The Eternal Clock

Part 2

Dumbfounded by the desolate building that might have been something once, Donnie remained silent thinking if there was some other way he could fix up his gear.

Boarded up, forgotten, abandoned, Lucca literally brought Donnie to a building that hasn't seen life for years.

(She's kidding right…this place is the blacksmith shop… when was the last time someone entered this place.)

"Donnie can you give me a hand with these boards?" Lucca stood in front of the door and was attempting to take one of the boards off that was sealing the door.

"Of course. Lucca I was wondering when was the last time this place has been used?"

She stopped to think about it for a sec, "Well maybe a hundred years…maybe more I think…"

(What that long!)

"Why so long ago, no one in this village knows how to be a blacksmith? You can't tell me all those years not one traveling blacksmith hasn't attempted to take root in this village?"

She shrugged, "Don't know, to be truthful everyone thinks this place is haunted, from time to time there are weird sounds coming from within."

"Yet you are not afraid?" Donnie was curious, for she had no problems bringing him here or when she was dealing with Raph, she was acting like it was nothing new.

Normally, especially normal peasants would be fearful around the darkness and the cursed, yet she stands tall, confident, unusual for a farm girl of her stature.

(Interesting, she has no fear at all, I guess she can't…if she can leash a beast, since they can smell fear even if ones covering it up.)

"Well no, I mean…until I know why, why should I be afraid. Maybe I am a fool, but I can't be scared of my own shadow like everyone else in this world, what kind of life is that," she tugged at the board hard; as she did the board snapped making her lose her balance falling backwards.

Quickly Donnie let go of his board rushing over to her, catching her in the nick of time before she cracked her head against the brick stairs.

Breathing heavily from shock she stared at him, he smiled sweetly at her, with that relief washed over her face as he helped her back to her feet.

"Thank you Donnie, I didn't realized Hunters had such fast reflexes," she smiled as she started to look him over as if she just noticed him, in regards of his manly figure and strength.

"Some do some don't, I was one of the lucky ones that was born with it," Donnie tried not to toot his own horn.

(…Did that sound too self absorbed…is she…checking me out?)

Back at the door quickly hiding his burning face, Donnie managed to get all the boards off, then he indicated to Lucca to stay back, if the place has rumours of being haunted there might be something within, not taking any chances he would go investigate first.

Armed with his whip, he slowly opened the door, a rush of stale air hit him, other then that the atmosphere itself didn't seem alarming however it was pitch black inside.

"Lucca can you pass me your lantern," Donnie put his hand out; Lucca complied passing her only lantern to Donnie.

Holding the door with his shoulder, with a big breath Donnie ventured in as the door slowly shut behind him.

Through the small narrow hallway, Donnie found himself in a large room that had two levels, with an open concept; with the second floor only half the size of the room blocked with railings.

The first floor looked like it held the forge; half way across the room a ladder led to the next floor and from what Donnie could see was full of shelves and drawers.

The forge was massive, with books and scrolls all over the place; the forge itself seemed to still be in great shape, considering its age.

What truly caught Donnie's eye, was how clean the room was, he was suspecting the place to be full of dust and cobwebs, but it wasn't, someone or something was keeping the blacksmith shop upkeep.

Which in turn would explain the weird noise that people have been claiming, but what would be doing this?

(If it was living how could it live here, there is no evidence showing of anyone leaving and entering. If it is something unliving then what would keep this place clean, which is not a normal behaviour for any foul creature.)

An odd sound alerted Donnie, "Tick tick tick," the sounds of some large clock came beyond a closet not far from where Donnie stood, unsure what could make such a sound Donnie slowly crept forwards keeping his focus on the closet.

"What is making that sound?" Lucca voice came behind Donnie catching him of guard practically making him almost jump out of his own shell.

(SHIT!)

"Lucca!" Donnie was trying to slow down his heart for it was out of control, his breathing heavy, he gulped in frustration that he was just caught off guard in that manner.

"… Sorry for scaring you I didn't want to stand outside alone and I was curious…," she felt a bit ashamed.

(… Great this must look bad for me to get scared by her…)

Before Donnie could make some valid excuse on why she scared him, the door to the closet slammed opened making the poor turtle's nerves worse.

Donnie jump around catching his soul that was trying to run in fear. (This is just not my day…)

In the darkness of the closet stood this huge armoured figure, its eyes glowed blue as sounds like a windup toy clicking, beeping and gears turning, emulated out of it.

