it's been smoldering for days.

A hunter's cabin!, just fifty yards in front of them,

nestled at the back of a snow packed meadow.

.

On cautious approach, Van goes silent..

this report has accuracy.. a struggle for life took place here.

The roof of the small cabin, caved in from the middle..

support beams from the A-frame, crashing through the walls on one side.

Giving the whole structure, a topsy-turvy slant..

like it just might fall over backwards.

The cabin door splayed open, and off it's hinges..

foot tracks!.. leading both in out and all around!

Blood stains!, thick pools of darkened coagulant are everywhere!

Claw marks raking down the sides of walls!, in deep gashes!

A thick layer of soot.. just on one side of the cabin,

like it was intentionally brought down.. an explosion of sorts.

More foot tracks!.. unfollowed to the south east..

the one that got away.

.

Van at the threshold now.. the sun's rays through the open roof,

illuminating the grisly scene like an arrow point, showing the way.

Carl losing pace, his legs don't want to bring him there.

Like a feeling or a pull..

Van's eyes lay right on it.. there it is.

Crushed and impaled, under the splintered wood beam supports of the cabin,

right on top of it now, they see it.. clearly.. Carl is paralyzed in fear.

His first encounter with a supernatural being.

A very large.. strange looking werewolf, the tufts of hair are mismatch color and texture..

one arm is noticeably larger than the other arm,

one foot blackened half way up the leg, while the other is silver coat.

Van moves in for a close look.

.

"This is no werewolf"

Turning over a claw, a quick inspection through the fingers,

"It's more like.. parts of a werewolf,

this is un-natural, even for super-natural standards."

Discarding the paw, in a confused huff..

Moves to the other side of this monster, clipping fur,

harvesting tissue samples.. the teeth look tar stained!,

'Unholy beast!'

Shouting in his head!, as he rips one of the blackened fangs!,

pocketing it quickly.

.

"Yes.. I see what you mean"

Carl saying as his fear turns to curiosity, he leans in to do his work.

Measuring bite marks and scratch lengths.. adding it to his journal.

"There can't be so many!?.. just can't!"

Under his breath..

the weight.. of just how many of these creatures might be out there,

starting to grate on Carl's fragile sensibilities..

there are hundreds of sightings!, and that's just what's been reported.

.

"Triple what you know, that's the prepared bet."

Van hearing him, giving a prod to his vigilance.

"We're not staying long,

werewolves don't do this.. they never expose like this..

this is something else, something.. old."

.

As the gentleman assume their usual work, doing cataloging and sampling,

storing their findings away. Keeping a thorough and timely log of their discoveries.

A presence above them..

is extremely unhappy as these 'Investigators', try to undo her glorious plan.

"So they've sent their Golden Boy, have they?..

and where.. will you lead me to when you flee!?"

Her thoughts escaping her twisted face like a hiss.

.

Van stops.. he senses it with a jolt to his feet!, this is different!

A powerful evil.. he's never felt this before!.. truly a powerful being is nearby!

Van spins around to where his supernatural radar is pinging!

Two green eyes.. flash high in the tree line,

a smokey dark wafting outline of a cloaked feminine figure..

locked in a menacing hiss, directly at Van.

He blinked and it's gone in a flash!.. like it took flight straight up into the air!

A foul stench of death.. everywhere in her wake.

.

"GRAB OUR GEAR!"

He yells loudly at Carl as he's scooping him up!, Carl frantically starts organizing his pack,

never hearing this sense of urgency in Van's voice, he doesn't say a word, he forgets how to think..

terrified stiff moves, like his joints don't work anymore.

.

As Van an Carl start scrambling!, back the way they came..

dropping things just to leave them!, keep running!

Van turns it!, focuses down hard in his senses..

movement, back by the cabin porch, a squinting peer through the flurries..

earth being moved in a small pile, rippling outwards, erupting in the middle!

CLAWS!, Digging there way up out of the ground!,

another one!

He can already hear the snarling un-dead growls!

.

"DROP IT CARL!.. NOW!.. AS FAST AS YOU CAN!

Carl now crippled in fear!, his legs have become rubberized!,

Van practically crutching him at this point!

He doesn't know what to think, he's never seen this side of Van..

a scared Van.

The duo now at full speed wild sprints!, Van's heft of weight just barreling Carl forward!

Casting brush aside!.. as they stride over gaps,

falling down a ledge because it's quicker then scaling it!

.

On approach to their carriage, the driver in a stumbling shuffle!,

in a step-down from the driver's seat,

clearly seeing the intensity of what's coming!

"Run man!, RUN!, Hurrry!"

.

"GET THE HELL OUTTA HERE!"

Van's frantic bark!, freezes the man in place!, as he then turns it..

grabbing for the blunderbuss always benched on his right.

With a quick crack open from the back, check for ammunition..

He takes aim down range at Van and Carl!

"GET DOWN, SONNY!"

The old man's voice coming alive!, born and raised in the north..

he is always on the ready!

.

The duo just there now!, a short span of gap in between them!

Van kicking through the upward snow bowl, as he's dragging Carl by the collar!

The carriage on the shelf just in front of them!

"THAT WON'T WORK!"

.

'PHoOOM!'

The blasting bass of the blunderbuss takes snow off the trees!,

as Van and Carl are flat to the ground!, in a scramble to the carriage flank!

A warning shot!, a vain attempt to turn the beast away!

.

The old man's failing vision..

finally catches the outline of what's coming.

Furred haze from it's hulking shoulders..

the green eyes.. that just cannot hide in the brushes..

the howling rage in echo as it gets closer!

Covering ground in huge, on all fours bounds!

Tearing through the undergrowth, leaving small trees toppled behind it!

.

The old man locks eye's with it!

'Why man!, why would you do such a thing!'

Screaming in his head!, but any human would look!

FLEEE!

Flight panic takes over completely!, he turns his back on it!,

heading up the carriage stairs!

Getting a hand on the reins about to seat his position!,

he can feel it..

like a soft pit in your stomach.. the familiar knotting ache..

that you got it wrong.

.

Turning to fire he has one barrel left!

It's AIRBORNE!, and right on top of him!

Leaping the entire gap between them!,

covering the ground over the top of Carl and Van!

The blasting bass from the blunderbuss!, at POINT BLANK!

Just barely getting his sights up in time!

.

The buckshot powder keg!, along with the crazed beast's enraged bellow!,

In an instant after one another!, like a thunder clap across the tundra!

Absorbing the blast like it's just a stiing to it.. old-world savage!

As it's toothy clawed dive tackle!, takes them both over the adjacent side!

The momentum of it's frenzy, sending them in a sprawl..

down the other side of the road's shelf.

.

The sounds of pure horror.. these sounds are never forgotten.

Screams reach a pitch you've never heard before..

from someone you've known your entire life.

Being under it's full mount.. helpless.

Wet.. long slashes, gnawing.. the cracking of bone under teeth..

being eaten alive.

.

Without a moments hesitation, Van is in the drivers seat!,

pulling Carl up along side him..

peeling his eyes away in terrified last looks!,

"We have to help him!"

Van with no time for explanation!,

"HE'S DEAD CARL!, AND WER NEXT!"

.

Shoulders him over!, as he grabs the reins and cracks the horses!

"HAAH!, HAH!", spurring the horses to motivation!

They begin tearing down the road!, in a different direction from which they came.

.

A few miles away.. buried deep.

Hundred's of feet below the deserted and haunted castle, that is Castle Baudelaire.

Kara Baudelaire.. riips open an eye!, like a dusty rusted seam coming apart!

A slow squint.. as rage starts intensifying.

Soft turns from her neck.. scraping the ages of earth off her face,

a hiss growing louder from within her.

This is not the beautiful Kara described in the children's book,

she's been buried for decades.

.

Her skin is a deathly dark grey, not the angelic ivory sheen described..

dark midnight blue forking veins, spider her face, overtaking it.. running down her neck.

Eye's like burning red fire, in a permanent high arched scowl.. as she is furiously starved.

Her hair is a dark grey matted mess, twisting like cobwebs in a blanket around her.

.

She's wearing a jet black burial gown.. a robe closed in the front, like a folded over curtain.

Straight down to the floor, with a belt made of vertical five inch bones, all the way around,

like a macabre corset of deathly piano keys.

Making her look even less.. like the children's book description,

of this.. gorgeous angel, in a sparkling white dress.

.

Kara's ancient Vampire wisdom, have sensed what's happening.

Her eye's twitch.. pebbles, dirt and debris.. are being blinked out of her way,

so she can see.

Anger is welling inside her like a storm, from this.. rude awakening in her senses,

she's now panting in hisses.

Sensing more of what's happening in the above world.. her hands move up slowly,

regaining their powerful functions.. scooping debris, rock and dirt from above her.

Her anger overflows.. "THEY'RE COMING FOR MY HOUSE!"

Fuurious now!, in flying elbows for softening!,

as she's demolishing her earthen walls!

.

Viciously assaulting earth as she moves upward!, thrashing hard with all four limbs!

She's at a running pace..

Nothing in this world can burrow like a Vampire.

.

The gates of Castle Baudelaire lay half open.

With an ominous creek as they sway.. almost a dare to intruders.

In present time it's just considered a haunt.

Curious treasure hunters, fame seekers.. would leave with nothing but stories of wailing ghosts..

or not leave at all.

.

Loud hooves!.. thrashing and yelling can be heard, as the carriage charges down the road at the gates!

Van yanks back on the reins!

"WOOAH!, WOOOOAH!" Screaming all he's got!, but in his frantic pace its too late..

the carriage buckles upwards from the back!, from the weight transfer of hooves digging in!,

the horses can't stop in time!

Crashing the gates like an accordion coming together!, as the horses go down, the back comes up!

Pitching the men out of their seats!, sprawling them into the courtyard!.. in a horrible wreck!

.

Carl blinded in stars by the impact, trying to regain focus..

hearing muffled sounds of Van, as the impact near deafens him!

Scooped up by Van!, and whisked to the double doors!, leading to the main hall entrance.

Kicking at the doors as hard as he can!, finally on three blasting them open!

.

"KAZAANDRAA!"

Screaming as loud as he can!.. two more times..

"KAZANDRA!" ?

Carl still in shock!, as his memory starts searching for such a name!

.

A smokey red 'POOFING-SNAP!'

Like the sound of a large wet rag snapping like a whip.. but you electrified it first.

As the men are a few steps into the main hall, looking at the skylight and all over..

Kazandra appears like a blink from a cloud, in the threshold double doors behind them.

An outstretched arm leaning on the door frame, her other arm perched like a tea pot.. and a tapping foot.

Wearing a very ornate red dress that fits her like a glove.. long sleeved, neck to the floor.

Throwing eye daggers, and a one side up smile to the back of Van.

.

"Well hello Vaaan"..

"Of all the times we've met, crashing a carriage into my house.. Is not the best way to get my attention"

Smooth as silk.. a blue blooded high pitched tone, sassing him like she's happy to see him.

.

The gentlemen wheel around to face her!, Carl can't believe what he's seeing!

what is this.. who is this.. silken silvered maiden!, Is this Kara with a different name?

Carl is utterly lost from such a day!

.

Van just a stammering stutter!.. Carl frozen as he stares Kazandra up and down!

Unable to take in the beauty of this woman!

.

Kazandra now taking things a little more seriously.

This is a very strange side of Van, that she's never seen before.

Seeing that frightened urgency.. all over his face!, she casually pauses..

well this is new..

.

"Something's co"- The twitch snap of his head, get the words out man!

"Were-wol" no time left to finish..

CRASHING! through the skylight, and onto the main hall study floor!,

the hulking homunculus of a Werewolf!..

green eyes like a haaze of fury!, it's parts don't match!

Howling wild timbres as it turns to face the trio!

As it moves towards them..

Kazandra see's a faint outline..

at the back of the study, through an open side door.. behind the werewolf.

Her face LIGHTS up!.. she forgets how to blink, the figure is moving slowly..

but deliberately.. soft crackles of light.. the pat of bare feet.

The room is now silent.

.

Sparking arcs like wires of electricity.. can be seen coursing a path, from her shoulders to her hands.

She's wrapped like a blanket in her cobwebs an mats, of grey tangled tendrils of hair.

Beneath the tangle of grey, behind the blackened full length gown,

what looks like a Tattoo..

if was penned in glowing white ink.

An intricate weave of celestial patterns, throughout her entire body,

only visible peeking.. through haunting blacks an greys of her silhouette.

Begins pulsing!.. swirling alive as it illuminates!, growing outwards to her extremities!

Slower than faster, as it's burning in bright fast zips to her hands!

.

Something so powerful, is extremely hard to take in all at once.

No human could gaze this, without a hand up to see it through.

You can't see her face, just a fiery red scowl, beneath a lightning storm..

fixed like death on the werewolf.. like she's set to make an example.

Evil has no foothold to my family.

.

"KARRRRAAAA!"

Kazandra screaming!, as she's absolutely dancing inside to see her twin sister!

She's giggling and clapping, as she's hopping up and down!

.

Not a word from Kara.

The werewolf's turn is awkward!, the movements of a lifeless wretch!,

it squares her up.. dripping in maniacal frenzy, it has no concept of fear!

It pounces!.. full force!, claws akimbo for destruction!

.

As Kara's six foot five towering frame.. catches the werewolf around the neck, like a child's toy..

one handed, standing straight up'n down, the queen just caught a pawn.

Time stops.. for all other occupants in the room.

Seeing her in this state.. a human's normal reaction is mal-function.

Her clawed hands, growing talons for decades are the size of dinner plates.

With a firm digging traction, as her fingers went straight through.

She's so dense it couldn't budge her.. she's so fast it was just a pluck.

Fangs bared in a clench!, as she tightens her grip in a pull towards her face!

The werewolf starting to go limp already, from being halfway decapitated!

NO!, too quick..

What happens next.. Human vision cannot fully realize.

.

They just can't keep up with the speed of what's happening!

All they can do is freeze.. an make terrified faces!

They hear deafening thunks! and craacks!, as the werewolf is flung all over the room!

Landing from the ceiling!.. to only be sent face first!, like a howling spear to the other wall!

As she's heaving the thing like a rucksack against the walls!

The walls are shaking and groaning like an earthquake!, from the impact of this thing being smashed around!

Whimpering barks blasting from the werewolf like a drum!

.

Turning a bookcase up over and around, like it was as easy as a folding chair!

Straight down on its head!, in a cathartic explosion!, of pluming shards of woods!

Kara rips it off the ground by the back of it's neck, it's barely even moving at this point!

SLASH, SLASH, RIIIIIP, the sounds of Kara ripping pieces off this thing..

cusses coming out of her!

A quick circling duck, she turns a MASSIVE uppercut!, her feet leave the ground!

Her density and sheer velocity!, colliding with this beast is the sound of STEEL coming together!

Sending a detached head an torso!, up through the skylight!

With it's last whimper, and a thump outside in the courtyard..

the lower half of the werewolf's body, just collapses in a heap.

.

Kara.. in heaves of anger still, for the invasion on her house an family.. finally speaks.

"GABRIEL VAN HELSING"

The tone is disturbing.. other worldly and dark, bellows through her castle.

Instinctively, she reaches up summoning her Solist's Artifact Staff,

that comes to her hand when she calls it.

A laarge, icy spiraling twist!, hook staff that looks almost wind blown,

as tall as she is..

with the bottom being as sharp as an unbreakable blade.

Made of un-melting ice called permafrost,

blues, purples and opals.. shimmer off the staff, in all directions like a prism.

.

In their shock and awe.. Van an Carl have moved back against the door frame.. pinned.

Without a word she reaches all the way back like a javelin, FIRES the staff at VAN!

It sinks inches to the left of his head!

Halfway down the staff, through the door frame.. and out the other side!

.

Van kicking at the floor as he's seen what she's capable of, and this was just her warm-up!

"Kara.. Kara, please.. just listen.. please just listen"..

"I would never do anything to hurt your family Kara, you know I wouldn't!"

Van trying to get as many words as he can.

.

Kara isn't listening.

"They're coming for meee now!.. you've brought this plague on my doorstep, In my HOME!"

Her words are like a hiss.

Van realizing she's right..

"I'm soo sorry Kara.. I had nowhere to go, I have all the information on what's happening"

.

"I KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON!"

She fires at him on approach!.. taking quick stock of the situation.

Her home.. it's been soo long, her heart is breaking seeing its condition.

This new person with Van, he's so young.. he's an innocent, terrified like he's about to have a heart attack.

Kara takes a beat.. is now beginning to calm, the arcing sparks have stopped.

.

The swirling pulse of a tattoo, is just a soft fade, barely visible.

She turns it.. like a magnet her eye's just glue to Kazandra.. seeing the loving shock, wash all over her in waves.

Her murderous face clears up instantly, rushing over to her, they immediately embrace!

Tears streaming down both of their faces.. as a haunted desolate home and exiled sisters..

was never, part of the plan.

.

"Hey yoouuu"

Kara says comforting her as best as she can..

cradling her face in shaking hands, wiping tears.. as they are soo infectious to her.

Knowing that Kazandra's time spent here alone.. haunting the castle, was misery.

She can't live this way.. as was once warned, a loveless Kazandra is a true threat upon this world.

With her love taken from her.. in her mind.. no one else gets to either.

"Pleeaase don't go again"

Kazandra squeaking her plead.. as she buries her head in the relief of Kara's embrace,

it's like a rush.

Her life seeping back into her, like a drain right through Kara.

A sharp left fang, hanging on to her lower lip..

and big doe eye's, looking up for confirmation..

.

"I'm not!, we're not living in hiding anymore.. I have a PLAN!"

She says with a great big ruby smile, a poke on Kazandra's nose.

Kazandra's ruby smile goes even wider.. ear to ear.

She believes in her sister Kara more than anything in this world,

starts pawing at her cobwebs of twisted silver hair..

"Quite the display witch goddess.. I wanted to help!,

did you hear it squeaking in the courtyard?"

Soft admiration in her voice, easily captivated seeing her sister in-action.

.

Kara catching the laugh with her hand.. as she has a hundred urgent matters on her mind.

"It just broke open!".. taking notice of her absolutely haunting appearance,

from Kazandra's subtle nudge,

"Ooo, right"

.

Kazandra still bounding in small toe leaps from her excitement,

"I like it!.. but you're scaring the humans!.. so iiim the pretty one theen"

She can't help it.. they immediately fall into loving banter.

.

"O you like that do you!?"

Kara finally giving in, the giggles start escaping.

She's missed her soo much!

Starts grabbing tendrils of wild silver, tying a haphazard bun.

.

Both smiling in a eye's locked trance, like they can read each other's minds..

and this is the start of a new Era.

Kara gets back to business.. urgent matters to attend to!

Now settling in to her normal blue blood tones, of chirps and sweetness.

"Take our clergy boys to the pantry please"

"The pantry?" Kazandra scrunching her face in question, as it seems rather cruel.

.

Kara is already moving up the stairs, motivated.. she belts out,

"I neeed Ri-sha!"

Hits the top floor landing, heading to her messenger ravens at the window ledge.

"This place is a MESS!"

Scribbling notes furiously, the first round going to track down Risha.

Her other sister.. and life long protector, General of Gideon's Army, currently on assignment.

"You did that!" Kazandra squeaks up the stairs in protest.

"Luv you babe" barely audible, from the back of the top floor study.

.

Kazandra looks at Van and Carl shrugging.. and points the way.

Carl who hasn't stopped shaking since they walked in.. collapses in a heap, out cold.

.

The pantry door of a VAMPIRE swings open.

A dark dank cellar, smells like piss.. with no ventilation.

Rock walls, with wood beam supports and a back door, barely visible.

Kazandra effortlessly carries in Carl, brushing Van's hands away,

just because she knows it easier for her.

Propping him up against the wall in a sitting position, crosses his arms in front of him.

Still out cold.. he gets a soft pat on the head.

.

Van walking over takes a seated position next to him, contemplating what he's done,

Kazandra glides over to him.. "Hey.. hey big lug"

Mortal or not Van's 6'4 frame and 230lbs are impressive, he fills a doorway.

As he looks up at her with concern, not knowing what to say..

.

"She'l cool off.. don't woorry"

A soft smile, as she's getting lower to him.

.

"Let's just say she had a rude awakening.. from a really really long nap.

You know heerrr.. she's already TEN steps ahead of you!"

Forcing his eye contact, by giving his wide brim a soft nudge upwards.

Van feeling a little more relaxed, as she's just laying on the charm..

gives half a smile for the attempt to make him feel better.

.

"Sooo guess we just wait?"

Looking around trying to see, but it's too dark..

giving a shoulder nudge to Carl, as he's coming to.

.

"Back as soon as I can!"

As she's closing the pantry door, a thick lock being heard on the other side.

Darkness.. Van hearing her in gleeful strides through the halls.

.

Hours go by in silence..

the soft tick.. small drips, of water seeping rock like a metronome.

.

"Do they intend to.. eat us?.. she said pantry!"

Carl getting fidgety.. trying to get some answers from Van.

Who's been sitting rather quiet for such a predicament.

.

"Probably not"

Van in his boredom.. getting a little darkly comedic.

.

"Probably!?"

.

A thick sounding lock, from the pantry backdoor.. as it swings open,

the duo go quiet, the pantry is big..

forty feet away at the front of the pantry, Van is trying to hear what's being said..

it's too dark to see.. just a few figures.

The very nervous and stammering figure can be heard blubbering for answers..

the second one isn't saying a word, just following instruction.

The third figure is just outside the pantry, Van can hear him say..

.

"You want some advice.. be very polite"

As the door slams shut, the lock clicks back in.

.

The two figures cautiously enter moving towards the front.. pawing around.

"I can't see anything!"

The stammering blonde headed figure cries out.

.

"Your eye's will adjust.. just give it a few minutes."

The figure spins around to the direction of Van's calm voice.

.

"Where am I?.. what's happening!?"

Shaking the words out, in a thick accent from the south..

everything sounds like a yelp, in high pitched darts.

.

"You are in the pantry of Castle Baudelaire"

Van's way too casual answer, as he's patting open an inside jacket pocket,

in a fetch for his cigar sheath.

The other figure who just went an sat down quiet.. snaps to attention.

.

"You mean Kara Baudelaire?.. the goddess witch of those, fanciful fairy tales?"

He says with a wide smirk, trying to get a better look at Van.

.

"She's a Vampire and yes, that one."

Perching the wide brim, on his one up turned knee now,

resting his head back against the wall,

like he's bored of this conversation already.

.

"Do you believe everything you hear?"

He clearly doesn't know who he's talking to.

But he's inching closer to see.. where this gruff voice is coming from.

"What about that part, that no ones ever seeeen heer"

The braggart pushing like he's a fool.

.

"Not your generation kid, and i'm gonna be here when you find out"

His confidence, from the shadows.. leaves the gentleman contemplating his ridicule.

.

The curly headed blonde one starts shaking and pacing.. like he's mumbling a plan to break out.

"I don't care about your stories!, vampires and witches.. you fools!,

I'm getting out of here!"

.

"What's your name kid?"

Van bellows it like a bark, as he lights up his last cigar.

.

"Wil-helm"

Still shaking his words out, an inching closer to Van..

growing more intimidated by his presence.

.

"Not from here are ya?"

He knows the answer.. it's a reminder, you are not home, you're the stranger here.

.

"No"

Wilhelm gawking at the intimidating silhouette of Van..

as light hits his face, from the lit cigar drags.

Like it was on purpose.. as, that's far enough you.

"I was just visiting some friends.. I'm from the south, close to Freeport,

all I remember.. there was a big tavern fight, someone was killed..

and I ended up in a black carriage with no windows!"

.

"Three people were killed"

The sitting quiet one chimes in,

as Wilhelm searches his blank memory of the events in confusion.

.

"I think you should follow the advice of that nice gentleman, who walked you in here"

Van nails it calmly in one breath.. with a flick of his cigar, and crossing his legs out in front of him.

In his long history of run-ins with Kara, he's well aware of the events that would have to take place,

for you to end up in that carriage.

.

Wilhelm trying to grasp all that's happening..

why are they so calm!, help me tear down the walls!

He demands in his head.

.

The front door lock clicks, as the door swings wide open.

Kazandra comes skipping in,

almost humming, not paying any attention to the pantry food.

"Ooo, you poor things.. you can't see anything!"

As she reaches up lighting a few candelabra, in the front and back, of the inside of the pantry.

Once the light hits.. all parties can now see what's going on.

.

The sitting quiet one stares mouth agape at Kazandra..

as he is from the neighboring city of Gideon.. he's very aware of a song, referring to the War of Gideon.

Where this beautiful silver haired woman, in a red dress, streaks and pops and flashes..

all over the battlefield.

Doing pirouettes and cartwheels, back flips and front flips.. all while expertly dodging every attack.

A fast streak would leave a trail of bodies behind her, the streak ripping through them like a blade..

through plate mail like paper.

THE BUTCHER'S BLADE. Is the name of the song.

In all human recorded history, an Orc invading army has never turned in fear and retreated.

Save that one time.

.

"Th-.. the strea-king red d-ress"

He forgets how to speak.

.

Kazandra who was walking out, to bring them in a water an food cart..

hears him an stops, turning back to look at him,

"Exactly that dress" as she does a curtsy and continues on her way.

.

She wheels in the cart to the side of the room,

"Here you go booys.. it's better than it looks!"

Wilhelm see's her walk up to Van.. whisper something, and then head out the door.

Closing it behind her.

.

Wilhelm pops up fast!

"You're alll crazy.. HER!?, she's a teenage girl you idiots!"

all other voices in the room at the same time,

"NO SHE ISN'T."

.

Enraged by the lack of support.. he checks his boot, a KNIFE!

"Look, look!, he didn't search me!"

Brandishing it out in front of him now..

"We can just grab her next time she comes in, an make her take us outta here!"

.

Van is getting tired of hearing this kid.. fills the cellar with his baritone.

"Hey kid.. he didn't search you because you're no threat to them.. so let me get this straight.

You're going to kidnap or kill.. Kazandra Baudelaire, possibly the most powerful being to ever exist..

and after that, find your way through a very large castle.. with probably, TWO other vampires roaming around,

to wander through the northern forests at night, crawling with Werewolves..

and simply stroll back to Gideon?.. last time kid, follow the advice you wer given."

.

"I'll make her give me one of the castle carriages!"

Wilhelm fires back, as the front pantry door swings open.

Kazandra's back is to Wilhelm.

As she moves towards Van an Carl, about to lean over and say something.

.

Wilhelm seeing his chance springs into action!

He grabs Kazandra from behind!

With his left arm in a choke hold, and right arm holding a knife in her side!

.

"LISTEN TO ME YOU BITCH!, IM GETTING OUTA HERE, YOU'RE EITHER TAKING ME OUT,

OR I'M KILLING YOU AN WALKING OUT!"

Every other body in the room, kicks at the floor.. pushing as faar against the wall as they can possibly go.

Expecting to see a body get absolutely obliterated.

.

"Mmhm, well isn't.. he, a spirited one?"

Kazandra's voice smooth as silk.. soft and slow patterns in her speech.

She doesn't even move.. she wants to see how far he will go..

starts slowly grazing her shoulders side to side against him.

.

"That's a Sapiarch's dress my dear, there's no way..

you would be able to push a knife through it."

In a compelled fidgit!, he moves the knife up to her neck!,

with the blade touching her skin now!

She leeeans back into him..

tilting her head back.. so he has the perfect angle.. and can hear her better.

.

"Go on then"..

The flick of her whispering tongue practically brushes his ear!

He almost buckles at the knees!, from the lightning bolt!,

she just sent through his nervous system!

Wilhelm realizing she's calling his bluff..

he HAS to.

.

He stabs upward as hard as he can!

The knife pops right out of the bottom of his hand,

like a button.

And lands on the floor..

.

"Oops" as her eye's start firing swirling reds!.. her turn is un-seeable it's too fast!

She has Wilhelm by the neck!.. up off his feet, an plopping him down on his butt,

with his back against the wall.

She's inches from his face now, eye to eye.

Kazandra's eyes are now swirling fireballs of glowing reds and pinks.. like ink blots,

being spilled on the lens of a kaleidoscope, carrying off her lashes in a haze.

The vortex in her eyes, a powerful rabbit hole.. humans just lost in her turned on gaze.

Every bit of anxiety.. or fear, or flee.. anything that was once Wilhelm, is now gone.

He's simply just staring at Kazandra in adoration.

.

"Isn't that beetter?"

No answer.. he's just in awe staring at her.

She lifts up his hand, turns over his wrist..

"Let's have a taasste, of that spirit"

Rolling her lips back, a sultry hiss of her raw desire..

fully exposing the exquisite curve of her fangs!

She clamps down hard on his wrist.. like two simmered knives hitting butter.

Wilhelm has no reaction, he's simply just enjoying being in her presence.

Kazandra's eyes go wiiide, as she un-hooks fangs for a gasp!

"WOOOOOOWW" is her only reaction.

Stuttered ecstacy in her breath, like she's just discovered Chocolate.

.

In the world of Vampires,

Kazandra is what's known as an Assassin. Speed and hypnosis are their gifts.

However her speed is.. different.

When a vampire simply appears in front of you.. it's a trick,

they just moved to fast for your vision to see.. they are still here in the mortal realm.

When Kazandra appears,

it is not simple and it's no trick.. she is moving away from the mortal realm.

She IS an Assassin.. but then something more.

Her sister's Risha and Kara are both Brutes, their gifts are.. well obvious.

Kazandra wiping her lips.. knowing she's just discovered something and quite happy about it.

.

Carl whispers to Van,

"I can't take my eyes.. off of her"

He says almost confused,

trying to process all that's happening.

.

"It's her gift."

Van shoots back.. Carl wanting more clarification,

"You mean everyone who looks at her, falls in love with her?"

As she's now facing him.. he can see streaks of red, dancing through her hair..

her eye's still just a smokey haze, of red flashing ink blots.

This lithe, six foot tall.. glowing red, young gorgeous.. instrument of pain an beauty-

.

"EXACTLY"..

.

"Well then how do you know.. who really loves you, if it's just a spell?"

Carl still staring her up an down.. his wires of love versus science,

are just a malfunction of criss-cross in his brain.

"You'l have to ask her yourself"

As Van starts standing up, helping Carl up at the same time.

.

"It doesn't seem to have any effect on you though Van?"

Clearly seeing Van's.. lack of fascination with Kazandra's medusa like allure..

but why?, is he hiding something?.. Carl's mind always has the right questions.

.

"No it doesn't work on me.. not really sure why"

Kazandra does not register in his senses, like anyone else..

she's not exactly on the light side of his spectrum,

or the dark.. she's using a different set of colors.

.

Kazandra in a tranceful glide over to them, eyes with a un-abashed fix on Van,

"Well that was.. quite a something"

Still in a reel, she can barely concentrate..

"Come come now, Kara wants a word."

Her distraction is obvious.. she's not done with Mr. Wilhelm.

As she leads them out and down the corridors, to the main hall study.

She notices Carl's blatant confusion over all that's happening.

.

"Question?"

As she looks at Carl trying to keep up her gliding pace.

.

"Only like ten thousand.. how much time do you have?"

Carl says back totally enamored,

trying to match her every step.. making a pawing motion at this silken red dress.

.

"It looks like.. it's resizing itself to fit you"

As he's watching the sweeping floor length dress,

keep up in her wake.. like waves of a feather light ribbon, reeling itself in behind her.

Her intricate top braided hair, and sweeping fall of platinum's beneath.. halfway down her back,

dancing in beat with her glide.

Up close it's streaked platinum, and away looks like silver..

"I love your hair!" he can't help but blurt out.

.

Kazandra and Kara have the same laugh, it's infectious.. carefree, regal and loud.

and Kazandra let's hers out,

"Well aren't you a clever one!.. Carrrl was it?,

it's more than just a pretty dress"..

As he's now right along side her, studying her subtleties..

admiring her graceful, all too easy charm.

"And it's called a War Braid!"

.

"Indeed!.. are you what they call, the Butcher's Blade?"

"Is it true Kara sailed a Spanish Galleon.. across the southern ocean, with a crew of two?"

as Carl is firing out questions now!.. referencing what he remembers from the children's books,

the magnificent sponge of his mind.. just begging for all this, grandiose info.

"Ask her yourself.. try not to pass out"

With a soft smile as she's waving them in to the study's entrance.

.

Kara comes down the main hall stairs,

A large double stair case, that circles down on both wings, into a two story study,

with a raised deck in the back. And a skylight overhead, now a convertible skylight.

At one time very lavish and well kept, has seen several years of neglect.

.

Van sees Kara first.. like seeing her for the very first time, all over again.

Years of memories come rushing back..

as she's been buried so long, he almost thought she might never come back.

She's wearing what's called a Crystal Tower Gown, sparkling white like it's glowing.

It's her usual attire, very elegant and proper.. not much exposed skin.

.

She doesn't want humans or anything for that matter,

examining the Runes or 'Tattoos' all over her body.

Shining beautiful like a princess ball dress, with diamonds inlaid down the middle,

in intricate pattern.. from bust line to floor.

The top of the dress makes a smooth shallow plunging vee across her shoulders,

strapless as the points rest on her shoulders, at collarbone level hanging weightless.

Hooded sleeves affixed to her wrists, with a soft clasp underneath,

giving her hands a partially covered appearance.

Then held in place at the tops of her biceps in a hug.

In perfect fit, the dress does not drape off her.. or drag on her..

it's your softest favorite blanket enveloping you.

.

An invisible stylized flower pattern.. running in a bloom upwards on both of her sides,

only comes alive in certain light angles.

The bottom of the dress is a silky multi layered drape, less texturized than the top.

Just a flat burning sheen, where the hug from her hips,

slowly lets go to a blossoming floor sweep, as it's grazing her toes.

Shining to it's brightest white at the sweep of the floor, and it never takes a stain.

Her hair as always.. is in a tight bun, with side part rakish over her left eye,

with the bun spiral behind her left ear. And pinned with her favorite hair clip.

A thousand years old.. an it's like she gets prettier, not older.

.

The soft pat of her bare feet reaching the landing,

she turns to everyone and gives a curtsy like a swan.

Carl gets it now.. this Kara Baudelaire mythos.. he gazes her for the first time up close.

This perfect lithe body like an hourglass, the long sculpted athletic nape of her neck..

that just rolls to her shoulders in a perfect slope.

The exposure of her bare neck and shoulder, is overwhelmingly primal.

.

Her towering glide at 6'5, looks almost slow motion it's so graceful.. then you see her face!

Large electric pinkish purple eyes, jet black brows with high arches to a point, long black lashes,

and permanent vampire mascara.

Cheek bones to the moon an back!, that taper down to a soft narrow chin.

Like the perfect contrasting 'bowtie' to her appearance..

She has deep matte red permanently stained.. voluptuously smiling heart shaped lips,

with demure tucked fangs behind them, that are never exposed.

And bright, several tones of gorgeous silver hair.

.

Carl's sensitivity to light patterns..

his perception of what's considered beautiful..

are crashing down around him.

Glossy sheens of whites.. silvers, deep reds..

bold saturations of color.. stitched in only the finest materials,

bouncing redirects of lights from all over the room's light sources!

Halo's now growing off the lights.. the room in a wash, as his eye's start a flutter.

.

His reality being overcome in pulses!, Ruby lips with those teeeth!

Seeing Kazandra right next to him!, with a bite on her lower lip!

The room starts a spinning fade in every blink..

Out on his feeet!

As her ready for it, soft catch cradles him down to a prop.

.

Risha who had just recently arrived, upon receiving Kara's letters,

fumbling around at her desk, trying to make order of the mess.

Hears a familiar thud.. that she's heard before when an innocent..

gets a full long gaze upon supernatural Kara.

.

"Annd.. another one down!, I think she secretly times it"

Giving a point and c'mere to Van with a smirk.

Extremely happy to see Risha, Van let's out a sigh.. walking over for a hug.

.

Risha and Van are like kindred spirits.. leaders on the battlefield, wise beyond their years.

Like upon meeting someone and the familiarity is instant..

even apart for long spans, they just click back together where they left off.

They have a mutual respect and love for one another, the same stoic demeanor.

Their love usually comes by way of a sassy sibling like contest.

.

"Sooo good to see you Riiish.. are you here to stay?"

As his arms are wide open, approaching arms length distance.. her's are crossed.

.

"I-am, no thanks to you"

Smirking eye daggers, as Van goes sheepish immediately.

.

"We-.. I... wa-.. ther was nowhe.. the kid was in dang-"

Just fumbling Risha's sass, makes her ROAR laughing interrupting him.

Seeing him sheepish.. as it's so rare, she's enjoying it.

Arms at her hips now, grasping the desk and leaning back,

legs crossed straight out in front of her.

"Did you forget how to speak!?

Relax clergy of the wide-brim!, she know's what she's doin.. been a spell hasn't it?"

There's a hint of exasperation at the end, she's missed him.

.

"I'd about given up hope Rish..

Van relaxing his tones, picking up on her signals.

"How's Kaz?.. it was rough on her.. I had to bury a few, mishaps"

A soft shake of his head, quiet tones, candid.. only Risha is hearing him.

.

Risha the timeless, knows her sister well.

A few decades.. psssh, she could live through the dark ages!

As she snaps him right out of it,

"Are you kidding?,

Kazandra's been a ballet through the castle, alll damn day!,

and probably halfly due to you!,

I had to pitch things at her!, just to keep her off my desk!"

She throws an affectionate glance at Van, like come closer.. that he immediately picks up.

And takes the same perch right next to her.. in the same stance.

.

"Do you need some instruction, on how horses work?"

Risha leaning into her sass now,

referencing the mess of her courtyard.

.

Van can't help but laugh.

"You need a boost to get up on ur Stallion little one!"

As Risha's head comes up to about Van's shoulders..

although her presence suggests something MUCH larger.

Kara an Van are eye to eye, in more ways than one.

"I don't boost!.. I leap, there's a big difference!"

Both in wails of laughter now.

.

"Who's the little guy.. vassal?"

Nodding towards the downed Carl.

.

"That's Carl, I've taken on an apprentice.. he's a good man"

Their shoulders are now touching, in a soft lean.

.

"Is he now?.. hand him Huntsman then?"

Throwing a glance to her bright gold broadsword, hung on the wall..

that Evil cannot wield.

.

"I can sense evil better than your trinket!"

Van settling into his normal banter with Risha, her humor like a breath of fresh air.

.

"And what about that time a vagabond scoundrel!, was sitting here at this desk!?"

Kazandra creeping up like a ghost from the wings!, for the team up with Risha.

She can't resist.. she's missed it soo much.. she didn't quite pick her battle.

.

"You mean the time where I was right and you were wrong, that time you mean?"

Van throws it right back at her, wheeling a look through the tilt of his brim, over his shoulder..

all she can do is make a scrunched face, as Risha bursts out laughing.

.

"You put me in the pantry carriage!"

Kazandra blurts it, like she has nothing left.

All three have a good laugh, happy to see each other after such a long time,

memories coming back in waves.

.

Kara who was taking a peek at the downed Carl, an fanning him a little bit..

goes over to her desk, at the front right of the study.. and sits down,

with her hand out in front of her, motioning for Van to take a seat.

Kazandra slinks away like a cat.. her previous motivations taking hold,

in a move down the hall, to what looks like her Alchemy lab!

.

"Vaaann"

Not angry tones anymore but.. tsk tsk, Van greets her respectfully.

"Kara" with a nod..

"Truly great to see you.. and in your not so terrifying state."

He says not sure how she's going to respond..

She gives a giggle like she's above it all, followed by a singing matter-of-fact,

"You clergy boys are gooing to get me into trouble one day.

So!.. what do you knooow?"

.

Van motioning for a woozy Carl to come sit down, he scoots the chair next to Van.

"Welcome back!" as Kara gives him a wink.

"P-p-pleasure to meet you.. lady Kara."

Carl starts going over details of the discovery to Kara,

as he is an excellent researcher, everything is always to the T

.

"They seem to not be werewolves at all.. more like parts of werewolves..

different werewolves.

An they appear to be.. not coherent, like they're being puppeteer'd"

.

Kara had an idea what was going on, as in her burial trance,

she is more or less transcending her body.

.

"Yes I saw that too.. quite disturbing"

As she's scribbling notes.. Van chimes in,

"There was something else Kara..

high up in the trees, a smell like old old death,

I've never sensed an evil so strong, I only saw it for a second..

but it was cloaked in darkness, glowing green eyes..

it seemed like it, just took flight.. straight up into the air."

Kara doesn't have the answer, a rare occurrence.

.

"Hmmm, indeed strange, some sort of summoner reanimating parts of werewolves?

I believe my house is the first target, as I have the land bridge behind my castle to the far north.

And with me out of the way, they would move to Gideon.. take Gideon,

and be able to bottleneck the entire north, fortifying their numbers..

they could move south to Capital City.. then down to Freeport.. this is bad Van."

.

"This isn't the War of Gideon.. with Orcs in plate using swords and shields,

that human troops know how to fight, these things are old-world savage.

Hordes of them?"

Kara with a side-eye noticing Kazandra, skipping over from her desk..

at the raised back of the study, opposite side of Risha's desk.

.

Right as Van is about to say something,

Kazandra glides over, sliding a drink in Kara's hand,

as you would guess.. beautiful opulent wine glass.

Red to the top.

"Somethin new?" she asks.. "Yoooul seeee"

She's just ecstatic to see Kara drink her concoction.

.

Kara takes a sip.. same exact reaction, "WOOOOOWW"

A couple ticks and a hiccup.. she takes another sip..

"Kazandra!.. that is quite the heavy spike, go make sure he's still aliive pleease!"

Kazandra's bursting laugh,

"He's fiine!"

.

Risha at her desk in the raised back of the study, has her hand on the glass in two seconds,

takes a sip..

"MmmMm, what did YOU.. Absinthe?"

Wiping her lips and licking fingers..

"It's soo.. spiicy!"

.

"I peppered it first!"

Kazandra pawing the glass back, as Kara steals it away!..

with Kazandra slapping her hands playfully.

.

She sips it as Kazandra grabs it back before she can finish..

with Kara slapping Kazandra's hand playfully..

Carl is watching this not knowing how to feel.

"What's.. happening"

The girls all laughing.

.

"You'l get used to it"

Van's usual nonchalance, like this is nothing new..

keeping his playing cards very close to his chest, in the figurative sense.

But it's becoming glaringly obvious to Carl..

that this group are not strangers, there is history here.

.

"It's called the Wil-helm"

Kazandra gloating.. Risha pawing at her,

as they move like a giggling huddle towards the back of the study.

.

Kara stands up.

"Well, as I said, I have a plan.. hiding is over.

(Kazandra clapping) I've sent my ravens out all over the world. First stop, Gideon.

King Tywin needs to know whats going on.. both him an I will most likely need heavy reinforcements.

Which is why we're going to Capital City after."

Kazandra from the back room, drops the glass.. clearly uneasy.

.

The only human interaction.. Kazandra has ever had, other than the college where she was raised,

is being a haunt in her castle, without being seen.. keeping out, fame seekers

and treasure hunters, bounty hunters and clergy men, zealots and werewolves.

.

Who after word spread like wild fire all over the world, about this glorious battle in Gideon.

Where a giant silver haired witch goddess, defeated the army with ease.

They all came for Kara.

One after another.. to see if the stories are true, an what trophies may lie in wait.

The religious masses wanted no part in this abomination..

they hatched manipulative, malice lies of Kara.. to further enrage the populace that she's evil.

This was the hardest decision, the sisters have had to make thus far.

.

"Let them in"

Was Kara's response to her absolutely aghast beside themselves sisters.

.

Upon seeing the small caravans of intruders.. ever slowly becoming larger caravans,

turning into well funded expedition parties.. to the inevitable circling army of raised pitchforks

and burning crosses.. chanting their demise.. it was just getting worse and worse.

Impossible to just keep turning a blind eye, and waiting for it to get better.

They are going to eventually burst through the doors!

"Let them in"

.

Risha's worst fear.. she can see it.. she can see what's coming.

she is speechless.. they have lost.

Kazandra shrieking mad!,

"We've done so much for them!, how could they!?..

we did everything right!, ouur hoome!

I hate this Kara!.. i'll clear our threshold like a bad memory!"

She's just trembling with rage.. WHY!?.. WHY WOULD THEY DO THIS!?

she has no answers.. she just doesn't have the experience.

.

Kara can feel her anger like a pulse, she can physically feel it.

Her frustration.. like a belt tightening around Kara's heart.

Because she knows what must be done.

.

As they peer'd from the high overlook of Kara's main tower.. at the circling army of pitchforks

and burning crosses, storming their front gates,

"Look at them.. look closely..

do you see them Kazandra?

Those are not soldiers Kazandra.. they're not Orcs trying to ignite the landscape in pure evil.

They're farmers.. settlers, citizen's of Gideon.. with wives and children."

.

"Misguided they may be.. but if you go out there..

and they see what you can do.. to just farmers..

then we are every bit the evil they say we are."

.

"So we flee an live underground!?, like rats!?"

Kazandra just livid.. she's endured a lot to be at this castle.

.

"No"

"Just me"

Kara's tone is just absolutely somber.. it was her choices..

that have led to this outcome.

Her wisdom having lived through several generations..

can clearly see the way forward.

.

"We will let them in..

the doors will be open, this castle will be a deserted haunt..

nothing more than an old.. foolish.. story."

.

"You see that generation down there.. camping at our gates.

They will find nothing.. they won't have any stories to tell..

they won't leave with any fame or treasures."

.

"And this is what they will teach, to the next generation..

until no one cares."

.

"Until the interest here just.. fades into obscurity.

And over time.. it will do just that."

.

In Kara's preparation of being buried beneath the castle.

she gave her final instructions.

'Let them in'.. does NOT involve the lower levels of the castle.

Humans are not ever to see what lies in the Baudelaire coffers.

Kazandra is instructed to be the ghost of the castle..

unseen, to deter treasure seekers from the bowels of the castle.

By any means necessary.

If by some far reaching luck, you got passed Kazandra..

wandering too far into the depths of the castle,

you don't get to leave.

.

Risha on the other hand..

doesn't have the same presence as the twins.

Much easier for Risha to just blend in with a crowd.

You really wouldn't know Risha is a vampire upon first inspection.

.

During the War of Gideon, Risha was the presence on the battlefield.

Risha's orders were the redirect, that essentially saved the city.. and furthermore the landscape.

As Kara lie in wait.. for her opportunity to do the most damage.

Upon victory, Risha's leadership was widely praised by all of Gideon.

With the council voting unanimously, naming her General of Gideon's Army.

She reluctantly took up the Mantle.

Seeing as it's the best way to do her part.. and keep all attention away from her castle.

.

She did her part.. and grew into the role.

Risha and her bright gold Huntsman broadsword.. ruthlessly cleansed the countryside.

Leading Gideon's army, to chase down any and all, of the fleeing Orcs.

And exterminate them to the water's edge of continent.

No breeding, no capturing small settlements to flourish.. no hiding out in caves.

Over the years and years.. Until not one Orc remained.

.

Being just under seventy years old, Kazandra is still learning how to interact with humans.

As she was raised isolated.. in a supernatural college.

Where people are chosen, by a council of Sapiarch time keepers,

to practice their skills above what they can learn in the mortal world.

.

Kara and Risha at almost a thousand years old, have just lived through soo much..

a savage old world, dark times lasting hundreds of years,

seeing humans at their pinnacles, of both poles.

They are both absolutely stellar at dealing with humans.

.

The thought of the sprawling populous mass, of Capital City..

where there is no Gideon acceptance of the Baudelaire family..

Kazandra is VERY nervous.

The pound of her heart is almost audible!,

she knows allll to well that populace can break up her family!

'I could never DO that again!'.. she's about to blurt it out!

.

Risha grabs Kazandra by the shoulders, turns her eye to eye.

"She didn't come up outa the ground for nothin y'know,

we're all three together an stayin that way.. that's whats important, and besides..

if they get all rowdy.. we'll just kill em"

.

Kazandra snorting a laugh, as her shoulders bounce out of Risha's grip.

She idolizes her cool.

"Missed you soo much"..

.

"Anything you need Kazandra"

Her dress had to catch up!, she wheeled so fast to Van..

That phrase, rings so clear to her from long ago.. she almost tears up.

"Awww big luug!,

well i'm glad you said that because you're coming to!"

A pull on the wide brim in agreement.

.

.

In the Main hall of Gideon Palace. King Tywin receives a telegram from his messenger,

it's an old, never used parchment with a thick rubber stamp, KB stamped on it in cursive.

He knows exactly who it is.. he's stunned.. grief, he feels pain for Kara and her family,

to save so many people.. to indeed save the landscape..

and be hunted into obscurity, for a TROPHY.

.

It sickens him.

He flips open the letter to read Kara's gorgeous handwriting.

It reads - Requesting an audience with Lord Tywin and the council. Promptly at sundown.

Lady Kara Baudelaire.

As he glances toward the window.. right on que.

.

The Baudelaire carriage arrives through the west gate like a spectacle.

A six horse carriage with Clydesdale size monsters, all of them midnight black.

Thick red manes match their wild swishing tails, with red tipped hooves,

that seem to burn their way into the ground.

There are rumors about the speed of this carriage..

from the very few who've seen it, it's a speech, a soft spur of motivation from Kara.

The result being a thunderous explosion of rush!, from standstill to full sprint!

Skipping gallops and trots, all together!

Where they say the speed of this thing, pins un-suspecting passengers to the back wall.

Inquired on occasion, just what she's actually saying to them,

"Well I offer them their favorite food of course, if we get there very quick"

.

The carriage itself is like a galleon for a carriage.. jet black with gold and red trims.

It has multiple rooms, and sleeping spots in front for the girls, there's windows but you cant see them..

there is no driver, ever.

As it pulls up to the palace, the court has all gathered outside.

Tywin's family standing neatly in a line, his wife Helena, his two daughters Zansa and Soraya.

.

The air is uneasy.. other than Tywin, a very young man during the war of Gideon..

very few people in present Gideon have ever actually laid eyes on Kara.

Her plan executed.. she is a myth.

It leaves people to decide for themselves whether she is friend or foe..

and everyone has an opinion.

The double doors swing open from the carriage,

as the steps are lowered attached to the doors, like a folding apparatus.

.

Kara steps out first.

As her bare foot hits the first step, Zansa is dead fixed on her.

She notices that there's a fading white, intricate tattoo on her foot,

hard to make out.

She hits the landing and Zansa is trying to take it all in..

this white dress she's wearing is so beautiful, it's like glowing!

She looks closer, and can see another intricate tattoo on Kara's hands.

Kara now walking towards her.. the ground is a cesspool of filth on the cobblestones.

Her mouth opens in amazement.. the muck is not sticking to Kara's feet,

It's just gliding off.

.

Kara is now parallel with Zansa.

Risha and Kazandra both reach the landing, moving in behind Kara.

As Tywin, in his gracious smiling saunter, moving towards them,

to make introductions.

.

Zansa is now right next to all three of them.. as Tywin starts making introductions to Kara,

she immediately recognizes Risha..

Tywin's father keeping her purposely 'spread thin' within divisions,

while away on Orc assignment, she is still unmistakable.

.

The Gideon's record hall and library.. have the youngest and most dedicated curator,

in Zansa, that they have seen in very long time.

Her voracious appetite for reading fictions, has a favorite.

And seeing the jet blacks of her chain sleeves, underneath that finely stitched warriors tunic..

brimming with gold trimmed fastenings,

it's like her imagination just didn't do it any justice.

.

An those boots of hers!, like two sheaths of obsidian coming together!, up to the knee,

the buckles affixed horizontal, from her ankle upward, roll in a soft click..

attached to her movements, matching her stride.

With a large sheathed sword on her back.. tips of gold from the hilt poking out.

Her hair in a soft tousled bun, a few wild strays as usual, with bottleneck bangs,

draping both sides of her chin.

.

But the one behind Risha..

is totally cloaked.. just a couple of eyes sticking out, but shadowed.

Barefoot also.

Appearing to be in a wrap over a wrap..

Zansa is locked in on this figure, studying it up and down..

as a little wind gust hits the first wrap, at the very bottom.. it peels back juust enough,

she SAW it!.. underneath is no common cloak wrap, a dark deep red corner, with an intricate silver tip.

Like an almost closed curtain in the middle, over the dark red floor length bustle beneath.

Her eyes light up wild!, she reads stories about the girls endlessly!

These are her childhood heroes!, her teeth are clenched, she's stiff as a board!

.

"The streaking red dress"

Barely a whisper.. but it's enough, Kazandra hears it!

She stares straight down at Zansa.. and gets low, right in front of her face..

pulling the cloaked mask of her lips down a little bit,

.

"Exactly that dress!.. would you like to seee?"

"Yeess!" Zansa gasping for air.

Kazandra reaches down for the bottom corner of the dress,

an brings it up, so Zansa can get a close inspection.

.

"Wooow"

As she's feeling the fabric, running it in between her fingers.

Just speechless, that this mythical creature she adooores!,

jumped out of the book!, and wants to chit-chat!

.

In her singing matter-of-fact,

"Every single strand is the finest ground mithril fiber, totally indestructible!

It will never change it's shape, or shade.. as it's constantly resizing itself to fit me"

"Forever!"

.

"I want one!"

Zansa spellbound by what she's hearing, ear to ear smiling.

.

"Well maybe you will get one!

You didn't think you'd be standing next to Kazandra Baudelaire today, an that happened!"

Chirping sweetly.. she's always liked King Tywin, enamored to see he now has two daughters.

.

Zansa lets out a loud laugh, that Kara hears an turns around..

witnessing her towering glide like it's happening in slow motion.

As she get's low.. shoulder to shoulder with Kazandra.

.

"Well what's your name?"

Kara's angel voice, "Zansa" she replies.

She sticks out her hand, an immediately remembers from her books,

that Kara does not let people touch her skin.. she pulls her hand back quick!,

as Kara bursts out laughing,

"How do you know?"

.

Soraya the young sister who was already introduced,

"She reads your books every single night!, all night long!"

.

Both girls openly showing their instant fondness for Zansa,

"Which one is your favorite?"

They both say at exactly the same time, in the same sweet tone.

.

"The Southern Seas Volume 1!.. is it all true?, is it all true?"

Firing it out like a blasting squeak!, amazed by seeing confirmation right in front of her face!

.

Kara with her warm ruby smile,

"Actually, they left parts out!" laughing it out, Kara gets real close.

"I'll tell you the whoole story some time!"

She says sweetly like she's happy to inform her.

Zansa goes wide eyed in amazement, unable to catch her breath.

Kara righting herself back up seeing the court ushered in, as everyone begins funneling to the doors.

.

As they gather inside to a packed house, everyone eagerly awaiting what Kara has to say.

Kazandra fidgeting nervously, pulls her cloak wrap tighter.. of course Risha notices.

.

"Hey.. hey" she says nudging her a few times,

"Watch this.. ur sis is a hypnotist at this politics crap"

As her half smile crooks upwards.. Risha always knows what to say..

"Can't I be like yoou?".. her thoughts taking words.

Risha scoffs her a jesting shoulder bump as Kazandra said it under her breath,

behind a cloak.. but she still heard it.

.

Kara now in the center of the room, dead silence.

"Good evening everyone" (full curtsy)

"I'm sure you have all seen an heard reports, of these rogue werewolf sightings"

(someone in the back screams), "One got over the walls yesterday!",

another yelp "My house just outside of town was completely destroyed!"

.

"My home is under attack too. they are targeting my home first.

With me out of the way, they would have the land bridge to the far north..

and they would move to Gideon next, all the while fortifying hordes.

It wouldn't be long before they can move south.. to Capital city, and Freeport"

.

Gasps are heard all over the room, "Which is why I've come out of hiding"

"My castle an Gideon once held a great union of trade coming down the land bridge,

reaching all the way down to freeport. Bringing prosperous riches too all of us.

I intend to rebuild everything."

.

"My carriage leaves in a few days for Capital city.

Where I will set new relations with the new King. And return to Gideon with the King's Army,

to reinforce both our strongholds from rampart to rampart, and purge the lands between our two kingdoms"

The crowd is now beginning to clap and shuffle around.

.

"I believe in the north.. it is my home.. it's your home"

"And I will stop this threat or die trying. Never will Gideon fall under my watch!"

The crowd is now cheering, a few "I love you Kara's" are heard.

.

Walking out of the assembly court, Tywin and Kara are having a chat..

catching up on what seems like ages, pointing out spots on the streets.. an the tower,

where this happened.. and remember when that happened.

Taking a walk down memory lane, as they come up on approach to her carriage.

.

Kara genuinely likes Tywin.

There was one rule to all of Gideon, and anywhere else for that matter..

Kazandra was never to be mentioned, never to be seen.

Kara would die.. if Kazandra had to live the same brutal life as hers an Risha..

ducking and dodging the glory hounds and zealots.. constantly looking over their shoulder,

or become the very EVIL themselves.

Which is why she's always covered up, and also why Kara chose exile.

.

Tywin did a very good job at keeping his end, her legend is nothing more than,

you mistook her for Kara.. there is no Kazandra, get that name off your lips.

The freedom of speech.. in discussing that name, was absolutely suppressed.

With a helpful dash of public ridicule.. to bury it even further.

Even when the published, very popular book.. of the Butcher's Blade,

Streaking in red flashes like a spectacle through the War of Gideon..

the name Kazandra is never mentioned.

.

"I must say.. that went well, it seems our new, younger council.. is quite fond of you."

Tywin's usually stoic tones, take on a soft admiration when he's speaking alone with Kara.

"How do you think Capital city will go?"

.

Kara with a skip in her glide, feeling her plan come together.. like she's already ten steps ahead.

"This young prince I hear is running things.. as the King has fallen ill,

he's a veerrry young prince!

I bet you a thousand gold pieces, he's read one of my books!"

Chirping sweetly, as Tywin gives a chuckle in agreement,

"I'd probably lose that bet."

.

"I've prepared a large suite for you girls, if you so desire."

He offers graciously,

"Thank you, that will do nicely."

.

"My steward has all the accommodations, feel free to go in whenever you're ready,

and truly a pleasure to see you again Kara."

"Likewise"

Kara returning his admiring glance, as he bows.. heading back in his graceful saunter.

She notices Kazandra and Risha bantering there way over to the carriage..

like two silhouettes playing a game, in their own little world.

.

"I'm gonna get it one day".. she barely hears..

seeing Risha playfully slap Kazandra's hands away, from the bright gold broadsword on her back,

so large it sits a diagonal tilt.. that almost cuts the floor.

.

"Yea ur gonna get it alright"

Both girls laughing as they pass a small flask of Wilhelm.

.

"Our days through a shroud are over, babe."

As Risha is trying to get Kazandra to loosen up.

.

"I know.. I'm trying to get used to it.. I feel like everyone's looking at me!"

"is that paranoid?"

Still with a hand cinching closed, the wrap around her lips..

she is just soo used to concealment.

.

"Nope.. they are, but not half as bad as witch goddess over there."

As the two are now approaching the front row horses, a shudder of hooves and swishing red manes..

as they start a nuzzling shuffle towards Risha.

.

"I can hear you, y'know"

Kara giggling it out, pointing at the Wilhelm flask with a beckoning ivory finger.

.

"Helloo darlings"

Risha getting a headbutt from monstrous muzzles, as she's patting them and saying hello,

moving down the line she's whispering their names.. as she's the one who named them.

Reaching the cabin, about to take a leaning spot next to Kara..

Kazandra catching up in tow, as she's now stripped off her cloak, with her red dress shining..

"Karrra they loved you in ther!.. i'm never wearing this cloak agaaAAHK!"

.

She's practically lifted off her feet!,

as she goes sprawling face first into Risha's back!,

making a domino into Kara.. as she was reaching for the Wilhelm,

with the bump sending the whole flask down her bustline.. OPEN!

As one of the massive twenty hand high horses, gave her a muzzle bump up the backside!

Risha heard the click from her jaw it was so sudden!

.

"Kazandra!"

Kara immediately going fishing!

"it's not my fault!.. it's always that one!"

Scooting away in skips while covering her backside!,

taking the spot on the other side of Kara.

.

"Awww Gibby ur suuch a goood booy!, who's a goood boy!"

Risha rewarding his behavior!

"He just wanted you to say hi!"

.

Kara and Risha are master equestrians, there really is no human measure for their skill.

They've had centuries of bonding experiences.. raised entire generations of new breeds.

like a family tree forking.. they've had the equivalent of great great grand kids in there stables.

Risha is so good.. she can ride standing on one leg, keeping the balance of a tea cup on her head!

Kara the mad scientist.. is responsible for the seventeen hand shining white thoroughbred..

one of the most popular breeds in the world!

Kazandra who was raised in a tiny, isolated.. pristine palace of learning,

never actually saw a horse in person, until the day she met her sisters.

"He bites my Butt!"

.

Wails of laughter from all the girls, something about an insider's joke..

the inner circles of the college, where Kazandra is known as the 'cheekier' twin.

Like if you were to put Kara's swan ballerina frame in a figurative press..

certain parts would just become more, horizontal.

.

As there leaned in on the carriage, winding down the evening.

Ecstatic so far about how things are turning out, it's surreal them being all together.

Kara in her happy wide grin.. takes a last nightcap sip off the Wilhelm.

"Tywin was soo gracious!, wasn't he?.. Capital city will be an entirely different story."

Ticking hiccups away while retaining her cough.. from the strength of the concoction.

"Let's just say the Baudelaire name.. doesn't go very far outside of the north."

.

"Unless it involves pitchforks and wooden stakes!"

Risha with a leean in her posture, as she's practically wobbling around..

with a head tilt on Kazandra, passing her the last round.

.

"I don't get the whole.. wooden stake thing"

Kazandra catching hiccups while ticking coughs away.. another trait they share together.

"What's wood gonna do.. pick my teeeth!?"

.

"They'd need a boat mast for ur choppers!"

Risha blurting out with a jealous nudge.

Kazandra has the largest canines of the sisters, the sharpest curve inward to a point,

she's quite fond of them.. and feels no need to hide them away, like Kara does.

Just by Kara's speech patterns, her posture.. the way she smiles..

instinctively she hides them.

Where as Kazandra will just roll her lips alll the way back,

brandishing fuulll fanged mannerisms,

all the time!

.

"His daughter Zansa is the sweetest thing, wasn't she?"

Kazandra squeaking it out,

as Risha starts crawling on all fours for the cabin stairs.. approaching pass out.

.

"She-was!" Kara leaning in close,

"Keep an eye on her, will you?..

they're getting werewolves jumping the walls, all the time here.

The forest after dark is littered with em"

.

"I definitely will"

Kazandra agreeing like she's already planned to.

.

.

A carriage sits just on the outskirts of Gideon, parked on the road, the sun is getting low.

Three children, Zansa, Soraya, Joffrey.. and Zansa's house mastiff Babe.

Are picking berries for the desert they want to make tonight.

A short walk from the carriage, close to the forest tree line.

.

"She's not reeeally pretty y'know."

Barks this brat kid Joffrey, as there all picking berries.

The neglected son of one of the noblemen, who had nothing better to do..

but try an win Zansa's affection with negative attention.

.

"O shuttup joffrey"

Zansa glaring at him, as she increases the distance between them.

He closes the gap immediately.

.

"It's true!.. I heard it's a spell, just a dumb illuuusion.

And she really looks like a thousand year old, scabby corpse.. with probably maggots coming out her eyes!

I bet nothing is true about her!"

Joffrey egging her on with all he's got.

.

Two red eyes flash in the treeline above them.. a soft hiss the kids couldn't hear.

.

"You're such a PIG Joffrey!, ur just a little barnacle that can't make a pretty girl like you,

So your only option is to be mean!"

Bullseye, Zansa gets him right on the nose..

the same effect as a punch.

.

Joffrey is in line to be a King.

He's not going to be spoken to like that.. without a word of warning!,

the backhand flies right from his ego!, with a loud leather SLAP!

Zansa in shock, hits the ground on her rump with a loud gasp!..

Babe the mastiff was already in action from the slap.

.

He clamps down crushing hard!,

on the same hand that slapped Zansa.. as Joffrey cries out in pain!, ripping his hand away!

seeing blood trails.. trickling through his gloved hand.

.

Furious Joffrey!.. his FENCING hand!.. young as he may be, he takes fencing seriously.

He draws his sabre in his other hand.. as Zansa an Soraya are pulling the dog backwards!

"Stop it Joffrey!, get away!"

The girls crying out!

.

Joffrey isn't listening.. a debt must be paid.

As he's raising the sabre,

"An assault on the king's family, is the same as an assault on the king himself."

The sword is high over his head now.. taking aim at the center mass of the large dog,

brings it down as hard as he can!.. but it goes nowhere..

.

In the speed that which only Kazandra Baudelaire can move.

She catches the sabre bare handed!, with his arm still raised behind his head..

as she forces him backwards, splashing him down on his back, sprawled like an eagle!

By taking the sabre, an sinking it down into the ground behind him!, half way down the blade.

The force of her backwards pull-down, absolutely flattens him!

And she did it alll in ONE motion!, he didn't have time to let go!

She then stomps the sabre, straight down to the hilt.. buried in earth.

.

"Why you LITTLE!.. Snotnosed!, Tenderfooted!, Lemon-eating BRAT!"

Growling wildly as she approaches him!

Joffrey scrambling to his feet, to fall back over.. as his legs are too scared to hold him!

Scrambling in a crab walk, backing away from her..

"Ka.. Ka-ra".. is all he can say.

.

"I am not Kara.. but if i was.. I would riip your tongue out!"

In her matter-of-fact hiss!,

as she scrunches his entire shirt front in her grip, an picks him off the ground one handed..

off his feet!

Eye to eye with her six foot tall frame.

As she's pointing a smoky tipped finger at his eye,

"If I EVER!.. catch you anywhere!, near these girls again!"

..he's peeing..

.

"Bleeeech, ewwww." dropping him like a heap..

She checks over on the girls who are in total shock.. backing away from her.

.

"Was that guy bothering you?"

She says with a crook in her teapot posture, of hand on hip,

with her other hand twiddling fingers his direction.

Both girls slowly coming out of their shock, realizing they absolutely adore her.

.

The young girls still don't know what to say..

"And what're you dooing out here?"

"It's almost dark.. you hear of the ongoing night-time werewolf forest problem going on?"

Twiddling her fingers some more.

.

The children, cannot see this.. or hear it..

The driver with armed guard.. standing in wait at their carriage,

have no idea..

They are NOT alone.

Kazandra merely playing it.. very coy, no hint whatsoever.

She can hear them.. she is part of the forest.. she can see them.

Spending soo many years as a haunt, nothing escapes her infallible senses.

Perfecting them over the years, long spans of practice..

as her curiosity and well boredom.. led her on several skulking runs,

where she would infiltrate Gideon, using the forest as her sanctuary.

.

In Kazandra's senses.. her bare feet on the ground,

night time now pitching dark blues over the horizon..

she's picking up green eyes!.. bustling from supernatural bodies..

pinging in different directions..

circling closed like a cinch.

.

Kazandra now quickening her control of the situation.

Still no hints whatsoever.. no need for alarm yet.

She knows her masterful steps, the supernatural game of chess..

they are playing at an invisible distance,

are a step ahead of their shambles.

.

The two girls are now giggling, from her disarming tones and posture,

as Joffrey is going for his sabre, starting to pull on it, to get it out of the ground..

getting nowhere.

.

"Come along"

As she starts walking the girls to their carriage.. softly scooting their pace.

She looks back seeing Joffrey, still getting nowhere on that sabre.. an heads over.

Not really wanting to help him.. but they need to go.

Blasting bloody body parts through the air, with screeching hoowls of terror!,

echoing through the night..

is NOT!, the traumatizing image she wants the children to have of her.

.

She squeezes a toe under the hilt, and in one motion.. right out of the ground into her hand.

Then does an impressive fan behind her back like a figure eight with the point.. back to front..

flings it up to a fast spiral spin, parallel to the ground.

.

And catches it right on her fingertip, dead center, "Perfectly balanced."

As she flings it right in his sheath without looking, clicking it to the hilt.

Now ushering him along in a fast stride..

as the pinging eyes in her senses.. are becoming more curious,

more brazen.

Two steps forward.. a step back.. stuttering progress,

like they are picking up on Kazandra's presence.

.

Having the utmost respect for swordplay.. Joffrey is silent and in awe of her.

As they're all approaching the carriage Zansa is practically exploding..

"Ride with us pleeease"

Zansa begging.

Kazandra motioning with a smile, "After you."

Dropping her guard now, as she can feel the threat in her senses,

turning away.

.

In the carriage ride Zansa has soo many things she wants to say,

but can't think of anything..

.

"I love ur hair!"

The little one Soraya blurting out.

Kara's hair is always tightly wrapped.. in a rake across her face, one eye is only fully exposed,

arches an all.

Kazandra's hair is pulled back, she is full face, nothing hovering her eye's in battle.

Flowing a braided top weave like a web, held in place by polished opal beads,

and then braided again in the back, over the sweeping fall of platinum's beneath.

.

"It's called a War Braid!"

she says, as the girls exploding adoration for such a strong exquisite braid.

"It's so everything stays in place in battle.. and it's still pretty!"

The girls giggling.. "Come here Zansa"

as she motions for her to sit down in front of her backwards.

.

Kazandra unclips Zansa's hair pin, and starts making a War Braid of Zansa's long beautiful red hair.

Seeing that Soraya's hair is much shorter, and won't pull back to fit the war braid..

.

"Next time i'm here Soraya, make sure to grow your hair out.. so I can braid yours too"

Smiling a wink her direction.

"I will I will!" excitedly firing back.

.

"So why is the Southern Seas your favorite book?... you don't like the Butcher's Blade?"

Smiling as she's making the intricate top weave, and pulling her side bangs out long,

down the sides of her chin.

.

"She keeps wash rags by her bed!"

Soraya firing in, as she's scooting a little closer.

.

"Soraya!" Zansa glaring at her.. like she's offending Kara.

"When I read that book I cry every time"..

Kazandra stopping the braid.. knowing exactly what she's talking about.

For eighteen years in the college.

The Southern Seas Volume 1.

Had a permanent home by her pillow.

.

Fade to Kara's origin story.

.

.

CHAPTER 2 - The Southern Seas (flashback)

.

The Southern Seas is no place for children.

Fractured remnants of the Crusade Wars, leaving the isles in war torn refuge.

A savage land, time has just all but forgotten.. left to wallow in it's corruption.

Living pirate legends, thieves and scoundrels, convicts seeking safe heaven..

all looking to add to their riches by any means necessary,

under the madcap cloak of this, swashbuckling era..

the un romantic growing pains, in the Age of Sail.

.

Volcanic mountainous island chains, spread out like fingers in a spiral from the center.

Layers of mist, blanket whole islands in fog.. there is no complete charting of the southern isles,

even to present day.

Surrounded by lore induced ocean tides.. no sense can be made of it!

Narrow channels through the atolls.. what looks like the midnight depths..

turns to running aground, in only a moments notice.

Storms of legend that move in leaps!..

to a deluge blanket of violence in front of you..

but then a soft chirping sun shower on your left.

There is nothing predictable, about the Southern Seas.

In the cloak of midnight, at the largest island of Port Royale..

.

Two sixteen year old best friends, Kara and Risha,

flee the orphanage trying to sell Kara for a fortune, due to her unique almost inhuman beauty.

Word spreads fast around the island chains.. as children are a rare commodity.

In Kara's case, it was only a matter of time.

Wise beyond her years Risha.. upon noticing eyes start glancing her direction,

whispers in the halls as she grew into her body.. her solution was the only thing at her disposal,

and something there was plenty of.

.

She layered herself in filth.. begging to be just a rust stained flower on the wall.

Head-long dives in the pig trough.. no problem!, a blessing!

The smellier the better!.. pleease ignore me!,

anything to keep the woo'ish remarks at bay.

Hiding away her Raven's beauty like a curse..

for the latter is faar worse than just being offensively soiled.

.

Being outcasted as the 'smelly' girl.. was a brutal double edge,

a lonely existence, as none of the other girls wanted anything to do with her..

until one day an awkward, six foot five swan arrived.. the outcasts banded together.

.

Since they met at the orphanage, Risha has been looking out for Kara.

She's just not the type to turn her head in ignorance,

as these wandering lustful.. old hands of the faculty,

were getting far to familiar with a thirteen year old Kara.

With Princess just not the type to go diving in pig troughs..

.

Risha took the lead.

Barreling in on one encounter, fists balled up!, launching her whole body at them!

With zero regard for her own safety!, they just couldn't best her.

Almost an innate sense of fighting..

hands instinctively grab for her shoulders, tie up her arms!, wrestle her down..

but she was already low.. and she got you off your feet.

Risha started collecting their teeth.. and that is not, an exaggeration.

Cussing them as she pummeled their old faces.

Even as a teenager.. faster strides, hard cracking knuckles..

young strong bones, the broken down faculty just could not keep up.

It takes five of them!, to actually get her under control.

.

No matter the disciplinary action.. she would never back down,

upsetting Risha.. just became far too much trouble.

Taking a beating, water boarded.. locked in starving isolation,

would definitely teach her!..

but they would be wrong.

.

Risha grew up with nothing.

So she doesn't count on anything being there anyway.

She has nothing to lose..

she's had to fight for mere bread scraps with tooth an nail since she was a toddler!

But then she found something to lose.. In Kara.

So she protected it.. with her all.

.

Kara's love and admiration for Risha during this time of hardship,

becomes so strong..

it practically writes a constellation in the sky.

.

They've had to live in constant fear and struggle.. watching other girls come and go over the years.

Dreading that one day, where it will be one of them.

War rages in the skyline, as East Indian Trade and the Southern isles, are fighting for trade dominance.

A massive war in history.. slowly baring down upon them from the sea.

"Get up Kara!,.. can't you hear that out there?.. how are you even sleeping?"

Risha reaching up, an tugging at Kara's pajamas at the top bunk.

"Wake up.. waaake up!"

A confused and groggy Kara, rubs sleep from her eyes..

to see Risha's bobbing jet black hair.. getting parallel to her bunk in leaps.

.

"Hey!, what's happening.. what are you doing?"

Kara now looking down from her bunk, chin over the side.

.

"We're leaving!.. NOW!"

Risha barking it out, as she throws Kara's gown at her.

Kara still fighting off sleep, immediately notices the urgency on Risha's face,

starts tumbling out of bed, hastily adjusting her gown, lining up the seams so they're perfect.

Still utterly confused.. gets tugged again by the hand.

.

"Not now princess.. wer outta here."

Risha in lead like she's dragging an anchor, whisking her down the halls, bounding down flights of stairs.

It's the middle of the night, so very few orphanage faculty are around.

.

"Are you gonna tell me what's going on?"

Kara gasping as she's trying to keep pace.

.

"I overheard the headmaster in the chapel, talking with a bunch of nobles and traders,

they were talking about you!, Kara

Saying.. where is this giant silver haired beauty, we've been hearing about?

If she's truly what you say, ill start the bid at twenty thousand gold pieces"

.

Risha disgusted as she's repeating it.. cussing them under her breath.

Leading Kara to the windows on the alley side, as far from attention as possible.

Off the streets an away from any main doors.. as these are the conditions where children simply,

vanish.

.

Kara's face goes cold.. tears welling up,

"Rii-sha!"

Her voice coming out in squeaky chokes,

"I'm scared!.. I've been sold so many times I don't know my name!

I can't take anymore hands all over me!"

.

As the two reach a window ledge, low enough to drop out of,

Risha fumbling with the lock, as it's not giving either way without a key..

"Uuhg, this shithouse!"

Cracks! her elbow through the glass!,

using the wraps of her gown as padding.

.

"What.. can just us.. possibly do.. where can we gooo!?"

She can't focus.. her worst fear.. she's losing it.

.

"I'd be all alone.. AGAIN!"

Kara can't believe it.. it's too surreal, not all over again.. pleeease NO!

Her legs are getting weak..

Risha yanks her up to her feet!

.

"You're not ALONE!, ur with me!.. and we ain't stayin here.. so keep up princess!"

Risha doesn't dangle.. she vaults straight over the second story window ledge.

Dropping down to the cobblestone streets hard with a thud, knocking the wind out of her.

She looks up as Kara is sprawled all the way out in a dangle.. toe's searching for a foot hold,

"Just drop babe!"

.

"Oooo, acck!"

Kara's squeak as she hits the ground, onto her rump.

.

"Do we have a plaan?"

Kara asking whilst being dragged again.

.

"A boat!"

Risha yelps with way too much confidence.

.

"You mean like in the ocean a boat?.. do you know how to sail a boat?"

Being raised in the isles.. they have subconsciously assimilated sailing terms,

observed up close the mariner's lifestyle..

but that does't mean we can just up an sail one!

Kara's mind racing calculations.

.

"Well no.. but wer doing it!"

Risha's barks are practically excited, as she spots a pathway to the cliffs.

Trying to get off the dangerous streets, as soon as possible.

.

Kara and Risha flee the streets into the overcast darkness.

Heading to the dangerous cliff side shoreline, to try an traverse a deadly rock ledge..

all the way around until they reach the port.. Risha's crazy idea of stealing a boat.

.

Making their attempt at the precariously narrow and uneven ledge,

inching forward while hugging the wall.. trying harrd to focus,

as plumes of white wash catching the moaning winds, coming up in blinding sprays,

practically begging them to turn back!

Risha giving Kara the lead, so without a doubt.. she won't outpace her.

Kara terrified and sobbing.. her legs are shaking!, she knows she can't make it!

"Stop looking down!"

Risha pleading!, as she's seeing her struggle.. trying to calm her down.

Reaching a hand in front of her.. to help steady Kara, while keeping herself anchored too.

.

"Ri-sha!.. I can't see what i'm doing!"

Feigning a flinch to get the water from her eyes, too terrified to let a handhold go!,

Her violently shaking leg.. searching for a foot hold.

As her eye's instinctively scan the horrors below.. the churning current in violent whirlpools,

crashing sprays of whitewater, from the twenty foot unrelenting waves..

reaching out for them in ROARS up the walls of the bluff!

As the tide is rising with every demand for clear vision!

'We'l never make it!.. it's gona swallow us!'

Kara approaching hyperventilation!, screaming in her head!, she's about to go numb!

Her foot misses!

.

Kara peels off in a cartwheeling RIP!.. as Risha claws a piece of her gown!, that couldn't hold her!

Cracking her leg on the sharp rocks!, spinning to a tumble..

vanishing through the white wash!, screeeaming in TERROR!

"KARA NOOOooo!"

Risha's shriek pierces the night!, as she flies in after her head first!

With zero hesitation.

.

Risha reaching Kara with one hand!, frantically grabbing for rock with the other!..

coming up with nothing.

Kara struggling to keep her head above water!, Risha kicking hard, fighting for the both of them!

The force of the current is far too strong!, they're just passengers clawing for life!

The pulling sway of the violent tide, pulls them under!, dragging them into a tumbling cavern!

Pummeling down like ragdolls in a crooked funnel.. down an down they go..

grasping onto each other's gowns with everything they have!.. flailing for resistance..

slow us down!.. grasp anything!.. slow us down!.. all they can think.

They land hard on rock!.. battered and broken.

Pitch black hopeless.

.

Risha groaning, gasping for breath on her back..

rolls over to see Kara's faint sobbing outline, with her head in her hands.

.

"Just goo Risha, you're so much stronger than I am,

I can't do this!.. I'm scared!, I can't even walk!"

Sobbing Kara turns away ashamed and alone..

as she's rubbing her leg and trying put pressure on it, yelping from the sting.

.

"Like hell!.. snap out of it!, we're not dying here on this shit rock full of scallywags"

Risha pawing her way in the dark, scooting behind Kara..

she can feel her warm blood on the floor.

.

"I don't care if I have to carry you outta here"

Comforting Kara's shoulders, as she's rocking in place, trying to mangage the pain.

.

Kara takes a beat, a long shaky breath.. staring at Risha.

"You're the only person in this world.. that's ever been nice to me Risha.. why?

I'm just an orphan!, shipped all over the southern isles.. I'm cattle!"

.

Risha looks her right in the eye, inches from her face.

"Not to me you're not.. and maybe you don't know what you are!,

you seeing giant silver haired angels running around lately?.. because I don't"

.

"Now start feeling around the cave for a way out"

As the girls start feeling around the floor and searching cracks.. squinting paws in the darkness..

just behind Risha low on the floor..

Kara notices a soft red glow in some cracks, a soft beat.. a heart beat.

Like it was the sound of the ocean, but wasn't..

.

Risha is tentative as Kara is clearing away rock, and pushing away sand,

kicking as hard as she can with her only good leg.

The crack now as wide as Kara's face.. they can see directly beneath them,

fifty feet down.. a giant heart the size of a horse!

A fan of red calcified spikes on the top like arteries..

THE DARK HEART.. smooth rhythmic beat. Risha stunned in total silence.

.

Kara makes one more motion to get a better look, the crack gives way under her hands!

It just broke open like a trap door!

Grasping for Risha!, as she tumbles headlong, to end over end!

The silence is deafening.. the wind of a fifty foot free fall.. trying to gain terminal velocity.

To the crashing stop.. directly on top of the heart, arched over backwards..

and splayed across it.. she is limp.

Echoing the cave wall in a sickening.. wet, thunk.

.

The fan of spikes on top of the heart.. impaling her in a horrible spread..

from her collar bone.. all the way down to her hips, diagonal..

Risha's scream fills the cave.

Bellowing.. louder an louder, she can't take it!.. she can't stop!

Her poor soul can't take anymore loss!, the only person she has left in the world was Kara!

As Kara lay bleeding down the sides of the heart, breathing her last few breaths..

reaching her hand in it's last move upwards.. to the only person that's ever been nice to her.

"Riii-sha".. in her last, bubbled choke.

What you would think were rain drops.. falling all over Kara.

Are Risha's streaming tears.

.

WHOOOSH! the loud tumbling sound!, like the ocean got let in!.. churning and flowing!

Building like a torrent as the cave lights up RED!, with a flash all over the walls!

Flashing reds everywhere!, as tendrils pumping red.. all over the walls, streaking the ground..

showing their interweaving paths connecting to the heart!, spiderring the ground and forking the walls!

Everywhere.. in flashes!.. like they're standing in a giant ribcage!

The heart's beat is now loud, thumping faster and faster..

Risha watching in awe, as her eyes dart around the walls in amazement.

.

On top of the heart..

blood begins to seep up through the heart.. into Kara's finger tips..

up around her legs, and sides.. up around her neck, seeping through her skin,

like a soft red simmer.

The heartbeat is now a furious pace!.. blinding flashes in reddish pinks, burning towards whites!

Risha can barely see what's happening.. as the flashes now coming in waves,

matching the beat of the heart now!

As she wiggles her way down, seeing a path in the red flashes..

she witnesses the transformation like watching a newborn.

.

Kara is righted upwards in a flash!, by the forces all around her.. her eyes snap open for the first time!

Bright electric pinkish purples!, with jet black lashes and permanent dark vampire mascara.

Her hair thickens, swirls in a wave down around her like a blanket..

her lips stain a deep permanent ruby red, the sharp tips of her canines can be seen, in her gently open mouth.

A slow ivory white sheen of glow.. starts at Kara's forehead.. down her neck,

down her body and arms.. down her legs, ending at her toes.

The Kara that was always meant to be.. in all her beauty has taken shape, an absolute Vision.

Risha grasping for words..

.

"Ka-rra?"

As Kara hits the ground right in front of the heart.. her eye's stunned wide,

like she's never used them before.

The corners of her lips start crooking for a smile.. like they have to..

feeling this power, it's intoxicating already.. everything's different!

Staring at her hands.. seeing her ivory skin's, shimmerring sheen like it's armor.

"Risha?".. is all she can say.

.

A voice booms!, bellowing as it fills out the ribcage cave wall with an echo.

"Kara Baudelaire.. Arthrisha Saracen"

Risha hops back!, looking upwards and all around..

Kara doesn't make a move, she's still staring at her new body.. feeling her power grow by the second.

She simply asks "Baudelaire?"

.

"Yes my child, a very rare name indeed. All but extinct, you are the very last of your kind."

.

"A very rare breed not meant to leave this world for the balance it would undo."

.

"It is no coincidence that you are here."

.

"You sisters will form an unbreakable union, that re-shapes human history and spans thousands of years."

.

Kara bewildered by what she's hearing.. captivated by the knowledge and power of this being..

"Mee?.. i'm just.. an orphan, I would have died here if not for Risha"

The voice booms in bellowing laughter, clearly amused seeing the innocence of newborn Kara.

"Indeed you did Kara.. the necessary transformation."

.

"Your pure heart and unbeatable combat prowess, will be treasured by everyone for generations to come."

.

"There will be history books written about your greatness Kara, songs written around campfires"

.

"Well.. what about Risha?.. I can't live without her.. she's all I love"

Risha still stunned in silence.. listening to every word.. just mouth agape.

.

The voice booming in agreement,

"It's precisely this love, that makes you sisters so strong.. Risha is indeed special"

.

"The stoic General, admired by everyone. The Master of Arms.. feared by evil."

.

"She is your greatest protector Kara, your sister."

.

Risha tentatively moving closer now.. inspecting Kara..

feeling the polished ivory skin of her hands, and gazing in her gorgeous new eyes.

Trying to make sense of it all.. Kara about to say something as the voice booms again,

"Come to me Risha"

.

"Come to me so I can give you the strength you need, to fulfill the rich path you both are on"

.

Two stone pillars emerge from the floor in front of them, left and right for each side of the heart.

Kara and Risha tentatively step in, as the pillars begin a cracking pull, upwards towards the heart,

leading them on opposite sides.

"Place your hands on my heart Kara"

.

Kara reaching out slowly..

As her hands touch, a soft red simmer can be seen.. as her fingers push through the fleshy reds.

She begins to feel a pull, like she's being pulled from within her body.. pulling harder.. draining her!

The veins from her hands, go coursing up her arms!, pulsing in dark throbbing webs!

Flying up her neck, taking over her face!.. as she grits her teeth trying to bare the strain!

The pace of the heart starts roaring!.. Kara beginning a wobbling reeel, from losing her strength!

.

"Place your hands on my heart Risha"

Tentatively reaching.. showing concern of what's happening to Kara!

Easing aside the fleshy tendrils of red, her hands get pulled in like glue!,

simmering red as her fingers sink in!

She starts feeling her fingertips.. absorbing the blood from the heart.

In a fast rhythmic beat, from her fingertips, up her arms.. slower then faster,

pulling it through Kara!

Up her arms she can see her veins throbbing!.. dark blues on a coursing path to her neck!

She gasps as Kara collapses in a heap!.. Risha hits the ground.

As the pillars move back to their starting position, flush with the floor.

.

Risha kicking at the ground, in a flailing choke!

Have I been tricked!, am I dying?..

her young mind has no idea what to think!

The voice booms.

"Relax my child. Your mortal body is dying so you can be reborn unbreakable"

.

"You Risha."

.

"Will be one of the greatest Generals this world has ever seen. Kara's love for you will never wane."

.

Her thrashing finally stops..

The pounding heart beat is now a relaxed thump, the fiery red cave is just a dull red glow.

Peaceful.. Like the booming voice is now in recovery.

.

Risha's eyes snap open!

Standing upright in a blink!.. like the strength in her toes did it for her!

Bright pinkish purples like Kara's.. with the same jet black mascara and long lashes.

Her lips stain a deep red.. a shade darker than Kara's with slightly larger canine,

slowly exposing themselves, as they grow in to their tucked position.

Her hair thickens out jet black in waves.. wrapping around her body,

as her ivory plate mail skin.. covers her, from her forehead to toes just like Kara.

.

She zips the gap to Kara!.. amazed by how fast she covered the ground,

shaking her gently..

"Kara.. Kara, you ok babe?, can you hear me?"

Eye's fluttering as she's re-gaining focus..

Kara gazes at Risha, letting her newfound perfect vision,

take in her best friend in the world, reborn.

Grasping her own face as she blurts out!,

.

"Wooow... look at youu Riiisha!.. You're like an Athenian goddess!..

you look like a paainting!"

And just like that.. her camouflage, her protection as a child..

the 'smelly' girl facade.. washed away in an instant, from her psyche to her toenail.

Her sculpt is now by a truly talented hand.

Raven's beauty.. a sultry squinted sharp eye.. always sizing you up.

A sarcastic tilt in her stare.. a cool soft arch in her brows.

Her jet blacks against the deep reds of her smirking heart shaped large lips,

always crooking up at the corners..

she has nooo idea.. how powerful her Raven's beauty has become.

To put a fine point on it,

a six foot five, silver haired woman.. is a stunning sight, threatening even.

Although her beauty is undeniably unique..

she is not everyone's cup of tea.

Risha is a tea proprietor, the line forms to the left.

.

Grasping eachothers hands immediately, as Risha helps her up..

gawking her up and down with a loving smile.

.

The voice booms a bellowed laugh.

"Indeed she is.. I am so proud.. to finally meet you both."

As he says that, red tendrils in the rock underneath Kara,

light up like pathways to her bare feet.. slowly seeping her strength back into her.

.

"Take heed children!.. listen to me closely now.

The east Indian trade war, will change the shape of the Southern Isles forever,

bringing hundreds of years of darkness and plague. Flee my children!.. flee to the new world.

Head east to Freeport, and forge your lives together.. learning everything you can by each others side."

.

"Wait!.. how do I?... or, what do I?"

Kara too excited and overwhelmed to think properly..

The voice booms laughing,

amused as ever seeing new born Kara.

.

"Who.. or what.. are you?"

Kara has everything to ask, but can't keep her train of thought.

She's still staring at Risha..

.

"I am Riliss my children.

The keeper of blood timelines for all human history,

I've existed since the very dawn of this world. And you!, are my first born child, in ten thousand years."

.

"What are we?"

Risha startled by her own tone.. it's so much more resonant and commanding.

Kara flashes a glance of adoration.

.

"Nothing.. If not Vampires"

The girls cant help but giggle, as he nails the timing perfectly.. to keep them hanging on a thread.

"I will always be with you Kara.. you will know where I am."

.

"Now GO!, as every moment spent with me, is losing free will for you"

The girls look at each other an nod..

"Makes sense."

.

The cave begins a violent shudder!, as crumbling spikes smashing the ground!,

as the girls looking all around..

"What's happening?"

.

"I must leave the Southern Isles, and seek refuge deep in the North"

Booms a descending Riliss.

A pathway clears open for the girls to escape.. as the heart gets closed in upon by a rock ribcage,

and slowly sinks down in the hallowed ocean cave.

.

The girls following the tunnel, discussing everything they've heard..

yelling out questions, and laughing out answers.. like two newborn's in heaven,

trying to figure things out, come across a dead end.

Kara searching an looking around, with her new found sharp as a hawk night vision..

Risha feeling the floor.. notices that just her fingertip..

is able to push away, and crack through.. the tough slate rock!

all the way down to her knuckle,

"Kaarra!, WATCH THIS"

She grabs her hand, an puts it on the ground next to hers.

Kara begins digging her fingertips in the slate.. popping and cracking through,

amazed by how fast an easily she's able to.

.

With a smirk, Risha points straight up at the roof of the tunnel.

Kara with a nod and wide grin.. realizing she's not human anymore,

leaps to the top of the cave ceiling!, anchoring her body with her left hand dug in easily.

With her right hand, she begins ripping huge chunks of rock and debris.. out of the ceiling,

making a large hole above them.

Risha leaps!, anchoring the same way on the other side.. with her right hand gripped,

and left hand pulling rock and debris, from where Kara is digging.

.

The hole is now big enough for Risha to squeeze herself up an in,

now that she has all four limbs on the cave walls, Risha begins testing her strength.

Easily scaling upwards, clearing rock out of the way, faster!..

she's now at a jogging pace.

Kara coming fast up behind her, is being pelted by all the debris Risha is leaving behind,

"Heey!" yelping.. as a rock like a grapefruit gets her right between the eyes.

"Soorrry!" Risha yelps back, but more of a laugh.

Kara starts moving faster, beginning to realize how strong she is..

she's right on Risha's heels.

.

"Weell... go on then!"

Kara smirking egging her on.

They both look at each other, an turn it ON.

Ripping and clawing at the cave wall!, assaulting the earth like it robbed them!

Arms and legs faster an faster!.. they're at a running pace.

Kara can't help but start laughing, Risha joins in..

"I see liiight!"

Risha's hands start poking out of the cobblestone street,

clearing rock as Risha hops out, grabbing Kara up an out, in one quick pull.

.

"Ooo why thank you."

Chirps Kara, in her very blue blooded aristocratic.. I wanna have fun tone.

Kara does a quick brush off as Risha whisks her off the streets,

around back of a tavern in the alley.

The ship port is clear, about 50 yards away.

The night sky is lit up with cannon fire, booming off in the distance..

from the ever encroaching war on the Sea,

slowly making it's way over.

.

"Hey, let me cover up that angel face, we're trying to be sneaky out here!"

Risha ripping apart the lower half of her orphanage dress,

fashioning a headdress cloak around Kara's hair and lips.

So only her eyes are showing.

Cloak or not, Risha can see Kara's whole face smiling at her.. through her eyes.

.

"Well what about you Athenian goddess?"

Kara says admiringly while adjusting the cloak,

so it's just right.

.

"I'm a better sneak!"

Risha laughing it out as she's dragging Kara to the docks.

As they approach the docks, there's still a few fisherman milling about, by the weigh in under the lights.

Risha looking an looking for something suitable.. Kara says,

.

"That one!"

pointing all the way down to the end of the docks, sitting in darkness..

a three mast Spanish Galleon... gently swaying, awaiting it's crew.

.

"What?... that one?"

Risha says looking towards the behemoth sitting in darkness.

.

"What?"

Kara says feeling good about her pick.

"That's not a boat Kara.. that's a galleon.. we can't sail that just the two of us"

Risha in her crouch of consideration.. mulling it over, maybe?

Kara notices the first mate, stumbling on over to it,

"Well why not?"

.

"All we have to do is grab that first mate right there,

make him help us lower the sails, and get it underway,

while it's still tied off to the dock"..

"We bring up the anchor, cut the lines.. and just point it East!.. right?"

.

"Well.. kind of, I guess.. i'm not a sailor!.. but i'm pretty sure it doesn't just STAY east"

Risha barks with a giggle, as if up for the challenge.

.

Kara in her very matter-of-fact, that Risha adores,

"Well we can't stay here..

And if you were gonna sail across the Southern Ocean, just the two of us..

would you want a little tiny boat, or that big galleon?"

Risha growing more confident by the second,

"Ok.. let's go get him"

Kara stops her..

"Wait wait, I have an idea.. I don't want to hurt anyone"

.

First mate is tying up the lines with a bottle of rum in his hands, more so tying himself up.

He plops down at the end of the dock, with his back facing the water,

staring down into the rum bottle.. wondering where it's all went, his vision is blurry.. fading in and out,

approaching the limits of his vast alcohol tolerance.. is barely conscious.

he slowly notices a gowned woman.. coming towards him down the docks.. barefoot.

.

Not sure if he's dreaming or not, as this woman is very tall and beautiful, even with double-vision!

As Kara gets just ten feet from the first mate.. she drops all trow, right off her shoulders.

Her ivory naked body glowing in the moonlight.. as her orphanage gown heaps the dock in slow motion..

in her most high pitched, singing angel voice,

"Hello there saaiilor.. can you help me pretty pleeaase?"

.

The first mate blinks.. gouging his eyes for focus,

finally catching this naked angel, leaning over with her arms in a covering clutch of her bosom,

batting eyelashes at him..

and falls end over end!, backwards into the dark cold sea.. Kara's squeaky gasp!

.

"OOoooo!" diving in after him with a roaring splash, like rock!

Risha rushes over to the end of the dock..

looking down in the water as the first mates body comes flying up!,

and hits the dock with a massive thump, as he's blubbering and gasping for air.

Kara quickly presses herself up onto the docks, to see Risha just standing there with a smirk,

"Well, did that go as planned?.. I think this kinda thing is going to happen a-lot to you."

.

A giggling Kara, "I hope not."

Scooping up her dress, and putting it back on hastily an misshaped,

she scoots over to the first mate, getting lower to him..

looking him eye to eye.

.

"Hey.. hey, what's your name?" slapping him a few times gently.

The first mate coughs clearing his throat, still spitting up, and trying to figure out what's happening.

.

"Gibbs!" with a hiccup, he takes a quick look at both of them, and then a double take..

.

"WHAT ARE YE.. SIRENS!?"

In a blubbering drunk growl, Kara looks back at Risha,

"What's a Siren?"..

"Pirate folklore"

Risha replying as she's eyeing the massive size of the galleon,

mentally preparing herself, that this is now mine.

.

"YES!, wer sirens.. and you Mr Gibbs, are going to help us get THAT boat underway..

and point it to Freeport!"

With a confident smile, as Risha is already headed up the gang plank.

.

"Which boat?"

Gibbs barking.. totally confused, he has no idea he's being robbed.

"Why that boat"

Kara pointing at his beautiful Galleon.

As he's watching this tiny.. young, jet black haired girl, barging in on his ship.

.

Gibbs looks around at both of them.. confused, an realizing it's not a dream..

"ARE YA LASSES MAD AS SEA SWINE!?,

YA CAN'T BE SAILING A BOAT THAT SIZE, AND DOCKING IT INTO FREEPORT WITH A CREW OF TWO!"

.

"Well I beg to differ, we're not going to any port. We are simply going to set the sails,

and get it underway.. raise anchor while we're still tied to the docks..

and then we.. are just going to cut the lines an point it east!"

"Simple!" as Kara is walking around behind him.

.

Gibbs shrugging, as if undeniably easy..

.

"Ok.. here we go"

Kara lifts up Gibbs by the shirt collar, and walks him up the gang plank like a marionette doll.

.

"Sooo.. my friend and I are watching"

Batting eyelashes she's still trying to be polite as possible,

while Risha is inspecting the deck, trying to get a feel for the very large vessel.

.

Gibbs feeling like indulging the beautiful sirens, starts going over sailing instructions.

Barking his slurred growls, with a hiccupping burp, every five words..

As Risha walks by, he unassumingly lets a rum filled fishy-belch hit her right in the face!

.

"Bleeechk" she protests a point to his chest like a dart!, sending him off balance.

"You'd better not let that!, happen again."

.

"Well.. ya have to set the sheets lasses!"

Scrambling in disbelief from the force of her poke.. almost took him off his feet!

and that voice of hers sounds like she's ten feet tall!.. except it's coming from a 5'8, 120lb teenager!

He makes the gap between him an Risha.. a little larger.

.

"Ya yank this pulley here, an the one behind it is the angle"

With his focus now on Kara.. Risha looming around behind him.

.

Kara watching as Risha starts on the bow mast sail,

lowering it with ease, spinning the pulley with unnatural speed.

She then heads to Stern, ripping the pulley and dropping the sails,

doing it at the speed of a full crew.

Gibbs can only stand there, an look at his rum bottle some more..

what's real?.. he wonders.. is anything real?..

Fading in an out of concentration.. blurrring in an out.. this has to be a dream..

Crashing back to reality!, as Risha hurls a tin of lemons bonking off his head!

"Next"

.

Gibbs snapping back to attention with a growl, moves further away from Risha.

Almost cowering behind Kara..

who was trying to conceal her laughter at him, getting smashed in the head.

"Now that ya have the sheets down.. ya have to see what the wiiinds doin lasses"

Gibbs says as he licks his thumb, an squinks an eye..

.

"Well.. luck be on ur side, there is an easterly tonight.. ya have to set the angle"

As he's saying it, Kara and Risha have already set all three sales, for maximum wind catch east.

.

"Sooo.. are we missing anything?"

Kara feeling like this is just too easy.

.

"Weeelll" scratching his head and looking around..

"Ya would pull up the anchor.. cut the lines.. set ur heading east and keep it ther."

.

"I don't see what all the fuss is about."

Giving a shrug to Risha, Kara turns to walk Gibbs down the gang plank.

She hears the sound of a flintlock!.. cocking, right as she turns face to face with Gibbs.

He points the flintlock right at Kara's chest!

.

"PLAY TIMES OVER LITTLE LASSES!"

"I'm gonna give ye to the count of three!.. to leave this vessel!.. before I send ya down into the icy depths!"

Kara for the first time seeing a pistol in her face,

an not yet understanding what she is.. freezes up solid, gasping for a clue!

Gibbs flashing a wicked grin, continues his count 3.. 2.. 1..

.

BAANG!, both girls SCREAMING through the black cloud of smoke!

It happened so fast!, he enjoyed it!

In only the speed that a Vampire can move, she didn't even know she could..

Risha standing right behind Kara..

shouldered her way in front of Kara, in a millisecond flash!

As the mortar ball ricocheted off Risha's chest like a whistle!, off into the night.

.

Kara coming to her senses fast!

Flips Risha around by the shoulders!, gasping in shock with her mouth open wide..

pulls open her dress to see the wound!

Risha heaving breath!, and trying to turn away.. pushes Kara's hand!

like she doesn't want her to see it!

To there wide eyed amazement..

Risha rubs the black powder away from her chest.. with her thumb..

to see a little bit of redness.. quickly clearing up, and just some black smudge.

.

Relief turns to anger in an instant!.. Kara's face is not the angel from heaven anymore..

her eye's pierced to a squint.. high arch brows in a permanent scowl,

a red haze.. dancing off her lashes.

Her ruby lips curled, sharp fangs like daggers.. showing all the way out for the first time.

.

Her voice takes on an entirely different timber and tone.

There's not much in this world that can frighten Risha..

but the crackling bellow.. of Kara's angry tones, are from another world.

.

"Why you scurvy!, little... lemon-sucking!.. half-wit!.. SCOUNDREL!"

Kara growling wild!, as she picks the stunned and terrified Gibbs by the neck!,

lifting him off his feet.. walking him down the gang plank like a toy.

.

"You're lucky I don't throw you into the ocean, with a cannon strapped to your feet!"

Gibbs almost dead.. as she's cut off all oxygen by her grip and not realizing it..

she plops him down on his butt, kicks him up against the outpost sign.

.

Growling as she picks up docking rope, quickly tying up Gibbs in a seated position.

Kara turns walking back up the gang plank, and kicks it off the side..

"We probably needed that"

Smirking Risha, as she's grabbing the hatchet to cut the lines,

"Also.. next time i'm insulting someone.. please take notes."

Kara gives her a laughing turn, hiding it from Gibbs.

.

Gibbs finally catching his breath.. taking stock of what's likely to happen to him..

is going be extremely bad either way.

.

"YA MANGEY LASSES CAN'T JUST LEAVE ME HERE TO DIE ON THIS DOCK!,

WITH THE WAR BREATHIN DOWN ON US, HOW COULD YA DO SUCH A THING!?

Gibbs growling in his last protest.

.

"Well you're pirates aren't yoouu?.. go steal a ship."

Kara slowly realizing how over-powering she is, slips back into her calm sweet tones easily.

.

"WHO ARE YE WITCHES!?"

"I never done nothin to ye, until youz tried to steal me ship!,

ill be shot if I tell me capt'n what's happened!"

Gibbs barking for answers.

.

"Pirates, shooting an ship stealing is it?..

well it sounds like that's just something you run into everyday.

I'm sure you'l be fine."

.

"My name is Kara Baudelaire."

She says with a full curtsey.. "Would you like your Rum?"

as she's walking mid ship, giving an excited wave to Risha.. like their plan is working.

.

"Well.. if you please lass"

Gibbs in his sheepish reply as it's his only solace left.

.

"Ooo Risha.. anchor please."

Risha giddy on her face that they're stealing a galleon!.. gives the anchor spool a sharp kick!

The whole line spools up to the top, bonking the anchor around at the top in its housing.

Gibbs flashes a quick look.. at the anchor bobbing around, trying to figure out what just happened.

.

Kara appears from midship to the plank, tosses a full bottle of rum, that lands right between Gibbs feet.

And the only thing he can reach it with are his feet, as his hands are tied up behind him in a sitting position,

as he desperately tries for grip... Kara turns headed for the Captain's wheel.

.

"Cut us free babe."

As Risha starts cutting docking lines,

the ship begins pulling groans.. like it's begging for the ocean, as the winds are picking up,

trying to pull the boat and the dock with it!.. Risha gets to the last line.. Snap!

The tension releases.. as the behemoth rocks it's easing motion slowly to the east..

catching more wind, as Kara grabs hold to balance herself.

Spins the wheel trying to get her heading on course.. finds east on the compass,

kicking the wheel lock in place, testing it.

.

As Kara is fixed on the wheel, familiarizing herself with the weight and feel.

She's too distracted to see another figure.. with a strange gait, making his way down the docks.

Risha immediately noticing, taking a leaning peek over the railing..

.

This new figure is tall.. wearing a tri point Captain's hat, crooked to one side.

A floor length dark trench coat, with intricate gold seams and fastenings.

His boots have a "click".. like buckles being rubbed against one another.

His gait.. although a wobble, is strangely confident, like he has no fear of anything.. ever.

As he's now approaching Gibbs, seeing his Galleon slowly peel away into the night..

Risha gets a good look at him.. "Kaa-Ra!" she flicks a whisper over her shoulder..

Kara hearing this strange tone from Risha.. like she's woooo'd.

Quickly takes a perching position next to her.

.

"Is he.. smiling?"

Kara in shock at this figure's calm presence.

"Pick your jaw up off the floor!"

Whispering in Risha's ear as she's just stunned.

"I've never seen a handsome pirate.. or even heard of one!"

Risha gazing him now.. like he's on a dinner menu, as he's just ear shot from the girls.

Arms crossed with crooked posture, kicking a foot of Gibbs..

with a smirking smile on his face.. that's almost intoxicating.

He's chiseled and weathered.. but somehow still young.

Without taking an eye off of Risha.. sizing her up an down with a wink.

.

"So.. you'l be stealing my ship then will you?"

His voice is sluurred.. silky slang, an yet precise.. this is no ordinary Pirate.

He has a graceful confidence that's very much his own.

And it's pulling at Risha like a magnet.

.

"I guess ur just gona have to come find it.. won't you?"

She's now leaned faar over the railing.. with peeks going down her gown.

"Risha!" Kara gasping under her breath as it's so forward.

.

"And what a graand pursuit.. thaat will be!"

As he lights up his eye's by tilting his head back,

gazing her through the bottoms of his eyes, with unbelievable confidence.

While curling his perfectly trimmed mustache..

"What's your naame lass?"

As the ship is now almost out of ear shot.. and too far away..

the Captain hasn't changed his posture by an inch,

arms crossed, crooked.. locked on Risha.

"Risha.. an you?"

barely audible.. so far away now.

Risha straining to hear, moving down the railing, all the way to stern.

"Sparrow, luv."

.

Both girls on their perch.. doing a small parade wave.

The fading outlines of Captain Sparrow and Gibbs can barely be seen,

bickering.. as the Captain simply reaches down, grabs the Rum bottle..

and leaves Gibbs tied up to the outpost sign.

.

With the Southern Isle of Port Royale.. gently slipping away into the darkness,

the booming skies of the war.. becoming a memory.

The night is calm.. peaceful, a light wind and big beautiful orange moon, low in the sky.

Kara and Risha, reflect on one of the most memorable nights of their lives.

.

Kara walks over an hugs Risha from the side, as their both sitting now by the captain's wheel,

and in deep thought.. it's almost too much to think about..

as it's all happening so fast.

"Well.. for the record this was your idea, just incase anything happens."

.

"What!"

Risha gasping, as their both crooking smiles.

.

"Are we actually gona land in Freeport!?.. it's so surreal isn't it?"

.

"What're we gona do when we get there!?"

Lying on her back, with her thoughts shooting out, looking up at the stars.. wondering all that is possible.

It's staggering.. what CAN'T we do?.. am I dreeaming?

.

"If!.. we get to freeport, I imagine.. we're going to be able to do.. whatever we want."

Kara yawning it out, as she scoots in close to Risha.

.

Both ladies absolutely exhausted from a truly powerful night,

curl up at the captain's wheel, and fall asleep in each others arms.

Taking a quick peek at the wheel lock an heading,

Kara drifts off into sleep.. having the comfort that she has family, for the first time in her life.

Which is exactly the way Risha feels.

.

Kara blinks her eyes open a few times..

hazy, brutal sun.. coming down from the open ocean tropics.

She can't quite figure out.. where this uncomfortable feeling is coming from..

she can just feel a weighted heat, like a blanket all over her body.. and triple on any exposed skin.

Coming to her senses and standing up with a stretch, she can see steam sizzling from her hands,

going up her arms, it doesn't actually hurt.. it's just unnerving..

"ACKK!"

Squeaking as she notices her feet doing the same thing.. starts doing the cha cha dance.

"Riissha!"

.

Risha has already been up for a few hours, deciding to let sleeping beauty get her rest.

She is fast learning what she's capable of, she knows every inch of the boat.

Leaping the crow's nest in two bounds, she's able to navigate the massive array of connecting ropes one handed,

able to pull a boom in opposite direction, with just a flick of her wrist.

Still looking for the limits of her strength.. pulled apart the steel bars of the brig cage.

"Hi babe!"

.

"My feet are burning!"

Kara still yelping.

.

"Your hair is too"

Risha smirking it back,

as Kara lets out another squeak and a ack!

Risha's hair and feet are doing the same thing, she's just not caring.

.

"What are you doing?, how long have you been up?"

Kara asking like if she's missed out on anything..

checking the heading an wheel lock, with a nod of approval.

An heading down the captain's stairs to the main deck.

.

"Not long.. I was practicing my sea legs.. from our hapless instructor Gibbs!"

Risha with her legs hanging over the side, sitting with her arms straight out behind her.

Doing small kicking motions, admiring their new horizon.

.

"Aren't you burning up too?"

Kara looking for confirmation as she's heading over to her.

.

"I had my wraps on earlier.. but, I've gotten used to it..

I don't think it's actually hurting us."

.

"I know but it feels so.. weeiird!"

Kara exclaiming as she plops down, with her feet hanging over the side next to Risha.

"Soo, what do you think happened to our good friend mister Gibby?"

.

Risha giggling immediately, start's doing pirate impressions of Gibbs.

"ARE YE SIRENS!,

HOW COULD YA LEAVE ME TO DIE, WITHOUT SO MUCH AS ME SHIP, OR A BOTTLE OF RUM!"

Kara bursting in laughter!, as Risha is just nailing the impersonation.

.

"I bet your new husband left him there!"

Kara gasping for breath between laughs an snorts!

Kazandra and Kara have the same snort..

they don't particularly like it.. but it's there none the less.

.

"I'm gonna marry him!.. didn't you see how suave he was?.. he was dreamy!"

Risha immediately flushing red.. with desire all over her face.

.

"He's a SCALLYWAG!"

Kara belts it like what are you thinking!

.

"You got NAKED!.. in front of a scurvy, sixty year old.. rum drinking scallywag!"

Risha blurts out in protest, as Kara lets out a high pitched big laugh,

.

"PLEEASE DON'T REMIND ME!.. LIKE EVER!,

we're going to pretend that didn't happen!"

.

"Wer gonna have to figure out another plan.. where you can successfully use that tactic!"

Risha revelling in her embarrassment.

.

"You next time!"

Kara fires in!

.

Both girls faces hurt from laughing so hard,

"Nooo waay!"

As their silhouettes are like two bobbing tops, bouncing into one another.

.

Kara takes a beat as their laughter trickles down, scoots in a little closer to Risha.

Shoulders touching, as Kara grabs her hand with both of hers.

.

"Risha.. I wanted to thank you.. I don't even know how to say it"

Tears starting to well in her lower eye lids.

.

"No one's ever been nice to me..

as long as I can remember, I've always been grabbed at or fawned over, by filthy old men..

wanting to see this giant silver haired girl, to make an offer on me.. and ship me around.

Made fun of.. because I look different."

.

Kara is streaming tears now.

"You're the only person.. who ever took the time, talked with me..

an made me feel like I can have hope too.

And I NEVER would have made it off that island without you..

i'd just feel.. lost if you're not there."

.

"And.. I just LOVE you..

I want to make sure that.. if there's anything you need, that i'm here for you"

"Forever."

.

Tough as nails Risha, breaks down in tears.. one of the few times Kara has ever seen it.

Wiping tears away as she sniffs up the choke,

"They make fun of you because you are unique Kara, one of a kind..

they're jealous and scared of you."

.

"I believe what Riliss was saying.. about you.. I see it to.. there IS something about you Kara.

Like the world needs you or something.. and coming from that awful plaace..

I had to cover myself in shit!,

and now this GIIIFT!, we're soo lucky Kara!

It's like.. I just woke up from a horrible oppressive dream..

and into this new dream.. with you!, that's.. so beautiful and full of hope.

I've never been happy Kara.. everything's always just been taken from me.

Uuhg, it was soo miserable, and then I meet you..

an it's like, I feel happiness from you.. like I want to be with you for the rest of my life!"

.

Kara is now bursting tears.

"I'm never gonna let you go Risha!.. it's me an you forever!.. just like Rillis said!"

The two girls lean their heads in on one another, gazing at the horizon.

Kara points at a particularly dark part of the clouds they're heading towards, wiping her eyes..

"Is that a storm?"

.

Indeed it was.

Nighttime creeping.. the sky has turned ink black, lightning cracks flash the sky, wind howling wild!

Rain coming down in sheets, side to side as well as up and down!

White water burying the deck in floods of violence,

Booms of thunder coming from all angles, as the girls desperately cling to the ship!

Risha in a BEAR HUG on the mid mast just in front of Kara..

Kara, locked in on the wheel, fighting to keep her easterly course.. as the compass spins wildly!,

cussing an growling at the compass!

"WHY WON'T THIS STUPID THING!.. POINT EAST!, UUUHG!"

Ripping the wheel back an fourth!

.

The ship violently rocking, pitching up and down, from the hundred foot waves!

"HEAD ON... HEEEAAD ON!.. PORT SIDE!"

Risha screaming over the storm!

As Kara is fighting the ship from being sideways!, in the endless swells!

The ship hits the crest of giant wave head on, CRASHING upwards to the sky like a point!,

as the bow breaches up an over!.. then down the backside of the enormous wave..

the ship almost hits a STRAIGHT DOWN angle!

The shrieking screams of Kara an Risha..

can be heard over the storm.. as they plummet down growing softer,

then back up again, hearing their full shrieking cries.

.

Kara, tireless in her new found power, screams over the storm to Risha!,

"DROP THE SAAILS!"

.

Risha having run an array of connecting ropes, fastened to the railings mid ship.

Securing a heaving line around her waist, firmly securing her to mid mast,

moving around the deck a little more freely now.

"YOU WANA GO FASTER?"

.

"YES!"

.

"Oook"..

Risha hesitantly replying, pulling slack out of the heaving line.

Showing what she's learned in the time Kara was sleeping..

Risha has all the sails down, angled in a blink.

The ship violently rushes forward!.. as the howling winds fill up the sails like a blast!

Catapulting the ship forward!, in a wild twirl!, leaning a deadly capsize!,

into the port side massive barrel of a wave!

.

Kara right off the Captain's wheel!, as she gets pinned to stern rail!

"AcCK!"

"Hold onto something!"

Risha shouting from below, as the violent lean sends her in a flat skid to the railing!

Yanking on the lines covering her hands, leading to all over the ship!,

as the port side boom has now dug it's tip!, dragging the ship inward!, to the massive barrel on their left!

"WER GONA CAPSIZE!"

Kara hit the limits of her scream!

.

"NO WER NOT!,

HARD STARBOARD NOW!"

Risha in terror!, as the bow of the ship is about to dig in!

Ripping her line to bow mast boom as hard as she can!, trying to unseat it from the massive barrel!

Splintering cracks like lightning!, she's pulling it apart from the middle!

"FULL WHEEL, FULL WHEEL!"

.

Kara ripping the wheel starboard!, taking off notches as she goes!

As splintering shards of debris like wooden stakes!, from the Risha vaporized bow boom!,

go flying passed her head!

Without it's firm dig from the sunken bow boom, the ship finally catches rudder!,

ripping away and down the starboard plummet of the wave!

.

Once again, the tip of the bow is almost pointing at the other end of earth!

The girls shrieking screams pierce right through the inky maelstrom,

however there was.. sprinkles of excitement along with it.

Mostly from Risha.

.

"We're you laughing!"

Kara squeaking in a crouch, with just eyes hovering..

making sure the debris onslaught is over, eyeing the compass, she can see the spread to east is now tighter,

with the speed of the ship helping to keep straight.

.

"I couldn't help it!, I've never been so fast before!"

Risha now racing around the deck, hauling lines in, repairing whatever she can.

Taking a good long look at bow mast sail.. it's almost a total loss.

Just some loose rags of sail, batting againt the mast,

a small nub of boom left, cracked like an elbow to the deck.

Noticing the storm start to let up.. Kara eases her grip on the wheel.

Giving a soft turn back an fourth,

she can feel the ship, beginning to respond again from her adjustments.

Peering over the side at mid mast, seeing Risha undoing her life line..

.

"Heey, I think we're coming out of it.. what in the hell, was THAT!?

They just come an go like that!?

Soo RUDE!"

.

Risha just can't hide the excitement on her face,

"You're a damn scallywag KARA!.. that was insane!

The point of the bow hit the MOON!"

.

Kara with her eye's far off in the distance, like she just got promoted by Poseidon.

"Princess Scallywag!"

She does indeed have a strong command over the ship.. taking to it like a natural.

Sailing is a passion of Kara's, that she carries faar into her long long life.

.

Risha's rapid fire laugh while bailing water over the side,

"Should we just fix the front sail.. an keep it!?"

.

"Oooo reeallly Risha Sparrow.. why do you wanna keeep it?"

Risha just serves it right up for Kara, it was too easy.

.

Both girls in their giggles as Risha heads towards the bow, still clearing debris over the side.

As lightning cracks light up the sky, with brief windows of visibility..

Kara catches something.. in her peripheral vision.

A dark mass, she does a quick double take, running over to the railing..

rubbing water, blinking for focus.. stares directly at it.

.

PIRATE SAILS!

Closing in fast.. sixty yards off the port stern!

Kara shrieks in a belt! "RIISHA!"

Risha racing up the captain's ladder!

Knowing that tone of voice from Kara, as she grabs the spyglass an hits the deck!

Kara still standing gets a bark,

"Get down!.. they have a spyglass too, if we can see them.. they can see us"

.

Kara squeaking hops down next to her flat, shoulder to shoulder.

Risha using her new found vision, plus the spyglass can see everything.

.

"Is it him?"

Kara whispering in total shock.

.

"Fat chance.. it's some crusty barnacle up there on the wheel."

As she's now scanning all over the deck, she can see them scrambling around..

loading cannons as they move them into position.

.

"Shit.. ther pirates alright.. If the Devil had a ship, that's what this thing looks like"

In their drunken stumbles, one even falls overboard while Risha is watching,

with no reaction from the wretched crew.

"This is bad."

.

"What do we do?"

Kara yelping in exasperation!

"They can't kill us.. let's just hide!.. or drop the sails!"

.

"We can't outrun them Kara.. they've got twice as many sails!..

it's not gonna do US any good if they sink the boat!

We gonna swim to Freeport?!"

Risha searching her brain, for any option.

.

Kara SEETHING, feeling her new power take hold.. how DARE!, you come after my family.

Her face is changing.. eye's glowing, scowling.. fear is slowly leaving Kara Baudelaire forever.

"Let them have this boat!.. because we're taking theirs!"

"Whaaat?" Risha totally confused.

.

Kara grabs Risha, rushing them to the back of the low flying bridge, behind the captain's quarters..

where there is a clear large opening, in all directions.. and goes over the plan.

"They're gonna pull along side us, thinking we're a derelict ship..

when the majority of the crew rope over to this boat,

we're going to jump over to their boat.. throw the remaining crew overboard,

imprison the Captain..

and make him sail us to Freeport!"

.

"I liiike it!"

A very rare.. Risha squeak, seeing this confident Kara..

her admiration just grew another notch.

.

The sounds of cannon fire!.. billowing like thunder in rapid succession.