Suddenly it took some steps into the room then stopped like it was waiting, beeping rapidly as it did.

"What is that?!" Lucca squeaked backing up hiding behind Donnie, he could feel her body shaking unsure what was in front of them, yet for him his eyes widen, not from fear.

(It… it can't be.)

Donnie moved forward towards it, he noticed something amiss.

(Oh I see.)

"Donnie what are you doing?" Lucca asked as he went passed the metal creature, heading towards the ladder to the next level.

Quickly Donnie went through the draws and shelves looking for something, Lucca not moving, eyed the thing as it just stood there, beeping at her.

"Donnie…," Lucca was becoming more nervous and confused on the situation at hand.

"Found it!" Donnie jumped up excitedly as he rushed to the ladder sliding down it going over to a work table grabbing some tools, then making his way to the metal figure.

Standing in front of it Donnie admired the craftsmanship of the armour as he ran his fingers over the chest, finally feeling what he was looking for, he took a screwdriver prying open a hidden panel, revealing the things gears and wires.

(As I thought… lets see, if I put this wire here, and replace that part...)

"Donnie…," Lucca slowly came up to him as he worked, "What are you…doing?"

Finally realizing she was still in the room, Donnie chuckled under his breath, how could he be so rude and forget about her, "Oh sorry Lucca. What am I doing? I'm fixing him."

"Fixing him…?" she looked between Donnie and the thing, trying desperately to understand.

Noticing her confusion, Donnie figured it was best he gave her some explanation to easy her wary mind, "You see this guy here is a metal golem, he isn't harmful unless programmed too. But the way he is standing and beeping, he was indicating he is malfunctioning waiting for someone to repair him."

"How do you know all this?" Lucca tilted her head in wonder, examining this new side of Donnie.

Donnie stopped, becoming nervous, he started to debate what course of action he should take to answer her question, should he tell her, or would she think less of him if he did.

"Well… you see… I wasn't always a Hunter… I use to be an engineer."

Lucca looked at him sideways, "Engineer? What is an engineer?"

Donnie smiled, he should have known she wouldn't have a clue what that was, not many people do, its not a common title people use these days for the concept is still new.

"An engineer is similar to a blacksmith, but we tend to work on more complex projects similar to our golem friend here. Unlike blacksmiths we create objects, devices that can do wondrous things that many tend to be mistaken as magic."

"What kind of objects and devices?" a peek of interest was in her voice.

(Is she really interested in what I do? Should I let her see it?)

Stopping what he was doing, Donnie took out a small leather bound book from his pouch on his belt passing it to her, normally he wouldn't do this for it held secrets that were passed down the ages, but he trusted her and wanted to show who he really is, other then a Hunter.

Taking the book she opened it up looking over the pages trying to understand what they were.

"They are blueprints of devices I use on my hunts; they have been passed down generation after generation. Normally my family would give these designs to blacksmiths we trust, but I always was fascinated in them that I learned to do it myself. I even took some old designs and improved them…," Donnie started to feel embarrassed and worried what she was thinking, hoping he wasn't boring her, or made a mistake in trusting her with this information.

(…She probably thinks of me less of a Hunter…I wouldn't be surprise she asks me not to take this job, thinking I can't handle it…)

"Wow, so you're the only hunter that does this?" she smiled excitedly.

Surprised Donnie shifted his feet, "Yes I am the only one, this kind of thing isn't really a hunter's job…"

"To bad it isn't, I mean wouldn't someone understand how to use these devices to their full potential if they understood how they work?"

Donnie looked at her in awe, she didn't act like most people, everyone that hears the title Vampire Hunter have certain standards, making Donnie looking like more a joke then a hunter.

He had such a thing happen before to him, that's why he was so nervous of others knowing what he is capable of.

Once in the past, a village was wiped out for this very reason.

They didn't trust him to do the job, thinking he was too weak, a disgrace to the Belmont name, to the point they gave the wrong info.

As a direct result they all died when the beast that plagued them came a knocking and he wasn't there…

(She… she actually doesn't have a problem with me? I have mistaken her; she is nothing I have ever seen before.)

"What? Did I say something wrong Donnie?" she was staring at him sideways.

Shaking his head he smiled, "No… sort of, you don't think me any less of a hunter?"

With a giggle Lucca gave back his book, "Why should I, because you are not the same as others doesn't mean you are any less then them. I am not a person that judges ones by what they are or what title they hold, I judge ones actions and heart, isn't that who a person really is?"