Impact crashes can be heard smashing the deck, ripping the sales an putting holes in the side of the ship!

Kara an Risha lay hiding in the back of the ship.. the pirates are close now, almost side by side..

The girls can hear the drunken pirates, bragging about their cannon ball shot placement.

They hear the grappling hooks hit in thunks!.. one after another.

The clammerring of drunken boots, hitting the main deck and tearing things apart!

Kara can see them!.. through the captain's door "NOW NOW!"

.

Kara leaps first, sinking her powerful hands knuckle deep into the side of the ship,

slowly climbing up getting behind the Captain.

Risha jumped right after Kara, sinking her hands just below the main deck.

.

She watches in awe.

As Risha hoists herself onto the deck with one arm,

landing flat footed dead center of the boat..

"Helloo boooys" in her calm cool demeanor.

The first crewman next to her,

could not process what happened!, before Risha's devastating left hook!

Sends him cartwheeling over the railing, into the sea!

A particularly massive crewman.. snickers something at Risha from the bow..

an comes charging Risha with sabre in hand!, coming down with a big sweeping slash!

.

Risha catches the blade in her bare hand!.. like wrestling an infant,

"I'll take that."

Brings up a swift knee to the man's wrist!.. launching the sabre, spinning from his hand in the air!

Her impossibly quick front kick!, flings the crewman against the bow mast crashing..

she catches the still spinning sabre in her left hand, without looking!

FIRES! the sabre through the crewman's chest!.. into the mast and out the other side of the mast..

HILT FIRST!

Kara remembering what Riliss said, whispers to herself in amazement,

"MASTER OF ARMS"

.

To receive the title Master of Arms from the college, means you cannot be disarmed.

And furthermore, you do not lose any arms contest regardless of weapon.

To clarify.. if Risha has a spoon, and her opponent a broad sword,

she's not just going to win, she's going to disarm you.

And kill you with either a spoon, or sword.. Maybe both.

.

Another crewman screaming wildly!, over the death of his two friends..

rips open the hatch from mid ship, coming up from the stairs.

With his flintlock, loaded and cocked!.. taking aim at Risha's back!

Squeezing slowly.. to make sure he doesn't miss.. even pressure, as it's dark an the ship is rocking.

"I GOT YOU BITCH!"

The flashbang fills the air!, in the same instant!.. that Risha closes the gap!

Turning his own gun against him!, wheeling it backwards, sending the mortar ball right through his neck!

Before he could blink!

"What did you get?"

Scolding him to his face.. as he lay dying in disbelief.

.

The Captain has now taken notice.. something's happened on the deck..

Frantically screaming to his unaware crew!

"GET BACK HERE YE SWABS!, WE'VE BEEN BOARDED YE GLUTTONOUS FOOLS!"

Now it's Kara's turn..

She ups over the railing, shoulder checking the Captain off the wheel!

.

Having no idea how strong she really is..

The Captain is out COLD.. flying head first horizontal.. into the hard oak stern railing.

"GOT IT!" Kara yells, as Risha takes out the last two crewman aboard effortlessly,

ripping the sabre, and heaving the impaled one off the bow mast, into the sea.

Cleaning up the deck in a blink.

"CUT THE LINES!"

Risha taking her que, grabbing the hatchet, cutting them free..

Just as Risha cuts the last line,

Kara rips the wheel to the left!.. peeling away from the SS Sparrow!

.

The crewman aboard SS Sparrow, quickly realize whats going on!

That they cannonballed, the very same boat.. that they are now stranded on!

Scrambling, screaming an yelling, they start firing muskets and anything they can at Kara!

Risha standing on the plank, who basically came out of the womb fighting.. simply waves,

"By boooys, it's a beautiful ship!"

.

The abandoned crew are now in dead silence.

Trying to contemplate.. how they just got robbed and will indeed die,

at the hands of two.. sixteen year old.. beautiful girls.. awestruck.

.

As SS Sparrow fades off into the distance..

The girls take a look at their would be captor, with new found confidence.

.

"Wow.. he is a scuuurvy little thing isn't he!?.. it's like he has barnacles for a face!"

Kara in her chirping tones, as she carries him to the brig, like a ragdoll by the leg.

Bonking his head on every step to mid ship, on purpose.

"Watching you fight up there.. I think he pee'd himself"

.

Risha laughing as she's already scouring Main deck.. inspecting her new ship.

"Maybe he just smells like pee?"

Both girls laughing from top an middle of the ship.

Risha checking pullies and winding cranks, water barrels and heaving lines..

starts noticing this is no ordinary ship.

.

"Kara this ship is a Masterpiece!"

Risha barking excitedly from above.."This is real GOLD, not painted trim"

As this Captain's ship is truly ornate and beautiful.. like it's especially coveted.

Kara now at low deck brig, securing the Captain, and locking the cage.

She hears Risha making her way down.

"It is really beautiful.. I don't think he deserves it!.. he probably stole it!"

Kara still looking around low deck an getting acquainted, the ship is vast..

with polished blacks and gold filigrees, lining the walls and matching tables.

It seems like it's been around for ages.. but doesn't show the wear.

.

"What if he stole it from your husband!?.. it looks like HIS kind of ship!"

"I'd rip him in half.. that's what"

Both girls laughing as it does seem too elegant, for the crusty imprisoned Captain.

.

"Did he name it?"

Kara growing fond of the ship's exquisite details.

.

"Yep.. The Pearl"

Risha's head is like it's on a swivel.. she's absolutely loving their adventure.

Inspecting low deck thoroughly.. like she wants to keep it.

.

The Captain's coming to now in the brig.. open's his squinky eyes a couple times..

And gazes Kara and Risha for the first time.

He startles back against the cage, at the mere sight of towering Kara.

Does a double take to Risha, back at Kara..

then back at Risha.. fidgety and fuming!, as he's lying in his own prison cell!

.

"WHAT ARE YE.. SIRENS?!"

His voice like a shouting scratchy bark!

As he's squinting, trying to see them better.. Kara who is bent over low, close to the cage..

looks back at Risha, standing behind her arm's crossed.

.

"Maybe we are sirens?"

with a giggle.. "What's your name Captain?"

The Captain pulls his flintlock!

.

"YA DINT SEARCH ME, AN TAKE ME WEAPONS YA DENSE LASSES!"

"NOW WHICH ONE OF YE AM I GONA SHOOT FIRST!"

Barking as loud as he can!

.

Risha belting loud, right back at him!,

"We didn't search you because ur no threat, you little barnacle shrimp!

Now listen to what she's saying, or ill take that one shot worthless weapon, and stick it up ur ASS!"

Captain takes a look at Risha's face.. remembering what she did to his crew,

quickly stows the weapon.

.

"Weeelll?"

Kara glaring him down her nose.

.

"THE NAME'S BARBOSSA.. AN WHAT IS IT, THAT YE BE WANTIN WITH ME?"

.

"You have a gooorgeous ship Barbossa.. would you like to keep it?

Because honestly.. we kind of like it too!"

.

"WHATEVERR I NEEDS TO BE DOIN!, TO KEEP UR SIREN HANDS OFF ME VESSEL!"

.

"Ahh good answer.. quite simple then Barbossa.

My friend an I are sailing to Freeport... and you!, are going to take us there"

She say's with a gorgeous smile, and a ivory fingered point to his nose.

.

"YA CANT CREW THIS SHIP WITH JUST THREE!, AND DOCK IT AT FREEPORT!,

ARE YE LASSES MAD?!.. THESE ARE WANTED SAILS TOO!"

.

"Well we've gotten this far haven't we?, besides!.. we're not docking at the harbor authority,

we're going to find a nice soft beach next to freeport.. and crash your boat into shore.

And once we are both safe on land..

we'l let you go!.. how does that sound?"

.

"YA CAN'T JUST LEAVE ME TO DIE ON SOME WASHED UP BEACH!,

WITHOUT ME SHIP AFTER KILLING ME CREW!"

"I'M A WANTED MAN IN FREEPORT!"

.

"And what would YOU do.. Barbossa?"

Kara leaning in close, both hands on the cage.

.

"If you caught!.. the person trying to waylay you.. and sink your ship and kill your crew..

what would you do?.. if you caught them?

Because.. I can kill you now if you'd like?.. is that what you want?"

Kara's silky charm.. approaches Assassin like levels of hypnotism, even though she isn't one.

.

Barbossa grumbling.. looks back an fourth at both girls, then back at Kara.

.

"So we have an accord then?"

Kara reaching her hand in the cage.

.

"Fiiine"

Barbossa slowly, barely audible grumble.. as he reaches for Kara's hand,

she pulls it back,

"I'm afraid that's not good enough"

.

"WE HAVE AN ACCORD!"

.

"Kara Baudelaire"

As she sticks her hand out again, Barbossa slowly reaches out to shake Kara's hand..

the moment their skin touches, something happens.

Barbossa's face freezes an glosses over.. like he's seeing something that's not there.

Kara feels it too as she pulls her hand back.. Barbossa just gazing in awe.

"What the hell was that?"..

Risha noticing the trance like state that just happened..

"I dunno" a perplexed Kara staring at her hands.

.

"It felt like.. my sense of touch is different.. or his sense of touch is different.. an when they meet,

like the whole touch sensory starts going haywire.. it was truly strange..

I'm going to have to be more careful about that."

.

Kara does not let humans touch her skin.

Kazandra wants humans to touch her skin.

Risha, dares humans to touch her skin.

Kara's skin however.. yields the largest results, even affecting other Vampires.

.

Another day goes by on the ocean, Kara locked in on the wheel.

Keeping her heading, as Risha keeping an eye on the deck, managing the sails.

The two of them quite improving as sailors.. growing very fond of the ship,

and even the ocean life in general.

Barbossa lay mostly passed out, in his own prison cell, the girls keeping a bottle of Rum nearby.

Only there incase the girls need him.

.

"Uhgg.. I am staarrving!"

Risha yelping.. like she can't stand up straight.. hunger pains settling in.

A new hunger.

.

Kara yelling back from the captain's wheel,

"I know it!.. me too.. I tried eating an apple I found in the galley, it tasted like dirt!"

.

Risha moving towards the mid deck hatch,

"I'm gonna go look around below, see if I can find anything else.. it's like my stomach is eating me!"

.

"Ok, let me know if you find anything."

.

As Risha searches around mid ship, she heads towards the bow.

Up an over a few crates, and moving things aside, she gets to the very tip of the bow..

which is cluttered.. with years of plundering and hoarding, from our scurvy friend Barbossa.

But there's something else on the ground.. unassuming and gently swaying..

two large boots!.. clearly sleeping boots.. Risha gasping!

"Whaaat!?, how in the hell.. did you sleep through all that!?"

Whispering in jest, as she's peering him up and down.

.

Clearing away rubbish now, casting aside the blankets and bottles,

to see a very large.. extremely drunk pirate..

snoozing away like he's lying in plunder.

Risha.. has an idea.

.

"Kara!, .. Kara!, .. get down here!"

Squeaking like a pssst!, trying to not make too much noise.

Kara sensing a playfulness in Risha's voice, immediately checks her heading an kicks in the wheel lock.

Not showing too much concern, as it's a beautiful afternoon, with the sun getting low and calm seas.

.

"Hey!, what'd ya find?"

Kara hopping down the stairs to mid ship excitedly.

.

"Follow me"

smiling wide, she begins leading Kara over the crates an clutter,

to the tip of mid ship bow.

.

Kara gasping!,

"Whaaat!.. how in the hell.. did he sleep through all that!?"

.

"That's what I said!"

Risha's blasting laugh as they both start giggling uncontrollably.

"Weeellll?"

Risha hesitant.. she doesn't want to go first.

Kara quickly catching on,

"Oooo I don't know.. my stomach doesn't hurt that bad."

She says as this large 300lb, probably almost dead from drinking.. pirate, rolls over turning away from the girls..

and the only way to describe, lets a fart rip like a fog cannon.. right in their face.. not a budge from his slumber.

Risha can only giggle, as Kara's face shows pure shock an disgust.. as she fans away at it.

.

"C'mooon, we gotta try.. it's like what we do now.. we gotta eat!"

Risha whispering as she gets low, on both knees.. pointing a spot for Kara.

.

"Well, ok but.. you first"

Kara still scowling this lumbering thing.. up an down, holding her nose.

"No way!, same time!"

Risha fires back.

"Fiiiiiine"

Kara getting lower, onto her knees.. scooting closer to the man's hanging lifeless arm,

still holding her nose..

Risha scoots in close to Kara, shoulder to shoulder.

She picks up the man's very large arm, and holds it just in front of them,

like it's a buffet sandwich.

.

As Kara gets closer to the man's arm.. leaning into it.

She can see the blood in his vessels, right through his skin.. pumping and pulling..

she can hear his heartbeat, soft and slow.. like a dinner bell!

Her eye's are starting to glow!.. the sound of a heartbeat, pulling an moving blood..

the sounds of food!.. are rushing through her senses in a wave of new emotion.

She's getting hungrier by the second!.. she looks over at Risha who's eyes are burning red fire!

She's panting and heaving!.. her hands are shaking she's so overcome..

They both clamp down hard!

.

Kara on his upper forearm, and Risha on his wrist.

Kara starts reeeeling immediately!.. as soon as the blood hits her lips.

The wave of ecstasy, emotions an hunger completely take over.. she clamps down harder.. she pulls harder.

Feeling the wave hit every part of her body.. from the tips of hairs, to toe nails.

She pulls off gasping for air!

Coming to realization of what she is... and LIKING it.

.

She looks over at Risha, who damn near bit the man's hand off.. from the force of her bite.

Pulling and sucking hard, making ecstasy noises.. her feet behind her, tapping the floor uncontrollably.

Kara scoops her up... with a loud gasp Risha comes flying off!

.

"WOOOOOOOOOOW"..

Is the only word Risha has.. she can't move, paralyzed in euphoria.

Kara can't even speak!.. she's panting and heaving, with a ear to ear smile creeping!

"waaat in th- helll.. ka, can, hear me?"

Risha trying to speak.. her own sounds coming in distorted echoes an waves!

"it's SOooo gOood" Kara finally gets a word out.. not knowing if she's looking up or down..

.

Then something else happens..

Kara trying to stand up, immediately falls over laughing hysterically..

Risha, seeing princess Kara take a clumsy fall, is the funniest thing she's ever seen!

Kara tries to stand up again.. and buries her face in wood planks!,

her arms didn't even pretend to stop her!

Screaming laughing an failing for balance.. like someone being outrageous drunk, for the very first time!

Risha sprawled out on her back, pawing the sky.. laughing as she turns.. crawling to Kara.

The smile on her face like she's walking on air.

.

Kara's vision is now a kaleidoscope of reds an pinks.. bubbles and swirls.

Blurring in and out.. popping an swirling like ink blots.. pawing for Risha who's not really there.

"Hiiiie Riii-ssssha!.. wut are uuuu doin down theeer?.. I luv u!"

Risha burping an giggling.. rocking in place.. with her hands around her knees,

trying to spin like a top!

"I luv u too!"

"U luv Sparrow!"

"I do!"

"Know wut?".. Risha chewing on her hair with one hand,

crawling the wrong direction towards Kara..

.

"I thiiiink.. if der drunk.. an weeee drink em!.. we git allll da drunks!"

Kara in rapid fire laughter.. falling over backwards,

"Makes seeense!"

.

Rolling around on the floor.. screaming like banshees an laughing away like hyenas.

The girls are having the time of their lives.

While Barbossa in the low deck brig.. darts his eyes all over the ceiling..

trying to figure out, just what in the hell.. he is hearing!

Dust flying off the rafters above him in plumes, buckling planks.. and creaking walls!

.

Hard to imagine these dainty girls, being able to put a shimmy on a massive Galleon..

just by falling over, as they playfully wrestle each other against the walls.

Because they only look dainty.

Kara's frame at 6'5 with her vampire dense, an hardened skin and bones, weighs 330lbs.

Risha being 5'8, still rather tall for a woman in these times, weighs 240lbs.

They are hardened like steel.. and both being durable Brutes,

they are like two wrecking balls, in a room full of tooth picks.

.

The giggling girls make their way over for a round two, instead of pushing crates around..

this time they are more so falling over them.

They assume their positions in the very same spots, and clamp down hard.

To Kara's delightful surprise.. it's exactly the same.

A giant wave of ecstasy.. she didn't get to savor it the first time, now she is.. she has no intention of letting go.

And neither does Risha.. Kara in her swoon hears the heartbeat.. slowing.. and slowing.. softer.

Both girls absolutely lost in their rapture.

.

The heartbeat STOPS..

Kara an Risha both clamped down hard, an pulling.. paying it no never-mind.

But something changes.

Kara pulls up fast!

"BLEEEECCHHHH, IT TASTES LIKE SEWAGE!"

Immediately doubling over!, with severe stomach pains..

whimpering into a fetal position.. pawing for Risha.

Seeing Risha.. clearly suffering the same fate, she calls out to her.. but it doesn't come out.

She gets as far as "Ri"-

and a FOUNTAIN!.. of dark blood, comes projectile spewing from Kara's mouth like a river!,

with a blasting loud accompanying,

"BLAAAEEEECH!"

All over mid ship floor!.. in a sickening splash!

.

Peering through wretching heaves, she see's Risha, pawing for her in a crawl..

"I thiiink.. imm.. o-kay"

Risha in a drunken mumble.. crawling on all fours, trying to right herself..

but the floors are just slick!, from Kara's river of red!

.

Finally getting her feet under her, changing her equilibrium as she's standing up..

the world just flips over!, as she gets a grasp on the desk infront of her,

"Ka"- she didn't get Kara's name out either.

As Risha was almost all the way upright.. the projectile goes horizontal!

Blasting the side of the ship!, with a fountain of blood!, and a laaarge accompanying,

"HUUUAAAAAaah!"

Pushing her right back down onto her back!.. sprawled out like an eagle, gasping for air.

Kara flat sideways in a fetal position.. sends one skimming all the way to the stairs!

"BLAAAAAEEECH!" the lake on the floor, now end to end!

.

Peeling open the jet black curtain, of matted red twisted hair.. asking the ceiling for answers.

As she's kicking the floor, trying to conceal her whimpers,

the stomach pains are raging like a pulse!,

"I don wanna .. I don wann-HUUUUUAAAAAAaah!"

.

Unfortunately our dear Risha, could not get off her back..

Projectile totally vertical!.. hits the ceiling!.. and right back down, onto her face.

Kara seeing this lets out another one.. she's now a waterfall of tears from the wretching strain!

"BLAAAAAAAEECH!"

.

The girls just a squirming mess on the floor, whimpering.. doubled over then falling over.

Pools of blood everywhere, It's even on the ceiling!

Once again.. down below in low deck brig,

Barbossa darting eyes around at the ceiling, is absolutely dumbfounded..

trying to figure out, what in the hell just happened?.. what is he hearing!?

.

Kara's eye's flip open.. right back closed again.

Passed out on the stairs to main deck.. upside down, her face covered in blood smears.

Another couple blinks..

A large groooaan, as she rolls off the stairway sideways..

her eye's open fast with a gasp!

As she's realizing.. just how many intense things are happening right now!

Running up the captain's stairs!, terrified of where that compass carrot is going to be pointing!

wheel lock.. check!, compass check.. a shade off east.

.

PHEEEW.. Kara breathing a big sigh of relief, please nothing else go wrong!.. pleeeease.

She notices Risha, sitting down by one of the water barrels, on the port side main deck.

Back against the railing, legs straight out in front of her.. like she's done walking for today.

.

"You ok babe?.. I love your hair!"

Kara says looking over an down from the captain's wheel,

seeing she's tied a wild tousled bun, with jet black matted spikes,

shooting off in all directions, like a fan behind her head.

In her sweetest tones.. coming from that bloody face!,

is quite amusing to Risha, even as bad as she feels.

.

"NO!"

Blurting with a laugh.. "Dead blood right?"

"I think we have to stop before the heart stops, HUAH!"..

as she back tracks a little in her mouth,

"Can we please never do that again!"

.

"Uhgg.. it was sooo bad!, never again!.. well that drunk part was actually really fun!

You know, I think we should have had better questions for Riliss.. don't you?"

Kara correcting course, looking off in the distance.

.

Risha, finally starting to feel a little better, grabs one of the dunked cleaning rags,

from her water barrel leaning post, balling it up like a rock in her left hand,

and skyhooks it!, up to Kara at the Captain's Wheel.

"Clean your face princess!, I can't even look at you without laughing!

And speaking of hair.. you're a red-head!"

.

As Kara just tied a loose knot in the back, with sprawling streaks of reddish silver..

fanning her shoulders an down mid back.

"How's our heading?"

Risha almost scared to the know the answer.

.

"By some totally unforeseen luck.. we are actually on course!"

With one hand on the wheel, doing a full face circle scrub with the rags,

As she kicks the wheel lock in, then heading down for the water barrel hair salon.

.

The girls all cleaned up and completely avoiding mid deck, they see land!

"LAND AHOOY!"

Risha screaming loud!,

"I don't care if that's freeport or not!"

.

Kara squeaking with excitement!,

"Let's go get you know who!"

.

Barbossa hears the latch lid open.. to see Kara an Risha coming down the stairs,

walking over to him.. he just stares in horror.

No words, no nothing.. just a deep stare, mouth agape.

"What?"..

Kara inquiring casually.

.

Barbossa leeans in closer to the cage.. looking at Risha, then back at Kara.

"What in heell's blaazes happened up there last night!?"

.

Kara laughs loud with a beautiful smile.

"Ooooo, well.. probably not what you think happened."

With a point, and starts grabbing the lock to the cage.

.

"IT SOUNDED LIKE YE GOT DRUNK AS A BUNCH O SCALLYWAGS!, AN ATE ONE OF ME CREWMEN!,

THEN SPILLED AN ROLLED AROUND IN HIS BLOOOD!.. ALL OVER MID DECK!,

LIKE BLAZING HELLFIRE SUCCUBUSSES!"

.

"O"

Kara says with a quick burp, not fully recovered.

.

"That's pretty much exactly what happened... that saves time!"

As the cage swings open, she ushers him by hand movement to the stairs.

.

"After you"

In her usual regal manner.

.

Barbossa walking passed the girls.. get's a goood close look at them,

(Kara does a half curtsey, like take it all in)

He hasn't seen them this close up.. as his foot hits the stair, doing his last double take..

.

"ARE YE SIRENS!?"

Barking for confirmation, of this folklore standing in front of him!

The girls burst of laughter!, as they usher him in front of them, up the stairs.

.

Mid deck lid slams open!

Barbossa pokes his head up tentatively.. just a tri point hat.. then some eyes.

He scans the room in horror.. all the way left.. then scanning back right..

looking at the walls.. the ceiling!?.. covered in blood.. he almost falls backwards onto the girls!

.

Kara scooting him up the main deck ladder,

"You might want to hire a clean up crew."

As they get up to main deck, Risha closes the hatch, still amused with Barbossa,

paying close attention to him, studying the way he talks and moves..

so she gets the impersonation of him PERFECT.

.

Barbossa is clearly lost in confusion and terror..

but realizing that his siren encounter is almost over,

he gets back in character.

Through his spyglass Barbossa easily knows where freeport is.

Just by seeing the landmass, and familiar landmarks he's grown used to.

.

As Risha has not taken her eyes off Barbossa, she saw something on his spyglass..

an etching.. as he leaned it back into his coat pocket.. it's an ornate spyglass,

too nice for him.

Barbossa standing on the very tip of the bow, to survey in all directions,

doesn't realize how close Risha is looming.

.

He feels a sharp YANK!, on his left shoulder, as his horizon instantly spins the other way!,

his feet couldn't keep up with the force, of her spin-around!

As he's tripping, falling into her!

Bringing her right hand up like an uppercut!, right against his chest,

she grabs fist fulls of his garments, as she rips him off his feet!

With a slow walk, an outstretching arm.. she hangs him over the bow!

Feet dangling over the water!

"Pass that spyglass NOW!"

Risha. Is not amused, anymore.

.

Barbossa fishing the spyglass from his coat, with a shaking hand..

stunned in quaking silence.

Risha grabbing the spyglass, as she's only holding Barbossa by one hand.

Barely looking at him anymore, she rips him forward, just passed her side.

Her top heavy pull, sending him headlong!, with feet in a scramble behind him.

As he shoulders like a heap into the bow mast.

She reads it, examining it closely..

Barbossa immediately understanding what's happening..

seeing that familiar, women's reaction to Captain Jack Sparrow.

.

'The Sparrow'

In beautiful cursive gold filigree, down the side of the spyglass.

Seething.. she hears Barbossa's.. slow, rumbling, chuckle.. that start's growing louder.

.

"Leave it to Jaack, to have a traail of weeping beauties behind him.

Do ya think ur the only one lass?"

Sitting crook'd, with an arm over his raised knee.

He already knows this conversation.

.

"You stole his SHIP!"

Risha fires in on approach, right in his face now.

.

"HE'S A MUTINEER LASS!, A SCALLY-WAG!,

HE'D TURN YA OVER AT THE NEXT PORT CUZ HE GOT BORED!

HE LEAVES A TRAIL OF WOMEN ALL OVER THE SOUTHERN ISLES!..

NOW HE'S ADDIN SIRENS TOO!"

.

Risha.. getting it now, slowly sinking in..

She's not going to be the fool.. one of his wenches in waiting.. that charm of his.

Of course she's not the only one, her rage starts shrinking,

this is just the pirate life.. they steal.

"This is mine now."

Stowing the spyglass in her gown, she can see land getting awfully big on the horizon.

Helping him up with a, sorry I almost killed you soft tug.

"Think it's time for you to take the wheel."

.

Barbossa has a history with Jack.. a long history.

He can sense this attraction she feels for him is new.. very strong..

and he's seen it before.

"If'n makes ye feel better.. none have been quite so pritty as u"

flashing an entire row of off color, several shades of browns.. teeeth,

all the way across his face.

He get's a laugh out of her.."Scoot!"

"Before I steal somethin else!"

.

With a shake of his head.. like only Jack could woo a gorgeous Siren.

Begin's his long walk of shame.. to the stern of the ship.

Confused that he's had sort of an intimate engagement, with fictional Risha..

slowing his step, taking one last glance back at her..

"Until we'z meet again siren lass" under his breath as his thoughts taking words.

Approaching mid ship, he get's a flashback of the horrors beneath!

Stuttering his step, missing the cracks!, as he inches passed the hatch sideways,

like i'm never going down there again!

Anxiety creeping further in with every step.. as he's about to be very alone.

With a very recognizable ship.

.

Heading up the Captain's stairs..

to see Kara.. standing at HIS wheel.. RAGE hits him like a punch in the face,

taking stock at all his losses!

He's lost his crew, he's lost his gorgeous galleon most likely,

he's left in wanted territory beached!.. with probably no way to leave.

All at the hands of two.. sixteen year old.. beautiful girls.. it's just to much for him.

He EXPLODES.

.

"YA CAN'T BE STEERING A CAPTAIN'S SHIP LASSY!,

AN HOW DARE YE LAY UR FOUL SUCCUBUSS HANDS ON ME VESSEL!,

IT'S PROBABLY CURSED NOW!, UR LEAVING ME OUT TO DIE IN WANTED TERRITORY!,

HAVE SOME SEMBLENCE OF HEART, AND JUST TAKE ME DINGY A SHORE"

.

At this point Kara finds Barbossa absolutely comical, like a tiny whirling tazmanian devil.

.

"So you think we're going to climb in that tiny dingy.. with you anchored off shore,

so we can row away while you volley cannon fire at us?.. I don't think so."

.

Barbossa seeing.. that's not going to happen, as he's already fired cannons at them before..

let's outta sigh.

.

"Just find us a soft spot.. and we'll scoooch!.. you right back out into the water,

once we're on shore.. jus like we planned.

And get in some good practice on crewing a ship with no crew.. because it's not that hard"

.

Walking away from the wheel, an gliding a finger across the top it..

"Alll yoourss"

Kara making her way down to mid mast, the Captain takes his spot at the wheel.

Adjusting this and moving that.. reaching for his spyglass that's not there.

He's just now eye-balling it, as the ship barrels towards white sand shores.

"RAAAISE THE SHEETS FULL STOP!,

SLOW THE SHIP TO A CRAAWWL ME YOUNG SUCCUBUSS SIRENS!"

.

Bursting laughter from the girls!

Kara in big looong belts, Risha in rapid fire yelps.

They actually have some affection for Barbossa now, in a comical way.

Before he could finish the sentence, they had it done..

sheets raising up so fast it's an unnatural movement.

.

The boat creeps towards the shoreline, Barbossa did indeed pick a nice soft spot.

A true legend behind the wheel.

.

"BRACE YOURSELF LASSES!, AIN'T YA EVER BEEN ON A SHIP BEFORE!"

too late... the massive galleon crunches the shoreline!.. with a deafening groan!

Wood cracks like a tree fell!, buckling from every compartment.. he can already hear the water rushing in.

Risha standing on the bow, goes cartwheeling overboard!.. hitting the soft wet sand on her rump.

Kara mid ship main deck, takes a roll.. all the way to bow mast with a thump, snaps right back to her feet.

.

She vaults over the side, twenty feet to the ground like it's nothing.. to see Risha just giddy.

She's rubbing her feet in the beautiful white sand beach, with turquoise blue water.. lapping against her legs.

Seeing Risha happy makes Kara absolutely glow!.. both literally and figuratively.

She plops down right next to her, shoulder to shoulder.. starts digging toes in the sand.

An explosion from the tazmanian devil Barbossa!.. leaning over the bow.

.

"YE LASSES CAN'T JUST LEAVE ME HERE!

BEACHED ON THIS SHORE!, WE HAD AN ACCOOORD!

YE BE CURSED!.. IF YE DON'T STICK TO THE ACCOOORD!"

.

The girls burst of long belts and rapid fire laugh.

Kara scooping up Risha, they walk over to the bow of the beached behemoth.

Kara leans her back against the left bow, Risha takes a four point stance at the right bow, pushing forward and dug in.

They lay into it.. the boat starts inching away, sand being displaced all around by the massive movement,

Risha's side clearly winning.. as Kara's heels are slipping out of the sand, in her backwards motion.

"Put ur back into it princess."

Risha with a wink, wanting her to test her strength.

.

Kara bursts out laughing and digs in, for a big strong push.

The ship groans an buckles all around her..

making an indent in the wood beams behind her, like she's about to break herself through!

With it's final groan.. the tension releases around the ship.. as it takes float.

Floating away in a listing creek.. the sounds of water, trying to pull it down under.

.

Fading to the horizon.. Barbossa from the top bow..

sees the girls, waving arm in arm on the shoreline.

Lets out his final bark, barely audible at this point.

Kara screaming back,

"I think you have some work to do down there!"

Another explosion.

.

In the history of the world this story is famous.

It's repeated often, how two sixteen year old girls escaped the largest war since the turn of the century.

New born vampires, having no idea what they're doing. Stole not one but two Spanish Galleons,

outsmarted being waylaid by deadly pirates, and sending them all to an icy grave.

Sailed the open ocean from Port Royale to Freeport,

making the would be captor captain, watch a little girl sail his boat.

An hopping off to Freeport without a scratch on them.

This story and other stories of theirs, are considered fanciful fictions. (Except to the town of Gideon).

.

.

CHAPTER 3 Capital City Ball

.

Nighttime has settled in as Zansa's carriage pulls through the west gate, creaking to a halt.

Just in front of the main hall, leading to her luxurious tandem castle suite,

that she shares along side her sister Soraya.

The group all filing down the steps, as Joffrey scampers to the landing first,

clearly embarrassed, in his walk of shame he gives a soft turn back to Kazandra,

sympathy in his stare..

"You're only sorry because you've been caught!"

Kazandra not having such cheap tactics, only time will tell.

.

Soraya fast approaching her bed time goes in a stumble to the landing,

with a quick upright from Kazandra right next to her, like a sturdy wing pulling her in.

She grabs a un-abashed hug of Kazandra's leg with a yawn, before heading up to their sister's suite.

Zansa and Kazandra still having a nice long chat, having shared quite a bond between them,

her knowledge of all things Baudelaire, they just feel familiar.

Even having keen perspective from the mortal world, matters that would some times, escape Kazandra.

As they're enjoying a snow feathered stroll to the Baudelaire Carriage,

.

"When do you leave for Capital city?"

Zansa inquiring like a plead, she doesn't want her to leave.

.

"Pretty soon, Kara has all the details.. why do you wanna come?"

She knows the answer.. no mind reading required, it's all over her face.

.

"She said there's a big to-do.. fancy pants ball going on, while we're there!"

Kazandra still making a few, last minute adjustments to her braid,

as they come up on approach to her carriage.

Now at horses mid pack.. the monsters start stirring..

Gibby gets a side-glancing glare, barely noticeable to Zansa.

Slowly invisibly saying.. 'You wouldn't dare!' while softly scooting their pace.

.

Zansa's face drops.. she had no idea that was even on the table!

"What!?.. you mean with, you?, I mean.. in that carriage!.. with ALL of you?,

are you seeerious!?"

.

"Well no, that carriage is full,

maybe you can keep follow on one of the castle Mares?"

She just couldn't say it with a straight face!..

Zansa's already in-on the joke.

.

"That's not nice!"

As Zansa blurts it out laughing!

.

"Well of course with us!

I know, about being all cooped up too,

I think we both need a change of scenery!"

She can sense by Zansa's politely librarian posture,

she probably doesn't get out much.

.

"I wanna go, I wanna go!"

Zansa bounding on tip toe's.

Her normally reserved, perfect princess speech patterns..

are reduced to excited yelps.. compelled squeaking in her tones,

from the presence of Kazandra.

.

"We can help each other, get all gussied up for the ball!"

Kazandra's ruby smile ear to ear, as she's fanning out the fall,

of long red hair across her shoulders.

.

Zansa is exploding giddy.

Never in her wildest dreams.. would she be mingling around, traveling the world,

with her childhood heroes!

She wants to hug her soo bad.. she's afraid, her arms do a half shoot.

.

Kazandra bursting a giggle, from her adorable restraint, hugs her off the ground!

With eyes across the street now, she notices the clergy duo,

exiting the inn just kitty-corner adjacent, and heading over..

"Do you have a pretty dress?"

Zansa's face still buried in red silk.. has her back to the approaching gentlemen.

.

"I'm gonna go see what I have!"

She's so excited.. she has no idea of her surroundings,

turning to sprint back to her room.. there's nothing behind her but brick wall.. Van.

.

Her hands didn't make it passed her hips.. as she squishes a whole face against his chest!

Falling straight back to her rump with a loud gasp!, arms bracing the fall.

As he didn't even budge.

Now staring up at this large mysterious figure.. in a thick winter's full length trench,

that wide-brim in a soft rakish tilt.. his outline to her is more percentage than the sky.

.

"Vaaaan!, uhg you big lug.. why didn't you catch her!"

Smiling wide with hands on hips.. only Kazandra calls him big lug.

Long ago.. when a pinnacle of her power, slightly arrogant Kara,

was introduced to a very young, apprentice liaison from the mortal world to the college..

"Gabriel Van Helsing the third, seventh rank order of the paranormal,

apprehensions division"

Was his long winded introduction to just 'Kara'.

"O-k, Vaan"

Her snarky reply.. and it just stuck.

.

"Why didn't YOU catch her!"

As usual, his wits are on the ready for her.

His gloved point with a wink behind it.

.

"I didn't do anything.. i'd actually say that was your fault"

Van with a little more light heartedness in his tone than usual.

"Princess Zansa I presume?",

as he un-gloves, offering his bare hand.

.

"Yes"

Grabbing his hand, righting herself with a quick brush off.

"You're.. Gabriel Van Helsing aren't you?"..

.

"Indeed"

An instinctive pull on his tilted brim.

.

Zansa is uneasy.. she's no dummy.

She's had to hear stories her whole young life.. of clergy men,

that used to hunt for this Abomination Kara..

the utterance of that term is like a knife in her side!

And being the Princess of Gideon, she can easily have someone removed.

.

"Don't you go around the world killing vampires for the Church?"

She asks just flat in one straight breath.. she wants him to say it.

.

Kazandra confronts the situation immediately,

amused that she would stand up for her family like that..

to such a large mysterious man.

.

Laughing as she yelps "Zanssaa!", spins her eye to eye.

"You'll get used to Van, don't worry about that mumbo jumbo clergy stuff.

He's been helping this family a long, long time.. even turning sneaky eyes away!"

.

Zansa and Carl both wheeling a look to Van in unison.

"True story."

That's all you get.

.

Zansa calming her demeanor, seeing how much Kazandra likes him.

"I'm sorry.. I didn't mean to misjudge you."

She's looking for words..

.

"Don't worry about it, happens alll the time."

Van in his usual cool, as he's catching Kazandra's gaze..

normally shying away.

He is aware.. well aware. That Kazandra's stare is powerful..

an that it tracks to him.. in almost alll situations, he doesn't usually return it.

.

Carl chiming in,

"Good evening m'lady,

I was wondering if you might be able to show me the Gideon library,

so I can finish my notes?"

Clearly having an interest in her.

.

Zansa has never seen a boy interested in the library, so she's rather taken aback.

Being they are pretty close to the same age,

with Zansa at 19 years old, and Carl at 25 years old..

She's warming up to him by the second.

.

"I'm Carl by the way."

He offers his hand, "Zansa" unblinking eye contact during the shake,

and a small half curtsy from Zansa.

.

"I luv the library too!.. what are your favorite works?"

Zansa taking the lead, as the duo go walking off.

Carl already asking about this and that, firing nervous words out.

Like a school boy in the presence of Princess Zansa, the librarian of his dreams.

.

"Well.. it looks like, SHE'S gotta date for the ball!"

Kazandra igniting her medusa's gaze on him!, totally ineffectual..

she just can't help it.

On her tip toes.. right in his face, full fanged..

adorably unnerving smile.

.

"Wouldn't miss it for the world."

As he's leaning against the Baudelaire carriage, lighting up a cigar..

"Carl and I are leaving in the morning, on public transport"

Playing his cards close to his chest as always,

but somehow, he's always there for her.

There were haunting times, the half life existence of a wailing ghost,

the misery of losing all that she loved.

She didn't want to be seen..

she didn't feel any love.. hatred growing.

He was there.

.

In her singing matter-of-fact,

"Well i'm afraid that's just not good enough..

do you know?.. how often public transport, gets waylaid on a journey like that?

besides.. considering your history with carriages, especially for me!..

it's time you take a trip in MY carriage."

.

Van laughing immediately, remembering long ago when they first met.

"Got us there didn't it!"

.

"It smells like sewage and regret!"

Kazandra belting it loud!, remembering that one time..

where SHE had to take a trip in the pantry carriage.

Or in human terms, the you do NOT step out of line in Gideon, carriage.

.

Van roars a laugh, with Kazandra joining in.

"She whispers something to em.. doesn't she?"

He's heard but always wanted to know.

.

"You might just not.. ever want to ride in another carriage again"

Oozing confidence, she is irresistible when she wants to be.

Even without the spell.

.

"So I've heard"

.

They both give each other an affectionate glance,

as Van tips his cap, heading in to help Carl finish their reports.

An inform him of the change of plans.

.

Risha, at the tinted black, finely screened window in front of the carriage,

that you cannot see into..

.

"You realize.. that would probably start a holy war.. Riight?"

Risha enjoying every opportunity to throw sass at Kazandra,

her favorite nightcap companion in the world.

.

Kazandra, whipping her head to the window with a laugh!

"Riiissha!.. you sneaky fox!.. I like hiiim,

is that a nightcap I smell?"

.

"You only like him because you can't, have him!"

Popping the window open, the flask of Wilhelm comes shooting out!

.

Two fingers caught the flask without looking!.. snatched it right out of the air.

As she's taking a sip, the concoction is stroong..

Kazandra's wits are coming alive.. she's going into battle,

for Van.

And believe it.. that Van has done the same for her..

dozens of times.. without her even knowing it.

.

"YOU ran off with a SCALLYWAG for twenty years!,

what was his silly name?.. red-robin eer whateveerrr!"

Kazandra digs her screws in Risha's side!, she knew exactly what to say..

she knows his name!, her precious pirate.

She even sluurrred it, and crook'd her posture.

.

"Sparrow!, that was a thousand years ago!, even Kara was a scallywag!"

Risha in wails of laughter!, she got the impression so well!

.

Kazandra still in her copy-cat swaying motions, up the cabin stairs..

heading in for a crash landing on the cushions.

"A princess scallywag maybe.. she made it look goood."

.

As she's sprawling out, taking a sip, passing the round back to Risha.

"Isn't that his ship.. she would talk about that ship for hoours!,

You guys salvaged the wreckage..

think she said it's the oak on our main doors?"

.

Risha leaning her arm all the way out for the pass,

so she doesn't actually have to get up, off the adjacent velvet bench.

Doing a horizontal.. wiggle-scooch, and sliding back into sprawled position.

.

"We did!"

"The Puurrrrl.. if the devil had a ship babe.. we had soo much fun back then!,

it was suuch a different time..

Freeport was a zero tax paradise!, we made a foortune!

It was so easy we never wanted to leeave,"

.

"Jack Sparrow messed it all up!,

they branded us thieves, with bounties on our heads!

It would be no different with love like Vaan's!"

Risha trying to talk some sense, into Kazandra's undeterrable disaster.

.

Kazandra isn't having it,

"Van is a choir boy!, he wouldn't steal an apple if he was DYING of hunger!,

he'd find a starving kid to give it to!, and take the punishment!

There is NO comparison!"

Passes are not given, to just bad mouth Van in front of Kazandra,

and it's Vice Versa.

.

Risha barks a laugh, she's known Van a loong time,

that's exactly how she views his character also.

He's had several opportunities.. to show his true colors,

where she can see, if he has ulterior motives..

the man is a rock.

"Y'know.. he saved my life once.. maybe more than once"..

.

Risha's long inflection of her life knowing Van..

she has fear.. it's unsettling to her, she doesn't want to care for him so much.

Van is a very dangerous man, that lives a very dangerous life..

but unlike the sisters.. he is what Risha rudely calls, 'Softy'.

She doesn't like that she has to prepare herself.. like many others in her long life..

that Van can just be taken away so mortally easy.

.

"Sparrow?"

Kazandra's tolerance isn't quite on par with Risha..

she's fading from the conversation!

.

"No!, not Sparrow!, he woulda sold the kid and ate the apple!"

Risha blurting out!, i'm having a moment!, you're in it too!

.

Kazandra's blasting laugh, as Risha easily reels her attention back.

"Me too!.. I wasn't always such a good sneak,

he whisked me out of Gideon once!, with an army at his back!

I think I love him Riisha"..

.

"O, I can't waait till Kara hears about that one"

Risha's snarking smirky sarcasm..

always finds a path to Kazandra's funny bone,

.

"I can feel the witch goddess's eye daggers on my back!,

when we're even feet apart!"

In her blasting chirp!, as the intoxication is setting further in.

.

"Baabe.. she luuvs Van.. she's so scared for him, it keeps her up at night!

And she'l never show it!, she probably thinks you guys are adorable together,

she just can't openly encourage it"

Risha knows more.. Van is more candid with her than anyone else, on earth.

She doesn't want to give her too much.

.

Kazandra takes a beat.. soft and slow patterns in her speech.

"He's the oonly one Risha.. no one reeally loves me!,

you know!..

love is all.. just a dumb trick!, to me.. and always has been.

I can turn it off an on since forever.. it's fake!

But then.. I have you and Kara, I know that love is real..

it feels different.. it feels amazing!

That's how HE feeels!"

.

Risha pauses.. a soft sigh.

"I luv you babe..

honestly.. if you and Van wer meant to be, then you will be."

It crushes Risha that Kazandra's perception of love is cruel.. it's not a gift, by any means.

In Kazandra's heart.. there are only three people that tell her real truth.. in the entire world.

"Has he ever.. y'know.. given a sign?"

.

"Are you kidding!?, not even so much as a brushing glance!"

Kazandra firing it out through a thick pout.

.

"Well he is a monk!, and also the most secretive man I've ever met!

Maybe you should sleep on it"..

Risha laying on the snarky sass again.

.

Kazandra bursting another snorting laugh,

"Kara has it sooo easy doesn't she?,

she doesn't even have to try!.. no one ever says NO to her..

didn't she cause a mutiny back then, with Sparrow?"

.

Risha bursting out in laughter.. her history with Jack Sparrow has a long of span of adventures.

As the group of them were treasure hunters, which inadvertently turned them into Privateers.

"SHE DID!.. he was soo bad!, he constantly cheated on me!

One o his little uppity wenches, partie'd up an tried to come after us!"

.

Kazandra bursting a laugh through hiccups, she has vague recollection of the story.

"Elizabeth Swaann!, she mentioned it once in a drunken ramble!,

she has soo many stories I can never keep up!"

.

Risha practically screaming out!,

"You shoulda seen Kara's face!, when that saucy little corset back-handed her!"

.

"Why because she liked it?!"

Kazandra firing in through her more drunk by the second cackle.

.

Risha's blasting laugh!,

"Those two didn't leave the Captain's quarters for a week!,

she betrayed her whole crew to be with Kara!"

RIsha leaning her arm over the side, flicking the flask across the floor to Kazandra.

.

"Think witch goddess sticks with women.. cuz it's easier?"

Kazandra lying flat clutching pillows, digging toes in silks behind her.

With a sloppy hand trying to undo her braid without looking..

the only thing she's created is a silver bird's nest.

Her other hand going fishing over the side, for the flick scooted flask.

.

Risha's slurs now getting thick, as she's talking to the ceiling.

"Herrrr?.. psshh.. I don't think she cares either way.. she just gets whatever she wants.

Aphrodite the goddess herself wants Kara!,

and that's not even a joke!.. I've seen some weeiird shit!"

.

Kazandra barking through her drunken slur,

"Well they left that part out o the children's book!"

.

The cackling wails of laughter from both of them,

can be heard outside the cabin, and down the street.

As they wind down the night, the pass-out phase of Wilhem, trickling in.

.

"You're coming with tomorrow ya?"

She knows the answer.. Risha doesn't do dance parties.

Risha sprawled out on the velvet cushions adjacent, just shoots her a look.

.

"C'mooon"

Kazandra begging.. she enjoys her company differently than Kara.

It's more of a.. let's get into some trouble fascination, that she has for Risha.

Like anything is possible..

Kara's eyes hold a heavy weight behind them, she never wants to let her down.

.

Risha is a General.

She owns it.. she loves the north like it's her only home,

she loves the people.. in her own, Risha way.

She takes her responsibilities very seriously.

"Do you know.. how much shit I have to do at the house?

I have to arm these people!.. train whole settlements!

No chance in hell, i'm just gonna leave our house vacant either."

.

"Fiiiiine."

Kazandra knowing she wasn't gonna go for it.

.

Both girls slipping away in smiling slumber,

twisting body pillows between their legs.. drooling down the sides of red satin.

"I'ma.. stayin, be herez.. u tooz.. HUAH!.. beez dancy girlz."

"d'yu.. jus barf on rrr rilloows?"

"Aate-it"

"Eeewww"

Splayed out in awkward positions, all across the cushions.

Kazandra talking in her sleep.

.

Kara takes a peek inside the cabin,

"Well how come I didn't get an invite?"

Giggling as she closes the doors to let them sleep,

then heading up to King Tywin's offered suite.

.

The usual overcast sun, washes like a blanket as it thaws out the icy evenings of Gideon.

The permanent grey skies of the north make it popular for the nocturnal.

With the group now preparing for their long journey south,

to the sprawling populous of Capital city.

Van and Carl, packing the carriage as they assist Zansa with her things as well.

Kazandra in her front compartment sleeping.. an it sounds like.. sawing logs at the same time.

Risha was up before first light, already headed in a gallop back to her castle.

.

Kara on approach from the castle suite, in a more casual look as she reaches the horses.

"I love that tavern dress!"

Zansa wheeling a look she can't help but blurt out.

.

"I made it myself!, it's a Mithril Tavern."

A perfect blooming twirl as she reaches the cabin.

.

"These soft blues I used for the corset, were stained by a water Rune!"

Pure adoration in her voice, dress making is not only extremely popular in the college,

it's a skill that requires years of practice, a steady hand.. working with unknown,

and sometimes hazardous materials.. supernatural college level hazardous.

Kazandra and her best friend Ellewyn, in the college,

are the elite of dress makers.

.

"I want one!.. how do you make it?

Zansa rubbing fingers through the shining whites, of strapless ruffles across her shoulders.

Gawking at the silky floor sweep, that just won't take a stain.

Burning from whites downwards to the softest baby blues,

with a barely visible, contrasting snow flake pattern low..

as it's grazing her toes.

"It's like glowing!"

.

Kara's beautiful singing matter-of-fact,

"Only the college has spinning wheels for Mithril.. and it's very hard to get to.

I have a special compass from the headmaster",

"I'm sort of a big deal"

Sneaking the quick joke in her ear, with a soft bob to her level, and a jesting elbow.

"That only points in the college's direction!"

.

Zansa catching the joke in a laugh, returning it right back,

to Kara's delightful surprise.

"SO I'VE HEARD!"

.

"Would I ever be able to go?"

It just seems so far fetched to her.. this college place they keep talking about.

.

"Well you didn't think you'd be going on vacation, with Kara Baudelaire today..

and that happened!"

Both laughing, as Zansa loves noticing the twin's similarities.

.

"Ooo booys"

Pulling back on the doors as the steps hit the ground,

Kara ushers the group by hand movement, to all take their seats inside.

As the group are all making their way in,

Van has seen this carriage several times before.. mostly from the outside.

He still takes a moment, to appreciate the patient hands.. the labor of love.

The girls all built, every inch of this carriage.. taking several years.

.

Carl and Zansa on the other hand,

look like small excited children.. given free run of the candy shoppe.

Heads like swivels!, as they dart around in amazement!

It's so tall inside, that Kara can stand up.

There's a middle table, with opulent plush bench seating, all the way around.

Black drapes with red stylized flower patterns cover the invisible windows,

to make it nighttime inside if they want, with just a soft glow..

illuminating from the red stitchings.. hand-made, not spun on a wheel.

Painstaking process..

Kazandra's masterful, mithril strand crochet.

.

Beautiful satin red, plush walls that look like button center pillows,

bathe the cabin in warmth.

Both the front and back of the large galleon sized cabin, have upper and lower small compartments.

Flush with the walls, concealing where they open.. with an arrow point of filigree showing the way.

The cabin does not creek, or flex.. oblivious to the weight of it's occupants.

It is solid, a chassis made of petrified oak!, in one piece!, carved out from the middle.

The subtly dagger spoked oversized carriage wheels,

seem to absorb all impact.. unknown to any other carriage.

.

The group all ushering in,

taking seats around the bench, feeling the fabrics, moving pillows around.

The doors close, but Kara doesn't get in.

.

"What do you suppose she's doing?"

Carl peering out the window.

Seeing Kara move to the front line of the massive horses, an begin leading them by hand.

In just a graceful half stride, blood red tipped hooves.. all taking small steps, matching her pace.

Just outside the South gate now, where the road opens up wiide.. off the cobblestones.

.

Van shuffling up, moves to the very back of the carriage, back against the wall.

Carl who is an expert on Van's subtleties, hops up and sits next to him.

Zansa still staring out the window, fixed on Kara.

.

She can see Kara..

Whispering something to them.. softly.. she's patting them as she fluffs their manes.

The horses seeming to squeal in excited neighs, as their getting a chance to..

'stretch their legs'

All of a sudden, the hooves.. start stomping in unison, like a drumbeat.

All six horses in a progressive pace!.. growing louder as Kara is moving to the doors.

Rearing there heads back, with wild swishing of their fiery tails!

It's building like thunder claps getting closer!

.

Kara gets in closing the doors, smirking at all the terrified faces.

The passengers all look utterly confused!, clutching their seats in a hard grip!

Panic in their face, eye's darting around, from the power of this carriage!,

are those horses or are they dragons in disguise!

.

In her way to calm.. on purpose, matter-of-fact.

"Just sit in the back for the first part."

Heading over she takes a seat next to Van.

Zansa slides over, sitting on the other side of Carl.

.

Without a second of warning!, the horses fire off the line!.. like shot from a catapult!

The entire cabin rushing violently forward!.. pulling and then pulling harder!

With each step of the horses, adding another rush of speed!

Carl and Zansa are PINNED to the wall!

The smile on their face is either real.. or being imprinted by the force!,

you can't even tell!

Kara does a double take to Van,

His wide brim hat, being crushed behind him,

propping it upwards in a comical look.. unusual to his character.

She can see every one of his teeth!.. from the biggest smile of his..

she's ever seen.

.

Kara loving this side of Van,

"I could have got you in this carriage a long time ago!"

A two hundred sixty pound thump!, from the front sleeping area,

"OOooww"

A muffled Kazandra, with her feet now pointing at the ceiling.

Hearing laughter from the main compartment..

"Gona cost you that favorite clip princess."

Hissing it out of her upside down mouth, to the door seam.

.

"Good morning suunshiine!"

Kara giggling at the door seam, whispering sideways to the cabin,

"She's craanky"

.

"Who gets craanky?!"

Kazandra rolling over sideways to upright, scooting back in to her tiny spot.

.

"Luv you babe."

Barely audible from the main cabin.

.

"Luv you too."

Twisting body pillows, cocooning herself in red satin.

.

"She's gonna get what?"..

Carl begging for clarification as he only caught fragments,

without their perfect hearing.

.

"She likes to think my hairclip is her play thing."

Kara smirking daggers at the door seam.

.

"Does she ever get it?"

.

"O she gets it."

.

Laughter circling the cabin, as the carriage settles into it's long pace,

several times faster than any normal carriage, but it rides smooth and level.

As their long journey continues the soft whites and greys of their home horizon,

gradually fade to a different world's autumn washes of orange.

Slowly off in the distance now, Carl and Zansa leaned in on the window perch together,

the sky scraping tiered towers of the massive city,

begin their slow ascent, spreading all the way across their field of view.

.

Capital City and it's citizens.. make no apologies for what it is.

It is thee beacon of refined civilization, along with that.. an elitist view usually follows.

Possibly earned.. in the connecting perspective,

they are several generations ahead of the rest of the world.

Brilliant engineers, scientists and budding architects, naturalists and medicinal healers,

all seek out the city's thriving academia.

Philosophers, and performing arts.. in a race to utilize the city's second to none facilities.

Your very chances of a successful life, the pursuit of happiness..

you just won't find a better foster.. even for the un skilled.

However.. if being born too dim-witted.. or possibly pan handling down on your luck,

you might just be called a 'Northerner'.

.

The visual layout of the city is dominating.. from inside the high walls of the city,

you're not really sure if you can get out.. you can only see the city!

In certain areas of the sprawl, there is no daytime or nighttime!, all tracking is lost.

Being engulfed like a small ant, in the backdrop of these Victorian tiered towers.

Like it's designed to keep you inside.. a world within a world.

.

The King's Tower sits like the tallest pearl'd spear through the middle.

Directly exactly in the middle, visible on the horizon for miles.

So the king has equal parts eyeline, to every region of the city.

The vast tower, has a several tiered stairwell, leading to entry points,

on both east and west wings, leading to the grand assembly hall.

.

The ceiling's tower in forty foot arches, forming walkways through the halls.

Long arched corridors, heading off to smaller reception, and staffing areas.

Marvelous tapestries, in astounding scale, from window ledges to the floors.

Rare.. one of a kind's, as placement on this wall is earned by competition.

Bathing washes of reds and blues.. making the walls looks alive!,

from the meticulously laid stained glass,

in large tear drop tapers above the window ledges.

.

A revolving circle courtyard for gathering, makes a ring around the King's Tower.

Serving as a line up point for guests, during the king's grand affairs.

Doing a round-about until transportation placement, and availability is confirmed.

.

The entry road is lined with carriages and wagons for a mile.

Lantern lights, of all different warmths of color, tail faar back of the marching line.

Giving a basking glow to the entire, long snake like caravan.

All making their way in a circle pattern to the King's tower entrance.

Upon arrival, all guests move in like a production.. single file.

You are announced at the door.

.

With the young Prince now acting as King, he has spared.. NO expense.

The commons area for congregating, is bustling alive with excitement!

Fireworks in screaming paints of the sky!, in never ending blooms.

Smells your not used to from everywhere!, with exotic spicy foods cooking,

from merchants in a long, double sided row.

The sounds of music playing from all angles..

bards all coming out from the woodworks!, to show their appreciation.

Hired performers set to dazzle the incoming crowds!, a grandiose affair!

As the guests all funnel to the tiered stairwell entrance,

awaiting to be ushered in.

.

The Baudelaire carriage, sits the back o' the pack.

Purposely, as to not draw so much attention.

The girls all shuffling around, in excited but frantic tos and fros.

Doing last minute joosh's as they're glamming it up to the NINES.

Van and Carl step out, to take a stroll through the grand festivities.

Kara steps out, heading over to guest registration, procuring their line placement.

.

Zansa, is getting her favorite, emerald green dress on.

With earth tone trims, in filigree style stitchings across her shoulders,

then down like an hourglass pinch to her waist.

Very proper.. long sleeved, ruffled neck with a straight drop to the floor.

Wearing soft earth tone, single buckle strapped sandals underneath.

.

As she's doing last minute adjustments in the main cabin,

catches a side-eye of Kazandra, coming in from the front compartment,

with her dress on..

Zansa's jaw.. slams to the floor.

.

"Where's the rest of it?"

Gasping for air!

.

"What do you meean?.. it's my favorite dresss!"

Spinning the blooming twirl on one toe!, complete adoration in her voice.

"It's verry popular..

It's called the Silvereene gown!"

.

"I can see too much of you!.. your.. lady paarrts!

Popular, way out ther..

you're gonna give some poor man a heart attack here!"

.

As she's staring at this darkened sparkling, blood red..

shining silk dress, hugging her tight, like a fragile single layered ribbon.

So sheer in certain angles, it's partially see-through.

The butterfly collared, vested neckline plunges a country mile..

going beneath her naval.

A full hand of width in the collar gap of her bosom.

With the top of the vest making hooded wing tips, just out from her shoulders.

A complete and total, bare midriff riding dangerously low..

the very bottom of the vest, looks like it's barely holding on,

just a two button clasp of fabric, at the neckline's ending,

with no connection to the skirt.

.

The skirt of the dress is breath taking.

A multi layered, sheer straight drop to the floor, with very little bloom.

The deep dark reds of the outer layer, clasp at the very top in a single button pinch.

Then like almost closed curtains in the middle,

a gradual opening spread outwards on it's path to the floor.

Revealing the silver bustle layer beneath it,

that grows from a point at the top, like a opening triangle plunging down.

As the outer layer slowly peels away, in a soft parting bend..

like the curtains are presenting you more and more bright silvers,

widest as it's grazing her toes.

.

The entire dress is covered in bright silver filigree trims.

There are no stitchings.. no over and under with needlepoint..

it is burned in.. supernatural, college level.. hazardous materials.

Running down the upturned butterfly neckline collars, in seams of intricate silvers.

To picking up again on the outer layer skirt, running in the same pattern,

along the edges of the almost closed curtains.

Ever so slightly growing larger patterns, as it's reaching her toes,

then doing a thin wrap around, at the bottom edge of the floor sweep.

.

Just in case the rest of the dress, wasn't getting enough attention..

there's a hip hugging, curve accentuating.. dramatically gothic belt.

That seems to hook in the middle, holding the whole skirt together..

so it's not quite as fragile as it looks.. she can move around,

the curtains, and bustle beneath, give way.. then coming right back.

With the strong mithril belt acting like it's anchor.

The sides of that hip hugging, dark maroon belt..

are fanged.. in a plunging curved spike.

Running down both of her thighs to a point.

Adding a layer.. to her already 'cheeky' silhouette.

.

"I made this dress by hand y'know!, it took me a year!"

Blasting her chirp!, I love this dress!

A hiccup following right after.

.

Zansa in a walking eye ball of judgement.. circles her once,

scans from low to high.. then right back in front of her.

"Do.. all the girrls, dress like this?.. it's just o-k in the college?"

Imagining herself in the college.. I'm NOT wearing that!

As she gets soft hands on that fang belt!

Giving a few pulls upwards.. so it's not soo low of a midriff.

.

"Well no.. it's only for very special occasions,

and it's very hard to make!

Also, thers no crime.. it's not even a concept..

people just tend to do what they want."

Another hiccup, with a tick attached this time, a few fingers holding it in.

.

"It doesn't goo like that."

Giggling it out, with a few playful hand slaps,

Kazandra hooks a thumb in the belt, slithering her hips in a wiggle,

inching it back down in place.

.

"Are you drunk?"

Zansa easily catching on to her nervous chirps,

catching hiccups with a tick attached every other.

A certain sweet smell on her breath.. peppery mint..

black licorice behind it, and strong like it's recent.

.

"I'm nerrvous!..

the mortal world doesn't really like vampires,

don't you know?"

Kazandra's squeaky sarcasm.. but those aren't her words.

She's had to learn that very lesson, the hard way.

.

Zansa's under her breath laugh, from her effortless charm,

gets hold of those plunging neckline collars, by the butterflies in both hands..

pulling them inwards with a few soft tugs.

Trying to cover up Kazandra's ample bosom..

that's practically revealed, down the center each!

It just splays, right back open.

.

Kazandra with a quick 'keke' through her teeth,

"Ther really firm."

.

"You are un-fair!"

Zansa's snorting laugh!, as she's just all but giving up.

Now with Kazandra, giving the walk around inspection of Zansa's,

very conservative.. proper dress.

Giving a soft raise of her arm.. watching how the dress reacts to her movements,

now raising her arm straight up to the air.. she leads Zansa in a slow ballerina spin..

seeing the bloom, the weight of the dress as it spins around her.

Admiring her hourglass waist from the back..

giving a smirk, like she's politely hiding her curves under there.

.

A very keen eye.. Kazandra's dress making is impeccable.

A perfectionist.. she is thorough and meticulous, for these very reasons..

she is the most sought after, dress making instructor.. in the entire college.

"Green is your color my dear.. it's very beautiful!,

I luv those little buckles!"

The spinning bloom revealing her two toned sandals..

in match with the rest of her dress, the buckles polished like mirrors.

.

"Thank you!, it's my favorite in the world!..

I try NOT to wear it.. just so I can have it forever and ever"

Zansa blasting her squeak!

It means EVERYTHING to her.. to have Kazandra's approval.

.

Both girls in a slow pause of admiration,

Kazandra motions her for a turning sit-down..

so she can make her beautiful war braid in reds.

.

"How come you both never wear shoes?

Zansa in deep thought, as she's feeling Kazandra's unnaturally fast fingers..

separate locks, with a twist of them together.. pulling strands free with her pinky,

draping long down the sides of her chin.

"The books never really say.. I've always wondered."

.

Kazandra, happy as ever to inform her..

feeling their bond growing with every exchange.

"It's because Kara an I have very sensitive touch!,

and my bare feet on the ground, can feel you coming from behind,

or any direction for that matter!"

.

"Woow."

Sighing it out in bewilderment,

gaining yet one more piece to add of this mysterious jigsaw puzzle,

that is Kazandra.

.

"I'll tell you allll about the college one day too!,

I lived there my whole young life.. my sissies lived there for centuries!

Now THAT!, is really quite something"..

.

The crack of the doors, as Kara leans them open.

Smiling wide, like she hasn't a care in the world.

In her usual attire.. she is sparkling like diamonds in the sky.

Her hair as always.. in a tight bun, with side part rakish over her left eye,

the bun spiral behind her left, slightly pointed ear tip..

and pinned, with her favorite.. pink rose hairclip.

.

A smirking look on her face as she's eyeballing Kazandra.

"Weell.. aren't you going to be the popular one tonight!"

.

The girls inside both chirping giggles,

Kazandra putting the finishing touches on her braid.

"i'm trying to fix it!"

Zansa blurting out in agreement with Kara.

.

"Don't bother."

A graceful hand gesture leading them out,

"That dress, can only have one shape forever,

and it constantly goes back to it."

.

"She has one too!, it's gooorgeous!, in teal blues.. she's so tall it looks incredible!

She NEVER wears it!"

Kazandra's adoring tones, giving the whisper right to Zansa's ear..

as they're just in tow, coming down the stairs behind Kara.

But there's just no escaping her hearing.

.

"I can hear you.. y'know, like I neeed, more attention?"

The girls all erupting in laughter!

"You sne-aky fox!"

As Kara was lengths of humans in front of them,

when she whispered it!

"She-is!"

Zansa's blurting agreement!, as she adoores their sweet humor.

.

The clergy duo, standing just a few yards off, in front of the horses,

admiring the festivities, peacefully content.. a rare feeling.

Pointing out the fireworks.. that just never seem to end.

Carl with a slight bob in his stance.. moving with rhythms coming from all directions.

Peeling a check-up look over his shoulder..

Van gets lost in the moment, seeing the girls in their glide over towards him.

.

Kara in the middle,

the young ones on her wings.

A refined to the nines Zansa, tip-toe walking like a princess on her left..

the glowing temptress that is Kazandra.. with a swing in her hips..

nestled up close, on her right.

.

The excitement in the air is palpable.. like a feast to the palate.

Van in very rare form, not wearing his usual tactical decisions..

of floor length trenches, with face concealing hats,

keeping dark tones, to blend in with the shadows.

Is in a sharp, vested three piece in black, bright red trims in pinstripe.

Pressed and clean.. like it's never been worn.

The wide brim is gone..

the man has shoulder length, wavy auburns, with browns.. thick coat of hair!

You might not ever know!, depending on much time you've spent with him.

.

Carl starting to feel that familiar anxiety.. like he might just pass out,

In seeing the spectacle!, that is gliding over towards him.

Is in a similar fashion two piece, like Van's.

Without vest, dark greys with blue trims..

and one size too big.

.

All approaching arms length now, Van and Kazandra.. glue eyes together.

Like never seeing this person so attractive before.. in both their minds.

"K'zandra"..

He doesn't have anymore.. he's terrified of what might slip out.

She is just impossible to take in.

.

"Likewise big lug!.. I didn't even know you have hair!"

Bouncing off tip toes in her excitement!, with a bursting laugh from both Kara and Carl.

Still taking in this.. Dapper Dan Van, she get's real close.

"Soo.. you're dancing with me then, you know that right?"

A small hiccup following right after.

.

To say Kazandra loves dancing is not enough.

She is never not dancing.. it's in her behaviors, part of her posture.

Furthermore.. it's the greatest key to her fighting style.

It's her favorite thing in the world.. she absolutely adores it.

Her particular area of the college called Elinor, is known for.. blowing off steam.

As combat trials can be very stressful.

She hasn't had any opportunity to go dancing, in this fun loving way..

in alll this time, being locked away as a lonely haunt.

.

"Are you drunk?"

Kara shooting her a look, getting shoulder to shoulder.

.

"i'm nervous!..

thers soo many people!

They usually try an kill me!"

Kazandra squeaking in her ear.. so soft between the two of them,

it's more of a mind reading.

.

"Well you're not wrong."

Kara reaching out her right hand..

gives a pat on Kazandra's side, in a me too motion.

Tucked away and concealed, in the back of the fang belt..

she presents the small thin flask.. of Wilhelm,

softly crooking her smile.

.

Kara's face goes bright red!, just at the touch of her lips!

She almost couldn't get it down!

"Kazandra!.. how much did you give him!?"

.

"It has to last us the whole trip!"

Being such a small thin receptacle, and not being able to replenish it.

She quadrupled the spike.

.

"Are you telling me you got him scallywag drunk!..

on our finest Absinthe.. cut him.. then just left him there?"

Kara taking another sip.. but going real slow this time.

Literally the size of a tear drop.. is all it takes.

.

"Well I hope your enjoying the last of it!"

Kara in her giggles already, from the strength of the concoction.

.

"What do you meean?"

Kazandra gasping out!.. as she's pawing the drink back from Kara,

Barely getting hands on it, Kara in quick turns.. not ready to give it up.

.

"Humans.. the more drunk they get, the blood jus never stops!"

As she gives up the drink unwillingly, a few playful hand slaps following.

.

"Risha's gonna kill me!"

Kazandra whispering with a bite on her lip!,

going for one last sip before she stows it..

Kara rips it away!, right out of her mouth!

A barrage of Kazandra's playful slaps following.

.

"She's probably breaking something of yours, right now!"

Kara in a giggling tick, while concealing the hiccup.. but she's mostly serious.

Risha's temper tantrums are legendary..

wings of the castle have had to be re designed.

.

Carl again trying to make sense of the Wilhelm..

witnessing the hold that it has over them.. several times now.

"Am I ever going to get used to that?"

.

"Carl.. think of it like this."

Van feeling like shedding some helpful enlightenment.

"The finest ribeye you've ever had, is right there in your pocket.

the best wiine you've ever had,

the best coffee you've ever had..

the best cigaar you've ever had.

Topped off with an ice cream sundae,

and bottled in the fountain of youth."

.

Van watching him take it all in..

"And Carl.. they don't exactly have options,

it's not just blood to them.. they're not designed for anything else.

It's everything they got..

for-ever"

.

"Is she, an Alchemist?..

Carl picking up on all the different smells when he's around them,

more specifically the castle.

"Of sorts."

.

The girls both flashing a look of adoration to Van, like he gets it.

But only Kara has the clear understanding.

As Kazandra, was born a Vampire.

She's never known human nourishment, a single day in her life.

Except the occasional mistake she made growing up, that left her very sick.

"Is that what it's like Kara?.. like all your favorite things in one?"

Carl right along side her now, excitement in his steps..

a chance to catalog brand new information.

.

"He's a sharp fellow, isn't he?"

Kara in warm tones coming alive, from their quick burst of liquid courage.

"Only Vaaan would want to drink a cigar though!"

Kara in a smooth stepping wiggle.. gets right between the holy war..

Kazandra and Van.. separating them.

.

"Hey, ya never know till ya know."

Van in very gregarious tones, truly enjoying himself with the group.

Like he comes alive in their presence..

a stark contrast from the hum glum somber,

of being on witch hunts, in haunted deathly castles,

every single day.

.

"We can make it together."

Kazandra slinking it in his ear like a cat!,

in one step!, she circle closed the distance,

to practically a bite on his neck!

.

"Kazandra!"

Kara leaning in a peer to the other side of Van now,

heard it clear as day.. she knows,

what she REEAALY meant.

.

"What?"

Kazandra leaning into it, almost curling into Van's arm.

.

"He can't touch your blood lab of concoctions!"

Kara blurting out, still with Wilhelm's strong hold.

She is faar more protective of Van, then she let's on.

Countless nights tossing and turning.. imagining the worst scenario.

.

They've always had an un spoken understanding between the two of them,

over the century of their encounters,

that each of them, in their own very real way,

is much better off in total denial, absolute secrecy.

Kara has powerful family.. she can flee if needed too.. she can fight.

She will make it.

There is only one Van and he is mortal..

Kara has enemies.. powerful enemies.

A cunning adversary would go after her weakest connection.. Van.

Vampire covens of illustrious heritage, names going back even further,

than Baudelaire.. would all condemn her for the very allegiance.

Van would be hunted by all civilized man, to the end's of the earth.

Coming to terms with all of this.. Van is somehow still there,

nick o' time casual confidence.

Amuused in the face of death, Other-world charm.

it drives Kazandra, up the wall.

.

"Ther alll bad tho!"

.

A burst laugh from the group!, as they come up on approach,

to the winding circle walkway, leading up to the tiered stairwell,

the grand assembly line.. a sea of people in front of them.

.

A red carpeted stairwell, going up in several tiers, to the main floor leading to reception.

The barker there at top floor, awaiting hand written invitations.

Nobleman, and traders, sailors and farmers, common folk and even the dregs.

All are invited, everything is free.

This proud young Prince,

intends on sending a new message to the world in his father's absence.

.

Kara and group tentatively file their places in line.. whispering tones.

Trying to blend in.. polite patience as the scene is overwhelming!

Especially to a northerner!

Beautiful gowns are everywhere!, lavish dresses with long trains,

layered in exotic jewels from head to toe.

Perfect ringlet curls, shining glossy waves down the backs of gorgeous ball gowns.

Sophistication is effortless for these central women.

.

Sharp suits in vested three piece, walking canes with top hats..

some reaching ostentatious levels of creativity!, two and three heads high!

Who has the best hat?

Smiling faces coming from every direction, all in private conversations..

the droning hums of the large crowd like a roar..

hard to hear even the person next to you.

.

Whispers can be heard.. fragments being caught in the ear's of the twins,

these two "Silver haired girls".. "Who are they?"

The two towers of Van and Kara standing right next to each other,

reel in a constant stream of stares, with a double take behind them.

More whispers,

shuffling around them..

as people try to get a good close look, through crowds of people.

Peeking narrow sightlines.. even tip toes for clear view.

.

The group now making their way up the tiered stairwell,

slow progress.. line by line, they can already hear the barkers announcements.

Reaching a level landing before the last tier..

it's high enough now, that Kazandra can see in..

and down the vast hall.

.

"Kara!, does it remind you of Elinor!?"

Eye's snap-to from all directions hearing that name.

Exploding in tip toe leaps, she is absolutely giddy..

seeing all the pomp and circumstance.

.

Performers flying around the forty foot arches on trapeze wires!

Slinging their partners, to fully laid out diving leaps!,

across the perches, to awaiting hands on the other side.

Fire breathers and jugglers, jesters with all their comical baubles!

Music playing from all directions!, smells and sounds from everywhere!

She's taking it all in..

.

Rising up to Kara's height on one toe!,

her other foot, doing a soft nervous curl to the back of her calf.

As high as she can go.. wanting to see every inch!

She's so fixated..

forgetting that she's on the far wing of the group..

closest to the side ledge of the stairwell,

with a planter concealing where it ends.

.

Making a small adjustment for balance,

her perched foot comes down for a hold..

with nothing underneath it!

Right off the side she goes!

Cartwheeling off into crackling bushes!

Six feet over the side, with a bustling thud!

"OOoo.. Ackk!"

.

"Kazandra!"

Van and Kara said it like they were the twins!

As every eyeball in the vicinity.. is looking for this gorgeous young woman..

that just fell off the staircase!

.

Whispering hands with a point, trickles of laughter like a circle pattern.

A 'poof!' of green leaved shrubbery.. with the browns of twigs..

As Kazandra bursts out like a jack in the box!

Pressing herself up unnaturally quickly!.. right back to her spot up in line.

In one quick embarrassed motion, like I hope no one saw that.

A few strewn branches, bits of leaves.. still clinging to her braid.

.

"The streaking red dress ehh?"

Nudging her softly getting right close to her.

Van's wide smirk, as he's peeling off the remnants from her braid.

Practically shielding her with his mass, so she's less embarrassed.

"Heey!"

There was nothing but love in her protest.

She falls right into him, gently but forcefully moving his arm,

in a wrap around her shoulders..

slides her hand under the back of his vest, they are now arm-in-arm.

.

Kara is mouth a-gape!, for soo many reasons!

But this is not the time, she let's it go.

Approaching the top of the stairs now, main floor landing.

The Barker is there, just off in front of them.

Awaiting Kara's handwritten invitation.

.

A robust fellow in his mid sixties, comes with a happy-go-lucky disposition,

with rosy full cheeks.. and long curled handle-bar mustache.

Normally a true professional, and always in character..

freezes cold in the moment.

Seeing this silver'd glowing tower, in a glide getting closer..

sparkling like diamonds, her ruby smile getting wider.

The halls seeming to go a shade brighter..

with her each step towards him.

Right on top of him now.. she's hard to look at..

bashful eye's scared to show affection.

A warm half curtsy, as she's presenting the invitation.

Toe point with a small tug on her dress at the hip.

.

He's now in a full body soft tremble.

Slowly reaching out, he can't really process what he's seeing..

stories of Kara reach all over the world.. for several generations.

He can feel it in his bones.. being so close to her.

This gentleman being long in the tooth, having read troves of lore..

he knows exactly who she is.

With a trembling, flip of the envelope open..

clearing his throat now, batting eyes.

Preparing himself for the announcement he's about to make.

"With pleasure."

Smooth as silk.

.

"LAADY KAARA BAUDEY'AIIIRE, OF CASTLE BAUDEY'AIIIRE, AAND FAMILY."

His loud baritone fills the room,

it's precisely his job.

.

Everything stops.

.

The trapeze artists freeze..

all swinging for a stopping perch.. staring speechless.

The hired performers, in a wheel to the entrance, as baubles hit the ground..

jugglers missing their que.

Dancers and musicians.. frozen like mannequins, as chords go off key.

The sea's of crowds lining the hall, trickling in behind them..

paused in dead silence.

A pin drop.

.

This is child's play for Kara.

She's been around humans in all forms of humanity,

from their very best to their worst.

No human has enough timeline to reach this kind of savvy.

She might just know you, better than you.

.

Kazandra on the other hand..

is frozen in fear, fighting off mental reaches for her flask.

To clarify..

the fear Kazandra is feeling, is not for her own safety.

Partly for Van's safety..

but mostly.. am I going to have to kill.. all these people.

.

Van visibly seeing how rigid she is..

"Relax kiddo, no one handles this better than her."

Leaning in on one another now, Van is that life long unattainable desire,

she doesn't know anything else, his attraction is different..

the very ideal of love, the thought of something else is comical.

Biding her time.. shrugging off foolish advances over the years,

that pale in comparison.

He's the only one.

"Thank you Van.. for everything."

.

"That's big lug.. to you."

Curling her right under his chin..

as she spreads an arm across his chest.

Feeling her warmth across those gliding fingertips..

the realization hits him like a slap in the face.

.

All these years..

.

She was never saying big lug.. or maybe it was once..

but then it wasn't..

maybe she slips it subconsciously on freudian purpose.

Kazandra is saying 'big.. love.'

The two in a calming sigh of relaxation, not ready to move yet..

still fixated on Kara, letting her take the lead.

.

Carl and Zansa take up on Kara's wings,

with Van and Kazandra, just behind in tow.

.

Kara begins her soft glide down the long hall.

Silent.. slow steps, arms down in a gentle clasp behind her,

just the pat of her feet.

She lets people take their time.. she is gracious.

Patience.. In seeing this childhood fairy tale..

ridiculed in the central lands for even mentioning..

without a hint of a sighting from even the zealots.

There she is..

It's still hard to believe.

.

The masses of minds.. searching for answers collectively,

is she real?.. an imposter?.. is she evil!?

Her plan executed.. she is a myth.

However central minds aren't so 'enlightened' towards the super-natural,

and not born of god, forgiving..

that comes quite easily in the North.

.

Kara slowing her step, hands in a gentle clasp in front of her now,

As she's beginning to speak, a scampering shuffle from the west wing.

.

The young Prince William with his court in tow,

come ushering in like a production, wide smiles with a skip in his step,

as the room starts buzzing alive.

A brisk pace, with his arms wide open.. he makes a direct path to Kara.

Sharply dressed in three piece with silken cloak knee length,

blue tones, with silver highlights..glossy riding boots, halfway up his calf.

A beautiful decorative rapier on his left hip, ivory handled with jeweled guard.

Polished silver blade, with etching patterns down the middle.

Struck dull.. like it's an accessory.

.

The prince is a chiseled young man, with strong lean build.

Tall, straight up n' down posture, like he could balance a book on his head.

With his heeled riding boots, he's almost eye to eye with Kara.

Sandy blonde hair in a indestructible, messy but distinguished coif,

and big blue eyes, that always look like they're smiling.

Now at center hall, with eye's still fixed on Kara,

the anxious crowds, eagerly awaiting what he has to say.

.

"PLEASE WELCOME EVERYONE..

MY GUEST OF HONOR, KARA.

THESE STORIES, AND WHISPERS ARE UNNECCESSARY,

WEE ARE HEER HOST.

.

IN OUR TIME HERE IN THE PRESENT,

IS WHERE WE WILL ALL SEEK TO SEE KARA.

AS SHE REALLY IS..

NONE OF US HERE ARE BEHOLDEN.. TO THOSE OLD MYTHS, AND HALF TRUTHS.

WE WILL ACCEPT HER COMPANY GRACIOUSLY, AND I TRUST IN TIME..

YOU WILL TAKE HER IN.. THE SAME WAY, YOU HAVE ME.

SO!.. LET THE PARTY CONTINUE!

.

Like a switch hit the room, as he's raising hands in the air..

the court giving a que to the crowds all around, everything spins back up!

The musicians start playing more exited notes!,

as the sea of bustling people, become electrified alive!

Whispering voices, turning to outbursts!, from all corners..

the room is rooarring!,

off in the wings.. a few beloved tones of her name are heard.

.

Most people just in awe witnessing.. 'it IS really her!'

Having private conversations, that turn to yelling over one another..

'I told you so!'.. 'She's prettier in person!'..

the twin's ears, picking it all up.

Kazandra in basking relief, these are the sounds she was hoping for.

.

The young prince walks straight up to Kara,

and down on one knee.

All confidence, no hesitation.

He reaches his right hand gently up to her, for her hand..

she gives it to him!, in a rise, as they both stand together.

In close, a soft grasp of each other's hands..

their foreheads nearly touching.

.

Kazandra fires out a gasp!, as her eyes go wide like balloons!

Giving a nudge to Van right next to her, so he's watching too.

.

The moment their hands touch,

is like a rhythmic beat for both of them.. fingertips.. palms.

Then wrapping around one another..

to them it's happening in slow motion.

Like a wash over his face.. Kara can see the change-over.

Pain.. he can't hide it.

The bottoms of his eyelids, start to form a small stream..

Love.. he can't hide anything from her,

she's looking through him like a pane of glass.

.

Seeing all that is Kara.. her struggles, how much she loves..

her pure motivations.. to save everyone.. but yet somehow still lose.

Feeling the knife in her heart.. when hard decisions had to be made.

He's seeing her whole life.. fast glimpses like a floodgate of her emotions..

and his only singular conclusion..

is that he wishes he could have done something, to help.

At the very tops of Kara's shoulders..

a few soft sparks..

not yet arcing wires to her hands.. just a few pops.

.

Kazandra is now giggling and clapping as she's hopping up and down!

Grabbing Van by the chin!, and pointing it out!

Kara getting pulled from the trance, by Kazandra's adorable outburst,

flashes a quick smirking look, and let's go.

.

"Thank you Prince William,

that was such a kind introduction for my family,

I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.

It is MY pleasure, to finally meet you."

Kara gracious as ever, staring him right in the eye,

the two still in a candid conversation.

.

"I hope maybe.. you can explain to me one day,

what jus happened there"..

Still reeling from a flood of emotions, trying to hold onto what he saw..

can't make sense of these feelings coming in.. are they hers or mine!

His eyes catch light from her rune..

barely visible, slowly disappearing even more.. back into the skin of her hands.

Almost flush with her ever so slightly, violet tinted ivory skin.

Staring in awe at the fading runic mark.. going speechless..

she snaps him right out of it,

"I promise you, I will..

after the festivities I presume!"

Giving him the que, 'let's get back in character!'

As he easily catches on, with a sharp rise tall, and heeled turn,

giving instruction to his court, with the group all gathering for introductions.

.

"I have you all seated at the front left wing, best seats in the house!

Our finest orchestra is performing as well!

Please follow, any questions feel free to ask."

A raised parallel elbow, with a stomping heel clicked turn!,

William's posture is elegant, fun-loving..

warm care in his speech tones.. very much Kara's type.

The Prince ushers the group along side him, happily answering their questions,

as the now large group, making a path through the swarming crowds.

.

While the prince is pointing out fine objects of interests, discussing their

historic origins with the librarians, Carl and Zansa..

ALL eyes are on Kazandra.

.

"Thaat dreesSS!"

Gasping from both men and women!, coming from every corner!..

leaping tip toes!, like random bobbing tops in the crowd!

"She's SOoo preetty!"

Wives wheeling husbands by their shoulders.. but it's spring loaded!

.

"She looks JUST like Kara!?"

Every set of eyes she walks by..

scans her slow.. bottom to top, sometimes back to middle..

looking for answers in her beauty.. why can't I look away!

.

Watching this dress.. this gorgeous, revealing dress..

each soft ripple from her smooth glide at the floor sweep,

sends a streak of illumination,

through the darkened ruby's of the outer layer skirt..

electrifying the skirt in currents of darkened reds!,

as it's made to bounce the lights around it.

Her toned long.. total bare arms to the shoulder, in a soft clasp behind her.

Built.. underneath the sheer layer of vest, her shoulder blades are rippled flat,

square across and solid vertical.. she is built across the shoulders, like an Olympic Gymnast.

Like if you were to put Kara's swan ballerina frame.. in a grueling regimen of physical fitness..

for eighteen years straight.

Nails talon'd to a point.. dark reds to black at the tip.. hiding them in a curl.

Her chin in a soft raise.. pushing her posture outwards and upwards..

she's trying soo haarrd not to look..

.

'It will just make it wOorse!'

Racing through her head!, as she doesn't always have control..

sometimes her nervous reactions, inadvertently ignite her hypnosis.

With imperceptible bob in her step.. a glide too fast for heal toe..

just a sultry swing of her hourglass, not making eye contact with a single one.

Van right along side her, a jovial long stride.. as they're in perfect pace,

keeping an eye on her anxiety.

Carl and Zansa catching up in tow, still admiring the fine arts,

pleasantly surprised to finally have someone, with shared interests.

Scared attempts for a hand-hold.. not ready yet, and shying away.

Kara in lead, with William having a private conversation,

through main hall now, arriving at the seated dining and dancing area.

.

Serving as the king's most luxurious hall, reserved for the most special occasions.

A two story hall, with balcony overlooks through the arches, crown molds in gold.

The house banners, trophies.. ceiling to floor tapestries line the walls in spectacle.

A two toned woods, checker print dance floor.. sprawls the middle between all the tables.

The large orchestra stage, nestled in behind it against the far back wall.

With the world renowned band, being summoned from far off, expedited..

William offering irrefusable compensation.

The King's court fifty foot marbled table, sits adjacent to Kara's table,

a mirror of best view in the house, just opposide side of the dance floor.

.

Crowds all in socializing shuffles along the way,

grabbing drinks, then topping them off, as they are on-the-house!

Van ready to partake, famished from their long journey,

"Carl my good man, have you ever had a central Pale?"

Already steering him the bar's direction..

.

"No better time than the present!"

Carl in absolute agreement, as the gentleman make a path to the bar.

.

Zansa does a walk around of their reserved table,

moves three chairs close together..

pushes silver away from Kara's plate.. she's not quite sure..

but just doing it anyway.

Feeling that tug on her stomach.. the journey has taken it's toll on her too,

scans over to the bar, seeing Carl wave her over.

.

Kazandra gliding to her chair, is lost in the moment..

eye's with a fix on the exotic dancers..

just admiring their graceful movements.

Takes a side seat, her right arm in a relaxed perch,

on the chair's pointed ear fancy top rail.

Swings her right leg in a drag across her thighs,

draping over left, as she leans into it.

Soft bounces in her hovering toes.

.

"Laadies, I must tend to the festivities,

please let me know, should you need anything at all."

William rolling an arm with his bow, direct eye contact with Kara.

.

"And what fiiine festivities they are,

i'm sure we can find some time later?

Kara taking the que of his bow, in a lead to her curtsy.

.

"Indeed!,

also.. i'm sending over, a private waiter."

A wink over his shoulder, as he then signal claps his court,

accelerating, confident strides, the crowds around him like parting waters,

then picking up in tow. As he makes his way to the dance floor's adjacent side,

a clear eyeline to Kara from his seat.

.

"What does that mean?"

Kazandra questioning jubilantly, it's turning out much better than she'd expected.

Kara scoots her chair real close, shoulder to shoulder.. sparkling her grin,

"Well I don't know miss popular one!.. maybe it's you on the menu?"

.

Kazandra's quick bursting laugh like a "HAaH!"

"I didn't look at a SINGLE ONE!"

Firing out proud, as she tried so harrd to keep her,

eye's forward pace.

"You think it's chopped sirloin?, and a bottle of red rotten grapes!?"

.

Kara pawing at her side for the Wilhelm, soft pats to her hip..

"How do they live off that right!?"

Both in their mind read of giggles taking over,

they notice approaching the table..

.

"A-hem."

An older stern gentleman,

regal posture like iron's through the back of his jacket..

a very matter of fact in his tone.

.

"Good evening m'ladies, I am Alfred."

A click from his heels as he gives a rolling bow,

white gloved hands.. a pressed clean white sheet, over the upturned,

parallel crook of his elbow.

A professional's smile, with a pencil'd on mustache.

His nose seems to always be in a skyward point..

introducing himself to the girls, through the bottoms of his eyes.

.

"The Priiince has prepared for yoou,

a chooice of offerings.. as well.. to be quite frank,

no one here has.. experience, in your delicacies"

From the table behind him, he presents a small serving platter,

matching chalices.. four of them, brassy ornate..

and RED to the top.

.

"We have swiiine, foowl, murderer annd rrrapist."

Rolling the R with no change in his voice whatsoever,

a gloved hand pointing out each one, in beat.

.

Both girls at exactly the same time, in the same..

excitedly anxious tone.

"Murderer."

"Rrrrapist."

Kazandra rolling the R to copy him.

The opposite arms of their touching shoulders,

raising in a finger point to the sky.

.

Without batting an eye, or missing a beat.

Alfred removes the two other glasses, back to the cart,

giving a bow to the girls.

"Enjoy m'ladies, i'll be here should you need."

As he then shuffles the cart, back towards the wings.

.

Both girls taking small sips at the same time..

Kara with a couple ticks, squinking her eye like a scallywag,

"OOoo Ooh My my, this one is swimming in RUM!"

Licking lips.. both hands on the chalice now,

savoring it.. like a new flavor.

As each individual's chemistry set of palate to them,

reacts differently, takes on new nuances of flavors,

depending on what they've taken in..

and how it reacts to their own chemistry personally.

.

Kazandra sipping slowly.. getting more giddy by the second,

humans have never done such things for her,

not in the mortal world anyway.

A culture shock, from being mrs. popularity in the college.

"They're being so niice to us!"

Blurting out!, she can't help it..

her filter from brain to mouth is never fully in-place.

.

"MMhmmMmm.. it's still warrrm Kaara"

Licking lips, with a wiide flare in her nostrils..

fresh.. there is nothing like it.. soft pants in her breath..

as she side-eyes Kara, who is in absolute SWOON!

.

"Pass!"

Both reading each other's mind in the turn,

Kara eagerly wanting to try her's too.

.

As they both switch.. tipping back at the same time,

Kazandra bursts out in laughter!

"SOoo GOood!, welp.. Wee, are going to have..

a VERY, good time!"

Matching her scallywag squink, as she fang clenches the tick away,

this man is or was.. a drinker.

Taking another quick sip, they do a pass again between each other,

still shoulder to shoulder, heads almost touching..

in their own little world.

.

"Kara this is.. amaaazing..

thaaank you..

it's like your plan keeps getting better!,

it's like a dreeeam, I luv you!

I haven't been dancing since Elinor's Eve!"

Candid tones.. Kazandra nuzzling close..

she believes in her big sister Kara, more than anything in the world.

.

Kara refusing to take all the credit,

their heads now touching in a soft lean.

"Luv you too,

I'm sure some of it's luck!, but times have changed..

we might just get, what we've always wanted."

The girls in a serene, peaceful huddle..

just taking in the atmosphere, giggling points all over the room..

taking small sips.. then a pass between them,

the dawn of a new era.

"So you think old man clergy.. is going to dance?"

Kara sassing it out.. like he's too stiff to have anything other,

than two left feet.

"Yeeup."

.

Over at the bar, sitting just length-wise down, of the King's table.

The famished trio are all seated having a few drinks,

grabbing hors D'oeuvres, off the constant stream of plates passing by.

Hearing all the discussions being had, ranging from whispers to shouts,

in all directions.. key words, are easy to pick out..

"Silver haired girls".. "Kara, but who is the other one?"

Collectively making assumptions, in their private conversations,

some know more than others.

"She looks just like her, shorter.. in the red dress."

.

"Her hair only looks silver from here"..

Carl adding to the conversation just next of him,

"Up close it's platinum hue, with sooft.. blackish grey streaks."

One of the drunken fellows, spins the chair, turning his conversation,

feeling a camaraderie with his own knowledge.

.

"That's the Butcher's Blade..

the terror under your stairs..

that struck fear in the hearts of a storming Orc army..

If you believe in such, foolish things.

I can't believe it.. and I KNOW it's her!"

Belting his laugh, getting a chummy arm over Carl,

"Am I right, young gents!?"

.

"She's actually very sweet.. from my own exp-"

Carl about to start giving way too much information,

to just some random stranger..

gets a shoulder bump from Van right next to him.

"No Carl."

Under his breath, barely audible.

.

"She really just.. steals the eyes,

right out of you. doesn't she?"

Oblivious to Van's redirect, still admiring her from afar..

confusion in his blurting slurred tones,

"Isn't that almost comical juxtaposition?..

beauty on the forefront of massacre,

if she killed you, would you even care!?"

Laughing at his own ramblings,

"I can see, why stories wer writte-"

.

"IT'S HER GIFT."

Van's bark as he cuts him right off,

he's heard this before.. he knows where this conversation goes.

He doesn't want any part of it.

"It's just a spell.. she doesn't know she's doing it,

it'l just.. wear off."

Shooing patterns in his speech, annoyed by the conversation.

.

"Riiiight.. just a spell is it?,

annd why is it, that YOU know soo muc-."

Completely missing Van's go-away social que's,

he turns in a burp, getting closer to Van,

taking a lean on the opposite side of Carl now.

Right next to him.. his eyes start to focus,

twitching a double take!, with hard gulp!

.

Finally taking notice through drunken blurs,

that this seated man, is a large man.

With a distinct.. weathered look about him,

savvy and chiseled.. rugged handsome, eye's that look right through you.

"Good god man.. you're?"

Just a soft nod is all he can muster..

"Aren't you?"

.

"That's right."

Arms up on the bar, in a nurse of his Pale brew,

showing zero interest in this conversation..

a quick spectrum check of eye contact,

then right back to his brew, chin down.

"Baelish."

Throwing his hand out, with no response,

changing his voice patterns... to more respectful tones.

.

"A Van-Helsing.. honored my good man!,

but let me ask you this..

you've been around a long time haven't you?,

so, isn't alll love a spell?

Her love.. doesn't fleet or wane though..

like the love we know, does it?"

Prodding at Van.. but he has no idea.

.

"SOoo, tell me again.. who that GIFT of hers,

is reeeally for?"

.

Van feels a weight in his heart.. dragging like it's always been there.

There's only one connection on that weighted heartstring..

it is tied firmly to Kazandra.

He loves her for the world and back.. without the spell.

He witnessed her miraculous birth, first-hand!

He's seen how powerful, her fragile heart can love like it's never been broken.

He would do anything for her!

But he cannot.. for soo many reasons.

And it hurts having to hear about it..

all the damn time.

Far worse even still.. she will one day,

fall in love with someone else.

.

"Wanna gift do ya?"

Van finally making solid eye contact,

"Ya know what I do for a living yess?,

you've got seconds to get outa here, before I run you in."

Threatening in his tones, but not entirely serious..

Van's spectrum of guidance.. has shades of interpretation.

.

As Baelish, absolutely knows what he means!

Taking a threat from a Van Helsing, is no common occurrence!

Shuffling up quickly!, an apology following..

trying to blend with the sea behind him.

.

Carl looks uneasy..

he can sense his dear friend's frustration,

the troubled look on his face.. soo many secrets to bare.

Wishing he had some sound advice to give.

Zansa overhearing the conversation, listening intently the whole time,

scoots in the chair, right next to Van.

"Was that gentleman really evil?"

.

Van taking a long pull of his Pale brew goblet,

"Grey."

Just a mutter from the corner of his mouth.

.

Carl practically choking!,

as he was swinging his goblet back, at the same time.

"There's a GREY AREA!?"

.

"Of course there is Carl,

life is complicated.. times change, perspectives change..

there is a balance."

Van now in a turn from the bar, talking to both of them,

on each side of him.

.

"Is Kara.. in the grey area?"

Zansa's mind went right for it.. pure confirmation,

from a very noble source..

Carl leaning into it also.

Both of them on pins and needles, waiting for the answer.

.

"Both of you.. are closer to the grey, than she is."

It's the honest answer.. he just lays it out.

.

"WHAAAT!?"

At the same time!, as they blast it out!

How is that even possible!.. she's still a monster!,

of sorts.

.

"She gave up everything she loves in the world..

essentially died, all for the sake of every soul on this continent..

and the only thing she asked for in return.. was to protect someone else.

She might be the furthest off grey.. I've EVER met."

Van knows much.. much more, as usual..

he has to play his cards against his chest,

revealing secrets only when it makes sense to.

.

"I luv her, sooo much!,

everything from the books.. but just better!"

Zansa's loss for words, just starting to ramble!

.

"She deserves it."

Van in a turn, a hand raised for another topping of pale brew.

Carl in deep thought.. his perceptions changing..

starting to open up his vision to Van's teachings,

even from day one.. 'Not all monsters are evil, Carl.'

Finally starting to feel the appreciation.. that Van feels,

the relief.. that Kara is there.. that she is always there.

In his consideration.. of different spectrums of grey area,

he remembers that the twin's have their differences,

"What about Kazandra?"

.

"Kazandra, is a little grey."

A burst laugh from the group, starting with Van!,

as it was almost sort of expected.

"She doesn't have the same restraint as Kara,

she doesn't have her thick skin,

a young fragile heart..

she has a long way to go."

.

A boom!, of excitement fills the room!,

With shuffling boots coming alive!, tapping heels,

as streams through the crowds, start heading to center dance floor.

The large Orchestra main band, take their places on the main stage.

Guests all in applause, starting to gather around the dance floor in large crowds now.

A beautiful bellowing Argentine Tango starts playing,

as Kazandra shoots up out of her chair!

.

Kazandra scanning the room..

looking over at the bar..

seeing that seated Van has his back turned,

with no intention of dancing.. she's not having it.

"Fat chance."

Kara giggling it out, with a hand raised to Alfred in the wings,

keeping the 'murderer' refills, coming in steady.

"Watch."

.

She starts her confident, eye's up glide between a couple of tables,

approaching the dance floor, to a move straight across it,

in a direct path to Van, still intentionally seated with his back turned.

As she's making progress..

a waave of would be suitors..

start cutting paths.. like burrows through the crowd..

waving hands, trying to be the first to get her attention.

"Can I have this dance m'lady!?"

Most of them don't even know what to call her!

"Pleeaase may I have this daance?"

Only a few.. 'Kazandra's' are heard..

but then it starts catching on.

.

Unnerved by all this attention,

focused on what she's trying to accomplish.

The first wave of suitors, now approaching arms length!

As she has no intention of dealing with this,

but doesn't want to be rude..

.

A smokey red.. snap!, like an electrified whip!

In a blink from a cloud, she vanishes in a flash!

Leaving a soft red haze.. around the outline where she just was.

The suitors all darting heads!,

wheeling heels in spins of disbelief!,

trying to figure out where she went!

.

Van sitting at the bar,

clinking a toast to Carl and Zansa, taking one last bottoms-up,

for the two of them, before making their way off to the dance floor.

Like when you're thinking of someone intently.. and then they call for you,

he hears a sharp.. 'popping snap'

Over his right shoulder.. he knows the sound well,

turning slowly to his right..

"Ka-"

.

Another snap!, over his left shoulder now!,

tapping..

.

He still hasn't made the turn, to looking at her yet,

"I'd love to Kazandra.. i'd just step all over ya,

I don't know what i'm doin out ther."

Even he hates the sheepish sounds,

coming out of his mouth.

.

"You're gonna learn tonight big luug!"

All confidence, as she's right in his ear,

scoops him straight to his feet!,

right out o' the chair, flat footed next to her.

.

Leading him now,

by the waist to the dance floor,

guiding his arm in a gentle wrap around her shoulders.

They move in a trance.. to center dance floor,

couples all dancing around them, even hired performers,

all giving them space.

.

Kara is out of her chair, with layers of STUN!,

across her face!

The well over six foot tall, dapper dan Van,

with the glowing temptress on his side, easily capturing the room.

All eyes are on them,

Kara like a hawk.

Carl and Zansa dancing just next to them give a pause,

waiting to see what happens.

.

Kazandra turns facing Van,

on her effortless tip toes.. she is eye to eye with him.

The bathing warmths of lights all around them, making her absolutely glow.

She raises her right hand in a tango position,

squaring her posture, proud and tall.. crook'd parallel at the elbow,

her forearm perfect vertical.

Her left hand, in a point at her hips..

"Like this!"

Lovingly she instructs him to get real close.

.

Time stops for them.. all time and space.. it's just not there.

The moment.. forever in the moment.

Van and Kazandra make full skin contact,

for the very first time.

He's had glancing occasions before..

where he would feel the strange sensation of her touch..

but just glancing.

In a rhythmic beat only they can hear..

their hands touch fingertips to palms, wrapping around one another.

As his right hand goes exploring around her waist..

feeling the entire, bare small of her back,

gliding across the palm of his hand, like fine polished ivory.

.

Van is checked out!, more so feeling like he's left his body!

A small stream.. starts to fill in his lower eyelids.

One of the very few times, Kazandra or Kara, has ever seen.

He remembers being there..

feeling like he knows absolutely nothing..

in a sense he was born that day too,

when he witnessed her profound creation.

She can't know the truth!,

Trying to fight it off in his head!, but it's too late.

.

Kazandra is right there with him.. a double sided connection.

She feels it, exactly the same way.

Any thought, or feeling he's ever had for her..

his deep desires, he's kept hidden for soo long.

The confirmation she's been waiting for.. since they first met.

Just like he can see right through her,

confirming what he already knew.. but adding,

she's never been with anyone else.. and doesn't want to be.

She knows the rules..

she's well aware of what everyone will say..

she doesn't care anymore.

Her newborn heart found it's first love in Van,

a loong time ago.. she's tired of hiding.

.

"Heey."..

The soft whisper right in his ear, slowly bringing him back to consciousness.

"It's ok.. I feel it exactly the same way, as you do."

Trying hard to fight back tears..

sending lightning bolts down his spine, with every flick of her tongue.

.

"Nothing is ever..

going to happen to either of us,

we're saafe together..

let's have some fuuun."

Just smooth loving tones in her voice.

.

Van finally snapping out of it,

changing over.. the possibility of her loving embrace, forever..

doesn't seem so out of reach anymore.

The room starting to come back alive in his senses,

seeing her loving bounce, she wants to dance soo bad!

As she gazes him, that loving gaze..

he flashes a quick mischievous look,

like he has another secret to give..

.

"By the way.. I lied."

As he whisks her off her feet!

A full spinning three hundred and sixty degrees in the air!,

fanning it out like a graceful swan, as she's gasping out!,

in total shock!

.

His soft catch landing, of both hands around her waist,

moving his left hand, in a soft clasp of her right,

leads her in a spinning, unraveling twirl to his left,

all the way out stretched at full arms length.

As she's swinging her other arm out behind her,

arching her back along with it, all the way over..

a slow raise on one toe, matching a smooth scissoring leg behind her.

Strength moves so steady a drop of water would have nowhere to go,

her perfect form.

To a snap reel of her back in!, as she coils into his arms..

all the way in, curled up in a close huddle..

his chin against the back of her neck,

her whole body, draping up against him.. leaning back into it.

Raising an arm up behind her, a soft loving stroke down his cheek.

.

A perfect dip!, right to the floor flat!.. inches from the ground!

Then whisking her right back up again!, in full control..

leading her in another graceful unraveling spin, opposite direction.

The dancing crowds all around them now stopped,

just admiring the show.

.

Kazandra is in heaven..

if she died tonight it was all worth it.

Her perfect grace on the dance floor, is a sight for everyone to see.

Staring adoringly at Van, as her body already knows exactly what to do.

Van totally enamored, lost in the moment.. in the throws of big love.

As they move around the dance floor like they own it.

The crowd loving every moment.

.

Carl just staring in amazement, with Zansa by his side.

"Well I had no idea,

seems like i'm always learning new things about Van."

.

"Well he is, hundreds of years old!"

Zansa's blasting chirp, as she is just captivated, seeing the two of them,

in their loving graceful bond across the dance floor.

I can't believe I came here with them!, pleease never end!

She's sure it's not a dream.. but it feels like one!

She's having the time of her life..

stepping all over Carl's toes..

who couldn't really care less.

.

In their dancing turn.. they see Kara at the table,

declining all the would be suitors, just sitting peacefully.

"I don't want to leave her, sitting all alone!"

A soft gasp in her whisper, right in Carl's ear.

Her soft lean press against his body, practically freezes him in place.

"I agree with you,

but what if she's choosing to be left alone?"

Carl's usual scientific demeanor, that Zansa adores.

"Let's go say hi!"

No way in hell, she's just gonna leave Kara sitting there alone.

Dragging Carl now, in soft tow behind her,

making their way through the tables.

.

A serene Kara.. picturesque,

just sitting in silence.. ruby smile, all the way across her face.

Enjoying her people watching perch.. 'people' being Van mostly,

and his new found talent, that he kept totally hidden from her!

Nursing a glass of murderer close by,

the crowd of suitors have thinned away,

giving up on their fruitless advances.

Warming eyes as she spots the two coming over,

"Well heellooo, you two!"

A quick burst of excitement seeing them together.

.

They both take seats, opposite sides of Kara, leaning in close.

"Aren't you gooing to daance?"

Zansa asking, but more of a beg.

.

"And compete with those two!"

Joking it out, still with a fixed eye, on the holy war..

in their loving glides across the floor.

That smile on Kazandra's face, care-free..

such a relief to finally see it again.

.

"Can you believe it!?,

it's like they're hired performers out there!"

Zansa exploding admiration, as they've captivated the room!,

a wide circle being formed around them, giving them all the space they need.

Adding maybe Kazandra's biggest puzzle piece to her jigsaw.

Dancing.

.

"He picked her up!"

Kara's belts coming out loud now.. the 3rd glass of murderer, is taking effect.

"She's not as dainty as she looks y'know,

Annd Vaan!, who would've guessed that old-man shoe,

moves like the wiind!"

.

Carl and Zansa both loving this, gabby side of Kara,

"Indeed he does.. to my own amazement as well!"

Carl leaning in, while still watching them both,

helplessly engaged by Kara's conversation.

"Is she much heavier than she looks?"

.

Kara catching the giggle with a purpled ivory talon'd finger,

knowing he doesn't yet really understand, what she is.

With her ruby corners, curling upward,

"She's probably heavier than HE is."

.

Carl immediately flinching!,

as the size comparison, of the two standing next to each other..

is like a door way and a tooth pick!

"Fascinaating"

A glance in realization that Kara's frame, is much larger than her's,

"An you?"..

Hesitantly shying away, right as he said it..

he just asked a girl her weight!

.

"He couldn't."

Kara's coy response..

she's not an assassin.. she is a Brute.

The front lines.. she is levels of dense resilience above Kazandra.

.

"The measure of a man.. to sweep Kara off her feet!"

Carl can't resist but make a joke like they always do!,

belting it out, to Kara's delightful surprise!,

with his glass raising a toast..

.

"Ooo it's happened.. and not just by Men!"

Kara leaning into her murderer buzz, feeling the gabs coming on strong.

Swings a clink, from the bottom of her glass..

hung like a swing from folded hands under her chin.

Carl loving what he's hearing, there's soo much more to her..

storing the information like treasures in his mind.

Imagining how long she's lived, how many stories she has to tell..

it's like looking at stars in the sky!

Leaning in closer to Kara's shoulder..

.

"I believe I see..

what people refer to.. as the streaking red dress,

in it's mild form."

Studying her every move, strong.. bold moves,

she has such strength in every small detail of her body..

command over just inches of contact point to the floor,

the attack can come from anywhere..

.

Kara's quick belted laugh!, "HAaH"

"Well aren't you a clever one!,

similar yes.. like the books describe,

her fighting style IS like a dance.

Although, no one's falling in love with the Butcher's Blade,

they're usually running away!"

Carl gets his first affectionate nudge out of Kara.

Slowly becoming welcomed as family.

.

The barker shouts the room,

as the dancing crowds, start a slow filter back to their seats.

A few soft rounds of applause, following on the back's of Kazandra and Van,

as they make their arm-in-arm stroll, in a move through the tables.

Lost.. in their own little world.

.

"THE PRIINCE, WILL HAVE HIS RRROYAL DANCE."

Booming his voice, the rolling R in echoes down the halls.

.

Prince William without his court this time,

in a graceful stride across the dance floor to Kara.

Slow applause, a quietly curious crowd..

they can see exactly which woman, he's heading to.

He's changed outfits,

to a very similar look to Kara's, crystal tower gown.

Silvered at the seams,

a polished platinum chain, holding the cloak across his broad chest,

silken whites in layers of three piece, immaculate vested suit.

His high heeled riding boots, gleaming with his dramatic heel-toe,

so confident in the spot light.. at home in it.

.

Kara can easily see what is about to unfold,

but she doesn't have the answer..

that endearing face of his, that she can read like a book!

His confidence!, throwing caution to the wind!,

so everyone else can have a good time.. she's paralyzed.

Almost on approach to arm's length distance now,

hands in a soft welcoming raise towards her..

she still doesn't quite know what to do.. a rare occurrence.

.

"May I have this dance please, Lady Kara."

As he extends his hand in a small bow,

looking her directly in the eyes, matching his level to hers.

She offers her hand in a raise, without hesitation.

.

Kazandra's chalice hits the floor!, as she's gasping out of her chair!

The entire crowd is in dead silence, mouth agape like a painting.

Metallic heel clicks in perfect beat.. the soft pat of her feet..

sparkling stars in a glide.

.

Prince WIlliam with lead around her waist, side by side.

Slow strides, reaching center dance floor now.

Both taking que, like natural celebrities,

spread out arms length, giving his graceful bow,

and her foot pointed perfect curtsy.

A gorgeous Viennese Waltz, filling the room slow..

a journey they are all on together..

the prince's favorite song.

.

In the turn they can't wait to lock eyes together..

hands raising for dancing posture, they both know it so well.

They get close, hungering bodies brushing close contact,

testing boundaries.

His right hand goes in a smooth wrap around her waist,

her left arm going in a loving stroke, across the back of his shoulders.

They pick up right where they left off.. in the same manner.

Their own rhythmic beat.. the room a soft hush,

while in each other's arms.

Kara can't look away.. admiring the windows to his kind soul.

He can't even blink.

.

They move together like graceful swans across the dance floor,

smiles coming alive, as both realizing how well trained the other is.

Kara gives a pull on her grip.. a que for dramatic flare,

spreading out to full wing span, she leaps the spin to his reel back!,

using her strength.. to make it appear as if he did it!

.

The crowd erupting in cheers!, she covered ten feet on the spin!,

landing on one foot while still turning!,

the gorgeous bloom of her tower gown, like a spinning prism!

As she slowly leans back on him.. full body press,

feeling his hand come around her waist, his large hand..

in a slow spreading open pass, of her entire abdomen..

Kara's loins coming alive!.. decaaades dormant.

.

her turn to eye contact in a snap!, unnaturally fast!

She almost kisses him!

As she pulls her emotions back in,

a soft sigh, their lips are just inches apart..

moving across the dance floor as a unit,

joined together in perfect sync.

Sloow, smooth moves together.. subtle grace in her dancing nuances,

a touch more refined than the wilds of Kazandra.

.

William finally able to drop her eye contact for one second,

notices a few sparks.. popping small arcs,

at the very tops of Kara's shoulders, like a current through her gown.

A weaving web.. on a barely visible path to her hands.

Ending at her fingertips.. he can feel it.

A charge when they're connected.. a buzz but you can't hear it.

A vibration but it's barely perceptible.. a soft hum.

A few more sparks, with a bigger one!

Kazandra saw it!, tugging on Van, so he sees it too!

.

"Shees sOoo happy!, Vaan!"

Kazandra blasting out in tourette's!, so loud that Kara hears!

Hands instinctively reaching.. she just needs something to hold onto!

Van's hand.. she finds it easily, it was already on the move.

.

Carl leaning faar into it, squinting down hard,

"I don't understand what she's doing..

could she electrocute him?"

Barely seeing the soft arcs through her dress,

mostly because Kazandra pointed it out.

.

Kazandra filling him, chirping wild like a ball of energy,

"She has no control over that Rune, Carl!..

it's completely reactive!

It means she LIKES HIIM!"

Now raising a finger to Alfred in the wings,

the happiest she's been a very long time.

.

"I can't even remember!..

the last time she let anyone lay a finger on her!,

let alone a lover's dance!"

Kazandra in her wild excitement forgets who she is..

hopping over her chair to Van's lap, about to rest an arm around his shoulders,

bursts the chair!, in crumbling splinters!

.

Wild laughter from the whole group!

As the two disappear from the tabletop's eyeline!

Tumbling backwards, Kazandra almost goes end-over-end!

"You could have at leeasst, triied to catch me!"

Kazandra's drunken, ear to ear smile..

as she gets hands up on the table, pressing herself back up.

.

Van still down amongst the wreckage.. who just got rolled over,

by two hundred and sixty pounds of hardened ivory..

"I couldn't catch a charging bull either!"

Roaring laughter from the group!,

Van truly in rare form tonight.

.

Kazandra close.. in his ear, having scavenged new seats for them,

"Maybe one day.. you will."

She drops a tiny..

exponential explosion, in the back of his brain.

That will never go away.

.

The world renowned orchestra, starts winding their encore song.. down to a close.

Kara and William are in closing final moments.. the last couple on the dance floor.

So close together, he can feel the heave of her breasts,

pressing against him in smooth slow beats..

that sweet, peppery mint smell on her breath.. he wants to kiss her so bad!

Just in a peripheral glance, he catches a quick streak from her Rune!

Flashing outward to her extremities, fast!.. in three quick zips!

.

POP POP BAAANG!

A miraculous GOLDEN BUBBLE!

With swirling oils of iridescent liquids.. goldens with light blues!

Instantly and perfectly!

Totally incapsulates the two with a humming sound!

The ENTIRE crowd launching to their feet in gasping shock!

Kazandra damn near passes out!

"WOW!",

Van has heard stories, but never actually seen it!

Carl and Zansa coming out of their chairs exactly together!,

Zansa has tears in her eyes!

.

Calm inside the bubble.. still in their soft hold.

Muted inside to the gasps, and loud voices.

William is at peace.. a feeling of safety just being around her.

Studying her rune now as it's glowing alive!,

peeking through her tower gown, on the few parts he can see it,

it's like a rhythm.. or a battery, slower then faster..

pulsing to her extremities.

"You are.. so truuly, amaazing Kaara"

His eyes just a wash of diamonds in reflection..

he has better words.. he just doesn't remember them.

.

"You've been so kiind to me William,

we are in a neew aage.. aren't we?

we need you William.. I need you"

Rare soft tones for Kara.. she in vulnerable.

.

"I've read.. so many of your heartbreaks Kara,

now feeling them.. seeing them through you..

your next story.. is going to be a happy one,

even if I have to die trying.

But i'd rather live..

just to see this ruby smile,

over and over again."

Charming her like an assassin with his warm smile,

his eyes like the sea..

a soft brush to her cheek.. he means every word.

.

She leans in,

giving him a deep soft, kiss on the lips.. that no one can see.

Holding it for a few seconds.. with a little tug at the end,

she lets go.

A quick brush of tears, in the back of her hand.

.

In a swisshing sound!, like a watery hiss!

The golden bubble instantly evaporates!, as quickly as it was created!

The two now standing side by side,

hands close.. but not making contact.

.

The crowd in ROARING applause!, booming like thunder through the halls!

There's tremors of movement on the ground!

Thinking it was alll part of the show.

Kara in perfect character.. giving a soft parade wave.

Prince William giving a sharp bow.

Once more a few.. 'I luv you Kara's' are heard.

.

"Shall-wee?"

With a chivalrous motion to his King's court,

so the two of them can go over in fine detail,

the letters.. Kara's ravens have brought him.

.

"We-shall"

Taking his chivalrous que, right in character,

she loves his graceful etiquette.

Hooking arms, in matching stride..

side by side across the room.

With every eye in the room.. following them closely.

.

Kazandra fanning herself..

Her fourth refill of murderer close by.

.

The powerful energy of the night.. finally winds down.

Crowds begin their slow filter, out of the main hall,

being ushered back to their carriages.

A truly successful first event for the young Prince.

A united kingdom, of all backgrounds.. sharing the same glorious party.

Happy drunks.. bellies full.

Witnessing some truly spectacular events.. that everyone is talking about.

That might just make a new story.. depending on the witness's account,

quite possibly a love story.

The circle gathering road, slowly filters out the long snake like caravan.

As lanterns are all snuffed out, pitching darkness over the courtyard.

.

The group now in relaxed moments, as only the few guests remaining.

All standing around the main stage together,

which is direct straight path to the main doors.

Enjoying last minutes conversations,

laughter still in circles, referencing events of the great evening.

Prince William on far stage left,

as he's leaning in, giving clean-up preparations to court members.

Kara is stage middle, with Carl and Zansa on her wings.

The holy war.. are off far right of the stage, seated at the tables,

arm-in-arm.

Still in drunken cackles between the two of them,

about dapper dan Van's, hidden dancing prowess.

.

High above the King's tower.. in the cloak of midnight darkness,

in rapid descent.

A fearless presence.. blending in, with the night's inky blacks she is invisible.

Her plummet of blackened garments, trailing off her in sleeved ribbons,

like a racing bat!

In a straight down path!, for the main hall doors.

.

Almost impossible to her unless she wants you to.

Green eyes.. against the dark night..

the easiest thing to make out.

Jet black rolled tendrils of long matted hair..

plastered in place, in a drop down behind her.

.

She sticks the landing without a sound..

right at the threshold.

"The doors my children."

Slithering her whisper, as she summons in-waiting,

sentry werewolves from the ground..

the two of them taking a circle pattern, around the doors.

.

Her move is unnatural, just the soft brush of her robed garments,

there are no footsteps.. her movements are like a sweep.

A slow deliberate pace.. towards the main stage..

direct eyeline in front of her.

The darkness moves with her.

Light does not pass through, or bounce off her..

it's as if surrounding light is just lost in her presence.

As she moves.. she steals light from the room, a void of cold darkness.

Getting closer now, she gets eyes on all of them!

Now focusing in a rage.. directly on Kara.

.

Van launches from his chair!,

inebriated in his senses!, he was late picking up on it!

Whipping his head around!, to where his super-natural radar is pinging!,

right through the dining hall doors now, almost at the dance floor!

Squinting hard through his drunken vision,

he can't believe what he's seeing!

"KARA!.. it's HER!"

.

The twin's react in an instant!,

Kazandra quickly looking over for her sister's instruction,

moves towards center stage.. to be by her side.

Van running over to Kara's right, acting as a shield for Carl and Zansa.

The librarians are frozen.. in deep shock, grasping onto each other,

inching their movements, behind Van.. and creeping further away,

like it's as fast as they can go.

Prince William in a terrified back pedal..

twitch movements in his hands, instructing his court to flee.

He's out of his depth.. tremors through his body!, this can't really be happening!

It's soo bold!, even Kara looks intimidated!

.

Kara's face washes over cold.. emotionless.

She has no idea what she's looking at..

what might have once been a human woman..

was consumed by pure evil, to this darkly twisted wretch!

Her slender grey face.. mottled with blackened pock marks,

in thicker almost solid pattern, spreading down her neck.

With high cheek bones coming to a dramatic point.

Under the psychotic scowl, of her slit closed green eyes.

Immovable from Kara.

She's getting closer..

breathing shudders of darkness.. casting from her over the walls,

"Vaan?"

She shoots the quick glance over her shoulder,

not wanting to take her eyes away!

.

Kazandra who's had one too many..

"Is theer, more than one of her.. or, just one of her?"

.

Van now finally, getting a good close look at her..

she's just ear shot, at center dance floor.

"Lilith.. is that you!?"

Stunned out of breath as he's saying it!..

Lilith is the goddess of death!

.

"In the flesh."

Her voice is thick.. aaaged, creeping cold tones, like the darkness itself.