Donnie smiled sweetly admiring her words and her, "Your right Lucca, has anyone ever told you you're a remarkable woman?"

Lucca blushed shying away, "Well not really you would be the first, most think I am an odd ball, for everyone's mind set is that women shouldn't think or act like I do…"

Donnie took Lucca by the hand kissing it, "My lady then they are fools."

Beat red Lucca looked away, as the golem beeped, "Master what is thy command?"

Both Lucca and Donnie jumped looking at the metal golem, that awaited for its orders.

"It…it can speak?" Lucca gasped.

Like a kid in a candy shop Donnie's eyes sparked in excitement, "As I thought whoever created you was an genius of a engineer, oh I should give you some orders shouldn't I… Your job is to protect this village and it's people from the supernatural that would try to harm them, like zombies for example."

"Command received," it beeped.

"Really? Donnie it will protect us?... Wait please don't hurt Raph he is a werewolf, he is not a threat to this village or its people," Lucca added in.

The Golem looked at her then Donnie sighed, "Golem she will be your new master, what she says goes, if she says that the werewolf is ok then leave him be, do you understand?"

"Command received, New master I will do as thee wish," it beeped leaving the shop.

"Donnie are you sure to let me be its master? I don't know anything about it?" Lucca felt unsure.

"I am certain it's the right choice. You're the only one with an open mind, and I have a feeling your curious on how it works right?" Donnie started to sift through the books and scrolls, finding what he was looking for, passing a book and a scroll to her.

"What is this… oh I get it, my statement about knowing something to understand it… do you think I can learn this?" she looked at the book that was the manual detailing everything on the golem.

"You never know until you try and I need to start making some equipment for myself, in the mean time take a look at these and if you have questions I will help you," Donnie smiled he was actually enjoying this.

(I wouldn't be surprised she figures this golem out before the night is through.)

For the remainder of the night, Donnie worked on his devices, restocking his electric bombs and other things he needed.

What made the evening interesting was Lucca asked him questions, she was enthused to learn about the golem and how he works, she was quite a quick learner as Donnie suspected.

Many times he found himself losing himself by her, he was fascinated by her, she was beautiful, smart, caring, open minded every quality he never in his wildest dreams ever considered any woman would be.

Morning came quick, with only a couple of hours sleep Donnie yawned, Lucca was fast asleep on a bench with a book in her hand, gently Donnie brushed his finger against her cheek to wake her.

With a delightful coo out of her from his touch she looked up at him with a smile, "Is it morning already?"

"Yes I need to get ready for my trip," he told her as he left the blacksmith's shop with his new gear.

His steed packed and fresh from the night before ride, Lucca came out to see him off, he made his goodbyes to her, "I promise my lady we will get to the bottom of this, please hold on a bit longer," Donnie kissed her hand as a gentlemen, then mounted his horse.

The monk on his own horse was waiting, making sure he too was ready.

"Hey Hunter you're not leaving without me!" Raph came storming around a building with a horse in hand, still unclothed like the night before, yet he did wear this time a red collar that was around his neck.

Donnie couldn't judge, for he too didn't wear much clothes just his cape and belt, only individual with proper clothing was the monk, other then Lucca of course.

"We are not bringing a mutt like you," Donnie narrowed his eyes, sure fine he promised to leave the werewolf alone but to babysit it, not a chance.

(Like hell I am going to bring that thing with us.)

Growling, Raph stared at Donnie in anger, "Mutt? Mutt! Listen here you pompous arse, my furry ass save your scaly ass so I am coming with!" Raph demanded not backing down.

(… Ok…)

"You do know turtles don't have scales right? Considering you're sort of a turtle yourself?" Donnie mocked.

Frustrated Raph shook his fist, mounting his horse, "Shut up you, you know what I meant! To bad I am coming either way, remember I can track you stench Hunter, so there!"

"No! What of the village? I thought you were here to protect it?" Donnie protested not giving in to the beast.

Placing herself between them, Lucca put her hands up stopping Donnie and Raph from fighting and hoping her actions would stop any idea of them from getting physical.

"Its ok we will be fine, we have the golem now to help us because of you, Donnie. You did say this artifact is dangerous right; wouldn't it be wiser to approached this in a group for safety in numbers? Beside Raph might be rough around the edges, but he has a good heart, and loyal to the core, please give him a chance to prove it," Lucca walked to Donnie taking his hand, with a sigh of defeat he agreed to take the beast.

(Damn… I forgot about the Golem…oh well what is done is done…)