A thick rasp, slithering through her black rows of large fangs,

Both top and bottom!.. in a wicked grin.

.

"Protect the prince."

Kara whispering her deliberate tones.. still watching Lilith's every move.

"Get behind me.. quickly!"

Whispering sounds of disbelief!.. as his terrified court and him,

go diving under tables!.. scampering low, just eyeballs poking out!

.

"Times up Baudelaire.. you've outstayed your welcome."

Her smooth slither, has a psychotic rage behind it..

wound up real tight.. her black talon'd point,

was trembling like a leaf.

.

Kazandra..

who is thee youngest, and fastest..

to ever graduate the college's extremely difficult combat trials.

Has no fear, of this small smelly girl..

and she doesn't care much, for these rude gestures and taunting..

she's had the very limits of her fear!, tested on a daily regimen.

By her choice alone.

.

She laughs in her face.. with a fan of her nose,

"The only thing outstaying it's welcome.. is that stink like sh-"

.

Lilith closes the gap to Kazandra, in an instant flash!

As fast as Kazandra moves!

With her left hand, catching the words out of her mouth as she's saying it!

Twisting her darkened talons, all over her face!

Bringing her right hand up, to a point at Kazandra's eye!

.

"YOU'D KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT!,

IF YOU KNEW WHAT WAS GOOD FOR YOOU!

Gnashing her wicked teeth!

I COULD HAVE COME FOR YOU OVER THE YEARS KA"-

.

Her hissing threat,

had no time.. the world just got slow..

this is not Kazandra anymore..

The Butcher's Blade has been so rudely awakened.

Firing in yeeears of pent up pure HATRED!,

a fiery cloak of REDS!, ERUPT OFF HER!, head to toe!

This evil!, wretched little girl!, your sick rat claws!, all over my face!,

threatening my family!, HOW DARE YOU!

Her eye's raaging fireballs!.. as her hair now, has a life of it's own!

Lips curled, all the way back so they're gone..

fangs out like DAGGERS!, gnashing back!

.

"AIIIIIIIEEE!"

The limits of her scream!, a high pitched banshee SHRIEK!

it's physical to the chest!, like a shove!

A Vibrato through the walls!, as it seeps to the courtyard!

Her right hand flying!, in a gash to Lilith's face!

Lilith catching it!, inches away!

Kazandra's fingers are not fingers anymore..

They are blades.

Each one.. smokey tipped talons, dripping from reds to black at the tip,

growing with her anger.

Like the extremities of her body.. are a powerful extension of her emotion,

not part of the mortal realm.. one foot in, and one foot out.

The blades are growing!, as she bares down into it!

Closer to Lilith's face!..

screaming wild now!, she's about to get contact!

.

Lilith steps down and back..

using Kazandra's effort, to pull her off balance towards her..

As she stumbles forward!, in a pull to Lilith's side!

"KARRA!"

Gasping out!, as she knows she's open!

Lilith's perfectly setup, back handed right!

Square across the jaw!, with an upwards trajectory!

Sends a nose diving Kazandra!, off her feet!, in a sprawling bash to the tables!

.

No one, saw this coming.

As soon as Lilith caught a grasp of Kazandra's face.

Kara's hand was already raising, calling her staff from the carriage.

As soon as Kazandra screamed out for Kara,

the staff was through a window, and into her hand.

In only an instant.. after Lilith's back handed knuckle wrap was heard..

was thee largest, thunder cracking epic swing across the cheek!

That any of these people.. have ever, seen or heard.

.

The swing was a complete whirlwind, from low to high.

Both hands together, at the very bottom of the staff,

leading the swing with a broad step, and pulling her hips through!

Full extension of her arms, like a snapping lock!,

right at the point of contact!

Following through the staff's weight transfer,

in a complete coil wrap behind her!

Only her lead hand still holding on.

The impact sends a PLUUME of showering sparks through the air!

With an ear bleeding metallic CRAAACK!

So loud it shatters the stained glass!,

bringing the halls down in a sheet of raining debris!

Echoing like a soundwave, all the way to the courtyard!

.

Lilith takes flight like her shoe's were left on the ground!

Shot out of a cannon!, backwards airborne!, the entire length of the dance floor!

Finally hitting the ground end-over-end tumbling.. sliding on her FACE! in a scorpion pose!,

then back to end-over-end!

Slips sideways to a flat roll.. then crashing the walls where she came in!

The cascaaade of debris.. from the super-natural impacts..

raining down around her.

.

Dazed from the icy prism'd blast..

she can't feel anything yet, it's all stun.

Moaning on all fours.. barely audible suffering sounds..

she knows she's looking at the floor..

but she can't see it!

No idea what just hit her.. she's never been hit that hard before.

Reaching a hand for that searing pain across her left cheek..

she's HURT!.. she's born of a god!, and she's HURT!

Now in full cradle of her face!, she can feel the permanent wound!

Pieces still coming off!.. sliding through her fingers,

gouged deep.. the shape of a splintered hook.

.

"Ka.. Ka-rra.. whas happen.. to-yoou!?..

wat hav you bee-cOoome!?"

Still in shooting pains, she can barely right herself!

Taking a lean on the wall for assistance, the main doors are just to her left.

Finally getting some clear vision, in blurs coming together,

the Runes!.. all over Kara!,

swirling alive!, like beaming moonlight behind them!

.

"A Celes-tine.. HOoow!?"

Barely able to speak, she can't believe what she's seeing!

Fear growing fast from her miscalculation.

.

Not a word from Kara.. she gives you nothing.

Just a thousand year old stare of death..

how DARE you touch her.

A slow pace baring down on her.. getting her range.

Arcs raging!, like a torrent of wires to her hands!

She spins the staff upwards!, end to end rolling over hand!,

To the javelin stop!, rearing back!.. the blade pointed right at her!

Fires the staff!, as hard as she can!

.

Lilith facing her this time!, is too fast!,

bursting left for the doors in a dive!, INCHES!

As the opal bladed hook staff, buries through the wall on her right!

Halfway down the staff!, with the sound of an anvil,

being hit with a lightning strike!

As she's fleeing for her escape!

"CHILDREN!"

.

Lilith pleading for distraction!, calling in her sentries!

Bashing through the doors now, about to make the courtyard!

The sentry pawns going straight passed her,

in bounds down the halls!.. a leaping path, directly at Kara!

.

Kara is perfect still.. tall posture, feet casually close together.

Calculating silence.. she's seen countless tactics against her!,

just merely a bounding charge.. more of an offering.

Dead center dance floor, just watching them.. on their fool's errand.

Kazandra in a bounding hover of the ground,

right by her side.

Hunched over.. low to the ground..

wide stance with bladed talons raising in front of her.

Her hissing glare.. right through the sentries..

she's not interested in them,

she's watching the prize.. behind them..

fleeing like a coward!

You started this!.. I'm gonna finish it!

Kazandra has no mercy.

.

The sentries clear the dining hall doors!,

right on top of them now!, just a few bounds between them!

Kara waiting.. lining it up.. watching two objects sweep together..

just as the one on the left.. easing into the path..

of her staff through the wall.. dug in halfway.

.

The two object points find their middle!

Kara flies a skyward hand!, a sharp twist of her wrist in culmination!

Flying out!, the staff comes end over end!, not a spear this time!,

calling to her hand like a six foot SAW BLADE!

As she spiiins the catch, following through with the weight transfer,

the blade circling around her.. up, around.. then sinking the ground in a point.

Tall in her stance still.. made it look easy.

.

IN TWINE!

Two grisly separating halves!.. of this monster's momentum..

bursting open from her staff through the middle of it.. lengthwise from the back!

Sending the two pieces in a part around her body!,

to just a sloppy macabre mess on the floor behind her!

.

Turning eyes over fast!

The one on her right, just a step behind..

bringing up her staff in defensive position!,

locking eyes with it now!.. BLANK!

The grey matter switch was just turned off behind them.

Only Kara saw what actually happened..

human's can only interpret their best.. a streaking red blur.

The werewolf sentry's gnarling face!, goes stark blank!

Something hit it.. something too fast to see.

.

The howling burst of a powder keg in REDS!

She's so fast there was a DELAY!

In an ABSOLUTELY sickening splash of entrails on the floor!,

the werewolf is GONE through the MIDDLE!

Head first in a DIVE!

There's just a soft red streak of what's left of her!

Streaking a path outside the doors,

in close pursuit of her prize.

The pawn in front of her..

just a paper doorway, she was passing through on her way.

"Wait Kazandra!"

Kara's plead for calm tactics!, but far too late.

.

Lilith wounded slow, in fits of rage that she's losing!

Fleeing for her escape!, reaching the wide open courtyard now,

the safety of ink blacks above.. looking for the tree line as cover.

Launching off the ground!, gaining altitude, faster!

Frantic turbulence in her flight path!, as she's racing towards wooded area.

.

Kazandra in full tilt!, dormant rage in full control!,

her yeears of steadfast training taking over.. she's enjoying this.

Fast on her heels!, as she breaches the courtyard!,

just behind her!

Scanning eyes all over.. looking for traces of her anywhere,

the wounded drag of her garments, there!

Following the sweep as it slithers ground.. the trail stops cold,

not leading in any other direction..

SHE CAN FLY!

Kazandra peeling eyes up high!.. scanning in a turn,

the wooded area!.. her racing bat outline!

.

She bares down the crouch, tightening hard for the rubber band leap,

her bare feet digging traction, destroying the ground beneath her!

Steaks up the sky!, like a twisting pirouette!

Launching like a laid out swan!, throwing all her weight upwards!

She's closer!

.

Another streaking snap!, followed fast by another one!,

This time with an end over end round off!, coming out of the portal!

Each cloud burst like a stepping stone!, as she's launching herself, higher and higher!

Keeping her crosshair's focus, directly on Lilith!,

no matter what position her body may be in!

In splurging laid out reaches!, to a slow spin connecting the next one!

All her weight propelling towards her!, in each streaking flash!

.

Lilith high up in the sky now,

believing she's gotten away..

a sky scraping field of sequoia trees,

just off in front her.

Slowing her pace to a glide, the feeling hits first..

watched.. eye's are on you.

Twitch snaps in her psychotic head swings!,

looking back at the tower, trying hard for focus..

she's hard to see.. even for Lilith.

The first small cloud burst..

could have just been a bad blink in your vision..

but the second was bigger..

and much closer!

"NOOooo!"

.

Turning on a dime!, hands out flying!

She races flat forward!, her hardest flight burst!

Leg's in drag behind her, she feels the searing plant!,

of her pitchfork anchor!

Right through her calf!, a digging twist for traction,

Kazandra's last spinning leap, dropped down!, from right up above her!

Two hundred and sixty pounds of drop!,

with her last flailing reach, in a clutching run-through of pull down!

.

Lilith frantic wild!, as she's now rapidly losing altitude!

Slashing talons for clutches!, the two in a flat spin tumble!

Hissing like feline calamity!, as each trying to get the sky end of mount!

Kazandra losing advantage, as she's mostly trying to hold on!

Shrieking from the stiing of Lilith's rending slashes!,

as she gets the upper hand!, digging her cold hooks in Kazandra's side,

rolling her over!, pushing on Kazandra's shoulders, plunging headlong to the ground!

GONE!.. in a burst of red blinking cloud!

.

A straight PASS-THROUGH!

Pulling Lilith into her!, right through the blink!

Instantly switching their vertical positions!

Lilith draws blank!.. in a freeze of what just happened!,

no one uses these tactics!

No time to react.. she's wide open,

no time to roll out the hit.. she didn't see it.

Two legs!, come stomping out of the portal!,

using her powerful arms to push it through!

.

Lilith couldn't even get the turn around!,

as she takes the whole flying double legged drop kick!,

direct to the small of her back!

Folding her U-shaped backwards!, in a blast of no more breath!

The ground coming fast!, from the force of her stomp!,

Lilith has no time to right herself!,

she's bracing for impact.

.

Kazandra gives no quarter.

She's been thoroughly trained to apply constant pressure.

Not being a hardened Brute, wielding an unbreakable, versatile staff..

the twin's have their differences.

She's never on her heels.. her maximum potential is moving forward.

Lilith's bracing death fall now, just below her..

the next blinking cloud burst.. murderous intent.

Kicking down in a dive.

.

Shooting down like a bright red star fall!,

All four limbs!, bladed long and fanning out!,

her body angled down like a giant claw of destruction!

Catching Lilith broadside!, sinking impales!, all through her body!

Crashing them both!, like a screaming METEOR to earth!

A dull crack!..

on the horizon.. the thump of these super natural bodies,

is heard for miles.

The impact ring looks like a war took place..

bloody swatches.. mixing pools of reds and blacks on the ground.

Kazandra's mounted screaming streak!,

sunk her to the ground!, running through every vital piece!

.

Muffled sounds.. a vacuum with the door opening..

her heart beat in head to toe pulses..

waves of distorted vision coming through.

She's never taken a fall like that..

her only option passed turn back, was hold on!

Even her teleport won't stop the weight of the fall..

unless she teleports right at the moment of weightlessness,

which was the opposite of her plan.

.

Thrown yards away, from the sheer bouncing impact..

on fours.. a slow drag at the small crater's ring.

Kazandra fighting hard for breath,

moaning pants.. rolls to an elbow side perch,

fingers doing painful inspections..

'MY RIBS!'

Bursting in her head!, at least two broken!..

can't feel it yet.. time and pain, still playing catch-up.

Rending gouges on her right side!, shredded long, vertical..

she worked the same spot, over and over again.

Favoring left now in her slow crawl,

trying to get legs underneath her..

mumbling inaudible cusses at Lilith!

"N'thing could have lived!.. nothing!"

.

Lilith is in far worse shape.

A writhing-lame, bat on the floor.. that can't find it's flight.

Dragging herself in bloody ripped shambles, wailing her sick moans,

ribbons of dark grey flesh.. clinging to her blackened strewn robes,

spilling in a ghoulish slug's trail behind her.

Her blood is thick, ink black.. a dark stain of corruption.

It's all over Kazandra.. like the devil's honey in glue up her arms.

Reaching claws in her flat drag, one handed slow digs..

trying to get the treeline, just off in front of her.

.

Kazandra still trying to get feet beneath her,

battered in a daze, they just keep slipping out from under her.

Gathering knees in her crouch, failing attempts.

Her beautiful dress that she loves.. destroyed forever in seconds.

Hanging off her in tatters, barely covering her.. with Lilith's horrible slashes,

in bleeding hash marks down both flanks!

Mixes of reddish black swatches.. swirls of blood stains..

covering her arms, a growing encircle of her sides.. in a run down her legs.

.

She finally gets herself right side!

Bounding heaves in a flat hover.. hunched over low to the ground..

her blades out in front of her, like bleeding daggers!

Hissing growls like a wild animal!

"An wher!.. do y' think, YOU'RE GOING!?"

.

Lilith pulling on a tree, barely able to stand!,

turning on the sneer!, why you little S# T!

Locking eyes as she's raising a hand..

clenching to a fist, defensive posture.. raised just in front of her.

A billowing smoke outline!.. racing outwards from her hand on both sides!,

like a dark bolt coming together!

As she instantly materializes her Scythe!, out of thin air!

Midnight black in trails of smoke coming off it,

carved for death itself.

It's bigger than she is!

.

"THiiiS, IS NOT MEANT FOR YOOOU!,

Brandishing the Scythe to her!, with locked arm tilting a warning!

YOU ARE NOT THEM KAZANDRA!"

Lilith's psychotic tones!, Bipolar decisions!

She's trying soo harrrd to heed advice given..

don't you dare!, send Kazandra down here!

.

"THER WON'T BE ANYTHING LEFT OF YOU TO WEILD IT!"

Kazandra in circling primal rage!, creeping for her opening!

All focus, eye's locked in a red haze of fury!

Only one of us is leaving here!

.

Lilith's psychotic temper, overflows her logic.

Both born of similar circumstances..

she's outlived her.. by thousands of years.

And she's not going to be spoken to like that..

by the snotty little new kid.

"COME ON THEN BABY KARA!,

YOU GONNA SCRATCH ME SOME MOORE!?"

Goading for the counter attack.. possum.

She wants to be under estimated..

her legs are firmly beneath her.

.

Not a word.

Kazandra bursting out!, in diving streak!

At the same time!, Lilith's Scythe is spinning horizontal at center mass!

They are equals speed.. simply streaking through her, is not an option.

Kazandra in her rush, drops straight down flat on her back,

in a limbo position sliding..

INCHES!, taking a few silver strands of her hair with it!

As the Scythe cutting by!, passes just over her head!

Her momentum now has her right on top of Lilith!

Right arm dragging the ground, with left foot pointing the slide,

digging a stop for traction!

.

She RIPS Lilith right off her feet!

The multi bladed slash going from ankle to naval!

Ribbons of her robed fleshy shambles!, flying off the upwards strike,

like demonic yarns catching air in the night!

Sending her in full spin collapse to the ground!

.

Lilith in panic!, she's wide open!

Shooting up with her only good leg!,

back against the tree, sliding upward for fighting posture!

.

She's already there.. never on her heels.

Two hands full of blades!, butcher through Lilith's chest!

Straight through!, impaling her in a double fisted anchor to the tree!

Deep through the wooded mass!, pinning her down!

The death up-close and personal!

.

Kazandra gets tall.. straightening up her posture..

much taller than Lilith, at full spread upwards.

She starts a pull.. leaning out her right arm,

with left arm still acting like a stiff-arm barrier.

So she can begin the process.. of ripping Lilith into tiny little pieces.

Pulling harder on her right arm now..

now pulling on both arms!

.

Lilith's cold taldon'd snatch!

As her face now turns calculating..

grabbing both of Kazandra's arms!, and pulling them INTO her!

Twisting her sickly claws, through Kazandra's forearms for traction!

Not letting her, pull her hands free!

.

Kazandra in panic flight!, not knowing what this tactic is!

She can't teleport!, they are impossibly entwined!

It would take Lilith with her!

Feeling in the clench!, that Lilith is stronger than her!,

starts wrenching on her arms!

In cussing hisses!, trying to get herself free!

.

Lilith rolls into the smile..

it registers deep inside Kazandra.

She's under estimated her opponent.. it's an off-game feeling for her,

that she's not good enough.. or quite possibly outmatched.

She's losing focus, second guessing..

that wicked grin of hers.. is getting bigger, wider..

unnaturally wide!, with giant black fanged teeth!

.

Kazandra finally catches on.. but it's too late.

Lilith rearing back!, sinks her terrifying fangs!, deep in Kazandra's chest!,

just below her neck!, in a spread across her collarbone!,

teeth cracking through bone it was so deep!

Kazandra screaming off in flailing back pedal!,

as the shambling impaled mess of Lilith!, collapses in a heap.

Both of them in sick wounded moans on the floor..

Kazandra doubled over on all fours, gasping flails at the wound!,

afraid to see how bad it is!, imagining the worst!

The thrashing deep bite below her neck!, is splaying open!

Spilling the ground like a waterfall!

.

In her choking moans of cussing out loud!,

"DO YOU DIIE!?, u smelly BITCH!,

OOooo i'll get yoou.. u just WAIT!"

Still just a writhing mess on the floor!,

trying to stand up.. to fall right back over.

.

Lilith is at the limits her host body can take,

permanently wounded, she's in a fetal position heap on the floor,

doubled over in searing pains, from the vast number of her wounds.

The pools of blood forming together.. now a lake beneath her.

With quick eyes behind Kazandra!.. off in the distance,

catching up like a beacon of light!

Kara!, and she's closing in fast!

.

She has no chance against the two of them!

Leaning into a crouch, she summons her Scythe out of thin air!

One last shot!, one last laarge swing, as she's winding it up horizontal!,

everything she's got!

A black spinning mist through the air..

barely a glimpse in Kazandra's peripheral vision.

As it wasn't coming at her.. she hears it first..

the slice of an unnatural blade.. cracking bass..

sharp cracks giving way, splintering woods in buckle..

from the massive weights of this sky scraping sequoia tree!

That she just parted through the middle!

.

The sweeping rush, is like the seasons changed over..

the timbering fall of woods in fan, in a grasp for everything around it,

the leafy grasp of the tips in hisses, turning to ROARS!

Crashing down, as the thunderous cracks getting louder!

The entire canopy comes down!, all over Kazandra!

As Lilith takes ungainly flight!, bounding off backwards and upwards!

Finally getting away!

.

"AackK!"

Is the only sound Kazandra can make,

as massive trunk pieces, twisting limbs forking off in a sprawl,

come crashing in blankets down on top of her.

Pinning her helpless, in her weakened wounded state.

.

Kara reaching the horrific battle scene..

hands racing to her face in a gasp!

Just from the sheer amounts of blood spilled!

Blackish red, swirling swatches of blood stains are everywhere!

"BABE!, wher are you!?"

Debris from the tree fell, along with everything it dragged down with it!,

littering the grounds in layers!, almost up to her waist!

.

She knows Kazandra is there!, she can feel her!..

buried beneath the canopy, she can hear her finally..

cussing claws!, as they're digging through!

Kara scooping up arm fulls of large trunks and debris, in both hands..

unnaturally moving the whole pile, as it's all tangled together..

finally a free'd Kazandra, hops up to take stock.

.

"That little shit!.. that tiny little shit!.. MY DRESSS!

Does she ever die!?.. I killed her three times!"

Her voice coming in livid shrieks!, as her favorite dress is just torn to pieces!

Making her very inappropriate to look at..

Kara right away starting to shield her from view.

Kazandra glaring up into the night.. she's still not done.

Looking for traces of her, that aren't there.

"She's gone babe.. she lost, I doubt we'll see such bold tactics again."

Kara comforting her shoulders, wincing pain in her face..

seeing the numerous wounds all over her sister.

As she's still turning her slow inspection,

.

"Uhg.. I smell like her!.. she called me baby Kara!"

Kazandra still firing out in livid bursts!,

turning shoulders away from Kara's attempts,

not ready for recovery.. she still wants to fight.

.

Kara stifles the laugh from getting out,

still far too concerned with her sister's battered condition.

However there is another insider's joke..

within inner circles of the college.

'Baby Kara'

Was a common snicker for young Kazandra,

growing up in the shadow of her celebrated sister.

.

"Can I see pleease."

Her gentle turn, as Kazandra finally lets her guard down..

inspecting the horrible bite, a whole mouth of fangs wide!,

dark dripping pits across her collarbone!, ripping outwards!

She got the full bite clenched!, as Kazandra peeled herself free!

Gnashing it wiiide open.

A soft gentle rub, slowly clearing away scraps of dress..

peering through the thick blood stains.

The wounds are slowly but surely, healing up.

.

Kara's relief is like a glow of radiation..

trying to pat her tatters of dress back together.

The two in close.. their foreheads almost touching,

in trance of their own, un spoken communication.

"You had me worried!.. that's not just a weapon of hers,

it's a one way door to the underworld!,

I'm not even sure what would happen to us!"

.

Kazandra still under her shielding arms,

in soft hold around her waist.

"Well it took you long enough."

Nuzzling close.. she doesn't mean it,

not even in the slightest.

.

"Maybe don't run off all by yourself next time?

You under estimated her didn't you?"

Kara playing along, she's just so far ahead of her.

.

"Yeup."

.

"The college teachings.. so overly aggressive!"

The girls still in their loving huddle,

watching as the clergy duo, finally catching up..

in wild scampers as they come up the path.

Van raising his floor length cloak, high in the air,

instructing Carl to hold back a minute.

.

"What in the hell is she?"

Kazandra still pulling shrubbery from her braid,

stomping the ground!, as her skin won't clean off!

.

"She's Lilith, the Goddess of Death."

Van walking over, immediately cloaking her in full wrap.

Curling her under his arm, praising that she's ok,

a soft lean, as she pulls in close on his side.

"How exactly she came to take on human form,

I have no idea"

.

"Her vendetta seems to be personally for you, Kara."

Eye's shifting over to Kara now..

she gives it to him.

It was quick.. just a flashing look.

Her chin down disapproving glare through her silver rake..

one eyebrow raised with a tsk tsk look on her face..

seeing the Holy War.. so un-abashedly together.

.

Carl now catching up to the group,

Kazandra's very inappropriate look in head to toe cover.

"You maybe scarred her Kara, permanent even!,

she looked terrified of you!"

.

Kara's holy war distraction, being set aside again..

by Carl's keen observation.

She leans into it, addressing the group as a whole,

giving a little more information about her Rune, than she normally would.

"Such a clever one Carl!, Van did indeed pick a worthy apprentice.

The Celestine Rune represents life, a never ending light.. like an ongoing birth.

The exact opposite of her Dark Energy.. that brings everything to a close.

All I have to do is get my hands on her.. and she knows it.

Her brash tactics seemed like an order..

I have my doubts she's acting alone.

We need to get ahead of their plan now."

.

The group all absolutely exhausted!,

from quite the night, that none of them will soon forget.

Watching the sun come up, still discussing everything they've seen.

All in agreement, they need to get back to Castle Baudelaire, post haste.

On approach to the tower now, where the Prince has graciously offered his suite..

a few of the party members are fanning their nose.

"I need a BATH!"

Kazandra blurting it out!, as she's not happy about it either!

A laugh from the party with nods of agreement.

.

The sun is now low in the sky.

The group have all rested, taking a nice long relaxing day..

enjoying the Prince's hospitality.

Young William letting the girls use his private suite,

the Ocean Tower, a breath taking penthouse,

nestled along the bustling city's Port.

With sweeping wide views of the ocean behind it,

and the sprawling city out in front, as far as the eye can see.

In the center of a particularly luxurious room..

thirty feet long.. and fifteen feet wide..

ornately trimmed in gold.. raised five feet of the ground,

In a giant beautiful rectangle.. Bath tub.

.

With a soft bobbing, in the steaming warm bath water,

through the layer of bubbles across the surface..

there's two round.. almost touching perfect circles, like ivory islands.

Soapy bubbles lapping up the islands like a tide, from her small movements.

Just up from the islands..

Kazandra's beautiful platinum hair, no braid.. just out.

Her long sprawling fan, of locks across the water..

almost reaching the small of her back, in her arched pose.

Of arms folded on resting elbows, at the side of the tub.

With her chin resting on gently clasped hands underneath.

Just watching the sunset across waters.

Gazing peacefully, legs doing small kicking motions..

in the lazy float behind her.

.

The gold trimmed double doors come swinging open,

as Kara walks in, taking quick notice of Kazandra's appearance,

closing the doors behind her.

Kazandra still gawking at the view, not peeling eyes away,

"Aren't you coming in?

We don't even have a tub like this!

Not yet anyway."

Begging for company!, she has soo much she wants to talk about!

She needs Kara time!

Her sister and then some.. her very best friend..

quite frankly, the only person in the whole woorld,

she can reeaally relate to.

.

"Isn't it soo beautiful!,

the prince really has champagne taste doesn't he?"

Kara's chirping happy tones, she's spent the whole day with William,

just the two of them, on intimate levels going through details of their lives.

A budding relationship forming on strong honest foundations.

.

"Uhh huuh.. sooo,

tell me more about Mr William the wonderful won't yoouu?"

Kazandra turning a glide across the water, over to where Kara is perched tub-side.

Legs crossed at the thigh, with a hand in between..

her other hand gliding a finger through the steamy waters.

"What?"

Kara casually looking away..

.

"You kissed him didn't you!?

I saw!.. you can't hide from me!, you sneaky fox!"

Both girls bursting identical laughs!,

as Kara starts flushing bright red!

.

"There's something about him.. don't you think?

He's different.. people want to be around him..

he's soo warm.. it's very genuine"

Kara now leaning back on her perch,

a pause of her budding affection.

.

"He loves you!, that's a difference alright..

I thought we wer gonna be zooming outta here, ducking crosses!

Both girls bursting a laugh!, as they really had no idea what to expect.

Kazandra now just beside her, low in the water.

"He is very kind, i'll give you that.. he's just sooo..

Goody Two-Shooes!"

Her wiiide smirk at water level.

.

Kara's eyes turn witch goddess!,

glaring down from above.. as she belts it out!,

"O well YOU, go on then!..

tell ME more about the Holy War!,

you're trying to start, little missy!?

Do you realize, how many people saw that last night?"

.

Kazandra's care-free cackle!,

as she sends herself in a back float..

gliding across the surface, remembering the amazing night she had,

on sooo many levels.

.

"Laast niight!..

was one of the best times of my life Kara!

We got to daance!, just like back in college!,

Van was absolutely stellar!

Everyone was soo nice to us..

my sissies are all together finally!"

Her random streams of consciousness..

piecing it all together.. trying to remember fine details,

so she never forgets.

.

"We got to meet the stink of darkness!

And I kicked her ass!..

well, you kicked her ass..

but I helped!, am I dreeaming?

I feel like i'm gonna wake up tomorrow in our broken down castle,

all alone."

Her gliding float now just returning, to below Kara again..

her big doe eye's in the water's reflection.

.

Kara fighting tears away, just remembering the split of her family.

"Never!.. promise."

Giving her firm mind read send, right to Kazandra's psyche.

"We will all three go down fighting together..

before that ever happens again."

A quick brush from the back of her hand,

wiping the small stream away.

"YOu know.. I luv Vaan.. he's been there through soo much..

he's alone!.. it's just him..

it's soo dangerous for him baabe.. to know anything about us."

.

Kazandra hoisted up now behind Kara, raised up tall behind her..

arms straight palms down, on the sides of the tub, close in her ear.

"I think Vaan has been around a loong time,

and he can make his own big boy decisions."

Smooth as silk.

.

"HaAH!"

Kara's quick belted laugh!,

it's exactly what she would have said.

"Did you kiisss hiim?"

Glaring inquisitively.. the man is a monk,

she's never seen it!, she wants details.

.

"Whaat?.. um, nooo."

Kazandra in a shy turn, looking away..

.

"DID-YOU!?"

Firing her attention back!

.

"I wanted to!.. I juust."

Kazandra looking for answers..

although seeming like the enchanting seductress,

that's only her gift that she uses.

She's all thumbs around Van..

he's the only one that feels real to her..

and won't just stare at her like a mannequin,

whenever she feels 'turned on'.

It makes her very secretly nervous..

trying to hold onto the one thing!,

that you cannot have.

.

"Well I guess you're.. juust not good enough."

Kara swings one across the cheek!,

she knew exactly what to say!

Perfect sweet sass, as she's staring down,

at fingernails under her chin.

.

"You giant BIIIRD!"

Kazandra in perfect position just behind her,

wraps a bear hug around Kara's waist!

Arching her backwards!, all the way over!

In a flailing SUPLEX, of Kara going end over end!

Thrashing wild as she vanishes through the bubbles!

Totally submerged!

The rolling waave.. being displaced by these dense bodies..

goes tumbling against the sides and over..

spilling across the floor.

.

"KAZANDRA!"

As she's now standing waist deep..

in gasps staring down at the deluge, of her crystal tower gown.

Her hair now in half bun..

with strays of silver waves, twisting out of the spiral.

Her favorite pink rose hairclip, hanging on for dear life.

.

"I'm gonna get that clip."

Kazandra low.. in a fighting stance,

chin level water.. eye's erupting with play-time!

.

"No you're not."

Kara wiping her nose, clearing watery eyes,

all confidence, eyes locked.. getting lower in her stance.

.

Kazandra bursting forward!, hands out going for it!

Kara easily catching her!, already turned at the hip anticipating her charge!

Sending her up and over!, with a straight down body slam!

Flat on her back through the bubbles!, both girls laughing hysterically!

A larger rolling wave.. goes crashing up against the sides an over,

spilling across the floor.

.

Kazandra starts a circle.. changing velocities in her movements..

confusion for an opening, waiting for the perfect moment..

Kara goes for the grab!

Kazandra springs from the waters in an instant!,

to a fully laid out front flip!

Leg's like scissors, straight out in a fan across the sky.

The moment Kazandra's head,

is passing by Kara's head upside down..

she simply PLUCKS!

The pink rose hair clip, with her right handed thumb an pointer.

All in one motion!, to landing flat footed behind Kara.

.

Kara fully committed to the dive!,

goes flailing airborne!, grabbing nothing but air!

Vanishing under the bubbles!

Totally submerged!

Another tumbling crashing wave!,

hits even harder, on the side Kara landed next to!

Goes spilling across the floor.

.

Kara shoots through the bubbles like a Mermaid!

In rare form..

her long shining silvers, in hugging locks down around her body,

half way down her back, it brings back memories for the both of them.

.

"I looove it like that!"

Kazandra bursting adoration!

.

The double doors swing open in a rush!

As Zansa comes wading through a lake on the floor!

A quick glance!, to see the situation isn't proper,

she closes the doors behind her fast!

"What's going on in here?.. the entire hallway is flooded!"

.

Both girls completely stop what they're doing..

looking over the side and at each other..

nothing but guilty looks on their faces.

.

"KARA!.. your hair, it's soo long!"

Sensing their playfulness, as Kara is beaming looks at Kazandra.

"I've never seen it like that!.. you really are a Siren!"

.

"So long as i'm not a Succubus!"

The girls all laughing!,

Kara usually playing along with her several nomenclatures.

.

Zansa immediately sensing their playful mannerisms,

with Kara waving her over, parade style.. still taking splashes from Kazandra.

Tugging hip level at her dress, pulling her floor sweep clear of the lake,

goes skipping over in sloshes.. oblivious to the flood in their fun loving presence.

Taking the same perch on the side..

Right where Kara was sitting.

The twins flashing a mischievous look.. reading each other's minds,

part the waters, to both sides of Zansa.

.

Leaning in with focus on Kara, she's about to say something..

Kazandra takes charge.

"Sooo.. you an Carl huh?, I saaw you guys out there!"

"You two are sooo cute!"

Kazandra circling like a shark, for Zansa's flank!

.

"He is a nice boy!

he's very sweet!, and so scientific!"

Catching on slowly to what's happening..

seeing Kazandra low..

chin level water, bobbing like a waiting eruption..

the smile in her eye's like she's loving this.

.

"Whatrre you"- too late!

Bursting from the waters!, in a soft grab upwards!

wearing her 'kid gloves' for the delicate librarian!

.

A side SUPLEX!, of cartwheeling ZANSA!

Flailing wild in gasps!, as the proper princess goes end over end!

Vanishing through the bubbles in mousey shrieks!

Totally submerged!

ANOTHER WAVE!

Tumbling against the sides and over..

spilling across the floor.

Kara bursting out in laughter!

.

"KAZANDRAA!"

Her proper mousey shriek!

as she's standing in the exact same stance as Kara was in.

Standing straight up through the bubbles at bust level.

Staring down, at her now floating in a fan around her..

favorite emerald green dress, soaking drenched!

Gasping in shock.

.

The giggles take over immediately, seeing the loving

smiles all over the twin's faces..

The first feeling hits her hard.. fleeting, only for a moment..

I'm being accepted.. as Baudelaire family!

She plays right into it..

Immediately raising hands to Kazandra!

Splashing her while cirlcing!, with both hands..

trying to get a wrestling grab on her!, jockeying for position.

.

Kazandra easily bating her moves..

lining it up.. turning her shoulders away from Kara.

Who is now low in fighting stance..

chin level water.. right behind Zansa.

.

The doors bursting open!, AGAIN!

"The hallways are a river!.. what's go-"

.

"CARRLL!.. GET OUUT!"

All three girls screaming out!

.

Carl's eyes adjust focus on what he's seeing..

taking a good loong look.

A mermaid Kara.. and a naked Kazandra!.. his would be girlfriend too!,

all having a playful bath fight?..

Carl hits the deck!, out cold with a splashy thud.

All three girls bursting in laughter!

as Zansa races out, wringing out her dress while tending to him.

The twin's hop out with a failing attempt at clean up,

before scampering off in concealing clutches, for dry clothes..

and a bailing bucket!

.

Nighttime has settled in.

The group are now making their out, saying their good bye's,

graciously showing their appreciation.

To a very accommodating Prince.

The bond between Kara and William is now strong..

there is a long future felt between them..

but they must tread slow, cautiously.

First things first.

.

William has relinquished full ranks of his Army to Kara.

Everything at her disposal.

Catapults and trebuchets, masses of infantry..

archers and cavalry, even the King's own Knights Templar,

the most elite of swordsman.

Rampart to Rampart reinforcement.

A streaming caravan of war time efforts,

lining the roads between the two kingdoms,

of Gideon and Castle Baudelaire.

.

The girls have all taken their seats inside the carriage,

as Van and Carl do some last minute packing.

Kara fast asleep in the front compartment,

while Kazandra and Zansa are chatting at the table.

The gentleman file in, Van closing the doors behind them,

they all settle in again, for their long journey north.

Home.

As much as they all loved the grand spectacle..

they are northerner's, they can't wait to get their comforts of home.

.

The carriage heads out rapid.. but easy pace.

Slowly gaining to it's long fast stride.

Van lying feet up on the bench,

back up against the wall, arms crossed with legs out in front of him.

His wide brim pulled down over his eyes.

.

Zansa and Kazandra continuing there conversation,

Carl listening in closely, sitting right next to Zansa.

"Will you ever go back to the college?"

.

.

CHAPTER 4 Kazandra.

There is no documented history of what happened.

No ink, ever stroked across a page.

A very select few people witnessed what happened, as this experience for them was so profound,

it wasn't explainable in any acceptable form, but what they saw that night.. wasn't once in a lifetime..

it was once.

It was the Sapiarch's who instructed Riliss on what must happen.

Twelve priests, who rarely leave their temple high above the college, over looking the combat arena.

The priests are known as the time keepers, being able to manipulate, and see through time,

both forward and back.

Upon seeing a future of total loss.. evil, raging across the landscape, from end to end.

Something different must happen.

There will be no host body.

As Kara is a direct line to the Dark Heart, she is called first born, the purest link.

Risha being absorbed through Kara's blood, indeed becoming one with Kara's own bloodline,

is called second born.

Kazandra, will be created.

Something never done before.. Kara's blood will be used once more, and then not used again.

When the pendulum swings too far one way.. it goes crashing back the other.

Kara is forbidden to give her blood out, there are no wrist cutters in the Baudelaire family.

Using the exact genetic blood print of Kara, along with Riliss's own genetic blood print.

A fusion of the two, a powerful concept not taken lightly.

Special care and timing are needed, the ceremony is plotted to the very second.

October 31'st, 3:33.00 am.

Riliss's cave now lies deep in the north, just as he said..

Hundreds of feet buried in earth, beneath the crashing shoreline waves..

of Castle Baudelaire.

"Kara.. do you know if you can take this?"

As Van and Kara are being led by Professor Aldus, down the long rock corridors,

twisting pathways, funneling downwards, shaping the path in front of them as they go.

Weaving the rock path together.

Van being the obvious choice to assist Kara, touched by god and practically immortal,

the man is incorruptible, you would sooner get blood from a stone,

before he would betray the sisters.

"I know that they know."

Kara trying to ease Van's concern, it's showing all over his face.

Her mithril wraps are restricting her movements, as Van is side by side helping her.

The robe she's wearing is sealed off in compression compartments,

segments.. from neckline to her toes, wrapped unnaturally tight, only her hands exposed.

As if to squeeze everything out of her.. quickly.

"Are they taking.. everything?"

Van moving all her weight against him, taking her steps like a crutch.

"Every last drop!"

Professor Aldus shoots back behind him like a cheer.

He's already seen Kazandra.. he's seen her life.

He's seen her grow from a young girl, to the Butcher's Blade she will become.

He is very excited.

Professor Aldus was the first choice. He is to be the father of Kazandra.

The most brilliant headmaster the college has ever seen, his patience..

endless.. his instructions are like taught from your own mind,

like he just can't help but relate to you, he is absolute legend.

He was the one who presented Kara's glowing white Sapiarch's gown,

on her completion of the trials.

"She's going to feel quite a jolt Van, just make sure to feed her quickly,

steady drops.. one at a time."

As he's now led them into the opening, of the large rib cage cavern.

Towering in a curve a hundred feet high, the soft reds of hidden tendrils..

coursing the grounds, streaking the walls, wrapping to a point in the ceiling.

"I won't leave her side."

Kara squeezed into his open arm, as he crutches steps for her..

gives him a soft kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you Van.. for everything."

The twelve priests all stand around a circle.. the hands of a clock.

The giant heart perfectly in the center.

The air is silent.. calm, a dull red glow in the cave, a soft beating heart.

As Aldus takes his spot at the six hand of the clock,

a soft.. slow, rhythmic chanting begins from the Sapiarchs.

The tone is exact, between all twelve, building in echoes..

As Aldus instructs Kara to take her position.

"Place your hands on the heart Kara"

His tone is distant, like he's not really there.

With Van standing right behind Kara, steadying her, as she finds her position.

The chanting begins a count.. perfectly timed in unison.

"Three.. two.. one.. now."

Simmering a soft red, as her hands fuse straight into it.. overlapping her fingers in soft fleshes of red.

She feels the familiar pull, like it's dragging her from within..

but it's different than Risha, it's not flowing.. it's building.

As her mithril garment makes a pinch in her toes.. following up like a wave to her wrists.. and stops it cold.

She can feel the veins in her arms, start a throb towards fingers.. in pulses.

The beat of the heart now quickening.. stuttering.. like in preparation..

"Three.. two.. one.. now."

The beat of the heart slams hard with three giant pulls!, right as the pinch lets go!

Kara's entire capacity of breath, along with every drop of blood!,

forced immediately out of her!

Each pound lighting the cave wall in flashes!, each one more bright than the other!

Kara reeling fast!.. losing all her vision instantly!,

rocking back, as Van leans everything he has on her!

"IS SHE OK!?"

Holding her tight in absolute horror!, seeing her hands imbedded in the heart,

twisting like black vines!, curling inward!

She's now leaned back, almost unconscious, with her head tilted back against Van's shoulders..

He watches the black spider webs.. of forking veins.. run up her neck.. take over her face!

"Now Van, assist her please."

Professor Aldus's tone is calm.. perfect, like he's saying it from outside of his body.

Van yanking Kara's hands out, as hard as he can!

"I'm here Kara!"

Wheeling her by the heels, to the spot he prepared behind them.

Gently sliding her heavy weight as quickly as he can, propping her in a sitting position.

As he starts cutting the compression wraps, allowing her to breathe big, circulate the blood.

Tilting her head back, grabbing the sealed chalice of her pre prepared blood..

slow drops.. not all at once, slow drops on her lips, let it seep in slowly,

remembering his instructions.

Blasting a sigh of relief!, witnessing the power of her blood!

As each drop.. warms another shade of the deathly spider veins off her face.

The haunting vines of her hands, being slowly overtaken by ivory sheen..

into her beautiful point, moving upwards towards Van..

"More".. as she's trying to move his hand to full tilt, but doesn't have the strength.

Quickening the pace for her, Van catches out of the corner of his eye..

The heart's beat is now coming in three's..

three thumps, then a pause.. progressively growing louder.

A few red shafts of light can be seen, budding from the heart.. in different directions like a prism.

Pink softer shafts can now be seen coming in from behind the reds.

Professor Aldus has now joined in with the chanting Sapiarchs.

Matching their tone, perfectly in sync.

Van stunned in silence, gives room.. So Kara can see better.

The prism of reds.. with pinks in behind it, starts a slow spin..

As the heart is now quickening it's pace.. the pause between the three thumps is now gone.

Flashing the cave walls lighting up red!, the beat is now six thumps!, firing hard in rapid succession!

The prism of lights dancing from the heart, are now spinning in a blur!

Van's eyes cannot process what's happening!

The beat fires hard to a point!, like the ending of a song!

As a blasting light of pinks!, completely washes the cavern!

The blast so bright Van can only shut his mortal eyes..

As Kara watches every moment.. like witnessing a true miracle.

As it reels back it's pace, the heart quiets.. to a calm smooth beat.

A nurturing beat.

With Kara and Van both watching mouth agape, about to weep from what they're seeing.

At the very bottom tip of the heart..

a tiny drop of blood.. falls onto the silken red blanket beneath.

The both of them scoot in, shuffle closer.. slowly trying to comprehend.

Kara barely able to move, Van assisting her as they slide flat closer.

The tiny drop.. on the blanket, doubles it's shape.. to two drops..

Kara with now tears in her eyes.. she can feel her already.

the drops multiplying now take.. a shape.

The shape becomes more shapes..

Slowly but surely.. newborn baby Kazandra Baudelaire.. takes her shape.

Total silence.. not even the wind from a breath.

Van's face looks like that of a child.. all his rugged wherewithal.. gone.

Hundreds of years of savvy.. he knows nothing.

Kara streaming tears down the sides of her face, she saw the whole thing.

She can feel her, like a wavelength is opening up between them.

The Sapiarch's begin a soft chant, as they spiral the circle inward,

to a close around Kazandra.

Standing in admiration, the precision and efficiency of their work.. perfection.

"Even better than I expected."

As Aldus gently wraps her like a swaddle, in her red silken blanket.

"My name is Aldus little one!"

Two tiny, barely open bright pink eyes.. already shining a smile.

Platinum curly Q's starting to sprout outward, curling around the hood..

of her favorite blanket.

The Sapiarch's all speak in unison, soft tones.. easy to hear.

"Kazandra Baudelaire"

"The completion of three"

"Kazandra must be raised in the college.

Her newborn fragile heart must be given time to grow.

Away from the harsh realities of the world.

She will learn our teachings and progress at her own pace."

"I can feel her."

Kara beginning to get some semblance of strength back,

with Riliss now sending pathways to her hands, through the rock.

"She is your twin Kara.

We have completed our life's hardest work bringing you two together.

Her love for you is immeasurable, your loving bond is that of space and time"..

"Forever."

"Thank you"..

Kara doesn't know what to say.. she's never seen anyone like her.

"When will I see her?"..

"Her heart is naive Kara.. special care and timing are needed.

A loveless Kazandra is a true threat upon this world.

What will seem like a blink.. on the timeline of you two..

and you will be together."

Kara nodding, as she understands what must happen is precisely plotted out.

Professor Aldus and the Sapiarchs all usher out of the cave together.

In a tight formation.

With baby Kazandra in the middle being held by Aldus,

as they vanish down the long corridors.

Van and Kara in awe of what just happened, as they make their way up to the Castle.

The resting phase, that Kara needed for a full recovery.. was just over a year.

The College is a truly magical place.. there is no place on earth like it.

A large island, hidden away in the reaches of the ocean.. where compasses do not work.

Magnetic instruments malfunction, it carries an illusion with it.. of running aground.

It is almost impossible to find.

And even if some lost sailor got close..

Aldus can cloak the entire island.

It has two main cities, Kristaleene on the east shore, Elinor on the west shore.

Along with few scattered settlements,

and the braver folk living in the northern wilds of the isle.

Kristaleene is the main city where Aldus lives.

A tropical paradise, with crystal tiered towers, spanning archways connecting them together.

Large open spaces for crafts and outdoor lectures, over looking the clear blue waters.

A large port, for taking on new comers, sailors and fisherman, usually settle in this part of the isle.

Large dining halls and outdoor cooking, beautiful suites for people looking to stay long term.

White sand beaches, with gorgeous never before seen flowers and plant life.

Animal life is untethered, with no qualms of wandering the halls.

Elinor is on the west side of the island.

Nestled up against the west bank, vertically notched in.. it is breathtakingly gorgeous.

Kara's home away from home.

People who live in Elinor, usually have interest in the combat trials.

From almost anywhere in the open air city..

the combat arena is viewable on the horizon off shore.

Also with large open amphitheaters for lectures, crafting areas, and classes.

Where people sign up on a list for whatever they want..

they can craft a pair of Risha boots, or a Silvereene gown.. if it should be available at that time.

As things are always alternating.

Or, they can sign up for a combat trial instruction, starting at #1.

From a list of instructors.

As you would guess, both Kara and Risha, are very sought after instructors.

Both being graduates, you are required to give at least one instruction.

When Risha is at the college, her sign up sheet goes off the book.

Having the title Master of Arms by your name.. has quite the big impact on the students.

Her weapons training in every style, is completely unmatched.. her technique honed for centuries.

A ruthless whirlwind of destruction on the battlefield, is a complete u-turn in the arena.

She is kind, patient.. she is heartfelt for the students and she lets them see it.

As they all very well might be defending each other one day.

Except for that one student.. who tried a cheap tactic,

to disarm her Huntsman gold broadsword.

If you disarm Risha.. the Huntsman is now yours, along with the title.

She's grown quite used to the challenges, and sneers.. new comers thinking she doesn't deserve it.

She welcomes it.. the sword goes where it belongs, her usual reply.

However, trying to sneak the sword off her back while she's helping you.. no sir.

Risha didn't actually say out loud.. what she did to him.

But Kara's description being told in rumors..

Was something about a face, being dragged around the hundred foot walls of the arena.

For five straight days.. the student has never returned to the college.

Kara's sign up sheet.. well, let's just say she has a reputation..

and she is sought after for different reasons.. quite simply, results.

Her philosophy is simple.

If i'm the most ferocious thing you've ever seen.. when the time comes it will be easy.

She is absolutely terrifying.

When new comers thinking they caught the luck of the gods, getting a shot with Kara..

every single time.. it's met with shaking heads, wagging fingers, by the denizens of the college.

"Pick anyone else!"

In the pristine open air arches, of the west observatory tower,

high up in the sky.

An eleven year old Kazandra and Professor Aldus are having a chat.

"I miisss herrrr"

Kazandra sobbing tiny sniffles, as she's pulling on Aldus's robes.

"How do you know you miss her?.. you've never even met her?"

Aldus in his chipper matter of fact, a truly kind man, his eye's radiate patience.

Chosen specifically to guide Kazandra.

Sharp blue eye's and chiseled chin.. a light scar over his right cheekbone.

A tall lean man, you could never guess his age.. his kindness makes his face handsome.

Long hair in an Elven braid, always wearing greens or earth tones.. in floor length robes.

"I can feel her.. if I see her drawing in a book, or i'll dream about her."

"Those drawings don't do her any justice!, and i'll tell you this"..

As he leans down, getting low.. eye to eye with her.

"SHE.. is feeling the exact same thing!"

"She is!?.. do you know when I get to see her?"

Bursting that he's confirmed her shared feelings, bouncing off her tip toes to know more.

"Well of course I do!"

"Here.. let me show you"

As he walks to the center of the open air tower, that has a 360 degree open view.

He fires a magical golden line to the north!,

going as far out into the ocean as the eye can see..

Kazandra watching intently..

The line comes firing back in from the south!

Connecting it!.. as Kanzandra's gasping in amazement!

"This.. is your timeline Kazandra!,

you.. just like Kara, are going to live forever and ever, and ever!"

"See this spot right here?"

He points to a spot on the timeline right in front of them.

"This is you now.. right there!"

Kazandra enthralled by what he's saying, as he's pointing with a huge smile across his face.

"Would you like to see on the timeline, where you meet Kara?"

"YES!" Gasping in leaps!

He moves his finger over a few inches to the right.

"Right there"

Seeing it explained this way, washes a wave of relief over Kazandra.

Being that she hears the common snicker "Baby Kara" echoing around the concourses,

she really only has one thought left on her mind.

"I wanna train I wanna train!"

Blurting out as she's pulling on his robes again.

"Really?.. are you sure, don't you have classes with Ellewyn?"

Inquiring as a misdirect, as she's still quite young..

the combat trials can be a very harsh experience.

However as instructed.. her own pace.

"Ellewyn reads books all day!.. bleeech!,

I wanna be strong like Kara, for when I meet her!"

Exploding her motivation, like she's found somewhere to direct it.

"Hmm, well let me see what I can do,

and I will let you know in the morning.. sound good?"

"Thank you Aldus!"

Hugging him tight, she goes scampering down the arched walkway.

College denizens all walking the concourse in scattered crowds, as she weaves them like puddles.

Already a tiny streak in a red dress.. on the hunt for her best friend Ellewyn,

They make all their dresses together.

As she's pinging off the walls in excitement, not really looking where she's going..

she knows the place by heart.

Her bare footstep, gets a piece of her mithril floor sweep.. that she's not yet used to wearing..

the other foot tries to comes and save her.. but just catching the sweep going nowhere!

In an instant as she's flying for the dive!

A hand catches the back of her dress!, righting her in an unnatural flash!

"AAhhk!"

"I gotcha little one."

As the tall.. lean, cloaked figure.. wrapped tight.

Grabbed her out of the air, with the grace of plucking a rose petal!

All blacks, with grey trims, an insignia on his lapel..

an R with crossed swords underneath.

His sabre is on his right hip.. he's a lefty..

the sabre is gooorgeous.

Kazandra in her long scan of the savior finally gets to his eyes..

peering closer..

"A VAMPIRE!"

Laughing loud like his whole face scrunches, his shadowed green eyes go to slits.

"Jon"..

As he offers his hand, getting low to her.

"I bet you're Kazandra, aren't ya?"

"I am!, thank you for catching me!.. do you know my sister!?"

Kazandra bursting, as vampires are scarce at the college, shakes his hand rapidly.

"The closest I've ever seen Kara.. is about that archway, over there!"

Peering a squint down the walkway to the south, a quarter mile.

"Risha, might have some stories to tell ya though!"

"I LUV Risha!"

Kazandra's grown the bond already.. as the books about the girls..

are practically required reading in the college.

"The line forms to the left!" the accompanying quick laugh, comes through his nose.

His tones are deep like a tunnel, under his breath.. like if he talks to loud everyone will hear him.

As he's righting himself, he unhooks his gold necklace, un layering it out of his cloak,

there's a black coin.. swinging through the links as he presents it,

It's streaked with two red hash marks, the hole punched through the middle.

"Risha lost this kiddo, make sure it finds it's way back to her ya?"

With a flip, as Kazandra hooks the links with her pointer,

quickly spinning it to a closed tether.

"I will.. just Jon!"

Laughing as he was clearly being secretive.

With a soft bow, his cloak splits open further..

Kazandra deep scans the full length of this gorgeous sabre, it's practically glowing!

Just like Kara's Solists Artifact staff, his sabre is only for him.

"See ya when ur grown up" flashing a green eye'd scrunched wink,

as his posture is straight up and down, feet exactly below his shoulders..

holding his lapels in both hands, his elbows are exactly even adjacent.

This man is precise.

"I'll see you first!"

At eleven years old.. she threw sass at Jon the Swordsman.

The finest hand to hold a blade, possibly ever to be witnessed.

Not even Risha can best him.

It is quite often argued, should he have more proficiency than just a sabre,

the Master of Arms title would be his.

Or those on the other side as Risha would put it.. "Horse-shit"

They say his blade sings.. the velocity of his slashes and strikes..

pitches different singing tones, adding distraction to his technique.

He is a very rare sighting.

As Jon makes his way down the concourse, heading the path to Port.

She can hear him laughing about the encounter,

mumbling about her "likeness" to Kara.

Kazandra looking back a few times..

trying to add up the name Jon from anywhere in the books..

it's just a total blank.. this man is a mystery.

Her and Ellewyn's favorite thing to do in the college..

is unravel it's nuumerous mysteries, of past and present denizens.

Investigating stories while discovering new details,

adding them to the archives like detectives.

She's got somewhere to start.. The R on his lapel,

crossed swords underneath.

A sabre that looked crafted by none other than Zeus himself.

Coming up to the library now, she can see the lights are all out,

with people filtering out the doors.

"ELLY!"

Kazandra bouncing off tip toes,

as she immediately needs someone to explode all this information too!

"Hiiiee!"

Ellewyn making a straight line to her through the crowd.

The two of them holding hands like skipping silhouettes,

as they trickle down the concourse to Ellewyn's beautiful suite.

Kazandra firing out sentences so fast she can barely keep up.

Kazandra blinks her eye's open, right back closed again.

Morning just couldn't come fast enough..

her sleep was in half hour bursts, at best.

A large grrooaan as she rolls over face from the pillow..

giving a few blinks for focus.. she can see Ellewyn now,

hovering right over the bed, already dressed to the nines..

she's picked up the suite spotless.

Tapping, with a gorgeous smile across her face.

Sprawling out in a full fanged yawn,

to see Ellewyn's face, just smirking like an eruption.

"What?"

Kazandra looking for her class books, scattered around her bed.

(Southern Seas vol 1, lay by her pillow open an upside down)

"You won't be needing those today.. you got Arwen!"

Wide eye'd, as she starts clasping her hands together, in endearment.

Arwen is Ellewyn's mother.

A seven foot tall winged Elven, a Valkyrie. One of the very few left.

She's also the curator of the museum and a flighted librarian.

her and Ellewyn stock the volumes of books.. towering into the sky.

Arwen is loved by everyone, she is known for her motherly grace,

her voice alone is like a hypnotic symphony of soothing.

They are what's known as Seraphim Elven.

Their voices sing like a choir bell, at puberty they grow powerful angelic wings.

Fifteen foot wingspans, they are truly a sight to see.

Kara is Silvereene Elven.

Known for their bright silver hair, berzerker like determination.

They are the warriors of the Elven.

There is only one left.

"What!.. woow!.. I can't believe it!"

Popping to her feet, she's so excited she doesn't know where to begin!

"That makes you the youngest ever, to enter the combat trial!

Which is why I think they put you with Arwen,

she's suuch a softie!"

"Should I go now?"

Kazandra nervous, she didn't think this would actually be happening!

She's never hurt a fly!

"YES!.. it's extremely offensive to be late on your instructor.

I've heard horror stories, of what ur hot shot sissy pants has done to people!"

Kazandra laughing as she loves Ellewyn's high pitched humor.

Scooting straight out the second story window as usual..

drops to the cobblestones, with barely a sound.

Making her way towards the arena, down the lit pathways,

with other denizens heading to their morning classes as well.

Skipping barefoot through Crafter's Corner, to the railing overlook.

Barely five foot tall.. her tiny warbraid already in place,

as she leaps like a swan off the overlook, thirty feet to the soft white sand beach.

Still humming as she goes.

The rules of combat trial #1 are very simple, mortal blow the instructor.

There is no path to the arena, each must make their own way..

it is offshore, with steep mountain crags on it's right, chaining around the back of the island.

A rocky narrow shoreline to the ocean on it's left, and in front, facing Elinor.

And behind it, circling upwards to the sky like a watch tower.

The Sapiarch's tower.

The time keepers manage and manipulate the arena.

When you are killed in the arena,

not if.. when.

Time rewinds instantly, you appear right back where you were, a split second before you died.

This is a very jarring experience for the first time, some never learn to contend with it.

The instructors can bend reality,

assisting them in their goals.. their goal is make you quit, by any means necessary.

It is a terrifying experience.

Kazandra has already discovered in her young age..

that when she tries real hard, focusing all her strength in a leap..

it creates a portal.

That she can step onto, from the other side like a step.

She hasn't mastered it..

but getting into the arena is no big task for her.

She simply goes to the closest point, from Elinor shore to the arena..

and swims out the half mile with ease, grasping the arena wall that's a hundred feet high,

traversing around while hugging the wall,

until she comes across a spot where she can make the jump.

Eleven year old tiny Kazandra,

hits the center arena, with a few awkward red pops, staggering downward.

Not quite sticking the landing,

as she gathers her balance, pausing for a moment actually seeing the size of the arena.

Seeing it from the inside for the first time.. awestruck by how big it is.

The hundred foot walls are towering overhead, massive oak doors on the north and south.

Tapering the walls curve inward at the top, with a flat rampart..

that goes all the way around the top, in a circle walkway.

"Ar-wen?"

Eyes darting around, she has no idea what to do..

Just as the clouds above go thick black..

blocking out the light, casting a dark shade.. the length of the arena.

Thundering booms as the storm is gathering momentum.

'WHAT ARE YOU DOING HEEERE!?"

Booming like the thunder cracks are talking for her!,

Kazandra can feel it in her chest!

"I've come to train like my sister!"

Kazandra growling back!, she knows what she came here to do.

"WE DON'T TRAIN HEERE LITTLE GIRRL!.. ARE YOU GOING TO LIVE!?"

The voice absolutely ferocious!, sending Kazandra in a back pedal!

A lightning strike like a spear from the heavens!,

straight out of the center of the dark cloud..

streaks it's forking path, right to Kazandra's feet!

The sound of the blast is deafening!, as she's thrown backwards in a scramble!

Blinding her seeing spots!, as she comes to again, fifteen feet away!

The plume of showering sparks!, still raining down the floor of the arena.

Still blinking for vision, unable to hear anything other than a buzz..

she gathers herself to a crouch, finally getting clear vision.

She sees Arwen, gliding in.. high up in the clouds.

Her fifteen foot wingspan, fanned out like an angel,

as she glides down in a circle pattern.

She hits the ground right in front of her,

wings fanning the ground like a storm, before they tuck in behind her.

Golden circle shield in her left hand, diamond shining short sword in her right.

Wearing a beautiful white and gold warrior's tunic, with white mithril chain leggings.

And Risha boots, stained in white.

Golden hair in a tousled bun, with big bright blue eyes..

"Maybe you should go back to reading books!, with Ellewyn!"

Growling at her!, as she's seeing her admiration, that's not what we do here.

Kazandra comes charging at her fangs bared!, leaping for her neck!

Not quite streaking, but the beginnings of one.

Arwen just bats her away with the round shield, like she was fanning a fly.

Sending her flying backwards!.. sliding on her back.

Before Kazandra's slide even stops..

Arwen is already flying through the air, coming straight down on her!

With her short sword pointed at Kazandra's eye!, stopping the blade inches from contact!

As she lands directly on top of her!

Completely vanishing Kazandra!, in her towering body and massive wings.

"DO YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENS HEERRE!"

Growling wildly!, as she's scolding her inches from her face!

Pulling the blade back..

She gets up with a sword spin into it's sheathe,

turns her back on Kazandra and walking away..

"Go make a dresss, little giirrl."

Kazandra blasting tears!, from the sheer ferocity of Arwen!

Terrified and angry both at the same time!

Comes flying in again!

More angry, more determined.. screaming wild!

Arwen lets her have it this time, her round kick is perfectly timed.

She's up off the ground spinning, as her long leg is impossible for Kazandra to avoid.

Catching her momentum coming in, square to the chest!, there's no breath left in her to scream!

Firing her backwards horizontal like an arrow!

Bouncing off the arena wall behind her, in a sprawled out splatter!,

to a crumpling heap on her knees.

Kazandra doesn't even get her eye's open yet,

as Arwen's short sword is flying at her, end over end!

Her eye's flick open as the sword buries her chest!

In a sickening SLICE!

All the way through to the hilt, right through her heart.

Arwen can see the change.. the look of total devastation on Kazandra's face.

Grasping for the blade in frantic swipes.. collapsing as the world closes in.

Don't let up Arwen.. You CAN'T.. she's about to unlock something..

racing through her mind.

Kazandra in her fall, of tunnelling vision.. crashing through death's door.

Goes right through the floor!

Like the world just flipped over around her!

Gasping as she's instantly righted!

Standing right back where she was.. like it never happened!

The diamond shining short sword.. on the ground next to her.

Clean, no blood on the blade.

Kazandra has no words.. collapses to her knees.

Gasping in heaving pants, she can't stop looking at her hands..

unable to get up off her knees, floods of emotion from all directions.

She notices her hands look different.. there's a pinkish hue on her fingertips..

in darker gradients to the very tips of her fingernails.

"Your sisster, would have thrown you out of this arena!, neevver to return!"

"She has no patience for the weak!"

Arwen in her menacing hiss.. puts a burning prod, right on Kazandra's hot button.

Immediately noticing.. the Sapiarch's tower behind her..

gets a "Nailed it" wink.

Kazandra hissing.. hissing louder in heaving pants growing more audible.

Shaking her head around and rolling her lips back!

As her hair starts glowing red at the tips, an moving upwards..

swishing her hair now in rages of anger!

Her eye's start firing reds!,

scowling fireballs.. firing more reds!, pinks now too in a swirling vortex!

How DARE you talk about HER!

"AIIIEEEEE!"

The first time.. Kazandra's banshee scream.

It rocks Arwen to her core.

Hearing this shattering sound.. come from such a tiny girl!

Her streak is so fast Arwen can't see it!

Right through her guard!, and up on her chest!

With her right hand reared back up over Arwen's head..

coming straight down!

Like a claw into Arwen's tunic, just below her right shoulder..

she feels her fingers.. GO STRAIGHT THROUGH!

Protruding from Arwen's back!, as she collapses like a tower!

Straightening up in total shock.. silence, looking at her bladed fingers,

start shrinking back to normal.

The fallen Arwen..

A bright flash from the sky!, blankets the arena!

As it clears up again, to crystal blue beautiful skies.

Arwen pops up instantly!,

no wounds.. the same beautiful tunic.

"KAZANDRAAA!.. WOOOOW!"

"That was absolutely incredible!. come here yoouuu!"

She runs over scooping Kazandra, right off her feet!

In her seven foot tall bear hug!, with her wings fluttering them into a hover!

Kazandra burying her face in Arwen's loving Angel embrace.

"Was I good was I good!?,

I don't know what happened.. my hands!"

Kazandra exploding giddy to see a proud Arwen, discovering her new gifts in awe.

"Pretty sure you just set the record, for youngest and fastest, to ever get through trial one!"

Her chipper sweet tones, ring like a bell.. just like Ellewyn.

"Thank you Arwen!"

Screaming in excitement, waking up to what she is.. buries her face again.

"Were you taking it easy on me?"

Kazandra peering up from the embrace she can't let go of,

now understands what the trials are.

This is not practice, you are not training.. you come here to fight for your life.

"I did exactly what I needed to do.. and the results are absolutely astonishing!"

"You.. are never going to need a weapon my dear.. you ARE the weapon!"

She says admiringly stroking her chin.

"Your sister, is going to be sooo proud of you!,

you might grow up to be stronger than her!"

Kazandra almost has a heart attack!,

she feels it skip a beat!

"I can't WAIT to see her one day!, i'm gonna train as hard as I can!, everyday!"

Kazandra bursting giddy, her focus has now become totally dialed in.

Like a fish discovering water.

"Lets head back over,

i'm sure Ellewyn and Aldus want to talk allll about it!,

hold on tiight!"

Kazandra bear hugs her left leg, wrapping all the way around,

as Arwen shoots off the ground with her powerful wings!

Flying them both back over to the crafting area, which is the usual social commons area.

it's called Crafter's Corner.

Located at the west side of the city, facing the ocean.. the arena in clear view.

The suites all above Crafter's Corner, are considered prime real estate.

To the entire island.

Years go by at the college.

They've never seen such a steadfast trial combatant as Kazandra.

Every day.

She NEVER misses a day.. her skills improving in leaps and bounds,

both literally and figuratively.

She's grown ruthless confidence, easily besting most of the other instructors.

New instructors had to be summoned to the island, by the Sapiarchs..

to provide her the scaling difficulty she needs.

Admiration for her skill blankets across the island,

as well her sassy sweet demeanor, identical to Kara.

On her seventh year, she graduates.

A grandiose affair as both cities came together at Elinor,

to celebrate her achievement.

The youngest and fastest ever.. destroying Kara's record.

Kara became powerful through decades of pain.

The Celestine Rune on her body alone,

is deemed to be the most painful experience one can go through.

Kazandra is a natural.

Large crowds filled the streets like a funnel to Crafter's Corner, standing room only.

The small city of Elinor was practically bursting at the seams!

Magicians brought out special fireworks, painting a story in the sky for her!

Other vampires bringing her special brews and concoctions, as she loves her different recipes.

Warlocks weaving preternatural sounds, from their enchanted instruments wrote a timeless song!

"Maiden Red"

As the beautiful song billowed through the streets with unnatural echo..

The theme of the party was obviously dancing!

And you'll never get the same answer.. just how many days the party kept going.

It just seemed to move to different places.. the banquet hall, back to the Corner..

broke into the library.. and somehow even ended up in Kara's vacant suite!

As Elinor's denizens.. are known for, blowing off a little steam from time to time.

With Kazandra being the master of ceremonies.

It was Aldus and Arwen, who so proudly presented Kazandra's, unbreakable Sapiarch dress.

The first one stained in red, stitched only for her.

Thunderous cheers from the applauding crowd, as Ellewyn was standing right by her side.

Still trying to pass combat trial #1.

Kazandra blinks her eyes open slowly..

another beautiful sunny.. perfect day at the college, peaceful and calm.. yaaawwwn.

Sliding out of bed still wearing her Sapiarch's dress.. still in the obsessed with it stage.

Glides over to her large half circle balcony, that swings out stained glass double doors,

Overlooking Crafter's Corner.

Right over the top of it.. with ocean and arena views as far as the eye can see.

The usual steam simmering off her hair and feet that she's grown used to,

while she's leaning over the side.

As it's all she's ever known.. her skin simmering in the sun..

she sticks to shadowed walkways when she can, or is cloaked if she wants to.

Or as other vampires visiting the college, might choose a more nocturnal lifestyle.

She's slowly discovered that not every vampire, can take the sun the way she can.

Down below she can see the different crafts on display for the day,

as students filter to different tables and benches, in the open air crafting sprawl.

Having the bird's eye view, it's her usual perch in the mornings.

Her suite is absolutely gorgeous... the talk o the town.

She's spent countless hours on lavish drapes lining the windows,

Beautiful tapestries, the sailors bring in one of a kind.

Sculptures, of mermaids and sirens.. collecting them over the years.

The stained glass on her balcony, is a direct copy of Kara's suite..

on the adjacent side of the Corner, higher up notched in, to the mountain peak.

Red silken couches with gold trims everywhere.

A raised, red curtained off study, with what looks like an alchemy lab!

Where she practices different concoctions, opposite side of her bed.

A king sized, solid gold sleigh bed, that nestles by the window view.

it's one of her favorite places to be.

She hears a knock at her door.

"Good morning sunshiiine"

Ellewyn singing like a bell.

"It's opeeen"

Kazandra never locks her door, and rarely uses it.

Ellewyn comes gliding in,

all grown up now she is a sight to behold.

Her magnificent pearl wings, just like mom's!

Gorgeous sandy blonde hair in a tousled bun,

with wavy bangs coming down on both sides, her eyes so blue their almost grey.

She didn't get mom's height, as she's just a shade taller than Kazandra.

Always wearing either whites, or blue teal tones.

In beautiful dresses, or her mom's mithril chain leggings and tunics.

She now has two small, light blue hash marks under both eyes.

Runes.. water magic.

Ellewyn's life's work so far has been the manipulation of water,

she adores her craft.

"Good morning beautiful!"

Kazandra smiling bright, as she's leaning on the balcony doors facing inward.

Nursing her cup of hot morning concoction, in both hands, taking small sips.

"There's some news for you at Kristaleene dear..

it was pretty hush hush too..

you have a visitor!"

On approach to the balcony, she throws a tsk tsk look..

at the mess by her bed.

Kazandra snaps to attention!.. there's only one thought on her mind.

"Who?"

She asks just flat, for the straight answer.

"I didn't catch his name, but he's a strapping fellow..

black cloaked with a wide brim hat.. mysteerious"

Smiling like they have a new mystery to solve.. she can't help it,

starts picking up Kazandra's mess, neatly organizing her things back into place.

Kazandra frozen in deep thought.. who could it possibly be?

Everyone I know is here!, didn't quite fit the description of that Jon fellow..

And there have been a few Warlock suitors before.. pining for her attention.

She dismisses it.. doing a swan dive right back into her bed.

"They want me to come all the way down there now?"

Kazandra asking in protest, as she just woke up..

the carriage ride to Kristaleene is a couple of hours.

"They-do!"

"But i've been working on something, and this is the perfect time to test it!"

Smiling mischievous, she starts pacing a circle.. on the floor by her bed.

Kazandra seeing that look on her face, knowing something magical is about to happen.

"What is it!?.. ur gonna drench me again aren't you!?"

"Well yes.. but it dries off very quickly!.. and it's worth it!.. waatch!"

She teleports a book, like a hologram image of one in her study.. right in front of her.

Then another book to the right,

flipping pages and scanning, looking at the other book, flipping pages and scanning..

"Ok.. here we go!"

As she closes her eyes beginning a soft chant..

the runes under her eyes light up bright blue!, like a light turned on behind them.

She begins moving her right hand, in a graceful swirling motion towards the floor.

"Did you know water.. is in between space.. and time?"

Her singing now reaching preternatural pitches.. her eye's roll over white, no pupils, no iris..

Just a white void.. like she's now seeing something.. somewhere else.

A drop of water appears between them at their feet.

a slow swirl, as it's spreading outward.. the size of a small puddle now.

The swirl quickening it's pace, is now becoming a vortex.. spreading in a perfect circle.

Kazandra inching her feet, right to the edge.. staring straight down the funnel!

"How is it going through the floor!"

As this now miniature maelstrom, easily big enough for someone to jump in..

Is funneling down like a vortex!, right through the hardwood floor!

"Because on the other side on that floor, is Kristaleene!"

Her eye's rolling back over to greyish blue beauty.. as the incantation has taken it's hold.

"WHAAT!?.. how?, you are a genius Elle!"

"Sooo.. I just jump through then?"

Kazandra just blown away by Ellewyn's brilliance, biting her lip.. she's just dying to jump in!

"Well yes..

but you come out the other side, the same way you go i-"

"AAaaAHH!"

Kazandra leaping like a swan dive belly flop!, straight to the center of the swirling vortex!

She stopped listening after the yes!, splashing hysterical as she's passing through!

Ellewyn rings out a laugh!, like a choir bell bobbing.

"You're going to feel that one!"

Ellewyn does a quick flight up, straight down like an arrow, head first in a dive.

In the Tower's Eye room, the tallest observatory tower, in Kristaleene.

A small puddle starts forming a swirl.

Perfectly center in the middle of the room, slowly the vortex reaching out it's spiral..

until it's the exact same size as in Kazandra's suite.

Kazandra comes flying up!,

flailing out of the vortex, exactly the way she went in!

Flying up horizontal face at the ceiling!, to splattering on her back in a sprawled position,

flat on the floor, laughing hysterically.

Ellewyn flies through upright, like a pearled spear head, completely covered in her wings.

Unraveling the span with a quick blast!, as she shakes off the water,

not a drop on her dress.

And just gliding to the floor with a soft pat.

"Again!"

Kazandra bursting out!, as she's gathering to her feet,

the water just streaming off her dress, like water off a duck's back.

"Can you go anywhere!?"

begging for more details!, as the possibilities are just STAGGERING.

"For now I can only do the tower's eye room, to your suite and my suite..

as I have to reconstruct the entire scene in my head, down to the very finest detail!

It's very difficult.. but i'm getting better at it!"

Like a true genius, she is her hardest critic.

Kazandra streaks her right off the ground in a hug!, catching her off guard it was so fast,

as her wings fan out in a steadying flutter.

"You are soo amaazing Elle!"

"Why thank you"

As she drops down with a small curtsey.

"You're not so bad yourself Arena Champion"

Grabbing each other's hand, just like when they were kids.

Scampering down the concourse, as they make their way across the arches,

to Aldus's main hall.

Serving as the check in point for new comers, the hall is vast.

Spiraling upwards towards the sky, it connects all the concourse walkways, like a hub.

Any destination in Kristaleene, can be reached from Aldus's main hall.

Whether it be the housing suites, crafting areas, or the path to Port.

Everything is clearly marked, and easily navigable.

As Kazandra and Ellewyn walk in, still lost in their own little world.. of water portals!

Aldus and Van are having a chat.

Both seated at his desk, with Aldus informing him of the stunning progress she has made.

"Well that was fast"

Aldus seeing the girls gliding over bouncing giggles off each other.

"Am I to presume.. you have completed a successful test then?"

Aldus with folded hands on his desk, smiling at Ellewyn.

"Smashing success!, however her suite, is never the same!.. so it's going to be a challenge!"

She loves talking about her incantations with Aldus, the two of them as Sorcerers,

are the strongest in the college.

"It's not messy!, it's randomly organized!"

Kazandra firing in a laugh, as the two of them approaching Aldus's large desk.

She sees seated Van still has his back turned, A large mysterious figure.. is all she can make out.

Right behind him now, she's getting a good look at him.. she feels a little pull,

like a scent, or a sense.. something coming off him.. familiar.

"Kazandra"

"This is Gabriel Van Helsing"

As Aldus makes the introduction,

Van standing up from his chair turns facing her, inches behind him..

STUNNED!

From top to bottom he scans her slowly.. mouth agape in just seeing what she's become!

What felt like yesterday, the profound experience of her birth..

To seeing her now.. the spitting image of Kara!

Speechless.. he can just remember being there.. feeling like a child.

"Take it easy there big lug"..

"The dessert menu is in the dining hall, an i'm not on it"

Kazandra laying on the sass, folding her arms with a crook in her posture.

No stranger to unwanted advances,

she's about two seconds from wheeling a heel, with Ellewyn in tow.

Ellewyn gives her a nudge, as she sees Aldus about to say something.

"Kazandra"

"This is the gentleman who assisted your sister, during your birth."

Aldus informs her gently.

He gives them time to process.

A soft shake of her head, trying to close the floodgates that just blasted open..

shattered her eye's go straight to the floor.

As she's looking at the ground.. too much information, is just making circles..

She's searching and searching her memory.. it's soo faint.

She can feel this man in front of her now.. she can feel his connection to her family.

Tears are welling up.

No idea how to process this, this was NOT what she was expecting.

God smacked.. she can't look him in the eye.

Her fragile heart pounding.. like emotional pain is her only threat.

"One of a kind"

Van gently lifting her chin with a gloved hand.

Looking her right in the eye, as she tentatively makes contact..

"Kara has been waiting a loong time to see you little one.. an I bet you've been waiting too"

"I'm gonna make sure you get there."

He doesn't have a chance to finish..

Balling with her hands flying out!, she dive tackles him right out of his boots!

Rocking him back up against Aldus's desk, sliding the whole thing backwards in a screech.

She still has no words.

Sobbing in chokes, she's waited every single day for this, for eighteen years.

Ellewyn is streaming tears for her.

Releasing him.. she goes straight back to eye's on the floor.

"Thaa-nk y-ou"

Coming out in choked sniffles, she has no ability to speak.

"We have a very long journey ahead of us, the ship leaves in a few hours.

Take your time.. pack everything you need, it's not easy to get back here.."

Van informing her of the gravity of what's happening.

Looking over at Aldus and Ellewyn.. this is a VERY emotional day for Kazandra.

As Van heads down the walkway to port.

Kazandra is saying a heartfelt goodbye to Aldus.

More than just a father to her.. a mentor, her best friend..

She would have been lost at such a young age without him.

"I'm coming back y'know!"

Still wiping tears, as it's an endless supply today..

heading down the concourse together.. just like old times.

"Well of course you are.. would you like to see on the timeline?"

His chipper positivity works like a charm, every single time.

Both of them giving a loving laugh, as she hugs him from the side,

coming up on approach to the tower's eye room.

Where Ellewyn, is preparing another belly flop contest.

The group all standing around the spinning vortex,

as Aldus giving a few pointers on reconstructing the scene.

Before giving one last embrace with Kazandra,

as he makes his way back to his study.

"How can I help?"

Ellewyn asking sweetly, wanting spend every last minute with her.

"I need a good laugh!"

Kazandra smirking, as she scoots in right next to her.

"Wha-"

Ellewyn tries to ask in confusion, as Kazandra hip checks her into the portal!

Flailing wild as she hits in a fetal position!,

wings thrashing in frantic reaction, looking for lift, but just getting water!

"KAZANDRA!"

Shrieking like a high pitched bell as she passes through!

For some reason, it is just the cutest tone in the world to Kazandra!,

it's a squeeak, like if a mouse grew some wings and got a Halo!

Kazandra hops in straight up an down like an arrow, feet first.

The worst way you can possibly go.

The spinning water portal opens up in Kazandra's suite by her bed.

They hit the portal at almost the same time..

so that's exactly how they come out.

Ellewyn comes flying up horizontal!, kicking her legs, flailing sideways!

Wings starting to get lift..

as Kazandra comes flying up feet first in a drop kick, head down!

Her feet hitting square on Elle's rump!, above her..

pushing her over to the bed, with a soft landing.

Kazandra flops down on the back of her neck, rolling to her shoulders..

and flat to the floor on her back.

Both girls in uncontrollable laughter.

"I'm really gonna miss you Elle"

"I promise you Kara, Risha an I .. we're coming back here one day."

"Im gonna miss you too..

and don't be sad for me.. this is what you're supposed to be doing!

you sisters are gonna have amazing adventures out there!

You might even get a story book too!"

Ellewyn wing's her in for a hug, shuffling her in from ten feet away.

As she wraps both wings all the way around, completely vanishing them both,

in her giant cocoon of pearls and whites.

Another of Kazandra's favorite places to be.

Hard to imagine what the embrace of an actual Angel might be..

she's got the inside track.

"By the way babe.. I'd like to have someone stay here.. so it doesn't get run down"

Kazandra knowing exactly what her response is going to be.

She has the most sought after suite in Elinor.. quite possibly the Island.

Big sister, didn't exactly leave her.. empty handed.

"Reeally!?, thank you!.. it won't age a day!"

-"I know!"

Ellewyn spending every last second with her, as they tidy up the suite,

preparing for Kazandra's long journey, to a new era.

Gathering her things around the floor by her bed,

she begin's her beautiful chant.

Kazandra with all she can carry,

comes exploding out of the water portal like a firework!

Quickly gathering her things, making a mental note to get better at that..

heads out of the tower's eye room, down the path to port.

The ship's small crew now preparing the ship for departure.

Pulling in mooring lines, shuffling up the gangplank, efficient like they know this journey well.

A three mast frigate ship, it rides high above the water.. rugged and steady like a fortress.

The name across the stern.. reads Professor's Tempest.

Kazandra coming down the docks, can see Van standing by the gangplank,

Holding a floor length, black hooded cloak.. as she comes up on approach.

"It's different out there in the world.. nothing like the college.

You don't want people thinking you're Kara.. trust me on that,

these are her rules to,

cover yourself up at all times.. you will understand later."

She shoulders the cloak reluctantly, as they both head up the gangplank.

Setting foot on main deck, she can see the ship is scarred.. battle hardened.

Thick irons of reinforcement, riddled through the masts, lining down the railings..

the ship looks purpose built.

"Well I can see why they call it the Frankenship.. where's everyone else?"

This being the only ship from the college, making the perilous journey to the mortal world,

there is usually a long list of reservations. However with big sister Kara in charge,

exceptions are being made.

"Private charter."

As Van is opening the hatch to mid ship, offering a hand to help her with luggage.

"O.. why so secretive?"

Kazandra Mrs. Popularity in the college.. is still not understanding,

the culture shock that she is heading towards.

"Kazandra.. believe it or not, the mortal world doesn't like vampires.

Kara doesn't want any eyes on you, she wants you to the castle in one shot"

"Well you don't have to be sassy about it!"

"Learned it from the best."

His gruff smirk in half shadow, as he extends his hand up the stairs,

assisting her coming down the almost straight up and down ladder.

Juggling two arms layered in straps, and even a few around her neck..

she let's one go.

"Whoops!"

As her bed side bag, takes the wide brim right off his head!

"Really?"

Trying her hardest not to laugh.. it was just too good.

Stepping down to mid ship, the passenger hold seems vast with no one around.

Empty compartments like a ghost town, the foot lockers by the bunks still wide open.

Couches in a layer of dust, in staggered setup like no one has been down here.

Dining tables in the middle, surround a small stage.. with benches and a bar on the portside wall.

Passing through the dining tables now, she can see.. cuts.. notches, all over the woods, everywhere!

Looking closer.. some are more than just cuts.

"Are these.. day's traveled?"

As she's seeing the four hash with a line through it.. is like a hedge maze on some of the tables.

"Travellers all leave their mark.. it's tradition, some of these tables are like a history book"

Van now behind the bar, checking provisions.

"Where's Kara's mark?"

She's on the hunt.

"That'l keep you busy for awhile, her and Risha Captain'd this ship for a decade"

"The Stern wall.. that's a good place to start."

"The books didn't say she Captain'd the Tempest!"

"There's a whole lot the books don't tell you."

As he's pouring himself a nightcap Rum goblet, getting ready to settle in.

"She's the only Captain to beach the Tempest in a few hundred years"

Kazandra lets out a quick belted laugh like a "HaAH!"

Instead of placing her things down.. they more so fall off her shoulders,

in a cluttered sprawl, as she's pushing passed tables, making her way towards the stern.

Approaching the stern wall, she can see the carvings and notches, are much heavier back here..

More time was spent back here, there's intricate drawings, cryptic messages carved in several languages!

Grabbing the lantern off the table behind her, she get's low, starting a clean sweep.

Her investigator's mind is on fire!, she glances right for Ellewyn who's not there.

"Vaan!, some of these descriptions sound like treasure maps"

"There's even drawings pointing the way!"

Whipping her head around in excitement, she almost yells out for Ellewyn!

Scanning as Van's not at the bar anymore..

just off to the side on the bench,

Legs crossed out in front of him, back up against the wall..

wide brim pulled down over his eyes.

Grumbling in a slurred murmur..

"Emm shir.. ul get allz th trezhures"

Pouting him a few soft daggers.. she turns back to the wall, examining every inch.

The lantern held high.. she finds a spot on the starboard side, with a few names carved together..

All in cursive initials, wrapped in wreaths of filigree, on the tongue of a giant open clam.

"She curls the K!"

She shrieks it out as she sees it!,

There they are.. KB, RB, JS and ES.. with the top right of the K, having a curl inward like a soft spiral.

Exactly how Kazandra signs it.

Now taking notice of Kara's style.. the flicks of her wrist, the strength of her hand, refined..

they begin popping all around her as if highlit!.. her carvings are littered on this wall.

With the lantern now at the floor next to her, gliding fingers through the wood grooves.

She can feel the weight.. of Kara's hand behind the carving, like she's almost touching her.

Slowly getting lower an onto her side.. as she's still examining, with heavy eyes..

Falls asleep, right at the foot of the wall.

Hours go by in silence.

Smooth rocking, so steady it's like a beat.. this ship is confident.

The enormous deep Vee of the hull, it carves a commanding line through the ocean.

Barely the sounds of boots on main deck.. as they're re-positioning booms, and battening hatches.

It is a skeleton crew.

Figuratively speaking.. they have one job, they've done it for ages.

Nothing stops this ship.

Kazandra in deep thought, as she's moved to the dining tables.

It's entirely surreal.. she's been on this boat, she's been on this journey.. a thousand times in her head.

But now there's this new part of the dream.. Van, her curiosity is taking over.

Hopping up she quietly skips over to his bench, taking a seat at the very end, opposite of him.

Seeing his rucksack, and cloak, have clergy insignia's and crosses all over them..

"How come you don't hunt Kara.. like other vampires?"

He doesn't move, doesn't lift his hat.. nothing.. just right out of the darkness.

"Because she isn't evil."

"Well what if they do one of those.. hokey pokey inquisition things?"

Twiddling her fingers his direction, she starts scooting closer.

With a finger now, he pokes the wide brim upward for eye contact.

"It's not hokey pokey"..

"If found guilty, i'd be hunted to the ends of the earth, by all civilized man"

"Well aren't you afraaid?"

Prying hard now, just what exactly makes this man tick..

it's like his actions aren't even of will, is he guided by a spectrum of light?

And his confidence!, to put a fine point on it.. she finds it very attractive.

"Nope"

That's all you get.

"Well why not?"

There is no wiggling out of Kazandra's hooks.

They are stuck together on a very long voyage, she has endless persistence.

She's right at his feet now, his boots are grazing her Sapiarch's dress.

"I'd just beat the case..

she's truly not evil.. so it's provable.

Also, the church to the highest tier, takes my judgement on what's considered evil or not"

She loves his confidence.. he's getting more attractive to her by the second.

Shes now got hands on his boots, by her hips.. batting eyelashes at him,

"Sooo.. what would happen..

if you were like WITH a vampire?"

"The fall of Christianity.

Probably a holy war..

and every zealot, priest, mercenary, assassin, bounty hunter and fame seeker,

would hunt said couple until the end of time..

passing down to generations of kids..

so brand new assassins, would come after said couple,

in an endless cycle."

"Geez.. sorry I asked.. you clergy boys are sooo serious, allll the time."

Kazandra seeing that's not going to happen,

scooting away to the softest bed she could find.

"Glad I could help"

Tucking his hat back down over his eyes.

Another day goes by at sea.

The Professor's Tempest truly just making a mockery of the dangerous voyage.

Aside from having a bout of sea sickness, it's been a very smooth journey for Kazandra.

Having another snoop around the dining tables.. She finds another of Kara's party initials..

reading KB, RB and GVH.. with a heart stencil around it, an arrow flying through it.

She almost tears up.. picturing the three sitting at this table.

With the burning red tip of her nail, in small intricate moves..

along the shaft of the arrow going upwards to the point,

"Maiden Red" burning it in with a smile.

The sun peeking above the horizon, washing a gentle morning orange across the ship.

Another day going by, the looming snowcaps now visible.. far off the bow.

Van walking up to main deck, closing the hatch behind him,

to see Kazandra standing on the bow, at the very tip..

Frozen in silence.

Standing on the bow.. she just can't get over it, taking in the world for the very first time.

Scanning her eyes all the way left.. then swinging back to the right,

the entire length of the horizon.. the college is just a pebble on a beach.

She's seen paintings, heard lectures, read story books..

nothing prepared her, nothing did it justice.

She is absolutely, just overwhelmed.

"You ok up there?"

Van asking as he's heading over to her.

In complete understanding, this is all happening very fast for her.

"Is Kara at the castle?"

Asking nervously, not taking her eyes off the snowcaps getting ever closer.

"No, she's a day behind us..

coming from the East with Risha.

You'l have some time to get used to your new home"

"Will you stay until she gets there please?"

Her look is just vulnerable.. she's not hiding, it was a plead.

"Anything you need Kazandra"

Zero hesitation.

"Thank you Van.. for everything."

She starts fashioning her cloak in a tight wrap, so nothing is seen except two eyes.

As the shoreline is now right upon them.

The city of Westport was chosen specifically by Kara, a small fisherman's town.

Nestled at the foot of the vast mountain chains, just below the snow line.

A persistent cloak of grey, as the fog here seems to never go away.

Dimly lit streets, with one road going both in and out, the residents here keep about their business.

The docking procedure is precarious, with only a small channel pathway being available through the Atoll,

large ships like the Tempest, have to reverse in.

"How can they see what they're doing!"

Kazandra marvelling at the crew's efficiency, as even she's having trouble seeing!

"There is no better ship crew than Aldus's"

Van now in layers of straps, juggling on both arms, and even a few around his neck.

"Forget anything?"

Kazandra in her trance of watching the ship bring her to a new Era..

completely blanked it.

"OOoo thank you"

Immediately grabbing straps, throwing them over her shoulder.

As they both head down the gangplank.

The soft street lamp is just blur of haze.. it's almost a whiteout.

Van in lead, cloak pulled tight around him, his wide brim almost beneath his eyes.

Kazandra covered in straps, just in tow behind him, a soft hand pawing his cloak, keeping his direction.

"Is that my carriage?"

Coming through the fog up the street, the outline of the carriage appears,

Jet black like a void, four horse carriage.

"Private transport"

On approach now she can see the driver preparing the carriage,

coming up from the back, like it opens from behind like a prison wagon.

Kazandra stands back, pulling her cloak tighter.. letting Van do all the talking.

She notices they appear to know each other..

The driver in thick winter wraps, from head to toe., black cloak pulled tight.

Only a chiseled chin an some eyes showing.. a Rapier on his left hip, he's a righty.

Standing while rocking on his heels, with thumbs notched in his belt..

like nothing really bothers him, she hears a couple of his laughs..

they're like darts.. a distinct tone, timbre like a trumpet.

The one word that comes to Kazandra's mind.. swashbuckling.

"Welcome home Kazandra"

Offering his gloved hand, to grab straps off her shoulder.

His voice is pitchy.. almost too high pitched for his formidable presence.

"Thank you"

Just a soft smile in her eyes.. nervously passing off a few straps to take the load off her shoulders,

as the group head to the back of the carriage.

Walking passed she notices the carriage has no windows..

it is just a void of black, Irons are ribbed through the cabin like support beams.

It's not tall enough to stand up, it seats two benches opposite facing each other.

Standing now around the opening in the back, as the driver is loading straps of luggage.

Kazandra handing him her bed side bag, a coin comes bouncing out..

rattling like a chain as it hits the floor.

"Wheere did you get thaat?"

As the driver won't even touch it.

"Kazandra where did you get that!?"

Van gasping out.

"He said it was Risha's"

Rare for her she is shying away.. no longer in the small pond,

her mind races like it's spanning the horizon, just how many big fish are out here!?

"Who?"

Van immediately digging.

"Jon"..

As she hooks the chain to a tether spin around her finger.

"Did you get an eye on his sabre?"

The driver chiming in like he knows him.

"IT LOOKED LIKE A CURVED LIGHTNING BOLT!"

Kazandra's first time laying eyes on an Artifact, she remembers vividly.

The driver bursts a laugh as he's loading the last pieces of luggage,

offering his gloved hand to Kazandra, to assist her getting in.

"What'dya think?.. five?, maybe"..

"High Hold Keep was the last sighting"

The gentlemen in a private conversation, as Van informing him of any news.

"Keep it close"

"What?, he seemed really nice"

As she's shuffling in, taking a seat at the bench facing inward.

"That's Black Gold from Ravenguard"

Van taking the opposite bench, facing her.. the roof so low it's pushing down on his hat.

As the driver closes the double doors sealed. It only opens from the outside.

"Just that you saw him outside of Ravenguard.. is punishable by death"

Van taking off his hat, getting more comfortable.

"Is he?"..

Kazandra nervous as her memory of him was very fond.

"About five years ago"..

"But you never know with these Ravenguards, they're like Warlocks.

If they don't wanna be found, you won't find em."

Van trying to inform her that it's not a certainty.

The carriage sets off in a brisk controlled pace,

the driver's yelps can be heard like he knows the horses well.

Passed the cobblestones, heading towards the open road north.

In her pause of reflection, looking around the carriage, it just has soft slits..

for light to come in at the top, the ventilation is not very good..

"It smells like pee!"

"This is the Baudelaire carriage!?"

She shrieks it out, like this is Kara's carriage, impossible!

Through Van's roaring laugh, she even hears the driver's muffled chuckle.

"Well, not the one you're thinking of, ur gonna love that one"

"This one is used for.. different purposes.. Kara will have to tell you about that"

They both settle in as the carriage makes it's ascent, through the northern trails.

Kazandra can feel it getting colder and colder as they're twisting around crags, traversing passes.

The driver handling it like he's not even looking.. he might just be asleep.

Winding to a flat plateau, the road opens up broad, smooth..

like this spot was picked with care.

On a soft approach to Baudelaire gates, the driver slowly pulls to a stop.

They hear the lock click, the double doors swing open..

the cloaked gentleman offers his gloved hand to Kazandra.

"Thank you.. I'm sorry, I didn't ask your name"

She feels like she's been rude.. she's just still out of sorts.

"Aragorn, no apology necessary, you'l be seeing me around"

Taking his hand and scooting out..

She hits the fresh powder snow barefoot.. for the first time in her life.

"It feels SOOooo gOood!"

Staring down marveling at it!, swishing it around her toes, it's not cold to her.. it's like a zing.

Digging her feet in while loving the scrunching sounds.

"The sun!.. I don't look like a steaming tea kettle anymore!"

Bouncing off her tip toes, kicking snow at the gentlemen playfully.

"The north is popular with the nocturnal"

Van with a wink as he's gathering her things with Aragorn helping.

Eighteen year old Kazandra, hopping off tip toes like a giddy machine, playing in the snow..

Not even noticing her masssive.. sprawling castle, that is just off to her left.

She hears Aragorn..

"She brings new meaning to Babe in the woods, doesn't she?"

Van lets out a chuckle as Kazandra glares em both..

"Hey!" squeaking it out, she pulls her mask down.

Van with a finger point in two motions..

right at Kazandra.. and just to her left.

As she turns taking down her hood, so she can see better..

she can't even see it all.. it's too big!

"It's bigger than Elinor!"

In awe she is just paused.. admiration washing over in waves..

this is MINE?

"WOooW"

Her eyes wandering down the walls, trying to see how far they go..

gawking the sky.. at the twin east and west towers, spiraling upwards over the main hall.

She streaks the gates!, in a plume rooster tail of wake behind her!

Like the snow itself is in shock of her speed!

The gates are a perfect half oval like a dome, meeting in the middle..

with two distinct gargoyles at the top, one holding a sword, the other holding a staff.

The doors are towering thick Oak.. like they're made from a Galleon.

With a wrapping stonewall, as far as you can see, on both sides.

The gates swing open to a large circle courtyard,

with fountain in the middle, various statues lining the sides to a tiered stair in the back.

Leading to the main double doors, of the main tower.

Which has vaulted high ceilings like a cathedral, and large skylight to the heavens.

The twin towers on both sides of the main tower, ascending high in the sky,

connect to east and west wings, heading further back towards the shoreline cliffs.

With a land bridge out the back, connecting to the far reaches of the uninhabited north.

As Kazandra is pushing passed the gates,

she looks back seeing Van hand something to Aragorn, in a pat like they're saying goodbye.

Just barely she hears Aragorn,

"Last one was a mouthy rapist.. he didn't make it.. ill be back in a few days"

As Van seems to thank him.. then making his way to the gates.

Aragorn takes his seat on the carriage, with a few soft barks to the horses, the carriage gets underway.

Van pushing passed the half open gates, entering the large open courtyard.

Squints hard at what he's seeing..

A plume of powder snow on the right!, ten feet high!, with a red outline popping!

Flashing like a streak to his left!.. in a rooster tail!, of swirling snow in her wake..

crashing the west wall like a wave!

Kazandra in wails of laughter, echoing the courtyard, streaking the snow!, faster!, higher!

Van immediately noticing.. that her gifts are much different than Kara and Risha.

Seeing her innocent excitement, just immediately puts a smile on his face.

"Im glad to see you're enjoying the new digs"

As he's closing the distance to the center of the courtyard,

by the large frozen over fountain, where Kazandra is gawking around in circles..

taking in the grand scale of her new home.

"She certainly has champagne taste, doesn't she?"

"Soo.. you going to give me the toouur?"

Right next to him now at the fountain, begins pawing for his hand.

As the two begin walking the stretch to the solid Oak main double doors..

"I have that one too!.. well smaller"

Pointing out a statue of a beautiful mermaid, that she keeps by her bed.

Right as they hit the steps.. Van stops her, with his arm gently out like a barrier.

looking all around.. back at the doors.

"Something's here"

Van changing his tone, stern.. quiet.

"Kara?"

Kazandra perplexed, still exploding giddy.. doesn't understand.

Crime does not exist in the college.

"No, not Kara!.. EVIL is here"

Van trying not to yell.

"WHAAAT!?"

Kazandra finally catching on isn't having it.

She didn't come all this way..

to have some free loading trespasser in her home. Evil no less!

Kazandra rips off her cloak to the ground in one motion!,

kicks the double doors flying open on the first kick!

At the top level landing, in between the double stairs, overlooking from above..

a VAMPIRE!, long jet black hair in a black suit.. with his three brides.

Van at the threshold knows exactly who it is..

he's calm.. just waits patiently.

Kazandra does a fearless strut, right to the middle of the room.

Takes a millisecond mental note.. that's Kara's desk just off to her right..

Risha's desk in the raised back of the study.. off to the left in front of her.

She glares daggers up the top floor landing at him..

arms crossed, tapping fer foot.

The vampire looks terrified.

He's checking back at his brides, as they're shrieking in a scrambling back pedal.

"Who is SHE!"

"She's SOo pretty!"

"We don't want to leeave!"

The brides firing scared words out in unison.

He starts cautiously walking down the steps..

"It's not my faault Kaarrra!.. I had nowhere to go..

Orcs have overrun my castle in the easst!

It's just me there, I can't fend them off alone!.. what was I supposed to do!?"

His voice has a thick Romanian accent.. deep, he growls his words.

Kazandra barely listening to him, already judging that he's no match for her..

just by his movements.

"I am not Kara.. but if I was.. it would be reeeal bloody in here."

"Since I don't feel like cleaning it up.. i'm gonna ask you nicely, and count to five."

"GET OUT."

Her eye's flash a red rage as she says it!

A soft red streak, dances through her hair.

She's holding his gaze like a grip.. he can't look away.

"I'd listen.. very closely to what she's sayin Renfrey"

Van chimes in from the threshold, lighting a cigar..

expecting to see a show.

He's now down the steps at the landing.

"You stay out of this Gabriel!.. i've lost my home because of you too!"

Barking it out with a sharp point, as he moves closer to Kazandra.

Deep scanning her now, his fear is washing away..

Renfrey is well known in the Vampire's world.. women are his prey.

Fifteen feet away from her.. pacing left and right.

His egotistical thousand year old reputation.. is not going to take a hit from a teenage girl,

that just happens to look like Kara.

He begins sizing her up.

"Who are you?"

Nothing from Kazandra.

Pulses of red dancing off her scowl.

Her eyes following his left an right pace.

Tapping.

"You are an assassin!.. yesss?.. I can seee it on you!,

your parlor tricks won't work on ME!

I have staains of blood beneath my fiingernaails.. older than you!"

He is bold.. maybe it's been too long since someone has put him in his place.

He's now right where she wants him to be.

"Tell me.. sweet young giirrl assassin..

Is it so haarrrrd to never know who really loves you!.. is it always just a spell?"

Laughing right in her face.. he glances seeing Van give a headshake.

"Renfrey.. that was the wrong thing to say."

As Van leans into the door, crossing both legs.

"Time's up"

Kazandra streaks forward!, as her feet leave the ground to a point out in front of her!

Double legged drop kick in a blur of red flash!, blasts every breath he ever thought about taking!

As she demolishes his chest like a cannon ball!

Landing on the back of her neck, with her legs in a whip!, to upright again!

He couldn't even blink.. he never saw it coming.

Firing him off his feet to the Oak wall behind him!, backwards airborne the entire way!

Over a table to book shelves, sending everything to splinters!, like his heavy weight was shot from a Galleon!

Splattering the floor in a dazed wobble, walls of debris, tumbling down around him!

She's on him in an instant red flash!, no quarter given.

Grabbing the back of his head!, in fist fulls of jet black hair,

BASHING his face to the table!, over an over again!

Each crash getting louder, groaning cracks..

as she's splintering the table to pieces with his face!

"Am I not funny any mooore!?"

Growling as she's enjoying it.

She flings him over the side of the desk like a ragdoll,

cartwheeling in a sprawling stumble, to the center of the room.

To a face plant.. choking on his own blood, heaving for breath.

The brides shrieking in terror!

"MASSTER!"

"WHAT DO WE DOO?!"

"SHE'S GOING TO KILL US NEXT!"

Pinned against the backwall upstairs.. unable to move.

Renfrey trying to right himself..

battered beyond his realization.. but feeling like he has no option, he has nowhere to go.

Comes flying at her!

As he is a Brute like Kara and Risha, he can do damage..

He is just nowhere near fast enough.

Right as hes almost got his hands on her..

Kazandra limbos down backwards.. straight down to her hands on the floor, flat behind her.

Arching her back allll the way.. so her legs come up in a scissor kick back handspring!

That goes right between his open arms.. right on the CHIN!

Like it was as easy as pressing a button!

Launching him straight up off the ground.. fifteen feet in the air!

The instant he's descending..

she teleports right over the top of him!

Crashing him to the marble like an earthquake!, leaving his indent webbing like a crater around him!

Using brute force instead of blades.

As she really didn't want to clean up blood pools, all day long.

Renfrey is out COLD, comatose.. sawing logs.

The brides at the top floor are huddled at the very back, whimpering cries like they're next.

as low to the ground, as far back against the wall.. they can possibly go.

"Kiddo.. I wish Kara coulda seen what you just did."

Van with a slow clap smiling, thoroughly enjoying the show as he stubs out his cigar.

Witnessing her skill in admiration..

he's lost in the moment and doesn't know his surroundings.

"Awww.. thanks big lug!" giddy as she turns a wink to him.

"Indeed.. she saw the whole thing!"

A sweet voice.. from just outside the doors at the top of the steps.

Van flips around!

"KARA oh my god!.. you scared the hell out of me!"

Immediately gasping a smile of relief!, he can already feel warm.. just from her being there.

As he pulls his hat down with a nod, crooking a smile,

"Riiish"

"Vaaan"

Winking it back at him, she is still just fixed on Kazandra in awe,

standing just beside Kara.

"Always happy to sneak up on you, Vaan."

Smiling wide as she's cautiously approaching the threshold..

"You're really here" her thoughts taking words.

Hands instinctively, already on the move to catch tears.

Kazandra is wide eye'd silence.. she's not sure if her voice even works.

Is it really you..

Is this real..

Does she feel the same way, that I do?.. her heart is in pieces.

The floodgates are wide open.

They're right in front of each other now.

Tears welling up, Kazandra is a shaking mess.

"A Sapiarch's dress!"

Kara gasping as tears just come bursting out!

"You're soo young!"

With her hands on her face gasping for breath!

Now bobbing up and down off her tip toes in small bounds..

Kazandra mirrors it perfectly like joining in a song.

She's just impossible to take in.. her warbraid is perfect!

seeing that it's actually glowing platinum with soft streaks,

not silver like her's.. she's about to say something,

"Do you liike it!?"

Kazandra bursts out!

Her anxiety being washed away by the second!

She can feel her when they're close together.

Everything she's thinking, feeling.. like they sync up on their own wavelength.

Seeing her nervous adoring gestures, her matching streams of loving tears..

Her heart is coming back together like warm glue.

She nails a perfect twirl, followed up by a blasting chirp!

"I trained every single day!, so i'd be at my very best, when I get to meet you one day!"

"Eerrr.. well TODAY!"

Giggling nervous, she's still a shaking mess.

Kara marveling at her dedication, glowing proud across her face.

She knows exactly how hard it is, to achieve such things at the college.

It took her 52 years to graduate the combat trials.. Risha, 77 years.

Ninety percent of the students.. never graduate.

"I LOOVE IT!"

Bursting as her arms go flying out for the hug!,

Kazandra can't jump into her embrace fast enough..

as they both embrace tightly, waterfalls of tears streaming down the both of them.

An embrace that is eighteen years in the making.. like finding your lost puzzle piece.

It's like a drug to Kazandra, waves of euphoria rushing in.. a life washed away.

Kara just flooded a brand new one in.. like she just woke up.

"In RED no less!.. i've never seen that!"

Kara comforting her shoulders with a wide smile.

"Well.. the way Aldus put it was,

if we give you a white one, like Kara's..

it would just be red on the battlefield, because of your fighting style..

so now it will just always be red."

"He is a brilliant word smith, isn't he!?"

Kara giggling as she knows Professor Aldus all too well.

"He-is!"

Smiling ear to ear, noticing their similarities.

"Van said you were coming in tomorrow.. sooo, sorry about the mess!"

Smiling as she throws a glance to the path of destruction behind her.. snoring Renfrey.

"Van clearly has no idea how fast the Baudelaire carriage is!"

Kara laughs it out as Kazandra joins in, again noticing their similarities in tone, and just loving it.

Van shooting a look, as he's moving to the downed Renfrey, scanning the scene.

"Hey kiddo!.. well i've heard alot about y-"

Risha trying to make an introduction gets nowhere!

Dive tackled full force!, much harder than she would a human!,

crashing them both up against the door frame!

"Riiiishha!"

"Your boots are the most popular thing at the college!

Everyone!, wants you to come back as an instructor!"

Kazandra blurting out as she's just star struck seeing Risha in person.

Feeling her strong grip.. that gorgeous cool stare.

"The books, do you no justice"

Her thoughts taking words.

"What you just did in there..

I've never seen anything like that babe, an i've seen ALOT,

I might take you as an instructor one day!"

Risha on her tip toes, so she's eye to eye with Kazandra.. inches apart.

The bond is already there.. like they've always known each other.

For whatever reason.. both of their smiles just happen to turn mischievous.

Kara now gliding in softly behind them, takes them both under her sturdy wings.

The three sisters, embrace as a unit.. for the very first time.

Even Van has to stop his work for a moment..

just to appreciate what eighteen years in the making looks like.

None of them saw the quick tear that rolled down, quickly wiped away.

Van now propping up the comatose Renfrey, fastening his clergy restraints in a sitting position.

Calls up to the brides in barks, as his work is now just beginning.

"Come on down ladies, wer not gonna hurt ya"

The whimpering brides shuffle together in a huddle..

making their way down the stairs balling in shrieks.

Without their master, as fledgling low blood vampires.. they are lost.

"Where's the carriage that brought ya here?"

Van calming his tone, sensing the situation is not their fault.

"It's around back!"

"Pleease don't kill us!"

"We have nowhere to goo!"

As they all three hit the landing to main floor in unison.

The sisters all hearing this have some sympathy for them.

It's not their fault.

Their master wasn't good enough to protect them, guide them..

"Vaan"

As Kara is moving closer to him.. while Risha and Kazandra are still chatting.

She can see Kazandra, out of the corner of her eye,

trying to grab the Huntsman broadsword off Risha's back.

With Risha playfully slapping her hands away.

"SOo what happens if I get it!?"

Laughter from the both of them, as Kara hovering over Van now.

"I know you have your work to do.. with Renfrey."

"But the giirrls?"

"You would be right, they are not evil.. but they have nowhere to go"

Van looking for a solution.

"Hmmm.. Lady Dee east of Freeport, do you know her?

She takes in strays, and she is a dear friend of mine..

I'm thinking we just send out two carriages, i'll send out the messenger raven,

you taking Renfrey to Rome in his carriage..

and my carriage with the girls to Lady Dee"

Kara moving over towards the brides.. about to explain what's happening.

Trying to be softly gracious, as they are cowering in her presence.

"Momma Dee, how could I forget"

With a quick chuckle.. as Lady Dee is quite "handsy" with Van.

"I agree, that's the right thing to do"

Van now moving over, scooping up the snoring Renfrey.

"You girls are in good hands, there is no better place for you!"

"I adore her.. and you get to take a trip in a fabulous carriage!"

The brides all now circling Kara in endearment, shooting arms going for hugs, but way too afraid.

"THANK YOOU!"

"You're SOooo beautiful!"

"Will we ever see you again!?"

"More than likely, Lady Dee an I are very dear friends!"

Kara leading the brides to the Baudelaire carriage.

Van is saying a good bye to Kazandra and Risha, before wheeling out the comatose Renfrey.

Kazandra watches him go uneasy.. eye's fixed, like she can't look away.

She didn't get to say all she wanted to..

and wants to see him again.. but will she?.. his mystery is ever enticing.

Risha absolutely taking notice of this..

"That's just Van babe.. you never know,

and then he's just there when you need him"

"I'll figure something out"

Kazandra's mind hatching plans, to lure him back to the castle.

Van finishes packing the carriage, settles in for the long journey.. to the Vatican in Rome.

Where Renfrey has a very large bounty.

The sisters all settle in around the study.

Kara grabbing a floor length fur rug, to cover up the massive crater in the marble.

Kazandra quickly claims a desk in the raised back of the study, opposite of Risha's desk.

Then begins helping Risha tidy up the explosion of books and splintering woods,

from the cannonballing Renfrey.

Kara and Risha lounge a seat, at the couches by the fireplace,

directly in between Kazandra and Risha's desks.

As Kazandra comes gliding in from the Baudelaire Concoction Lab,

just off in the west wing.

She slides beautiful goblets, filled to the top.

In both their hands.

Having a seat right in between them, curling legs underneath her.

Not saying a word, intently watching their faces as they take a sip.

"WOOooOW"

Both girls at exactly the same time!

"How is it so SPICY!"

Risha gasping a smile as she's licking her lips.

"It's a very special recipe!, a Warlock gave it to me!, that's the very last of it!"

Kazandra giddy as ever to see they enjoy her concoctions, like she does.

"What's in it?.. it tastes so.. aaaged!"

Kara can't even put the drink down, nursing it in both hands.

"Well.. he said Dragon, but you never know with Warlocks..

they neevver tell the truth!"

"DRAGON!?"

Both Kara and Risha practically falling off the couch.

"How's that even possible!?"

Risha's giggles are starting to take over, from the strength of the recipe.

"I Didn't believe him!, but none the less.. amazing isn't it?"

"IT-IS!"

Both girls agreement as they all raise their glasses in a toast.

"To the college.. and to our family!, together finally!"

Kara feeling the gabs coming on, as they all scoot in close for the clink.

The girls all in drunken nightcap gossip,

Reminiscing about the years in the college, ages gone by..

Risha immediately starting to do pirate impressions,

As Kazandra telling stories of the ferocious Arwen!,

her best friend Ellewyn's water portal belly flop contest!,

making Kara and Risha laugh out of their seats!

Kara being her usual giggle machine,

"I luv Arwen!, we're going to have to visit one day, so I can meet her little one!"

"I told them all we're coming back one day!, you will love her!"

Kazandra can't help it, she's a little homesick, she misses Ellewyn.

"Van said it's not easy to get back there"..

"Van doesn't have the Professor's Compass,

and the Tempest at his beckoning command!"

"Unless you beach it somewhere!" Kazandra sassing it out.

All three girls erupt in laughter!

Risha kicking at the floor, the goblet spilling down her chin!,

"You don't even know the half of it!"

As story hour continues.. the night winds down.

The girls all splayed out across the cushions, in front of the fireplace.

Feeling like this is just heaven, passing out together with drunken smiles.

Kazandra talking in her sleep, a bird's nest of platinum braid.

Risha with just red down the front of her shirt.. passed out sprawled eagle.

Kara twisting body pillows between her legs, fumbling with her favorite hair clip.

Fin!

Kazandra's Origin.

CHAPTER 5 Return to Gideon.

The Baudelaire carriage sits peacefully.

Parked at it's spot, just in front of the King's tower, by Zansa's entrance to her suite.

Crawling in at first light, Kazandra and Zansa, are still sleeping in the front compartment.

As the others have all filtered out.

There's already a row of carriages down the road in front of them,

as supplies and small divisions of reinforcements, have been making their way on Tywin's order.

Kazandra in her slumber, hears the shuffling of boots, the town waking up alive.

Discussions being had, as war preparations.. have already begun.

She blinks her eye's open, wiping the sleep away.

Sprawling a full fanged yawn in her small bed..

she hears Van, outside the window..

in his unmistakable gruff.. just in front by the horses.

Still groggy she leans a peek, out of the invisible window,

she sees he's talking to a girl.

Rubbing her eyes for focus and a squint..

She's GORGEOUS!

"Zaaansa!.. psst.. Zansa!.. wake up!"

Gently throwing pillows at her, gradually increasing the velocity.

An absolute bedhead, of wild red hair'd Zansa, roolls over slowly..

wiping her eyes, blinking for focus.

"What're yooou dooing"

A large yaaawn as she's saying it, quickly grabbing wild waving locks of red,

tucking it back behind her ears, with a twist and a drop to keep it together.

Seeing that Kazandra is fixated on her perch..

"Is that Van?"..

"Zansa!.. come here, come here"

Motioning to the window, at the spot next to her..

"Who's thaaat!?"

Pointing a smokey red tipped finger.. at Van and company.

Zansa crawling on all fours..

taking the perch right next to her, shoulder to shoulder.

Rubbing her eyes a few times,

"That's Anna Valerious"

"She's a Princess actually.. I think"

Anna is in her middle ages, a beautiful woman.

Her tall lean figure is like a gazelle, she's elegant but formidable, at the same time.

High pointed cheek bones, with a sharp narrow chin.

Her blue eye's are like the sea, with towering brow arches.

Long waving curls of dark browns and reds, flow down passed her shoulders.

Her leggings, corset and vest are impeccable, with filigree blacks and reds.

The Valerious family seem to age remarkably slow.

A strong family crest, that has been fighting off werewolves for centuries.

As their numbers over the years, have dwindled down to a bare few..

life is hard for the Valerious family, they are hardened and cunning.

"WHAAT!?"

Kazandra snorting it out!, as she's already crawling on all fours.

Bounding out of the bed, while fastening her dress..

smashing her way through to the front compartment, heading for the doors.

As Zansa has an UH-OH look on her face..

tentatively watching from the perch.

At the horses mid pack, Van and Anna are reminiscing.

Catching up whenever they get a chance,

as she rarely leaves the north, with Van always being on the move.

"You plan on staying awhile?, I suspect it's going to be like old times around here."

"Just another werewolf.. these new ones can't think"

"I'm here to do my part too"

Anna's reply has a thick Transylvanian accent.. it is unmistakable.

Tongue flicks like darts, she is a temptress with a commanding tone.

She shoots a quick glance to the cabin..

They both hear a few loud thuds, a bump.. give the Baudelaire carriage a shimmy.

He flips his head around to the invisible window, quickly realizing what's happening.

Starts motioning to Anna,

let's take a walk toward your suite's entrance.. like now.

The double doors come swinging open!, with folding stairs hitting the ground.

Kazandra hits the landing in one motion, with her arm still outstretched on the door.

Staring Anna dead in her eye.

Anna is paralyzed.

Circuits of emotion, buried in the past.. the circuitry of fact and fiction.

Just got painfully crossed.

She's from the north, on the eastern side of the continent.. she knows the stories.

She heard that Kara and her family are here.. from Tywin's letters.

But it still didn't prepare her.

"Th- strea-king.. red dr-ess!"

Gasping in a tremble.. instinctively, her hands want to shoot for her face!

But she is shutting down.

Anna and her family were living in Gideon.. during the war of Gideon.

As she was just a small child of five years old, she has very little recollection.

Just hazy details.. but there were things she saw,

that everyone, including her family.. told her didn't actually happen.

That there is no Kazandra.. they forced her to believe it.

To now here she is.

"Exactly that dress"

Kazandra gliding over to her.

Circling her once with an eye on her sabre.. right in front of her now.

Anna can't even move.

"Annd you arrre?"

With her hands folded behind her, leaning into it.. right in her face.

Eye to eye.

"Ka ka, Kaz-andr-a"

Choking it out, completely incapable of speech.

She really doesn't know, which way is up or down..

It's like a mix between Kazandra's hypnosis,

and a healthy side, of childhood trauma.

"No that's me.. and you arrrre?"

Sassy sassy Kazandra.

As Van butts right in!, getting in between them.

"You can't just do that to people"

Smirking as he squares his shoulders, between them like a barrier.

"This is Anna Valerious, she's an old friend"

"I didn't do it on purpose"

Catching the giggle, seeing Anna is still spellbound, wires crossing.

"Her family.. her entire family.. all here during the war,

not all of em made it.. be niice"

His back is to Anna, so only Kazandra is hearing him,

as he's trying to be very candid.

Kazandra backs off the interrogation, she has lots of flashbacks from that war.

Looking at Anna she does feel a slight.. something.

Her curiosity is peaking fast.. for two reasons.

Anna snapping out of it!, with a shake of her head, a confused look at Van.

"What just happened!?"

As she's trying to peek over, the brick wall of Van at Kazandra.

"It's her gift.. it's fine.. it will wear off in a minute"

As he turns to Anna separating the two.

Van leads Anna away, to the inn where she's staying.

Just up the street in front of the horses.

Kazandra paying close attention, to the door that they're walking to..

and the window that's above it.

"Is that really her?"

Anna still in shock, like she's walking in dreamland.

"Indeed, it was all very carefully planned this way..

now that Kara has come back, she's made some very big plans.

The sisters aren't in hiding anymore"

"I need a-driiink!.. is that the tavern?, come by and let me know how I can help"

Anna in quick need, of numbing all emotion.

She wasn't expecting to meet her childhood lie today.

Kazandra still at the carriage.

Sees the duo finish a conversation.. as Anna heads further down the street.

Van comes walking back towards her, in his usual fast stride.. with tactical trench coat waving behind.

Leans back against the carriage with legs crossed, and lights a cigar.

He's pretending to not notice, Kazandra standing there like a crooked tea pot, hands on her hips..

glaring him down.

"Ahem.. weellll?.. she's really pretty..

is there anything you wanna tell mee?"

Kazandra tapping.

"Kazandra.. do you know what the word CELIBATE means?

after all, you were raised in a college"

Van laying it on, a smirk all over his face.

She can't help but laugh, from his snark like a razor.

"Since for how long though!"

Firing it off at him!

"Before she was born!"

He sends it right back.

Kazandra loosening up a TAD, leans into his shoulder, with a smile from his wit.

As Zansa is coming out of the carriage, to join in on the conversation..

"She's soo pretty!.. and a princess!"

Zansa blurting out, as she's walking over from the stairs landing.

"Zansa.. that was the wrong thing to say"

Van in a more playful mood than usual.

"What?"

As she sees Kazandra, is in a glaring pout.

"KAZANDRA!"

Zansa laughs it out loud.

"He's a MONK!"

"I tried to tell her"

Dragging his cigar.

"I'm not jealous!.. I was just.. curious that's all"

She says eye's down, looking for something better to say,

like it's somewhere on the ground.

"Well.. maybe ill have a friendly little chat with her, just to make nice then"

She says unconvincingly.

Van and Zansa both flashing, that's a bad idea looks..

as Carl comes shuffling in, from up the street.

Approaching the front line horses.

"Was that.. Princess Anna at the tavern?

It's remaarkable, it's like she doesn't age atoll!"

Carl happy as ever, to join the group's conversation.

"CAARRLL!"

Both Van and Zansa together, in just absolute exasperation.

As Van shaking his head, looking for the steam.. coming out of Kazandra's ears.

A phrase rings in his mind.. about Kazandra's, fragile newborn heart.

"Did I.. miss something?"

Seeing Kazandra's uncontrollable pout.

"O nothing, we're just trying to prevent Anna from being killed"

"That's all"

Van crooking a smile, as he stubs out his cigar.

A burst laugh from the group, as Carl is trying to catch up.

Risha comes trotting through the west gate, on her favorite black stallion.

Approaching the group, as they're standing around the carriage.

"Supplies are being ambushed en route, where's Kara?"

Risha is in no nonsense mode.

While everyone's been partying and having a grand time, with stories to tell.

Risha has been hard at work, preparing Gideon for battle.

Arming small settlements, tracking sightings and questioning locals,

investigating the source.

"She's on the east wall with Norrington, preparing a caravan north"

Van sharply informs her.

"I want you and Carl in that caravan"

"Zansa, you are staying here"

"Kazandra.. Kazandra!"

She's not looking at her, snapping her eye's quickly to attention.

"We're heading out at sundown, meet right here."

Kazandra agreeing with a nod.

"We'l head on over"

As Van and Carl give Zansa a goodbye, starting to gather their gear in a small pile.

Risha kicks it up to a gallop, heading east down the cobblestones.

Kazandra seeing her chance.. has some investigating to do.

As the group all disperses, the crowds around the Inn, briefly thin out.

With a quick glance, to make sure nobody is watching..

she streaks up to Anna's window!, inspecting the lock.

Anna's suite is on the top floor, the penthouse suite.

With a vaulted high ceiling, tapering to the window facing the street.

The sounds of crackling glass, some chips of it scattering the floor..

"OOooo... AccCk!"

As Kazandra pushes on the wrong corner of the window!, bursting through!

A POOF!, as she sticks the landing, thirty feet below.

Sprinkling shards, still raining down around her.

In the middle of the room, she's scanning around..

all her things scattered around the bed, on her left.

Some check in luggage, by the door on her right.. still packed.

A few scattered notes, some books.. at the desk in the study area.

Heading over to the desk, still scanning and looking all around..

for anything of Van's in the room!

Clergy stuff, a drawing.. a cigar, anything.. even the smell of him!

A DIARY!.. on the desk, splayed open and upside down to save it's place.

She's on it in a flash!

Flipping pages and scanning for key words..

flipping pages the other way,

scanning for key words.

The DOOR LOCK!, as the door swings open!

Anna walks in the room taking two steps, the door open behind her.

Silence.

Immediately throwing eyes to the break in evidence, of shards on the floor!

A red smokey haze by the desk..

that seemed to have streaked to the right.

She draws her beautiful sabre in her right hand.

As she nails the door!, with a back kick!

Slamming it closed!

Inches!, as Kazandra was about to silently pass through it!

"That was fast"

Materializing from the haze!, on her right by the closed door.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?"

As she raises the blade in a point!, directly at Kazandra's chest.

In an instant.

Kazandra goes straight down arching backwards,

to her limbo scissor kick back handspring.

Straight to Anna's wrist!, dead square.

"oOOW!"

Reeling her hand back!, as the sabre fires to the rafters!, thirty feet up!,

dug in halfway.

"Ooo come now, there's no need for any of that",

"I was just"..

Turning her back on Anna, moving towards the study.

Anna still shaking, trying to rub some feeling back into her hand..

"WELL!?"

Kazandra paused looking for words.

"I didn't come breaking into your place looking for a talk!"

Afraid to approach her.. but she needs answers.

"What're you looking for!?"

"Were you an Vaan.. eveerr.. like.. a thiiing?"

Kazandra far out of character, love in this way is very new to her.

It has threat, danger of losing.. nothing like the love she knows as a rock,

from her sheltered upbringing.

"KAZANDRA!"

Anna quickly catching on, taking another look at her sabre, dug in the ceiling.

"HE'S A MONK.. HE IS THEEEE MONK!"

"IT WOULD PROBABLY START A HOLY WAR!"

Anna barking her Transylvanian scold, what are you thinking!

"Well I just beg to differ."

"Strange things happen every single day!,

you didn't think you'd be standing next to Kazandra Baudelaire today..

and that happened.. didn't it?"

There is no escaping from Kazandra's hooks, she's not going to be dissuaded.

Anna disarmed by her charm.. seeing there is soo much more to Kazandra.

She's hiding that she's absolutely reeling in her presence,

the childhood lie, standing right there.

She wants to know more, she wants answers.

Relaxing now.. she starts warming her tone.

"Noo Kazandra, we never have"

Slowly turning a smile, as she's walking over behind her.. sensing the situation.

Of just a heart seeking care.

"It's just.. when I talk to my sisters, they just dismiss it like disaster"

Kazandra turning now, leaning back on the desk, eye contact.

Anna can't help but laugh.

"Because they're RIGHT!"

The dart of her wit, finds a path right to Kazandra's funny bone.

With a soft smile, as she's waving her over.

Kazandra saw keywords.. the War of Gideon, while scanning the diary.

Looking at Anna, she feels something.. like there was once a soft little hand, tugging at her dress.

"You were here.. weren't you?"

Throwing a glance to the diary on the desk.

Anna's face changes over.

She still has flashbacks.. it's emotional for her, still to this day.

Kazandra feels it too.

"Please.. the beginning.. page 14."

As she's pointing to the diary slowly.. she wants her to read it,

so she doesn't have to say it all.

Kazandra immediately picks up the diary.

FLASHBACK to the War of Gideon.

Kara and Risha are already known in the North. The beginnings of their stories have circled.

The girls have spent decades at the college by this point,

both graduating to instructors.

Kara is a living legend.

Totally fearless with cocky sweet confidence, the pinnacle of her power.

She's endured the Celestine Rune.

Ripped off the tails of a very rare, passing by meteor shower,

only Kara, was the being durable enough.. deemed able to take it.

What she described as a small drop of Lava, falling inside your body.

Then growing out to every extremity, over the course of several days.

The most ruthless instructor, the college has ever seen.

Her results for bringing out potential are un-matched, from the few students who dare face her.

A student once showing up late, was thrown out of the arena and into the sea.

Hundreds of feet out, he most surely would have drowned, had denizens not saved him.

Her only response to the gasps, coming from Crafter's Corner..

"He's lucky, I hurled him towards a ship"

Her first words are always the same, to every new student. And it's caught on.

"What are you doing here?"

If the following answer, has any semblance of the word 'Training' in it.

The resulting murder is swift, an absolutely horrific.

She tells you what she's doing, as she's doing it to you.

She's learned that her staff summoned and anchored..

combined with her rune, and a slam at the top, with both hands palm down.

Creates what can only be described as.. A Zeus bolt from the sky.

If the loudest thunder boom you've ever heard.. sounded like a buzz..

it's an other-world sound.

It tracks from the sky, right through the staff like a beacon.

She herself gets launched back with the blast.. usually laughing.

Her durability is almost limitless.

Risha has received the title Master of Arms.

Wielding her mithril gold plated, Huntsman broadsword proudly.. it never leaves her side.

The Huntsman adapts to it's wielder, as it became Risha's, the grip formed left handed.

The blade so sharp it seems to cut the air, in a golden blur.. impossible to foul.

Imposingly large for 5'8 Risha.. as it almost cuts the ground!,

lying sheathed on her back.

Huntsman is imbued to seek out EVIL, smoldering to the touch it is unwieldable.

Evil cowers from this blade, her slashes are like a burning singe, from the god's themselves.

She's so fast with it's cumbersome size, she can cut an arrow coming at her,

right down the middle.

The most popular instructor at the college, by a wide margin.

Her sign up sheet goes for pages and pages, off the book..

students just leave a mark on the table.

It took her three years, to craft her famous Risha boots.. with no instructor.

They step in from a split open back, almost up to the knee.

Closing around your calf, like mithril jaws closing.. the buckles line the side.

As soon as you step in, slamming your heel down.

The jaws of the black plate boot, start their buckled click..

immediately squeezing into place, like a second skin.. they only fit you.

Light as air, unbreakable.. they assist your movements, for good measure.

As the buckles, are always regaining their set starting position,

to whatever stride you may be in at the time. Your movements are effortless.

Still.. the most popular item at the college.

She wears black mithril chain leggings, the beautiful warrior's tunic, designed by Arwen.

Except stained in jet black, with gold trims.

Never wearing a helmet, always a warbraid.. as it infringes on her perfect vision.

Risha is no dress maker. She has one..

The Sapiarch's dress presented to her, on her completion of the trials.

Stained in black, the trims gold.. she wore it once.

The students all seeing their hardened General..

in a skin tight, form fitting hour glass of a sparkly dress.

Let's just say, she didn't appreciate the sudden loss of eye contact.

Or her sign up sheet, doubling as a DATE with Risha service!

A few examples had to made, she made them succinctly.

She switched her sheet with Kara!.. bringing that fad quickly to close.

If you were to flash so much as a woo-ish wink, to Kara in the arena..

you might just leave without that eyeball.

The girls are well aware of the Orc armies.

Taking several trips to the east.. spying on their progress.

While Kazandra was growing up at the college.

It didn't become a threat to Baudelaire Castle, until a navy fleet appeared..

rapidly growing over the years.

As Gideon lay on the eastern seaboard, it's a perfect setup..

they wouldn't expect the Orcs to have a navy.

They've always attacked by way of land.

The Gideon council has instructed the army to defend the west ramparts,

expecting an easy victory.

Gideon is a gateway to Baudelaire Castle.. and the land bridge behind it.

The girls aren't leaving anything up to chance.

Gideon is bustling alive.

The streets a commotion of carriages being packed to overflow..

as people vacating their homes, shuffling their children, while wrangling livestock.

Scampering for the south gates to flee!

Others taking up arms, an seeking instruction from nearby soldiers.

Soldiers assisting people, barking orders to clear a path or take positions.

Setting up fortification camps, and laying down armaments,

just outside the west gates.

Kara and Risha come galloping through the west gates, on their beautiful stallions.

Heading towards the eastern wall ramparts.

Kara on her silky white thoroughbred, riding side saddle, keeping low.

With her hooded black cloak dancing in the wind, flashing reveals of her tower gown beneath.

She's off the horse while it's still moving, matching it's speed.

Racing up the east wall ramparts to the top,

heading towards the tented assembly area, in the middle.

Directly overlooking the seaboard.

"Told ya they wouldn't know"

Risha coming up the stairs behind her.

"You-did!.. I think maybe you should tell someone"

As Kara is reaching for the spyglass next to her.

"Sooo, you seeing anything?"

Risha getting close to her, shoulder to shoulder.

Without a word, Kara hands her the spyglass.

"Whaaat.. the-"

As she's looking all the way left.. then scanning back right, the entire horizon.

"It's like a moving continent Kara!"

Like ants in the distance..

Risha can see a layer of black mass, across the water from end to end.

"Ahem!.. excuse me young ladies, this is no time for ga-"

A very proper gentleman, in military ranks full detail.

Risha interrupts him immediately barking,

"HEY!" The follow up point, right at his eye.

"Are you the commander?.. get me the commander.. NOW!"

As she's now turned to him.. he gulps a fast scan of this..

Athenian goddess in buckled boots, with beautiful tunic in gold trims..

no helmet.. just a braid of jet black long hair.

With a bright gold sword on her back, this voice that's just barking respect.

"Riiisha?"

"That's right.. get over here.. LOOK!"

Risha points him to the spot next to her, handing him the spyglass.

He leans in with the spyglass.

Taking a second to find his focus.. scanning.. all the way left, all the way right.

He leaps back!, with his arms flailing out, trying to catching something!

Flinging the spyglass.. as his eye's fill with terror!

Stunned in the error they have made!

Seeing his entire city, crumbling right before his eyes!

"Hey!"..

"Are you doone?.. can we be a soldier now!?

Get your damn head right!, and we'll win this!

What's your naame?"

Risha hovering over him, spurring him to motivation.

"Norrington.. i'm the commander"

In a shaky voice, trying to regain some composure.

"Not anymore"

"I want that catapult division, from the west ramparts here in ten minutes"

"Do you understand me soldier!?"

"Yes.. yes Risha, right away!"

Scrambling off, he goes flying the down the stairs!

The girls go over a plan, to keep the defensive mainly stacked on the east walls.

To make sure the massive navy, never gets walls down on the east.

With catapults an archers, lining the floors and flooding the ramparts.

If should the west walls be breached, from divisions approaching by land.

They will unleash Kazandra to the world.

Troops all scrambling around, trying to find their new positions.

Norrington giving Risha's commands,

circles back up to the top ramparts where the girls are on lookout.

Kara through the spyglass can see them getting in range..

she can see them scrambling around on the decks now,

barking and banging shields.. wearing what Risha calls, shit plate armor.

"The divisions are in place Risha"

As Norrington is doing well, getting his troops in place quickly.

"Good job soldier"

Risha cooling off, as she huddles him in.

"Keep those scouts on the west ramparts, with three archer divisions.

If they have word, of not being able to hold off the ground troops west,

I'll take care of it personally.

But we're gonna keep the defensive right here"

Risha going over the details, with a very attentive Norrington.

"Yes Risha, i'll make sure it's done"

As he starts calling a few divisions to follow him, moving down the ramparts west.

"Test fire now!"

Risha barking with her hand up high, pointing over the east wall.

The catapult on the floor behind her,

unfurls it's large boulder.. up an over the castle walls!

Hitting the shoreline waves.. twenty yards out.

"Guess that will have to do"

Risha wanting a little more range out of them.

"Don't worry babe, keep that front line soft..

let em bottleneck and stack up.. nice an close.

I'll take care of the rest"

She's damn near happy about it.. what war?

I'm here to put on a show.. Uber confident Kara.

The days when she had no fear.. of her brash choices.

The ships approach like a wall, left to right filling the horizon.

Ground troops in the first waves, archers in the middle..

elephants and cavalry in the massive back wall of ships.

An Orc army like none have ever seen.

"ARCHERS!"

"LOOOSE!"

Risha screams the bark,

while Kara watches the devastation through the spyglass.

A thick wave, like a black cloud hitting the sky.

Come upwards from the east walls.. raining down at the first wave ships.

The front line still 40 yards out and closing..

it rains like a wave.. hitting the water just in front of the ships..

spattering through like a pin cushion.. all the way down the ships to the back.

Halfway through the second wave of ships.

Orcs dropping in lines of impalement!, their banging shields turning to whimpering barks!,

as a few head over the sides!

Kara with a few points, a giggle.. watching them scramble,

Trying to swim in their heavy armor.

"SUSTAIN FIRE!"

Risha gives the order, then turns.. signaling the catapults division.

"LIGHT EM UP!"

As the divisions start dousing the rags, wrapped tight around the boulders..

with highly flammable oils.

Immediately setting them ablaze.

"FIIIIIRE!"

Risha screaming loud!, as she lifts Huntsman to the sky!

As they all let loose in a spectacular volley!, that even Norrington turns to witness!

Fireballs in endless rows!

Flying out the whole width!, of the giant east wall rampart!.. hundreds of feet long!

The front line just getting to the shoreline, is bombarded by devastation.

Masts coming down in groaning thunder cracks!, sweeping orcs off the decks in rows!

Splintering shards of woods, mixing in with flying Orc parts!, spinning through the air!

Thick blacks of the burning clouds, engulfing the decks.

Burning on fire, in wretched howls.. the Orcs scrambling all over the decks!, fleeing over the side!

Kara glued on the spyglass.. like she's watching a slap stick..

giggling at frantic Orcs, burning on fire while bonking around.

"RELOAD!"

Risha giving the que to catapults,

then instructing the archers, to shorten up an hit the shore.

"SUSTAIN FIRE!"

As the archers rain down another volley, aimed to protect the shoreline entrance.

Like a wave, the Orcs charging from the shoreline up the beach, get pin cushioned.

From the closest footstep.. all the way to the last.

The rain of arrows, goes all the way down to the first line of ships.

Orcs dropping like a switch turned off on the battlefield.

Risha might as well be shooting fish.. in a barrel.

The troops all becoming more confident, in Risha's leadership..

seeing the mass of destruction, on the shoreline from their efforts.

A few "I love you Risha's" can be heard.

"LIGHT EM UP!"

The catapult divisions set the boulders ablaze once more.

"FIIIIRRRE!"

The first wave of ships now in smoldering ruins, beached on the shoreline.

With blankets of arrows in front of it, spattering the beach in sustain at the scrambling orcs.

The second wave of ships, has now bottlenecked, stacking against the first wave..

with the third wave right behind it.. and larger ships in back closing just behind.

Risha's volley is perfect.

Completely ignoring the waste of a shot, first wave of ships.

The second and third.. are absolutely demolished.. spreading wild fire all over the decks!

Up the masts like a torrent, the sails all igniting ablaze!

Orcs diving off in all directions!.. barking their whimpers as they scramble over the sides!

Black smoke billowing the sky, from the massive explosions below deck!

The ships are all now in a tight pack, with the fires leaping between all of them.

"Perfect"

Kara is seeing her entry.

"HOLD FIRE"

Risha signalling both divisions, with a side glance to Kara.

"I almost feel bad for them"

Kara rips off her cloak to the ground!, sparkling white like a tower!

Leaping out over the fifty foot rampart!, with her hand up in the air as she's falling!

She hits the ground running for the shoreline,

as her staff races!, right passed Risha with a jump!

Right into her hand, didn't break her stride for a second.

Sprinting at inhuman speed towards the water.

Risha watches in awe.

The troops that can see this on the ramparts, are frozen, like in a painting.

Kara using the front line of ships like stepping stones, skipping to the second wave..

the second wave in burning embers.. her next leap to the third wave.

Almost dead in the center of the whole main pack.

As she's coming down in her leap, aiming at midship deck..

angling the staff straight down in front of her, holding the hook as she's falling.

Right as she lands, sinking the bottom blade in the watery planks,

her RUNE FIRES UP!

The sound of the blast, sends all the troops to the ramparts!

EVERYONE stops what they're doing.

A forking bolt straight out of the heavens!

The thundering booming of a BUZZ so loud!..

it's SHAKING the walls of Gideon!

THREE TIMES!.. leaping across the boats with each strike!

Making a pattern to do the most damage!

The second blast was right after the first one.

All they can see from this distance..

is a sparkling white dress, skipping over another few boats..

To a massive forking blast!.. over on their left now, in the same giant explosion!

Massive shards, through billowing smoke.. boat parts, or Orc parts.. no one can tell!

It's just being cast over the horizon!

The sparkling dress then leaps across another row of boats, to the back right..

another forking blast!, by the third blast it feels like Gideon, slipped it's foundation!

The blast sends the ship she's standing on at the time..

exploding upward from the middle, where she's landed.

Like a bridge opening at the middle.

Sending ocean, ship pieces and orc pieces.. like a fountain into the sky.

By the third blast..

there's so much water in the air, from the pounding devastation.. for an instant.

A shockwave blankets the area!.. through the AIR.

Every single Orc in the vicinity to her..

whether in a boat or in water.. is instantly cooked to a crisp.

In her final jump that ignited the air in a shockwave..

she happened to land in the cavalry and elephant section.

It's hard to imagine, what the shrieking horror of an elephant might sound like..

Probably because we've never seen one, get demolished by Zeus's bolt.

The description provided by the troops.. was that it carried all the way from the ocean,

echoing off the west wall ramparts.. with the sound of a thousand foot baby,

screaching through a trumpet.. unsettling at best.

In what is widely considered, one of thee most glorious and brutal battles..

for this moment.. It's a pin drop.

Captivated ramparts.. in dumbfounded stare.

The term Witch Goddess.. was born in this moment.

"WEST WALL!, WEST WALL!"

The scouts screaming over the ramparts!, running in from the west.

Risha looks fast to see Orc troops are still scrambling a shore.. still swimming in.

On approach to east gates, too close for archers.

As Kara is still hopping around ships,

chastising Orcs, as she takes out the survivors.

Risha orders the ground troop division next to her, defend the east gate!

Make a shield barrier around the doors in front, back to back!

Then sending Norrington to the west rampart, with ground troops and cavalry.

It's time to release the Baudelaire Monster.. the rumor.. the terror under the stairs.

Risha racing down the ramparts, as fast as she can!, heading to the Baudelaire carriage.

Nestled behind the chapel.. close to the west gates.

She doesn't even get to the carriage, as Kazandra comes blasting out!

"I heard it.. I heard it!"

Kazandra frantic, hearing the sounds of battle all around her.

"What do I do!?"

Begging for Risha's direction.

"NOTHING!, GETS PASSED THIS WALL!

YOU HEAR ME!?

THERE'S WOMEN AN CHILDREN ON THIS SIDE!"

"GOT IT!"

As Kazandra just flips a switch.

Completely unhinged.. streaking out the west gates like a blur.

Risha gets back up on her shoreline overlook,

seeing her remaining troops are being overwhelmed..

Up an over the side of the rampart!, zero hesitation.

She hits the beach with her Hunstman, drawn out in front of her.

Assisting her troops side by side!, taking their hits on her back!

By pulling them in, sheltering blows, as one by one she starts picking the Orcs apart!

The troops now cheering her name!

As she begins down the shoreline, cleansing it like a black and gold Tiger!

Chasing a tiny mouse, with a stump for a leg!

A mermaid Kara, comes strolling through the wreckage on the shore.

Wringing her hair out, in long bright silver locks, pushing it all back behind her.

Coming up the beach, she just pauses a moment.. to admire Risha's work.

"That was your favorite hair clip, wasn't it?"

Risha snarking it out, as she's still dicing up Orcs..

cussing them as she goes.

"It-was!"

"Did you see the elephants!.. I'm gonna tell Aldus about that one"

"I saw an elephant fifty feet in the air!.. if that's what you mean"

Risha laughing it out, as she sheaths the Huntsman, making her way over.

"I've never let it fully charge like that..

especially in water!.. I think I ignited the AIR!"

"I heard it echo off the west ramparts!"

Risha hovering over Kara now, checking her over for wounds.

"I'm fine, I'm fine"

Kara doing exactly the same thing.. not a scratch on her.

"How's the west wall?"

"Kazandra hit it, like a bat outta hell"

Risha turns, now calling in all the shore troops.

As the two now walking back to east gate, ushering in with the troops..

the troops are all in wide eye'd amazement of Kara.

The ones that didn't know.. asking her name.. thanking her, shuffling to get close.

Praise showering on the both of them, for saving the city.

"I love you Kara's and Risha's"

Are being thunderously cheered, all over east gate.

A bellowing CRASH!, as a large hole in the west wall!, has caused a collapse!

The repeated cannon and catapult fire, finally getting through!

Shrieking screams, come filling up from the streets!

Kara and Risha burst into action!

Risha taking the ramparts, archer divisions in tow.

Kara approaching the west gates on the ground.. with Orc divisions closing in fast!

Pushing through the crowds, of fleeing citizens!, trying to get safety.

Out of the corner of her eye.. a downed Norrington!, on the left of the gates..

trying his hardest to crawl passed the supply crates.. looking for safety.

The debris from the collapse is coming down all around him!,

Orcs at the gates just to his left!, trying their hardest to push through!

With the troops barely being able to hold them back!

She reaches him fast, in tunnel vision..

"Noo, no no!"..

"Hey.. hey you, are you ok?, can I see?"

Kara gently scooping him up, her back to the battle, completely shielding him with her back.

"I-m.. so sorr, Kara.. I didn't protect the cit"

Choking in his own blood.. Kara's face changes to just torn, the wound is bad..

it's though his side, on both ends.

Kara screaming her thunderous yell to the medic tent!, just down on her right.

Leaned over him now, rocking him close..

She can hear the battle behind her!, looming in.. like slow motion!

In her peripheral vision.. she catches a totally UNHINGED Kazandra, behind her.

Holding nothing back.. she can barely see her, as the Orcs have pushed passed the gates!

She turns it!, focuses harder.. she is just a streak.. a line of RED.

DIVING THROUGH ORCS.. her whole body.. lines at a time!

A traail of bodies.. are left in her exploding wake!

Chastising as she kills them.

Kara bellows out for the "MEDIC!" again!,

Slowly moving him closer, gently rocking him, telling him it's going to be ok.

A loud CRAAACK!, echoes the length of the city!

The west watch tower inside the walls, has taken a critical hit!

Slanting, in a crumble.. it starts crushing downwards!

In a giant heap of dust and debris!

At the very top window of the tower,

two children are hiding out.. as they thought that would be the safest place to be.

Kara watches in slow motion horror.

The five year old girl ANNA.. does a tumble from the window, in a death fall to the ground.

Without missing a beat, like she is faster than time..

Kazandra streaks her!, like a soft red basket!.. MIDFALL!

Quickly ushering her off the streets to the east.. to the reinforcements heading their way.

In her soft basket of red silk savior.. Kazandra feels a few soft tugs on her dress.

Beautiful blue eyes, that have no idea what to say.

The medics, now stretchering Norrington.. applying field dressings as fast as they can.

Quickly ushering him to the medic's tent, while Kara turns.. assessing where she's needed.

Seeing that the courtyard has been cleared, almost single handedly by Kazandra.

The battle now lies in front of the gates.. to keep more from coming in.

Kazandra streaks the gates in a red flash!, as Kara quickly meets her at the threshold.

Moving together like a unit of destruction, just outside the gates.

"BACK TO BACK!"

As the girls make a defensive circle just outside the gates.

Their movements are in perfect sync.. they can read each other's minds.

Decimating anything, that gets anywhere near them.. in any direction.

Kazandra able to spin over the top of Kara, getting the one behind her.

While Kara going low.. right underneath her.

With a long sweep of her staff.. getting a group coming for Kazandra.

Kazandra like a dance, Kara like brute force.. their defense is impregnable.

At the same time Risha,

has charged the open field, with troops all following her.. orders or not.

They just wanted to be around her.

She ran a clinic on the catapults and cannon crews..

like she was running a college combat trial, catching their attacks with instruction!

As the troops basically couldn't help.. but laugh their ass off!

The remaining Orc army.

Turns in fear.. fleeing for their lives.

The first time in recorded history.

The Diary falls to the floor.

Back in Anna's suite, in present time Gideon.

Kazandra is a sobbing mess.

Anna is streaming tears down the sides of her face.

"Growing up..

I used to take my mom's red drapes off the windows..

like a cloak.. with one of her cooking spoons in my hand,

running around the castle.. trying to be like.. the girl who saved me"

"And they told me you weren't real!"

Kazandra streaks her right off the ground, in a almost too hard, crushing bear hug.

It was real!.. it feels the same!, her silken red basket.. Anna is absolutely balling.

"It had to be that way Anna.. it's not their fault"

They take a moment.. just embracing in silence.

As they are now comforting each other, becoming fast friends.

Kazandra invites her to the castle, to be with the group.

"Down by the carriage at sun down ok?"

Kazandra in her sweetest tone, still just awestruck by the coincidence.

Anna with a smirk, pointing straight up at the sky.

"I'm going to be needing that"

Laughing as she catches on immediately.

"Ooo.. right!"

As she does a quick teleport to the rafters,

un-sinking the blade, with a following smoky red "Poof!"

Sticking the landing..

she takes another look at the sabre, inspecting it closely.

Under the hilt.. etchings.

"Verrry nice Anna.. this is-"

"it's a Valerious family sabre,

it's been passed down seven generations to me."

Anna cutting her right off, proudly anxious to present it to her.

"Is it now?.. so who in your family speaks Elven then?

have you ever had to sharpen it?"

Kazandra already getting sassy.

"No.. I haven't"

Anna searching her memory, in shock to hear otherwise.

"An it's been through seven generations?, never broken or needed to be sharpened?"

Kazandra laying it on now.

Anna laughing immediately, seeing the impossibility of a blade doing so well.

"It's an Elven blade my dear.. really old too!"

"If you stay around this family long enough.. you'l find out where this really came from"

Anna's eyes just light up.. awakening to what life must be like, with a friend like Kazandra.

The girls getting closer, enjoying conversations, as Kazandra helps her tidy up,

and get packed for the Baudelaire carriage.

Kara and Risha on the East Wall Overlook.. staring off into the sea.

They've pulled up chairs with their legs up.. just enjoying some nice peace and quiet.

As the hustling bustling caravan has gone underway.

Van and Carl making their way up first, questioning witnesses,

documenting attacks that happened along the road.

Keeping their clergy reports, timely and thorough.

Kara in her sublime, resting silence.. like she's looking through a time machine.

"How high did that elephant go?"

As they're sitting shoulder to shoulder.

Risha raises a finger, juust over the horizon to a point.

"Riiight ther!"

Like she's eyeballing it from memory.

On que, Risha's rapid fire, Kara's long belts of laughter.

Pointing out how faaar, the ships went out across the seaboard..

so hard to believe this all happened right here!

In their trance of reminiscing..

Kara has no idea about the lurking fingers..

flying up fast!, from the stairs behind her.

"Got it!"

Kara's hair plummets out of the spiral bun!,

spilling down her back!

"Kazandra!"

Wheeling around to see her just ON FIRE giddy.

"Now you look like, how you did back then!"

"You lost a special one that day, didn't you?"

Kazandra grabbing a chair, wedging in between them.

Risha's uncontrollable dart laughs, as she scoots it, giving her more room.

"Swaan's clip.. ask her how many times, she went swimming for it?!"

Kara's hair clips are trinkets.. from past loves, different eras of her long life.

Elizabeth Swan's clip, was her first.. when the group of them were 'Pirate robbers'

In their young boisterous days, exploring Freeport.

Kara immediately flushing bright red..

"I actually found it!.. it's in Elinor!, in my suite"

"You sne-aky fOox!"

"She-is!"

Kazandra and Risha blurting out!, as Kazandra leans in closer..

"Soo.. speaking of that day,

just how well do you remember, the west tower collapsing?"

Kara remembers it vividly.

"You mean the little giirrl?"

Snapping to, she's looking Kazandra right in the eye.

"Princess Anna Valerious!"

"Princess Anna Valerious!?"

Kara instantly reading her mind!, saying it right along with her!

"Whaat!?"

Kara stunned out of her chair!

"Kazandra!.. you might have saved her whole bloodline!,

there's very few of them left..

I knew her family well.. Risha an I both, that poor thing!

Can I meet her?"

Kara immediately wanting to help.

Kazandra explains the emotional day she's spent with Anna,

leaving out the part where she broke into her suite.. in a jealous snoop.

Giving her an emphatic YES, you will indeed meet her, because I invited her!

Kara eagerly accepting her company at the castle, the way she see's it..

it's big enough.. she would move Anna's whole family in.

Everyone meeting together at the carriage.

The group all make introductions, to a wide-eyed gracious Anna.

Anna going faar out of her way, to be polite to Kara.

The group filter in taking seats around the bench.

Anna makes sure to sit right next to Kara, as she's just star struck..

her parents used to talk alll about her.

She heard a rumor once, about some supernatural college..

her questions just come firing out!, her sultry Transylvanian slang,

reduced to childish yelps, in the presence of Kara.

As per usual, Kara is happy to inform.

Risha and Kazandra, head to the front sleeping compartment.

For a see you later nightcap, and just wake up at the castle doors.

CHAPTER 6 Battle of Castle Baudelaire.

Castle Baudelaire is now fully fortified.

A constant stream of reinforcements lining the roads, the Prince has spared NO expense.

No intention of a.. marginal win, the castle is behind walls of catapults.

Cavalry units, circle the castle in twenty four hour shifts.

The King's own Knight's Templar elite swordsman.. circle the courtyard.

With rations, gear, medical supplies, all incoming in caravans,

Kazandra has taken to the roads, unseen she can keep an eye from above.

Watching from the tree line, to keep the caravans from being waylaid.

Kara has asked for expedition parties to scour the north.

Only in search of reconnaissance, intel.. find us a source.

Do not, engage in battle.

Van and Carl, head to the north east with Anna, as that's close to her turf,

and her company goes over FAAAR better, than the clergy boys, when it comes to questioning..

the Northern locals.

A vampire, or werewolf in the north.. could have possibly saved your home!

From an invading Orc.. the last thing they're going to do, is snitch you out to the church authorities.

Anna on the other hand, is widely adored.

Risha, decides north.. all the way north.

By way of land bridge, she heads to the far reaches of the uninhabited North.

To a ruthless town, governed by the very Mercenaries that took it over..

thousands of years ago, It's called High Hold Keep.

And it's never fallen.

The only known point of civilization in the uninhabited north.. if you could call it that.

Law is extremely simple.. Gold, and who's better?

Risha charging the grounds with her stallion, the blacks of her cloaked outline,

dancing off her like a racing bat! Her ducks, an weight transfers..

assisting the horse like a pull, as they go faster through the trails..

faster than any human!

The powerful horse has more confidence, in her supernatural abilities,

it feels protected by her.. she raised this stallion from a baby!

It leeans in with her.. the two of them leaning turns!, faster!

Rearing it's head with hard thrashes, kicking as hard as it can now!, Risha howling wild!

Joined in their race together, a harmony of hooves in perfect sync.

Just passing the cloud line now, the cold gets bitter..

The horse can't take it.

Her stallion has gone as far, as he can go.

With a whispering soft pat, she let's him on his way, home to the castle.

Heading the rest of the way by foot.

Up through the winding trails, constantly changing their shape.

From the battering of wind, whipping up snow flurries in all directions, in mounds of fresh powder.

Risha still finds her way, with hardly an upward glance.

She's not cold, she is not hungry.. she's not tired.

She is bounding full of energy.. twenty foot gaps are cleared in her leaps.

High Hold Keep is built like a fortress, squared off with watch towers on the points.

All the stone walls are double layered, with an Oak layer through the middle.

It's always warm inside, regardless of the weather outside.

Black market trade is their biggest commodity, High Hold coffers are rumored to be,

as deep below the castle, as it is high.

Being that very rare ingredients, spices, and Gold.. are very prevalent up here.

The doors to High Hold Keep are always open.. like a twenty four hour trading station.

You pay a fee to walk in, state your business, term of stay..

and your weapons are collected at the door.

Risha now on approach.. peering a dagger through the almost whiteout,

as she's coming up on the doors.. paused.

They're closed.. no guards out front, something's a miss.

Right in front of the doors now, she's getting a little testy..

this was a very long journey, she has to circle it back!

Without her horse that she loves, who maaybe didn't make it!

It better be worth it.

She bangs loud on the knocker.. like no human could.

A hooded figure, peeks over the ramparts from above,

"STATE YOUR BUSINESS"

"You like Goold?"

As Risha shakes a coin bag like a watermelon.

"I'm waaiting!"

A slow creek as the two foot thick doors, crack open slowly.

She can already feel the warmth from inside, washing all over her face.

The hooded figure scoots in from her left, his head shoulder level to her.

His posture hunched over, voice like an ashtray, that choked a rat.

"Hundred per night, check ur weapons"

Risha is in a tight wrap, the gatesman is trying to make her out..

scanning her slowly a few times, he stops at her boots.

"Five hundred per night, forget the weapon.. deal?"

Risha pushing passed the doors, practically ignoring him.

"DeEAL!"

The smell of gold, overtaking his crooked smile.

"It's you isn-"

"I'm asking the questions!"

Risha's coin bag, doesn't even have that low of denomination..

she flips him one twice that amount, with hardly a look.

"Where the hell is everyone?"

Risha darting eyes all over, it's usually a sprawl of drunken mercenaries,

traders haggling prices, bar fights, and loud arguments.

It's very strange to see High Hold so fearful.

"Strict curfew, Chancellor's orders"

He's now trying to keep up her pace, as she's heading to the tavern.

"One of the beasts got in last night, it's almost a nightly-"

Risha turns fast to a stop, the gatesman bumping into her, as he was fixed on her boots again.

"Which way did it go!?"

"Did you see?.. when the beast fled, which way did it go?"

She's got hands on him now.. she's gotta lead.

"A vampire killed it"

He's now getting a good look at Risha's eyes.

"Riisha!"

"I knew it was you!, you're here to find them aren't you!?"

"Yea, an ur not helping at all.. what vampire, what was his name?"

Risha sassing, as he's practically dragging on her coat tails.

"An quiet you!, I have work to do out here.. I don't need attention"

Having a seat in the Tavern, she orders hot coffee, just for the warm feel and smell of it.

As he takes a seat adjacent to her,

"He didn't say his name.. he's a recluse, erm.. he's very skilled!

A jewel'd sabre.. it almost siings"

"ASSHOLE!"

Risha blurting it out, with a bang on the table!

"Wuut?"

The gatesman in a soft scoot away from her.

"Nothing.. sorry, not you.. where is he?"

Risha nursing the cup, just letting the smell wash all over her.

"He left, out of the rear gates this morning.. sometimes he leaves for weeks at a time.

He's odd.. he skulks the keep like a haunt,

people call him the Wraaith"

"That's enough you, ur probably alive because of him.

And don't tell anyone i'm here..

if there is something truly evil out there..

we don't want to pressure it.

Do you understand what i'm telling you?"

"Yes, yes I do, i'm sorry, I won't tell anyone..

we're all fearing in our beds here Risha..

most never leave their chambers!, the fear is like a plague.

I've never seen it so bad.

They feel High Hold.. might actually fall."

Risha dials it back.. they're really all in this together, all of the north.

"My home too"

She offers a hand empathetically.. she appreciates High Hold for what it is,

it's massive heritage, it doesn't deserve to be run down by a mindless horde.

"Barnham"

Eagerly shaking the gloved hand, of her Majesty Risha.

"Spry little thing aren't you"

Risha's giggle as she starts straightening up, to get on the move.

"You going now?.. this is when they're absolutely crawling out there!"

Gasping her to sit back down.

"Yes that's the point.. if you had a heading for me, this would be alot easier"

She's already walking to the Tavern door.

Following right in her tow,

"He went through the back gates, the left pass"

Passing the counter top, as she's almost to the doors..

There's a Mercenary's board on the right.

A wide brim stencil on a page, chiseled chin outline.. cross hatched with a beard.

Knives stuck in it.

"Get this SHIT off your walls!"

As she rips it down in one motion.

"He killed three people!"

Barnham gasping it out, as if maybe his life depends on it.

"He can only kill evil, are you dafft!?"

She flinched towards Huntsman.. Barnham looks like his heart stopped.

"The Chancellor doesn't distinguish between"..

shaking his words out, as Risha is now hovering him.

A soft finger dart to the chest, as she glares him down.

"I DO"

"You want my heelp Barnhaam?..

I don't see the Chancellor, is he cowering?..

You keep his name, off these walls.

do we understand each other?"

"Yes Risha, i'll see to it"

Dragging on her coattails again.

"Keep the fires lit Barnham, I don't intend to let High Hold Keep fall,

if there's a fight here, i'll be here too"

In a fast stride to the back gates, her arm crooked in the air, in a wave behind her.

"Thank you Risha!"

The weather at this altitude is unbearable to humans.

It's completely common, to just see frozen bodies on the sides of trails.

And if you think there aren't any.. it only takes a few moments, for a vicious snow flurry..

from the ever changing weather.. to unveil five more.

Risha once again, sets off alone, travelling only by foot.

Leaving the northwest gate, the trails are blinding up here.. narrow with false floors.

One slip can be deadly for even the supernatural, in only a moment it can turn whiteout.

The trail hitting a decline slope now, she can see a large boulder field beneath her..

some commotion through the flurries, as she gets closer.

A wolfpack!, she can hear them now.. just up in front of her.

The growls, an yips.. quickly turning to whimpering, cowering yelps.

With a very.. distinctive slash, from behind a boulder now she's closing in.

She can see these slashes.. are sending snow flurries, like shockwaves through the air..

with a soft, singing pitch.. like if you were singing the top of a wine glass,

with your dipped finger.

On approach, she sees a dark figure..

bent over the fallen wolves, seeming to be apologising.

Like he had no choice.

The dark cloaked figure, sheathes his beautiful sabre, tightly against his right hip.

As he starts digging, a shallow grave for the wolves.

Being this far north, he doesn't have much concern, of anyone else being around.

Leaning in, to pat a snowy cap, over the shallow grave..

He feels a WHACK!, just behind his left ear!..

that rattles like a chain.. as it hits the floor.

Blasted in shock!, as he launches to his feet!, a trained eye peering straight down..

at the Black Gold coin, two red hash marks.. a hole punched through it.

In an instant!, as he reaches down for it..

He's backhanded!, from his right.. straight off his feet!

Sprawled eagle, flat on his back!

"Goddammit Risha!"

"Asshole!.. so you were just never gonna tell me!

You'd just let me think you're dead!.. I fuckin cried for you Jon!"

Risha fuuming, as she's hovering right over him now.

"I did the right thing!"

Still on his back, yelling upwards at her..

as he leans up, she kicks him back down!

"What did you think?.. i'd stand by and watch Ravenguard,

declare war on the Baudelaire family!

Quickly wedging his shoulder between that same leg, like a split!, as he pops up!

Cartwheeling Risha!, straight to her back on the ground!

"It wasn't easy for me!, you think I wanna be up here?

I died that day!"

As he's now in a full mount, directly peering down on her..

with legs on the floor like a whip!, she sends him in a end over end tumble!,

Behind her.

Risha warms juust a notch.. as she flips herself right side.

He really did get the short end of the stick.

"Were you gonna tell me!?"

"Riiiissh"

Shuffling up like a snowman with a sore jaw, slowly moving over to her.

Arms moving out..

"No, don't touch me!.. I'm still mad"

Risha shooing him away.

"If it makes you feel better.. I haven't been with anyone since you."

Jon trying again for the hug.

"It doesn't.. now scoot!"

Her shoo this time had a tiny giggle behind it.

"By the way.. what the hell are you doing out here?"

As he hooks the chain, re-fastening it back around his neck..

she stops him.

Leaning her back around, pulling her hair up..

he re-fastens the chain around her neck.. a soft nuzzle kiss to the back of her hair.

"I missed you.. I only missed you"

She leans back into him now, letting down her guard.

"Me too"

They take a moment.

Just relaxing quietly in each other's company.

One of the things Risha likes the most about Jon.. he knows when to shut-up.

"They've hit our castle"..

"Gideon too"

"HOW!?"

Jon rocked!, as he had no idea the problem was this severe.

"Lilith, the goddess of death..

apparently has the hots for Kara..

She's orchestrating this whole thing.. reanimating them somehow"

"What do you mean Kara.. whers Kara?"

Jon just in the dark.. as he's spent decades skulking around in isolation.

"She's at the castle"..

"Kara's back!?"..

"Geezus Jon.. it's like you're a caveman up here!"

With the follow up quick laugh through his nose,

the couple Jon and Risha, resume right where they left off,

almost a century ago.

She fills him in, giving him the truncated version, as he's soo far behind.

"I'm just trying to find the source.. It's gotta be up here.

If I knew which way they flee, when the sun comes up..

that's really all I need"

"They go west"

"I've tracked em pretty far already.. there's a sunken basin, not far from here."

Jon now providing what he knows, confident to explore further with the Master of Arms around.

"Show me"

The two setoff across the boulder field, to the west.

Jon in lead, as they cover ground quickly.. easily scaling boulders the size of small houses,

the two of them able to catch and sling each other's leaps, launching over gaps..

it's almost like a game to them.

He's offered to help out, all the way through.

Being a Ravenguard, he is considered Kill On Sight, if not in keep Ravenguard.

The only safe refuge, that could possibly pull him out of hiding,

is Kara's protection, his love Risha along side him.

"How's the little squirt, Baby Kara?"

Risha roars out laughing!

"Pleease call her that, when you see her!"

"Formidable isn't she?.. I saw it all over her, even as a child"

"You have no idea.. seven years Jon, that's all she needed"

Jon is over three hundred years old, he's spent time living at the college.

He still has not, graduated the trials.

"What weapon is she using?"

"Herself.. you'l see"

Risha now in full strides, as the slope becomes almost vertical.

The clicks of her buckled boots, like a rippling snap!, as they push her legs,

right back in place.

"She's an Assassin then?"..

Jon now getting lower, as they come to the crest of the large berm.

Both on the crest now, it's a steep drop, a cornice bowl of un-touched powder.

Pausing as they get a long view, of the massive frozen lake bed below.

"An then some"

Risha now taking the lead, already stretching out her spyglass,

doing a gentle slip, down the steep side of the slope to the lakebed.

With her left arm almost parallel, anchoring her, doing small traversing skips..

"JOOoon!"

As he scoops her up like a SLED!, in his lap!

Barreling them both down the pristine powder!, straight down vertical!

By the time they hit the bottom, they're just a rolling snowball!

Flailing arms, with legs shooting out!.. Risha's rapid fire laughter,

"Yea ur soo miserable out here Jon!, do you play in the snow allll day?"

"Well there's nothing else to do!"

With a tug, as he pulls her upright, from her lounge seat in Jon and Risha snowball.

"I missed that laugh of yours!"

"Likewise!"

Risha straightening up, instinctively doing a bump kiss, like old times.

Fishing her spyglass from their powder love seat,

takes the lead. As the duo track a line, straight to the center of the bed.

Approaching the mouth of the frozen lakebed now,

"Sun's almost up, let's get what we came for"

The duo go quiet.. falling into character.

Risha in lead, moving like a cat.. low through the powder snow.

As they move closer towards the center of bed, she gets flat.

Instructing him to do the same.

The frozen lake bed is vast, a half mile in diameter.

Steep crags towering upwards off in the distance behind it.

A steep shelf drop off, on the far right.. just passed a tree line.

Peering through her spyglass, adjusting for focus, through the random dancing of flurries..

She sees a small Mine shaft, at the foot of the crags.. the back of the lakebed.

"Something's back there, look"

The two now moving closer at the very center of the lakebed,

Jon reaching for the spyglass, finding his dot for focus..

"I see it.. there's two"..

Jon peering through across the lakebed.. two shambling outlines.

Hard to make out, just in front of the mine shaft entrance,

in a circle pattern.. Jon gets his focus dot right on it.

It's staring right at him.

"SHIT!.. it saw!, it saw the glint from the glass!"

Jon in a gasp, as Risha rips the spyglass back!

The two figures.. gone, disappearing back into the mine shaft.

"This is not what we want!"

Cussing the ground, Risha pops to a crouch!

Ripping her cloak off, Huntsman coming off, in a thrust to the ground.

As she leans over, flipping the sharp curved hooks, on her forearm bracers.

Into attack position. Four inch long mithril talons, like claws to her elbows.

Designed for ripping, catching and disemboweling enemies.

She hears the ssiing of Jon's sabre, as he readies it out in front of him.

Just as the surrounding treeline.. on right an left sides..

the berm, behind them where they came in.

BECOME BUSTLING ALIVE!

Flashing green eye's, in their wild scrambles!, barking and yipping!,

as they're trampling the brush, pushing aside trees, in a circle pattern!

In a complete circle around them!, Risha in her 360 degree spin..

Can see the trap laid out!, that they so easily sprung!

"BACK TO BACK!"

Risha's frantic bark, is like the trumpet of war to Jon.

His face completely changes over, his green eye's go to slits.

Like he can only see where his sabre is going.

His lips curled all the way back, so they're gone.

Jon's fangs don't hide.. they are much larger than the sister's.

Kara's are soo small they almost look human, Jon is the opposite.

In what appears like a wicked smile.. upon close inspection, he is a Wraith.

Jon is lean, fast.. his posture always tall an upright.. his style is Regal.

At six foot tall, with a previous human weight of 170lbs, he's built like a thoroughbred.

Raised as an orphan in hardship, like Risha.. he is cunning.

He's ahead of you, he is not waiting for you.. Jon strikes first.

They both share the same steadfast focus, un-shakable on the battlefield.

"YOU AFRAAID TO FACE ME LI-LIIITH!?"

Risha screaming wild!.. taunting her out of hiding.

High in the right side treeline.. the soft hisss.

Her menacing glowing green scowl..

softly materializing in black haze.. as she floats to the ground.

Just at the foot, of her circling army.

"GOT YOU"

"An i'm gonna bury those silver haired bitches!, right next to you!"

Lilith in her menacing hiss.. switches her gaze over to Jon,

like he wasn't part of the plan.

"COME ON THEN!"

Risha's anger completely untapped!.. snow shook off the trees!

Goading her.. I daare you to come at me, in a defensive position.

"Children.. I want them in pieces"

As the horde behind Lilith UNLEASH!, like a floodgate of rage!, bounding on fours!

Jon at her back, seeing the horde unleash from the other side of the basin!

Being closed in upon, like a circle being cinched!

The first wave hits them at striking distance, in a CRASH of violence!

The sickening dense thuds, of these supernatural bodies, bashing in thunder booms!

Airborne nosedives of werewolves!, being flown to the back o the pack!..

by Risha's anvil powered uppercuts!

Mangled in seconds by her Huntsman.. anything in front of her, slicing in gold blurs!

Rages of their howling cries!, as hair tufts and body parts, go spinning through the air!

Risha's sweeping gold blurs!, like a searing siiinnge.. it gets no resistance AT ALL.

Grabbing for her!, one catches her sword instead!, a perfect parry!

Instantly igniting it's wretched claws!, in a fury of howling pain!, scampering away!

Evil cannot contend with this blade!

She vice grips one by the neck!, as it's leaping for her right flank!

Driving Hunstman, straaight down through it's center mass, like a spike!

Pinning the beast to the ground!, like a burning witch's stake!

As she disembowels, the one coming for her left!, with vicious forearm hook swipes!

At practically the same time!

In her slow motion battle mind, she can feel Jon right behind her.

Hear the beautiful song of his sabre..

in her peripheral vision, for a brief millisecond.. it's impossible not to watch.

It's as if his left hand is holding a paint brush, it's soo exact, precision.

HE IS PAINTING PARTS OFF YOUR BODY.. like an artist corsair.

It's smooooth, the whiirrrs, an humms, of his passing blade..

distraction.

The velocity of his strikes are so great..

it seems to somehow extend the killing range of the blade..

by several lengths of a human!.. groups at a time, go down with Jon's swings.

As he dips back to a crouch, with a lunging sweep!, of a horizontal swipe..

it's like a scythe trimming wheat, they simply fall over in half.

He is truly a sight to see.

And in the body count department, he's winning.

Two fly high over the pack!

Tackling Risha, pinning her to the ground on her back!

As she instantly raises her forearm hooks!, shelling up her defense!

Burying her hooks in the left one!, like a stiff arm barrier, ripping Huntsman out of it,

as she impaled it while it leaped her!

The one on her right side, begins tearing claws!, biting into her flank!

In her cuss of frustration!, bringing her right hooks up for defense,

just through her guard.. she can see Jon, in a flying horizontal spin..

directly above the werewolf.

With his left hand, in a whistling FLICK!

He just paints the werewolf's head!, right off it's body!

Landing right next to her, ripping her to feet, in one quick motion.

"Quit playin around"

"YOur damn singing!"

As they resume their back to back vicious defense.

The golden blurs, matching the singing slashes..

they fall in sync, the two of them a powerful beat.

Lilith is now in fits of rage!, trembling in absolute disgust.

Yeears of her work are being destroyed..

her plans burning to embers, right in front of her face.

This vampire Jon!

No way, Risha would have survived the trap without him.

Her rage has focus.

Risha holding off two, in front of her like a barrier,

In the corner of her eye..

The treeline sends a spinning deathly black Scythe!

Like a flashing cloud, of black mist.. directly at JON!

"Get DOown!"

As Risha rips Jon by the collar!, straight down on top of her!

Both flat on the floor!, as the Scythe passes inches above their heads!

Sinking the ground next to them!

Lilith on them both in a blink!, wasting no time.. going for the kill.

Her left handed short sword, going for the quick follow up strike, on the downed Jon.

As Risha get's hands an feet, both out fast!, shoving him in a roll out of the way..

milliseconds!.. as her sword comes up with nothing, but the ground in between them!

With her flank now exposed to Risha, her left hand briefly trapped in the ground..

it's all the opening Risha needs.

Risha's double legged leap off her back, drop kicks Lilith to the chest like a ballista!

Perfectly timed.. and dead square.

As her intention was singularly focused, on killing JON.

She gave it everything she's got.

Lilith spears a line!, through the pack of werewolves behind her!, like a part in the waters!

The massive Pine tree in her path, halting her journey like an earthquake!, of toppling branches and debris!

In a gold slicing bluuur, Huntsman is seeking it's target..

End over end.. it followed right behind her!

BULLSEYE.

The sickening SIIIINNGE, as Huntsman tears through Lilith's chest!

In only a BEAT!, after her sprawling crash to the large Pine!

She had NO time to react.

Pinned against the tree!, Huntsman dug in deep through the wood, like an anchor.

Lilith's wild howls of pain!, as Huntsman is eating her away from the inside!

Trying to pull the blade in frantic swipes!, she can't touch it!

The duo now in a sidestep, moving together as a unit to the tree.

Covering ground quickly, with Jon's impeccable slashes, driving a path for the both of them.

The werewolf hordes, of the cinching circle.. start thinning out from the back..

as if being called off.

Risha now approaching outstretched, with a hand out for Huntsman..

Jon still directly behind her, fending off the last few.

"I want that fucking HEAD!"

Rearing it back like a slap!, she smashes her right forearm hooks!

Directly to Lilith's face!, like an iron maiden anchor to the tree!

Right on top of Lilith!, without a drop of fear on her face.

Ripping Huntsman out of her, in one motion!

Rearing her left arm, all the way back!.. to claim that prize.

Of Lilith's wretched head!

Risha couldn't see.. what was coming for her, in the trees behind Lilith.

She could feel it.. like a mass of earth was moving with it, in it's wake..

At the last second, she sees the ferocity of what's coming..

She can't turn to Jon, it's too late.

It's Winged!, it's Horned!.. several times the size of a human!

The speed of this thing, being a mass that size is completely unnatural!

In it's devastating pound of the ground, landing from the treeline,

everything's taken out.. the entire treeline around all of them!

Like a wave of rolling earth!, the forest topples in destruction!

Lilith being buried immediately, in a toppling haze of snowy earth!

As Risha taking the brunt of his strike!, goes near unconscious!

Flying backwards, airborne in a pile of twisting limbs, spinning with the churns of earth!

Huntsman immediately flying out of her hand!, she didn't see where it went!

Jon had his back turned.. he couldn't prepare, he didn't see it coming.

Sprawling forward in a dive!, airborne with wings flapping, like he could take flight!

Pinning like an arrow!, face first in the rubble!

Coming to fast!, begging to contemplate.. what in the hell just happened!

"RIISSHAAA!"

Firing it as loud as he can!

In his quick scan.. the gold blur.. of Huntsman, on his right.

The horrifying outline of this DEMON!.. as it rightens, just off in front of him.

Assessing it's dazed target Risha!

Not a word from the Demon.

It seems hell bent on it's mission.

It takes a quick flight up!, to the dazed on all fours Risha!

Crashing the earth like a meteor strike!, the earth itself groans from it's power!

As it ripples in shockwaves, beneath the strikes of this Demon!

Risha possum'd it.

She rolled it perfectly.

Answering with her own, launching off the ground UPPERCUT!

Everything she's GOT!, enough force to bring down a castle wall!

Perfect to the chin!, as the Demon rocks back!, in a staggering reeel of disbelief!,

from the skill of her tactics.. puts him in a brief back pedal!

Zero hesitation, Risha leaps for it's neck!

With the Demon's right hand, like a quick snatch!.. it was too fast.

As it closes it's whole grip, around her torso in a catch!

Her arms are pinned at her sides!, she's defenseless!

Risha in a kicking hiss!, as she's cussing it's face!

It rears back it's massive boulder of a head..

CRUSHING Risha to the NOSE!.. in an exploding headbutt of REDS!

Jon's heart, takes an ice cold lance.. right through the middle.

hearing this horrible sound.. as she crashes the ground, in a sprawled heap.

Risha is OUT COLD, there's no more ivory of her face, it is red.

Like a dream.. there's no vision, she can't see..

singing sounds.. from a special sabre, being swung unnaturally fast.

Thick bellows in echos.. like thunder through a cave.. terrifying war cries from this Wraith,

that was once Jon.

Loud crashing thuds.. of supernatural bodies.

She's getting some vision back..

a slow blink.. The bright pierce of sunlight, in her opening vision..

the slow outline.. of GIANT terrifying demon horns!

Coming straight down on her, from above!

Looking for strength to move!, it's too fast!

Shelling up her defense hooks in front of her!.. a futile barrier to this monster.

The look of loss, washing over her face.

Up through her guard.. in a peephole through the hooks, the flying Wraith in slow motion.

Right up above the Demon, in a spinning bluur, of golden diagonal SWEEP!

In a sickening Siiiinge!, the Demon's right horn!, is severed at the BASE!

As it goes wild in a back pedal!, howling it's horrible timbres!

Making swipes for the wound!, in frantic paws of disbelief!

Jon scooping up Risha, like a rucksack against his chest!

Trying to get as much distance from the beast as possible!

Fleeing them both, to the shelf of the treeline, with a sheer cliff drop off, on their right.

That waterfalls down, into the white water rapids beneath.

Stepping down for miles, as the river tiers down, off into the distance.

Risha finally coming to now, getting her strong legs back beneath her,

As they're huddling their way, further down the shelf.

There is no explanation for what she's seeing.. she doesn't have time to tell Jon.

As if the very earth is attacking you!, the tree tops!, churning earth!, large timber and stumps..

All following this thing's ferocious winged charge!, like a whirlwind in it's wake!

"NOOooo!"

As she shoulder checks them both over the side!, in a dive tackle!

Plummeting hundreds of feet down!, to the icy torrents beneath!

Just as the Demon LEVELS, the entire plateau they were standing on!

Righting itself, in what looks like a battleground of armies at war,

the Demon seems to go frantic, as it looks for it's prize..

nowhere.. looking over the side, the sheer drops go back for miles and miles.

They could be anywhere.

The Demon now looks to be calculating, disbelief in his failure.

Plans are now changing.

The Superstition's river is a landmark in the North.

Making it's raging journey, from the steep crags of the uninhabited north.

Building it's thunderous momentum, through the seasons, of shedding off ice.

It's spiraling journey, goes all the way down passed Baudelaire Castle,

doing a bend, as it then heads off towards Gideon, before being funneled to the ocean.

Risha fighting wild!, in the sweeping torrent!, grasping for a hand hold, to just be whisked away!

By another vicious whirlpool, plummeting her under!, gasping hard to keep big breaths!

Feeling another pull.. under her legs, like they're being sucked forward, to a vortex!

Right over the side!, in a flailing tumble!.. a quarter mile straight down drop!

Risha battered like a ragdoll from the rocks, the beating she took from the Demon..

Vaults her legs off the river bed, like an arrow!, as she comes shooting out for breath!

Flailing hard in a dog paddle.. the shoreline rocks are just there!

The strength of her powerful hands, about to get her there!

Another smaller waterfall!, fifty feet high.. straight over the side in a tumble!

Risha crashes through like a barrel!.. she didn't have enough strength left to flail.

Hitting the river bed flat on her back!, she took a big breath.. she relaxes..

letting the current just take her.

In her shelled up tuck.. of skimming across the river bed, underwater.

She finally feels the current let up.. becoming almost peaceful.

Kicking off the river bed to a back float, she roollls over.. seeing the rocky shoreline..

with a niice soft spot of sand, it might as well be a bed.

With a few glides, she get's over to it, in a crawl on her stomach up the shore.

Her elbows try to straighten her up to a perch.. and just collapses.

Sprawled out, face first.

In her sleeping haze, of exhausted dreamland.. it's euphoric, she can't move.

She hears a screaming laughing Jon, go tumbling over the falls!

As he's lived up here for decades, playing around in the Superstition River..

is just Sunday for him.

Reaching her in heaving pants.. crawling on all fours, with Huntsman across his back.

Plops down right next to her, face first.

"It's soo much woorse than Lilith.. did you get it?"

Risha now rolled over flat, talking to the sky.

Jon still flat on his face, leans his arm.. that was pinned underneath him.

The three foot long, spiraling to a point.. Demon's horn.

That he plops on her head, like a hat..

She reeallly didn't want to.. but the laugh came shooting out.

"Would you get seerious please!.. we need to be at the castle yesterday!"

"We're stuck up here!"

"We're not"

Jon a little too calm, as he rolls to an elbow side perch.

He's just happy she's ok..

"We are too!"

Risha starting to get a little testy, if i'm mad, you're mad too!

As she's now sitting with legs crossed, arms folded around her knees in a rock.

Jon popping tall upright, offering his hand,

"I have a river boat.. a few of em actually, that's how I get around up here"

Risha like a zing popping up, seeing Jon's got it covered.

"Well aren't you full of surprises!"

"How fast?"

Jon in a turn, as he's walking towards the edge, of the rushing river.

"You know me"

Slowly reaching his left hand out to the waters, palm down in a fist,

eye's closing.

He begins a soft chant.. bellowing in his baritone.

His fist opens up, palm out, like a sprawl..

Flashing through the waters, like a whistling electric blue zap!

His sabre calls right to his hand!, in an eye blink blur!

"Good thing we had Huntsman.. Siren's Song couldn't cut it"

As he's sheathing the sabre, tight against his hip.

Taking the lead, as the duo setoff lower down the shoreline,

to one of Jon's several, stashed river boats in waiting.

"Do you have any idea, what that was?"

Risha side by side, as she's cracking her nose back into place.

"Van's at the castle.. he'l know, he always does"

Jon now leading them to the mouth, of a small cave.. just off the shore.

Baudelaire castle is in a moment of peace, the calm before the storm.

The trio of Van's expedition arriving yesterday, their efforts were mostly in vain.

The common description they were hearing, is the numbers of sightings are less..

as if maybe retreating.

Or, as Kara quite simply put it,

"The waters being pulled in from the shore, before the crashing Tsunami"

Van now with fishing tackle by his side, Carl along with him.

Taking a peaceful break, at the back of the castle, fishing off the land bridge.

Trying to find something a little more tasty, and fresh..

Than the girls interpretation, of what good human food actually tastes like.

"How long as she been gone?, do you think she's ok?"

As Carl reaching down, picking up his third miss, of baiting the hook.

Van winding his reel, brings it all the way in, to a click.. un-baiting the hook.

With a sharp smile, crooking at the corners.

"I suppose, you could ask her" half his mouth still clamping a cigar.

Just off in front of them, listing through the calm waters..

The center mast, cracked like an elbow at 90 degrees,

a few pieces of sail, still barely hanging on.

Rudderless.. as it's list, is a flat lazy spin.

The hull of the thirty foot skiff, battle scarred.. were there lions in the water?, instead of fishes?

Getting closer now it's a shallow deck, the occupants inside seem to be asleep.. lying down.

With just a leg crooked over the side, dragging the water.. in a buckled black boot.

"RIIISHA!"

Carl gasping out!, Van was just so nonchalant about it, he didn't catch it!

Until he got a good look, at that dragging boot.

"Caught me a big one Carl!"

As his reel cast, nails the buckles of her boots!, with an upward yank!

He secures the hook tight in the mithril, winding it back like a jest!,

practically bounding from his excitement!, as he's reeling her in!

"Is she sleeping?.. Don't pull her over!"

Carl a bit frantic in his excitement, like his bond for Risha grew quite strong..

just from the notion of her not being there.

Risha slumbering away in the waterbed hammock, of SS Jon and RIsha,

feels a few soft tugs on her left boot.

She's not quite ready to leave dreamworld, she gives it a dismissive snooze.

Their journey down the Superstition.. was not for the feint of heart.

Jon had a count, for every time.. he had to wing her in from airborne.

With Risha cracking knuckles, after one too many sneering jokes..

he left off at three.

Coming into the lower land waters around the castle,

the Superstition is calm, scenic..

like a soft cruise through lover's lane, the two are in a tight cuddle.

Big spoon and little spoon, at the bow of the boat, sleeping peacefully on the deck.

She feels another soft tug on her boot.. followed by a harder one.

Risha finally decides to address, the nipping at her ankle..

Peeking just a squinted open eye, above the shoulder rail of the skiff..

to see Carl bobbing in excitement!, in shoulder level waters.

"CARRL!"

"RISHA!"

As she pops up immediately!, to an excited perch on the side!

Giving the boat a lean, in her direction..

with Carl grabbing, on the same side of the boat,

unintentionally giving it more lean!

"Wait!, Caarrl!"

As the lean sends a rolling log!, of Jon into Risha!

Like a domino, crashing the two of them against the rail, rolling the whole skiff over!

Depositing like a ton of bricks over the side!, right on top of Carl!

Jon barely waking up at the last second!, sprawling in a flail over the top of Risha!

"What-th!"

"AaaAH!"

Carl diving under!, in a dodge!, from these heavy sword'd vampires!

Risha popping up first, bursting in her rapid fire giggles.. fishes Carl's collar,

instantly righting him.. an plants one on his cheek!

"SOo good to be HOME!"

Carl flushing bright red!, the ice cold of the waters just evaporated.

As Jon, fishing gear off the bottom, turning the boat right side over..

hears a very familiar laugh, coming from the shoreline.

As he starts reeling in the line again!

"VAaaAN!"

Risha's boot comes shooting out of the water!, in a soft wake..

as her scoots try to keep up with it.

Reaching forward with a quick nail swipe, as she cuts the line..

"JON!, is that you?"

Van floored to see Jon.. the two of them have a long history.

Jon not always being on the 'right' side.. of his color spectrum.

Sacrifices were made.. hard choices between the two of them.

Not unlike the sister's, Jon chose exile.. he told no one.

House Ravenguard is an ancient spy society, a legacy five times older than the Baudelaire's.

They believe every single death is foretold.. calculated, bidding from a higher power.

Nothing short of a hit list.. countries have toppled from their precision.

King's unseated.. right under the watchful eye's of the court.

Their reach has no limits.. they'l even come for you at the college.

Being that Jon, is one of their long time favored assassins..

thing's took a turn.. when the name on his parchment seal.. just happened to say Risha.

Going from bad, to O soo much worse.. as he decided to rob their coffers, on the way out..

a body count lay in his wake..

The name of this house is faar to proud to have such a brash upstart.

There was no hiding in the civilized world left for Jon.

"You look good, Van ole boy.. do you ever age!?"

Jon already ear to ear smile, as they're all approaching the shoreline.

The gentleman give a handshake'd, one arm hug.. still at a loss for words,

on where to begin.. there is soo much ground to cover!

The last time Van, Jon and the sisters were all together,

was when eighteen year old Kazandra, arrived home from the college..

she is seventy one!

With Jon getting a brief introduction to Carl..

Who's still swooning around in Risha's kiss, being quiet for his character.

The group gather their gear, in an excited shuffle to the castle.

As they're all walking back across the land bridge,

trying to catch each other up.

Van gives a quick thought, to Kara's assessment of the situation.

"Maaybe.. don't see Kara, just yet"

Van giving a warning.. if you thought Risha, might be upset with you..

"Kara?.. why?, she's an Angel.. it's fine"

Shrugging it off, as the smirks from both Risha and Van, were audible.

Kara sitting peacefully at her desk, also enjoying the brief lull.

Motioning to Kazandra, in the Baudelaire concoction lab,

just off in the west wing. As she's making them, their crafted 'lunch'

Anna heads up the stairs, to her castle suite, adjacent door to Kazandra's

Kara hears some commotion, from the open side door, at the back of the study.

The shuffling boots, that she's hearing.. have extra steps..

there's even a buckled click.

"BAABE!"

Kara shrieks down the hall as she hears it!

Shooting out of her chair!, in a glide across the marble.

"Kaarra!"

Exasperated, Risha just falls into her.. like collapsing in a body pillow.

She has soo much!, she needs to tell her!, grasping her shoulders now..

watching as Kara's gaze get's taller.

Kara straightens.. all the way up like a tower.

A peering line over the group, to the extra footsteps at the back.

Risha still in her embrace, feels her grip start tensing.

Her focus squints down hard at Jon.. gulping at the back o the pack.

With her chin down, sending a high arched dagger through her silver rake.

If Jon knows anything about Kara.. she is very vocal in her adoration.

She is dead silent.

Jon wheels a heel to his left, in a back pedal, making a move away from her.

"Maybe i'll just.. let you two.. have a-"

In a smokey red flash!, as he turned to his left!

The backhanded SLAP!, was already waiting for him!

"That's for KARA!"

As Kazandra wheels him like a spinning top!, off balance to his right!

To the waiting woodshed!, of a forehand from Kara!, sending him in a spin the other way!

Taking him right off his feet!, to a sprawled crash on the marble!

"That's for RISHA!"

"Risha already got hers!"

Jon yelling upward from the ground.. again.

"I did you girls a favor y'know!

Thanks JON!, Ravenguard has no idea..

the Baudelaire family, was part of the Black Gold Heist!"

Jon laying on the sarcasm.. he just doesn't understand.

He's never had love before, of any kind.. so he doesn't count on it being there.

He figured his leaving to keep the peace..

was just one plus one.

As Van leans a hand over, to assist him standing up,

"Three hundred years old Jon.. You still have ALOT to learn, about these girls"

Jon righting himself, with a damn near broken jaw from Kara..

"Well you're not wrong"

"They couldn't care less about Ravenguard.

Don't put a nick, on the heart of a Baudelaire sister.

That's the best advice I can give ya."

Van shedding his helpful enlightenment, as usual.

All three sisters, flash him that same look of endearment..

like he gets it.

"Consider yourself lucky,

if she doesn't throw you in the pantry for the night"

Carl bursting a laugh from Van's joke, as he's finally in on a reference.

Risha standing just off to his side, who basically just stood there arms crossed,

watching him get ricocheted from side to side.

"See how wiise Vaan is?.. take notes!"

"She cried for you just Jon!, you're going in the stables!

Kazandra streaked it, right in his ear like a hiss.. to a glide circle around him.

eye to eye now.. pulses of pinks in swirling reds, firing off her lashes!

He slips right into her vortex.. she turned it to eleven.

"I'm.. s s so- sorry, she.. Ka-zan.. Ka-ra"

Shaking his head trying to fight it.. making soft paws at her silken dress.

"Don't break him yet!, we found something!"

Risha firing in a laugh, as she was just about to explode,

all her new information to Kara.

"What!, where?.. what happened?"

Kara immediately firing to attention, wanting every single detail.

As Kazandra dials it back, giving him some room, with a glide over to Van.

"You were right Kara, it's not just Lilith"

Risha in a move, over to the spellbound Jon, snapping fingers..

about to rear back.. for another backhand!, like he hasn't had enough!

Jon snapping out of it!, in a duck!, a ten foot vampire dart!, over to Van!

"That's enough!.. I get the point!.. I'm a bad lover!.. ok!?, OK!?"

"Not everyone get's a warm Baudelaire wing, to grow up with!"

Jon finally giving the apology, that Kara wanted.

She warms it up.. in a soft glide over to him.

"What happened out there Jon?.. show me please"

Jon still with imprinted hand slaps, on both sides of his face..

reaches down for his rucksack, just at the threshold where they walked in.

Carefully uncovering the three foot long, spiraling to a point.. Demon's horn.

Slowly presenting it parallel to the ground, in both hands..

To an astonished crowd!.. gasping, with hands reaching towards faces.

"Van!.. what the hell is that!?"

Carl in a leaping gasp!, that's his first utter of a curse word!

Anna who quietly joined in from upstairs, hearing all the commotion..

"That's not a werewolf!.. Kara?".. as she moves closer,

wiggling a spot, in between Kazandra and Van.

Kara's face is cold.. her look is only serious.

"Riliss is on that.. I can feel it, smell it..

that thing came over from a different world"

Van focusing on what he knows.. searching his endless monster's compendium,

filed away in his mind, from hundred's of years of study.

"One of his lost children.. Mephisto maybe?"

"Are you saying this thing, is like Kara?"..

Carl perplexed, as he's getting the crash course, in Riliss's massive bloodline.

"Not all of the children, from the dark heart.. make the right choices.

in fact it's very few.. that's why Kara is first born.. to balance the scales"

Van informing Carl, as the two inspecting it closely.

"Whatever it was, it was uncuttable, by anything other than Huntsman.

It was a trap Kara.. they set it for Risha, they had us surrounded like a noose.

Lilith's entire horde, was just lying in wait.

With the Demon in watch, from above."

Jon now moving closer to Risha, almost side by side.

As he's painting the picture, of this ferocious battle to Kara.

"How did you get away!?"

Kara gasping, as she's starting to get images, on what sort of struggle took place.

"They got me Kara.. I wouldn't have made it.

Jon, saved me.. and Huntsman."

Risha in a turn, hanging the golden broadsword, back over her desk.

"He cut that horn an inch from my eye, and still recovered it"

He catches her loving gaze, as she's now turned, leaning back on her desk.

Facing the group, with her legs crossed out in front of her.

"And the only reason, we've made it down here so fast.. was him as well"

Risha explaining the severity of what happened.. she'd be a tombstone in the garden.

If not for the life saving efforts of Jon, and his knowledge of the Superstition.

Kara hearing all this, takes a twisting crack.. right through the heart.

The fault line's path, weaves straight over to Kazandra.

Immediately grabbing Jon from the side in a hug.. in one beat, like a red flash..

Kazandra is on his other side.

Jon from the middle of his twin sandwich..

"This is muuch, more like it.. to be fair, she saved me first"

"Thank you, Jon"

Both girls at exactly the same time, in the same sweet tone.

The slow sink.. of Van's large one buckle strapped, clergy hat..

sinking down to Jon's ears.

"That's how much grey, you've shaken off Jon"

A soft pat to his shoulder, with a thank you following from Carl.

A burst laugh from the girls, as the wide brim is two sizes too big for him!

"It looks cuter on me!"

Kazandra immediately snatching it!, pulling straight down on the sides,

making a lazy bend to her shoulders with the brim, in a twirl..

Risha immediately dart firing her laugh!,

"Welp, that's not your hat anymore Van, get used to it!"

"It does look good on her!"

Van firing out!, with giggles coming from all corners.

Kazandra now wearing it crooked to the side, in a rakish tilt..

the only way it can fit!, as she glides down the marble to the west wing,

offering to prepare more 'drinks', to the extra guests now.

"Is my suite still around?.. i'd rather not be in the stables"

Jon feeling right at home, blending back in to their warm environment.

As the group start taking seats, around the fireplace.

"Untouched"

Kara with a smile, as she takes a seat in between Anna and Kazandra,

legs curling under her.

"It's different now.. no more splitting up, we're in lockdown at the castle"

The group now going over different strategies, Kara expecting a blitz attack to the castle.

In the hopes of catching Risha and Jon, not being here.

With the Demon now uncovered, a source location sighted.. the pressure has been applied.

One of the sides.. must go for a win.

Kara and Risha, go over a four point strategy, a turtles defense.

With Kara at the rear of the castle,

as it's the least protected, holding off the land bridge.

Kazandra at the foot of the castle, just in front of the courtyard gates.

Van and Carl, assisting the south ramparts above her.

While Jon and Risha, alternate between east and west.

Anna is instructed to not leave the courtyard.. with massive Transylvanian reluctance.

As she's glancing for support from Kazandra,

"Don't look at me"..

"I don't even want you, out of your suite!"

Kazandra's squeak, coming through the rakish tilt of the wide brim,

sends a cascade of giggles over the room.

"Soo.. what again, happened to Huntsman?"

Kazandra leaning into it.. her investigator's mind, heard parts of the story..

that didn't quite add up.. In her keen glance as Risha was stowing it,

the grip is formed.. to a bigger left hand.

Risha in her arm an arm, lounge chair seat with Jon.

Looking up, in her cool smirk..

"Kazandra.. it happens y'know"

"Not to you it doesn't!, what does that mean!?"

Kazandra rubbing it in!, leaning in for details, nudging Kara right next to her.

"She has to re-do the last step!"

Kara giggling it out, as she's passed a Wilhelm goblet, from Kazandra.

"NO WAY!"

"That Demon, is the Master of Arms!.. RIISHA!"

Kazandra coming apart at the seams!, she made a VERY strong concoction.

"Technically yes!, and there's no lying to the Sapiarchs.

Once disarmed, the new wielder has the right to claim it!"

Kara taking part, in their amusement of the situation.

"She has to go defend it!"

Risha taking slow sips.. both hands around her goblet,

practically covering her eyes, with the upturn lift..

"It didn't actually wield it".. in a soft murmur.

"What'd you mean!?"

The twins at exactly the same time, an excited scooch, to the edge of the couch.

Risha with just a soft nod upward, to the fully outstretched Jon..

in their arm in arm cuddle, behind her.

With his left talons for fingernails, getting a quick breath..

before they start brushing on his lapel.

Bursting laughter from the entire group!, at Jon's smooth timing.

"JHOoNce!?" Kazandra bursting out like she's jealous!

"RiiSHA!" Kara in total shock!

"He'l never complete it!"

Risha bursting out laughing!

"Have you ever seen him, hold a sword an board!?,

he looks like a five year old!"

"But isn't he, the new wielder of Huntsman?"

Carl chiming in, nursing his own goblet, of Kara's finest brandy.

Eagerly wanting to fill out his, book of Risha knowledge.

"Taking Huntsman from me, is just the start..

He has to beat me with ALL, the college weapons.

He'd concede.. and he knows it"

"Maybe I won't this time"

Jon motioning to Van, as he's reaching for his cigar case.

Van flipping him one, from the Aldus stash.

"What's changed?.. I seem to remember..

out of all the weapons, she almost beat you with a sabre."

"Let's just say.. I had a-lot of free time, in the High Hold Armory"

Jon lighting the cigar, kicking legs up.. getting more comfortable.

As the cooking fireplace, is just melting the cozy room.

"O Reeally?"

Risha in a crooked smile, as she leans further into him.

Her eyelids starting to feel the weight, of warmth washing across the couches.

"I'm not, gonna take it easy on you"

"I know"

Jon turning his right arm around her, scooting her in, right under his chin.

"It's one of the many reasons, I love you"

Both twins in their giggling sweet sigh,

"She would"

Throughout the centuries, Risha has defended, and lost Huntsman..

several times in the adventures, of her long life.

It always, finds it way back to her.

To be clear, Huntsman is not an Artifact, it is crafted by the Sapiarchs.

It does not truly seek it's owner, the way Kara and Jon's, can only be held by them.

If you tried to pick up Kara's staff.. it would become the weight of the world, in your hand.

Huntsman simply adapts to who's earned it.

The group now winding down conversations, the warm sleep of the cozy study,

slowly overtaking all of them.

Filtering back to their respective suites in the castle, Kara loves having guests..

she absolutely adores the company. When you pick a suite in Kara's castle, it's permanent.

Their suites are beautiful, she even leaves trinkets.. like a new sculpture, or painting.

Decorations that she finds over the years.

Kazandra's is absolutely gorgeous, as you would expect.

Her balcony overlooking the courtyard, just above the main double doors.

Anna staying right behind her, the adjacent door in the hall.

Van and Carl choosing to bunk together, in the west wing, first floor.

Just to the left of the main doors.

Kara's suite is at the very top, of the spiraling west tower.

Her balcony does a sweep, a bird's eye view, of the entire grounds.

Directly east of her, the spiraling match of Risha's tower.

With Jon's suite directly below her's, just one level down..

a hatch on the floor between them.

However in Kara's usual morning routine, of doing laps around the castle.

Risha and Kazandra's, usual spot of waking up, is sprawled out across the cushions,

by the fireplace in the study.

Anna still giving a few toss an turns, in her king sized sleigh bed.

Far too much going on inside her head, to just fall asleep peacefully.

If falling asleep in a strange bed, at a haunted castle from fairy tales, wasn't enough..

This is Kazandra's wing, her hand decorated every inch of Anna's room.

She is sleeping in a silken red basket.

What seemed like impossible, twisting the warm silken reds across her body..

Anna finally drifts off into sleep.

Five minutes later.

At least that's what it felt like to Anna..

In her half dream.. half awake state, of coming back to consciousness.

The dream is violent.. the sounds of war, booms vibrating..

Visions of thrashing claws, snarling faces as they charge the castle grounds.

Sprinkles like crumbling like sand..

take a spill all over Anna's bed.

The dream now fading to grey, coming in fragments.. a couple figures,

Sparkling dresses.. climbing the castle walls, to vaulted leaps into the abyss.

An earthquake sized JOLT!, practically throws her out of bed!

"It's NOT a dream!"

Anna firing to attention!, as the walls are groaning in violent shudders!

The deafening sounds of war!, all around her!, in a circle on every side of the castle!

In a thundering barrel across the hall!, one of the giant boulders from a catapult!,

RIPS it's way through Kazandra's door!, from the balcony.

Bashing like a splintering explosion!, right through Anna's door behind it!

Anna popping up like an arrow!, straight up and down, still in bed!

Her arms in a clutch!, as the floor is just littered with glass shards!, and debris..

in a trail from door to door.

As the boulder buries the back wall!, crashing like an explosion of woods to the dresser!

Reaching now for whatever clothes she can muster, quickly grabbing her sabre..

A tumbling streak of red!, cartwheels the backwall where the boulder hit!

Flying directly the same path!, landing with her feet facing the ceiling!

"THAT SHIT BAG!, FLEA CORPSE!"

Kazandra righting fast in the rubble!.. in livid shrieks!, as she gathers to her feet.

Hunched over, low to the ground.. her blades out in front of her..

hissing like a savage animal.

"STAY IN THE CASTLE ANNA!"

In a petrified jump!, Anna clutches everything she has against her chest!

The sound of that hiss..

Her hair dancing like Medussa..

Nothing could have prepared her.. her infantile memory interpretation,

was not the real thing.

The fiery scowl on her face.. is toothy..

like she's good at this.

"The Bu-tcher's.. blade"

"DAMN RIGHT"

The whole intensity of her red!, just jumped a notch as she said it!

Erupting in a cloak of reds!

GONE.

In a blinking flash, right through the doors where she came in!

Across the hall, through her door.. leaping a giant swan dive!

NO FEAR.. out into the courtyard!, to the center of swarming masses!

Anna right on her heels!

Taking cover behind the demolished balcony doors!,

Getting a direct view of the sprawling battle below her!, in the courtyard!

the laazy swinging arms.. of roows of catapults, that surround the castle..

ARE BEING PUSHED OVER!, IN MID SWINGS!

Sending hurling devastation!, all over the castle grounds!, The towers are taking hits!

The sheer supernatural speed.. of Lilith's hordes,

are too much for human aim.

They can't hit them with catapults.. they can't lead such a fast target.

Lilith is using the catapults against KARA!

By her children just toppling the rows an rows of catapults, mid fire!

Sending sporadic destruction in all directions!

She can hear the screaming cries!, of soldiers being ripped apart!

The cussing loud barks of Risha, screaming orders in frustration!

"DON'T TOUCH ANOTHER GODDAMN CATAPULT!"

Right at the center of the south rampart, directly above courtyard gates,

Van and Carl unload cauldrons!, of burning oil over the side!

Making a burning channel!, infront of the doors!, briefly sealing it off,

as Kazandra absolutely decimates the remaining courtyard invaders.

The Knight's Templar elite swordsman, all with strict orders to protect the main doors,

immediately showing praise onto Kazandra.

regroup at the castle, the whole group

the battle comes swift

jon an kazandra fight together

van jealous hes not able to protect her like that

jon is very seriously wounded..liliths blade.. possibly dead.

kara brutally murders lilith.

celebration for liliths defeat, gideon hall.

happy times turn bad real quick.

all the vampires slowly die... every single vampire

Van takes charge, kara whispers her last words to him.

the baudelaire carriage takes flight!, to save kara.. a special pep talk given by van

the group is only Aragorn and Van

9 van saves the dark heart - riliss

riliss an van have a heart to heart about kazandra. his daughter.

castle baudelaire crumbles to the sea, emotional, as the girls all go for a swim, artifacts an riches down ther

10 The western seas (defining moment for risha kara kazandra)

the entire group moves to college, staying for yeeears., boarding the tempest in west port, she beaches the tempest at elinor, kara doesnt docks ships, she beaches them

kara reallly fighting the wheel, cussing.. compass spinning wildly from a rocking storm

kazandra - asking like im sure its all fine tho right?

to karas answer of "with a spinning compass we can be off course out here for months"!

kara has another encounter with pirates. entirely different as shes very strong now. kazandra risha admiring passing the willhelm.. "magnificent isnt she" from the other boat.

she gets hit square in the chest with a cannonball. thats what pissed her off

right as shes looking through the spyglass, the cannonball destroys the wheel as its creams her.. hence beaching the boat to elinor

"they hit me with a cannonball... have you ever been hit with a cannonball?.. it hurts!

"i wana shoot someone with a cannonball - kazandra an risha same

the sisters have an encounter with actual sirens, huge scene, take your time.

The largest introduction occurs here. book 1 is over. this is now book 2.. with Kara's home now gone. the group permanently moves to the college.

The real villain is introduced. Her name is Zena Baudelaire.

she is dark elf, unheard of to still be alive.. they are hot tempered.. they dont sass, they fly a backhand.

Zena is the result of a forbidden affair, between light elf, Kara's great descendant, and a dark elf very famous king.

Her mere birth is an inferno of destroyed records, both her parents were murdered infront of her.

Zena is the real first born.

she is the very first, back in the dark ages.. thousands of years ago, times were much different.

There was very little good in the world.. evil's pace of breeding the globe was coming from all corners.

She was taken in by the sapiarchs, and made unbreakable for one purpose.

Zena does not choose sides, she has been trained since birth not to..

she is a DETERRENT.. her presence is to discourage war time, by bringing un sustainable losses to all sides involved.

to unleash.. full tilt, hold nothing back until the scenery is ashes in all directions.

This is exactly what she did, and she did it like second nature.

As the crusades ended.. the passing of the dark ages..

Zena's evil rage, had no more place in the world.. her job was fulfilled.

As the Sapiarch's put it - "The rebirth of mankind has no place for Zena"

rebelling against ther will to stay hidden like a caged animal.. fighting tooth an nail against ther wishes.

she is dark elf, she does not back down.. she'd rather die

she laid a scar across aldus's face. permanent, downwards over his left eye.

and reduced the sapiarch's numbers from 13, down to 12..

the only time a sapiarch has been killed.

The only reason she wasn't killed immediately, was a very compelling and compassionate defense from Arwen.

Arwen's powerful bow from flying above, lays 3 shots of tranquilizer across Zena's back as she's escaping to the port.

as the sapiarch's powerful clockwork soldiers are coming to kill zena's downed body.

Arwen pulls her off the concourse, tumbling them both into the ocean,

in the corner of her eye she sees Zena's sabre plummeting to the depths forever.

like a winged ghost under the ocean surface, she glides zena to safety.

Arwen is her only Ally.

They imprisoned her for eternity, a mercy, only because of Arwen.

The PIT.

a horrible sentence.

drawn out in quarters.. chained to the sides of the pit splayed out.. a quarter mile down into it.

the bottomless pit is just a black void of psychosis.

unbreakable mithril chains, pull tighter if you struggle.

she laid in a comatose, pulled taught sprawl, facing upwards.. the endless void under her.

Until...

When the dark heart stopped dead.. and rebooted..

It woke Zena from her trance.. A blast of centuries of dust fly off her as she twitches gasping.

now being awake... in her sentence.

With the black void of the pit and mithril chains,

pulling her spread eagle.. the fear of being awake and conscious like this forever...

Is UNBEARABLE.

her scream of frustration is powerful.. she is bigger voiced than the sisters.

Zena's escape is extremely emotional, several stages of emotions.

not meant to ever be awake during eternity of staring into the void, one would just scream themselves

into insanity.

By leaning all her weight an everything she's got, over an over for hours on end..

she rolls her shoulder over, breaking her right handed restraint, straight out of the cave wall!

Pulling a massive anchor stone along with it, that plummets the cave pulling her arm down along with it.

With the force of sheer terror, she manages to brace herself on the remaining three chain restraints,

on her left wrist and ankles.

Reaching her right arm to the sky, hand out stretched, dangling the chained anchor beneath her like a pendulum.

She calls to her Sabre.. all she has, her only solace.. whispering her chant,

"Ssaaahyaa, hssss, sum saaaya haass haa"

A tear.. the tear of hopelessness, total loss.. as she can't feel it.. she can normally feel it coming.

the weight of the chained anchor bears her arm down again, from the pendulum dragging her arm.

a few more tears roll down.. anguish of the life ensuing beneath, of nothing.

She slams her hand hard to the air again, dragging the weighted anchor with it.

closing her eyes.. soft, calm... quiet down.. she whispers her chant slowly, long..

she begs.. "Pleeaase".. "Please.. we are all that we have"

a tiny glint of red steel.. hiigh up in the cave, just a flash like a bad bliip in your eye from the sun.

but its enough.. her sigh of relief is like a wave blast to her psychosis.

As the six foot long, slightly curved two handed spectacle of sabre, streaks into her open hand like a solid block

puzzle piece, fitting right into its place.

Zena's face blasts tears of joy!, immediately clutching the whole length of the sabre against her body vertically,

in a powerful one handed hug, the only appendage she has free to move.

With two quick swipes one after another, in perfect aim..

she cuts the two foot restraints right at the ankle chains in two flicks, like cutting strands of hair...

"AIIEEEAAAAAHHHHHH!"

Barreling down!, like swinging from a vine attached to her left hand at the wrist, parrallel!

she grits her teeth baring down as the chain pulls taut, face planting her into the cave wall,

with all the weight of her drop, and no way to cushion the blow, just headlong and full body.

with a few follow up bounces for good show.

Dangling now and getting footing, her confidence is coming back..

she can see her escape, she can envision it... focus.

climbing the chain hand over hand, to the perch on the cave wall, anchoring the chain.

She takes a seated position.. relax, take stock, go slow... there can be no mistakes.

She cuts the last chain on her left wrist, and sheathes the sabre on her back.

freed.. no longer tethered to the cave wall, no safety net.

she scans hard for her route.. perfect vision like Kara's cutting right through the pitch black.

Begins her ascent, in a zig zag pattern, digging her powerful hands wrist deep through the rock,

like magnetic anchors with every move upward, all four limbs working together.

She's at a running pace.. her powerful body didn't lose a step.. in centuries of being dormant.

Truly a powerful being.. durability near limitless.. the first brute, a dark elf brute.

in her ferocious assault of scaling the cave wall,

her intensity loosens a carriage size shelf that comes peeling off!, with her on it's gripped mount!

with the deathly void now approaching in a silent plummet of terror!, she leaps!

ripping her sword off her back in one motion, with the bladed end turned upward!

sinking an anchor hold with the sabre, deeply dug in an supporting her.

Taking a moment to gather herself standing on the sabre, to another leap,

diagonal to what looks like a more even route, sinking her hands to the wrist.

Begins her scaling upwards again.. with a hint of less anger in her strides.

Her left handed clawed grip, finally sinks the flat even surface of the top of the cave.

with just her left hand, she reels her entire body out, from a one handed drag, to a perch,

to a end over end roundoff, landing her flat footed, standing up perfectly straight.

Peering over her right shoulder behind her.. to the endless void.

"Inescapable is it?.. we'l just see about that"

Piercing through the ink black, she can see the tunnel out..

but its different.. a thousand years grown over..

twisting vines and rotted woods, the smell of death and decay..

withered stone, eroded statues.. layered in thick dust.

The realization of time finally hits.. like a wave of pain..

Zena crumples to the floor.. fading vision in throbs, hyper ventilating..

she can't breathe.. she can't think..

Memories start flooding in!.. they took a turn passed her anger, and completely envelope her..

"HOoow many YEEEAARS!"

remembering whats been done to her.. everyone she knows.. everything she thought she knew..

an entire world.. ages!, her home in the mortal world.. everything!.. just gone.

Her dark elf temper comes flying out..

she doesn't want answers.., she doesnt want explanation.. she wants to hurt people.

Begins bashing the floor in her crouched position, with both hands balled up!

bashing and bashing until the cave walls are in full vibratto!,

HARDER!, now standing up throwing elbows at the cave wall next to her!

screaming a blasting cry of pain!, as she hurls herself down the length of the tunnel,

full force!, grasping vines, blasting rock like a whirlwind of devastation..

she hits a wall... a door!

Feeling grooves in the door, finding its center with her left hand tracing like a brush.

her right hand out behind her, summoning her sabre from the cave wall.

The next room she enters is the Absolute.

A monstrous machine in the center of the circle room.. dormant.

A fifty foot tall, wide as a castle jaw bridge Clockwork.

Created by the very inventor of the prison.

body like a giant barrel of brass, with gear functioning legs and arms.

A face like a brass hooded executioner.. the clockwork's steam vents through its eye's.

Upon Zena's inspection of the dormant monstonsity, she gives a knock..

SOLID.

Sinnamon's introduction occurs here.

in zena's blasting assault of tunnels and cutting open doors.

it creates toppelings and cave in's, from several rooms above.

Sinna, is freed from her imprisonment above, and following Zena like a shadow.

Sinna knows exactly who Zena is... and is counting her for own escape as well.

after a rough introduction of Zena being pretty mean to sinna.

sinna explains the Absolute.

"The Labyrinth is considered inescapable, by the warlock who designed it,

to protect his work and his very name.. if should even the smallest breach,

lead to the outside world..

The Absolute will bring the entire structure down.. along with all prisoners inside"

Zena who is as fearless as they come..

explains what her sabre is.. to an already informed Sinnamon.

her Artifact Sabre is called -

This sabre does not stop once set in motion... it is the first Artifact.

she has a quote-

"It would go through a mountain if I threw it hard enough"

So this is exactly what she does.

getting a heading from Sinna, does a spinning horizontal,

massive hurl like a saw blade..

piercing right through the mountain prison labyrinth..

and basically on its way to the college.

The Absolute comes to life.

this is a truncated explanation..

in its toppling destruction of everything in its path..

Zena turns its charge to the doors as she takes its full charged assault,

blasting her out of the prison, with sinna on its back.

outside now in the wilds of the north college.

Zena in a leap, easily carves the absolute in two pieces.

another introduction.. Zena's Indrik.

now in the wilds leaving the prison with Sinna as her guide.

Zena is STARRRRRVIIING.

Sinna getting a little scared.. "O please don't bite me!"

an Indrik grazing peacefully in a seated position, just off the side of a trail, under a tree.

Indrik can be described as a cyldesdale sized, magical reigndeer.

their antler structure and complexity is visually stunning., usually glowing different

vibrant colors, from one indrik to another, their thick manes usually grow a counter color.

Indrik are far more intelligent.. then just a mount.

As the indrik is paying no nevermind to passers by..

it gets completely dog tackled and rolled over by a starving Zena!

immediately being fed upon, by the powerful bite of Zena!.

Zena jusst kicks off.. like she just had a snack, turns her back..

an walks away... feeling absolutely amazing from the indriks powerful blood.

Sinna.. in total shock.. cautious, she knows the indrik isnt just gona let that slide.

In a bucking teleport, the indrik bucks Zena from the back, straight off her feet!

to Zena's reaction of.. "Oooo reaaally"

A wrestling match breaks out.

zena completely having the upper hand..

she softens her approach, it becomes more playful..

The indrik now really really enjoying that he has someone powerful to play with.

a bond is born.

The sisters all have a set of fangs, in different sizes, just the top two canines.

Zena.. has four sets of fangs. the top two canines, the incisors just inside of those.

and the bottom canines, including lower incisors as well.

when the sisters are heated in the moment.. ther eyes light up in a haze, of fiery reds and pinks.

then settling back down into a white eye, with hot pink iris.

Zena's eyes don't settle back down..

they stay.. in that fiery haze, permanently.. with a more purplish hue than the sisters

Zena cannot pass for human in any sort of ear shot distance.

She wears her hair in a tight pulled pony, always.

the knot halfway up, right behind her her long pointed ear.

The long pony dances.. it's almost distraction like Jhonce's technique.

as she ducks, dips.. screams forward.. the pony is swishing and dancing behind her..

it's thick like a horse's mane, her hair is steel grey, shining steel.

she's not built dainty like the twins.. her neck is thicker, her shoulders thicker..

she's much more stout... and she would never.. ever, wear a dress.

upon meeting Kara "first born.. in a DRESS!?".. Kara is ruthlessly mocked for wearing a dress.. and a pink hairclip.

Dark elfs are not large.. they are small and compact.. dense like layers of rock squashed together.

usually ranging between 5'3 - 5'8 very rare would a dark even be taller than Risha.

Zena is 6'2.

split the difference between the twins.. right in the middle.

her stout athletic dark elf frame at 6'2.. is one of the many reasons why Zena is so widely feared.

the outfit she wears is very specific.

black strappy bodice, dark purple corset, with armored shoulders.

steel grey leggings with armor attached at the hips, a similar looking boot to risha's.

her tones are greys, purples and blacks.

her skin tone is a dark grey ash.. compared the sisters ivory.

She wears a very special steel grey Tiara.. it matches her hair and skin tone.. blends in.

It appears to be fused into her skull, sealed.. immovable, and it perfectly shapes her brow,

just above her temples.

at the top of the tiara.. over both eyebrows.. are horns.

three inch curved backwards, HORNS, sharp as a razor.. they are not just for looks.

Zena has dark elf eyes.. they are very specific.

dark elves have a forehead ridge.. a protruding ridge above the point of both eyebrows.

Zena's eyebrows, follow this ridge, upward like a hook pattern going vertical, following the ridge

Zena does not consider herself pretty.. she doesn't like the term pretty..

she's uncomfortable around any such intimate, romantic feelings.. its like nails on a chalkboard to her.

however, in the eye of the right beholder.. Zena is profoundly GORGEOUS.

she's bad girl dom.. a warlock or sorcerers dream girl.

Zena has a very special sword.. not just an artifact.. theee artifact.

It's called the Juggernaut. A two handed, six foot long sabre... its bigger than huntsman.

it looks old.. antique.. the hilt looks like brass, the front side having a downward roll tilt,

the backside having an upward roll tilt.

the handle is large, wrapped in diagonal rows of padding, she can change her grip on the fly, righty or lefty.

The large curved blade glows a purplish red.

Zena's blade cannot be stopped once set in motion..

"it would go through a mountain if I threw it hard enough"

even though she did indeed use this quote.. and still does.

Zena does not throw her sword.

Kara is ruthlessly mocked again by Zena.

"The most powerful possession you have in the world... and you would just throw it at me?"

As Kara lances her solists staff at Zena.. in their first meeting...

Zena's quick parry like its nothing..

SHATTERS Kara's artifact in an explosion of prism lights.

Kara is now weaponless.

"You leave your left flank open to me!?"

"Do you assume im right handed?"

"THE FIRST BORN!, INA DRESS!?... you must be joking!"

"Is that a flower in your hair!?"

As Zena rips the hairclip she pulls handfulls of hair with it.

Zena is absolutely disgusted with rage.. she had to die.. so this fake Kara!.. can take her place.

ther battle is ferocious.

Kara having enough of her chastising.. gets a hold of that pony tail..

with a few chastising lessons of her own.. about giving her something so easy to grab on to.

after a couple bashes end over end to the walls.. Zena gets really mad.

Zena is pretty close to getting a death blow on Kara..

Risha flies in.

Everything changes.. the whole book stops.. the story pauses.

An 11 year old Risha,

was defended, saved, briefly taught by.. a Pinnacle of her power Zena..

1400 years ago.. in the southern isles, before Risha met Kara.

Zena at this point was singularly focused.. filled with hate..

although she saved a toddler Risha from being a gang of marauders 'entertainment'

Zena had no intention of being tied down, or dragged on by a toddler.

She abandoned her.

Risha's main lesson.. her first lesson.. that made her hard.

Risha was devastated.

Zena can't process.. it's too much.. seeing how gorgeously strong risha has become..

The Huntsman on her back.

Zena falls in love.

All the way love..

"Don't you see Risha!?... you would have never become this!, had your path stayed with me!"

"But we can now forever!"

Risha and Zena cannot fight each other.. they leave. Risha wants answers.

Kara has a big problem.

She has no hate for Zena..

she hated Lilith.. easy to rip her from limb to limb..

she feels empathy for Zena.. she can see Baudelaire in her..

she has no intention of hurting her.. she's more interested in what lies have been told by the sapiarchs!

things are changing, perspectives are changing.

"They can do the same thing to you Kara!"

the sapiarchs are not all they seem... an furthermore.. they can only see glimpses of the future.

Kazandra and Zena meeting for the first time is like it's own book.

they are the counter to each other.. they cannot stop going at each other.. CANNOT

Zenas fighting style is totally different.. she is fast.. but shes not trying to be.

she will gladly take the hit.. instead of avoiding it like Kazandra.

she wants you close.. once she gets her hands on you.. thers very few that can escape.

Kazandra being one of those.

they are the counter.. they are yin and yang.

Kazandra the speeding banshee.. vs the immovable wall that is Zena.

Anytime these two are on page together.. a wrestling match is going to break out.

Kazandra reeeally wants to get that tiara off her head.

and she ruthlessly mocks her for it.

far far far down the line... maybe the most defining scene of the books.

A defeated Kara.. just cannot win Zena.

In her moment before death.. the celestial rune completely takes over.

Kara is reduced to just a starfield.. a nebula like haze.. that completely entraps Zena

in the golden bubble.

Zena inside the bubble.. cannot get out.. she cant attack Kara either.. shes trapped like an audience.

"You cannot hurt me Zena.. you cannot get out.. I'm going to show you.. everything"

the golden bubble, shoots off the ground, leaving earth.. leaving the atmosphere..

hurtling through the solar system.. leaving the galaxy.. a worm hole to another galaxy..

Kara sending them thousands and thousands of years through space time..

to other worlds.. alien civilizations.. distant celestials..

far far far into the future..

"Humans do sooo much Zena... they build machines.. they leave the world, they build countless other worlds..

they reach faar off into the vast of space time"..

"In all this Zena.. this vast un imaginable ocean...

thers just 4 pebbles... thers only four Zena...

and thats alllll that there ever will be...

Zena, Kara, Risha, Kazandra.

forever..

Zena seeing hundreds of thousands of years into the future with Kara..

seeing all the sisters have accomplished..

is told how fragile... how so so fragile.. this future is.. every moment counts.

Zena finally breaks down..

finally.

In loving pleads of sorrowing sobs to Kara..

recognizing her as the true and proper first born.

as the years go by with Zena part of the group.. these are great times.

the running gag is to get that tiara off.

anytime you get a hug from Zena... your most likely getting a puncture wound with it too.

Kazandra and Zena are besties besties besties... constantly sparring..

anywher they go...

Zena is dark elf... she doesnt answer your sass with more sass... she flies a backhand.

this is just an open invitation to kazandra.

Kazandra luuvs saying how beautiful Zena is around suitors, as thats the only time shes gets shy.

Another character gets introduced here., as Zena climbs out of the pit. to confront Kara for the first time.

A forrest nymph, her name is Sinna. short for Sinnamon.

in short, she looks like a tiny cinnamon stick.

at 4ft tall, she is absolutely adorable.. scarlet hair with bright green eyes, usually a braided pony tail.

she has pointed elven ears, with a flower wreath tucked in. two tiny cute curved back horns, over both temples

She has a long tail, it drags the ground, the end of the tail has an arrow point.

her favorite place to be is above you, swinging by her tail, batting large green eyes at you.

she is extreeemely mischevious... she regularly casts spells on the group, and the college.

she is faaar more powerful in magic, then her tiny stature implies.

she has tiny sweet voice like a purr.

Upon exiting the Pit prison chamber..

Zena knows shes on the island.. but ten thousand years have passed..

it looks entirely diffferent.. grown over, terraformed.. the wilds of the northern isle.

dangerous uncharted creatures, lurk all over.

Zena is lost..

Sinna, spying, lurking from above.. following zena like a shadow.

she knows exactly who Zena is. .. Sinna is other world savvy, way sharper than she appears, and she likes it that way.

Zena wise to being followed, tricks her into showing herself.

Sinna has super sass.. she will dangle it right down hanging from a swing in your face.

she has to avoid a whoole lot of backhands from Zena, before she starts warming up.

accepting the very curious and spry Sinna, as a guide back to the college.

Sinna is forever bonded to Zena.

If Zena is on page.. Sinna is lurking somewhere.

at this point zena and sinna are making ther journey through the northern wilds,

right as kara and the group arrive to the college aboard the tempest.

11 the college (intro Ellewyn, Arwen, kara unhiding being elven, kazandra half elf, twin sisters with different parents)

inro ellewyn - voice like a bell, she sings when shes talking. a winged seraphim elven with 2 light blue hash marks under her eyes (runes) water magic. shes the one explaining everything. her mother is arwen.

when asked about why thers no elven people in the word, she says after the great war, and dark ages following, the elven just didnt want any part of it they moved to the college and just stayed, until the world is a more civilized place

the only elven that ever left.. is you know who fancy pants over ther.. they notice that kara and kazandra ear does indeed come to a smaill point a small point for an elven but its ther.. they just thought it was part of ther uniqeness.

ellewyn says it like - shes 6'5, with laarge eyes, silver hair, and a pointed ear... and you guys didnt know she was elven - another joke, wow you guys really brought me the new crew.. kidding kiddin!

kara is a silverene elven. for her silver hair regal fighters. ellewyn and arwen are seraphim elven winged. and very few left.

calling Elven people an Elf, is a slang.. heads all snap to.. carl is the one who calls em elf

Ellewyn - "we dont call you Hum's" carl greatly apologising to ellewyn and the crowd,

Aleera's introduction

this is the most important chapter. its explains the combat trials and what the college really is. it explains how they are always ahead of the fight. and never scared

trial 1 - mortal blow your instructor.

trial 2 - you must mortal blow your instructor without being so much as touched. you only get 1 shot. then back in line.

trial 3 - you must give up what you love. if you dont love anyting your not eligible to proceed passed this point. aslong as it takes, people spend 50 years here.

kazandra gave up her red silken birth blanket., which was woven into her sapiarch's dress.

trial 4 - you must beat two instructors.

trial 5 - not sure yet, somehting in the northern wilds of isle

kara and risha are the most celebrated trial instructors. Kara is known for the being a ruthless, savage instructor.

when people coming in for the first time and say they want kara as instructor, people shake ther head an say, no pick anyone else

ther reasoning is , her savageness will train me best to reach my potential

in the combat arena. time an space is stopped. when you are killed. you just pop back up as the sapiarchs rewind time. a very jarring experience the first time. the instructors can also bend reality.

karas philosophy is - im going to make you more terrified. than anything you can see in the world. so when the time comes. you wont be scared.

popular sayings of her brutality - she dragged risha around the arena by her face for 5 days. before risha got a mortal blow. to pass trial 1, you must mortal blow the instructor. thats all

kazandra only went to kara instruction 1 time. and didnt talk to her for a week.

kazandra passed trial 1 in one morning at 11 years old. against Arwen. who is a 7ft tall winged elven valkrie. specifically chosen for kazandra first time.

kazandra is the youngest an fasted to get through the 5 trials.. thats where her dress came from. the only red sapiarchs down, karas is white, rishas black

Kazandra gives her first intruction , because she has to.. her results are astonishing, poeple break in the arena, to watch from the ramparts. like a show

always ellewyn watching.. most likey she's going against a new comer warlock.. who brashy and rude.. he thinks he can woo her..

she trashes him badly.

ellewyn explains karas rune - a ver very rare meteor storm, that almost never happens. the sapiarcha are able to channel pieces and particles of the tails of the passing meteors.

in a ceremony of all the sapiarch time keeper priests standing in a circle with kara laying in the middle on her back. as ther chanting an channeling pieces and particles. they collect in a funnel above kara.

as the sapiarchs then super cook the funnel. one drop comes out. an hits kara dead center chest. from there its slowly weaves and circles and grows across her entire body.

its the most painful thing shes ever endured. the sapiarchs deemed kara was the only who could take it. and its only happened one other time.

karas rune is reactive. she has no control over it. with her staff in hand held in a blocking position. the rune lights a bubble around kara that is said to be impenetrable.

the rune is also her source of sparking arcs an electricy down her arms and hands, hair... combined with her staff hitting the ground. at the same time. creates a zeus bolt from the sky.

13 tragedy in Rome (kazandra is broken down to a screaming banshee, van is reborn / anna is reborn / ellewyn gets an offer intro Lady D/ daughters Bela)

the college peace is broken. Van must stand trial for his allegiences. he assures her that with the evidence theyve collected with the help of ellewyn and carl

he has an airtight case. hes 300 years old, he doesnt lose his cool much, and hes been in an inquistion before.

kazandra goes with him, ellewyn can now open a water portal to anywhere that she can see. ( she has a line she uses - did you know water is inbetween space and time?)

the group is kazandra, van, carl, ellewyn and anna.

Kara an risha still hard at work in the college with students, van tells them its fine, no need for everyone

the trial is a success van convinces the entire panel that kara is not evil and indeed done more self sacrifcing for humanity than anyone., they even ask to meet her.

as they are carefree and happy walking around rome.. kazandra and van are ambushed lilith, van senses and kazandra smells it, but lilith is just as fast as kazandra, and stronger.

as kazandra has one hand on van, pulling him and dropping him, and pushing him out of teh way of liliths attacks, shes trying to fight lilth with one arm... and its just not good enough

a scythe from her left hand with kazandra dodging for both of them, opens up her right hand with a sword through a peephole., and she gets em. van right through his back , out the front. lilith blade is certain death

kazandra is gone. as van hits his knees, collapses to his face.. his brim hat tumbles off.. kazandra is falling to her knees doubled over in full streak, shes just a flaming fireball , head to toe.,

her scream coming is like nothing anyone has ever heard.. it shockwaves against the buildings around her. it wakes up all of rome.. her streak that explodes lilith, goes miles to teh distance.

ellewyin is taking charge.. i cant portal him hes mortally wounded.. anna tearing at teh side of a carriage so they can throw him in

east to Lady D is the only place they can go.. its close to where they are.. turn van vamp, his only option. in the carriage they notice hes not making it.. ellewyin breaking down crying rips van out of the seat with her powerful wings trying hard to lift vans weight.. shes skimming tree tops with snow flying off her in wake. when she get above lady d, she goes right down through a sky light. no wasting time.

lady d takes in strays. shes taken in strays from kazandra before - bela. she even has werewolf strays that are not menacing.

lady d is cool an confident till she sees its a lilith wound an immediately starts the transformation with her daughters assisting. (shes mother of the house) lady uses the familiar method of cutting your wrists, and then hers. (as a note. kara/kazandra/risha cannot make vampires. forbidden. karas blood cannot just be given out like that. breaking this rule the recepient will die.

vans transformation is a big deal.. a huge wake up for him.

eons of sulk on his shoulders is just gone.. hes a stud, hes happy an fun

lady dee, all three brides, anna, and ellewyn -alllll mouth agape.. at a shirtless, mutton chopped, animal sexy van, amber eyes like lady dee. no more wide brim, shoulder lenght, wild hair.

kazandra - "is this how you feel when people look at me like that?"

she hates it.

Kazandra kicks everyone out, closing the door, its just them.. their first love scene.

its behind a closed door, seing the faces of lady dee, and the girls..

the sounds of massive bashing an thumps, desks being thrown around, glass breaking...

the two are bonded for life, the highest level of love.. vans nickname for her is Sugarbunz

kara finding out with her perfect hearing.. makes him repeat it.

Van hits his stride. uber confidence, swagger, never wears a shirt., always a cigar. 6'4 -410lbs. a beast. he also becomes the WIZARD of the willhelm, he has barrels and concoctions, and alchemy in his drink making.. when he parties the college its a special night. he has problems in the combat trials.. he doesnt have a weapon.. in his previous world he used crossbows and tactics.. kazandra tells him, if you try to fight risha with bare hands against her huntsman sword. youl never win. ever.

he picks a halberd. range and power. in his anger getting brutally beaten by risha., who is basically telling him you dont know how to hold that, get the hell out of my arena.

he lands a double over hand strike that misses risha , but shatters the halberd in pieces when he hits the ground. rare for a college weapon. risha stops the trial.

in crafting corner as he returns, the group notices that van starts glowing red out of nowhere.. down his arms..they yell for ellewyn, as ellewyin is examing an teleporting books right in front, 2-3 at a time. an flipping through them, ah ha!

you baudelaire family an ur artifacts..in her cute tone. she instructs him to hold his hand out.. he holds his hand out wrong, and she slaps it. , like this!, havent you ever seen kara? joking, people laugh

she gives him the chant.. amooon raaaahhh.. , he goes amon rah. again she goes no no no, an gets right in his ear. amoooon raaaaahhh as hes saying it too. pulsing reds echo

the flaming halberd of amon rah materializes in his hand. like fire. it doesnt call to him like karas. it appears. van trains and trains an trains trains. his doubleover hand smash with that halberd is an explosion fireball.

van has amber eyes like lady d

Anna begs an begs for kara. as her instructor,.. kara doesnt want to.

pick anyone else anna.. "if I sign your sheet, you have to!"

Anna is tough as nails, she doesnt care.. kara has the best chances unlocking her potential

through and absolutely amazing combat trial #1.. kara really pushing her..

they find out through sprouting feathers an claws.. anna is a very very rare

shapeshifter.

Kara sees her chance to not let up., an really lay it on.

grasping her tight in bear hug, that she cant get out of ...

Kara floats her in teh golden bubble.. practically to space.

Ina release like a pop.. with Anna flailing in devastation.. trying to figure out what she can turn into..

as shes plummeteing to the ground.. A DRAGON.

massive and bright green, fifty feet long., her teeth the size of a human

swooping kara on her back now.. the two sailing across the horizon, wild laughter an cheers

they do a vertical screeeaaming dive, to a horizontal full speed pass, right through the college..

Anna now the talk o the town

A 500 foot Kara. plunges her giant redwood sized staff, smashing warlock (doctor strange) hundreds of feet into the earth.

time rewinds him back alive. still down in the hole.

Kara from the top of the hole.. talks shit to him the entire time that he has to make his way back up the surface.

this is strange with his ego turned to 11., he hits the arena, like what?.. this is baby stuff.

Kara reeeeallly lets him have it. she humbles him down , into a nicer person.

at this point in this story, there are always sneaking eye witnesses, hiding in the top circle rampart, its like a movie theatre for them, or watching the best show..

its usually, Ellewyn, Kazandra, Anna, Aleera, Risha finds them up ther chastizing, but staying to watch anyway.

Jon and Van go at it. full force in the arena. holding nothing back.

packed rafters and ramparts, of seeveeral denizens, lying down flat, watching through peepholes.

Van wins, truly formidable now. his intelligence and savvy has alot to do with it.

he cant quite keep up with kara and kazandra, but a match for a risha

kara and kazandra fighting in the arena is only a rumor at this point.

14 college in peace an quiet happiness for years

(intro Aleera, lots of drinking, kazandra/van bonded for life, combat trials being ramped up, anna discovers through kara trial shes a shapeshifter, kara sleeps with aleera after super drunk fest, its forceful.. she takes her.

in kazandras bed, she learns everything. somewhat jealous.

aleera is the new beautiful vampire red head, very sweet,her voice is like a purrrr... very wealthy., kazandra is jealous. as usal kazandra confronts her immediately.. aleera loves kazandra, shes heard all bout her, she read her books.. she absolutely adores her an kara.

when kazandra goes in for the inquisition.. shes stopped like a deer in headlights,. as aleera is an assassin hypnotist too. when they get close eye contact. ther both swooning, completely shut off from teh world like ther communicating without talking.

the others all watch in awe.

A SPELL - comes over the college, to vampires only.. by a warlork or sorcerer... maybe aleera.

kazandra discovers by an accident bump kiss with aleera that vampires for some reason have a distinct and very different taste on ther lips, to the absolute shock of Kara, kara is vanilla bean, kazandra is cinnamon, van is caramel cigar, anna is peaches, risha is blueberry, jon is cherry, aleera is cinnamon.. so now they have the problem of kazandra just running around kissing vampires (girls), shes loves van more than anything, not in a zillion years would she cheat on van an its vice versa.

this gag explodes.

Chapter 15.. this a very long interlude.. this chapter is actually several chapters.

its called Captive Kara.

By this point, the story has branched off to several characters and their own stories.. drawing attention away from the one who started it all.

so im bringing it back.

This is all Kara, all alone.. she is imprisoned, and no one knows who she is.

a peaceful lull at college, early in the morning.

Kara takes a peaceful sailing expedition to the surrounding islands.

what she calls "shopping"

Having a quick morning concoction with Risha at crafter's corner.

Risha cant go, because of classes, but is very interested in Kara's wonderful shopping endeavors.

Kara sets off alone, in a small skiff... she's done it a hundred times before.

wearing a very casual, baby blue and white beautfiully simple college witch's robe.

Setting her usual course navigation, and sitting peacefully.. a little too comfortable.

she falls asleep, while writing in her journal.

She wakes up in the crest of a funneling Maelstrom!

a quarter mile wide!

plummeting down into the point of the deepest ocean, she is shreiking in terror!

completely baffled by what to do.. she just grips on!

The funneling point of the maelstrom, that is baring down to the sea floor..

GOES RIGHT THROUGH THE FLOOR!

TO THEN, CRASHING THROUGH THE SKY!, OF MIDDLE EARTH UNDER HER!

THROUGH THE SKY, TO OCEAN OF MIDDLE EARTH!

as the funneling maelstrom finally stops, hitting the sea floor of middle earth!

Kara's skiff is winded upward to the surface of middle earth ocean,

gaining velocity and momentum as its going wider to the open top of the funnel..

faster an faster!, as kara still holding on shrieking in terror!

it Flings!, the skiff with a few bounces of speed from the hull, as it streaks the shoreline rocks!

crashing in hard!, and flinging Kara over the side of skiff!, to a cartwheeling tumble..

On Middle Earth shore.

Upon getting her bearings.. seeing the purplish hues in the sand pebbles, the irridescent glows in teals and greens from the water..

Kara pops up fast.. wide eyes.

seeing ther is no sky.. a massive colorful dome.. with continent sized stalactites that seem to be holding the dome up like a honeycomb structure.

"I know nothing"

A tear.. Kara hits the deck. out cold.

The denizens of the island.. find Kara, passed out on the beach.

They immediately notice she is a vampire.. but thats all.

She is chained and imprisoned.

sightings of hooded smelly ghostly figure around freeport, lilith upends ther public carriage, they learn lilith does not want the families death, she wants the pain. she wants kazandra howling in pain, death would just bring them right back to her. ive taken your house, i will take your family, i will take your LOVE. kazandra loses her shit. lilith brutally murdered again.

ch16 the hallowed out tree (horrible waist deep swamp, the hallowed out tree with 200 ft drop of twisting caverns. Lilith study, her notes, her plans Vykosa wolf tribe, Hircine, the wild Hunt. van going deeper down finding liliths twisted an horrible re animation chamber with her body half done. 2 holy grenade down the pipe, grabbing notes and fleeing out. Kara brings down the solist hand of god lightning strike, forking the massive tree down the middle, laying sides over and making a giant crater in the ground showing bubble arcing flashes from beneath

ch17 years go buy at the college while doing research on lilith notes

They lose. the wild hunt takes over. evil from end to end. aldus cloaks the island with the last remaining humans. and they wait while training.