Always, Forever, and Whatever Comes Next

by Zoltar

The clouded past and relationship of one woman to a Vampire Prince causes major upheaval to the Vampire way of life. This is the tale of two lovers, their lives intertwined by DesTiny... Romance, adventure, loyalty and fate: What can sway a warrior's heart? Spans the entire book series... and beyond. (Mika ver Leth/OC, slight Darren/OC) *UPDATES SPORADICALLY ENJOY*

27. Chapter 27

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Could Have Been

'I'll never tire of this sight.' He thought, glancing down at the beauty half-covered by his bed sheets. Sighing contentedly, he maneuvered himself into the bed with her, slowly pulling her naked body to his. She fit perfectly against him, her curves aligning with him like puzzle pieces, together at last. And that's exactly how it felt to Mika ver Leth. 'At last.' As if he'd waited for her to be in his bed, and by his side for lifetimes. He felt her sigh, gently shifting her body even nearer to him. Looking down at her breathtaking face, he couldn't believe he had almost given this all up.

Juliet Andères, her dark hair a mess beneath her shoulders, her ethereal blue eyes shining, returned his gaze, a smile playing at her lips.

"Staring again?" she yawned, her voice gravelly and soft from sleep.

"At you? Forever."

"Hmph, you flatter me too much." She stretched out on the bed, pushing out her round breasts into the air. Mika couldn't help but stare, though he'd seen them so many times before. There was a hodgepodge of scars smattering across her chest; each and every one earned the Vampire way, in battle, or by bettering one's self.

Mika reached over and lazily traced the larger scars, feeling Juliet hum in response. When he'd blooded her, Juliet had vowed to make him, as her sire, proud by becoming respected among the Vampires of the Mountain. As he led her to the place they would forever call home, he explained to her what it took and what it meant to become respected among her new people, that they valued strength, honor, and loyalty above all else. Juliet, being the intelligent woman she was, immediately knew that for the Vampires to truly accept her, she couldn't accept any favors from Mika. They had made it to Vampire Mountain on the eve of his investiture, and she had watched in awe as he became a Vampire Prince. Afterwards, during the celebrations, he found her sitting alone at a table in the hall of Khledon Lurt.

"Juliet, my love." He beamed at her, embracing her warmly. She returned the hug, but shook her head. "What bothers you?"

"Mika, you're a Prince now." She said quietly, idly twisting the leather straps that held her two daggers to her hip. "And I haven't… earned the right to be with you." Before he could protest Juliet gestured to the smattering of Vampire women that were scattered through the hall. Each had their eyes glued to the pair in the corner, the newly appointed Prince, and his newly turned whore.

"You've earned every right, Juliet." He sat with her, taking her hand and putting it to his chest. "You've earned my love."

The smile and blush that crept up on her paling face could not mask the frustration behind her eyes as she drew her hand from his. "What can I do? What can I do to feel right by your side?" her gaze fell to her hands, now shaking in her lap.

"Why would you want to do anything, Juliet? You are beautiful. Strength and respect will be earned in time."

It was true, though she lacked the strength and experience of the fully-blooded women in the Mountain, Juliet was by far the most beautiful. Her tanned skin was nearly flawless, her petite form and generous curves so unlike the Amazonian countenance of the other women. When they had arrived at the Mountain the night before she had turned more than a few heads, and it seemed Mika was in a constant state of glaring. Though beauty means little to Vampires, they certainly could appreciate it when it strode in front of them in a pencil skirt and low-cut blouse, the outfit Juliet had been so adamant about packing, as she had only been able to bring a few things on their trip and Mika had allowed her to pack freely. Tonight she was stunning, her hair, which she had allowed to grow to mid-back, curled and falling over her shoulders in teasing tresses, wearing a borrowed dress from the store-rooms. Bright yellow (as Vampire women were known for wearing their most colorful dresses during celebrations) with stark red flowers, lilies she'd told him, dancing along the hem and twirling up around her left breast, with soft shoes in a matching red, that she had looked 'for hours and hours' to find. There were no words for her beauty, and the other women in the room, regardless of their rank and age, knew it.

"I'm not just a 'pretty face'; I don't want to get by on that here, Mika. I want to… to forge a path..." Though, as stated, Vampires cared little for beauty, and it stood to question how a lovely girl like her had caught the attention of a well-respected General enough for him to blood her. The blooding of women was almost exclusively reserved for those of great strength and character, both of which Juliet had yet to show to any other than Mika. "I want them to know that size isn't everything, that strength isn't always obvious… that you blooded me for more than love."

There, the true reason said and it hung before him like a noose. He had put her in this situation. Of course when he had blooded her he had done it to be with her. 'Always and forever', he had said. Juliet had blushed, smiling, and added 'then whatever comes next'. But was it the only reason? Juliet had shown extreme courage and cunning when facing a group of Vampaneze that not even he could have defeated alone, she had shown loyalty by not abandoning him when he lay defenseless with the groups' leader's attention fully upon him, and to top it off she was compassionate, giving most of herself to others. Hell, he thought, when she realized leaving meant quitting her job she nearly cried. 'I don't want to leave Jens without someone to cover…'

Yes, he loved her for all of those qualities as well, but he also believed that they would make her a damn fine Vampire.

Eyes narrowing, Mika lifted her chin before she could begin to cry. "You are strong, Juliet. Strong and beautiful, and you can overcome any challenge put before you."

She sniffed, smiling at him. "That's the pep talk you give me when you're about to do something to teach me a lesson." She'd learned that the hard way on their trip to the Mountain, as he'd given her a crash course in dagger fighting, hunting, hand to hand combat, and sword fighting, even wrestling. In the weeks it took for them to reach the Mountain, and with her newly acquired strength and endurance, Mika was able to fully train her, but not without the bumps and bruises earned from hard work.

"The Trials of Initiation…" he said quietly, looking to Juliet for a reaction.

She frowned. "Aren't those reserved for people seeking to become Generals?"

"Usually," he nodded, "but there are special cases, mostly for women." Juliet's frown deepened. "Don't be upset Juliet; you know it is simply the way of things. Vampires value strength and skill over much else, and women are, simply put, not as strong as men. It is common for a woman to take the Trials long before considering General status just to prove her place to the men in the Mountain."

Juliet didn't speak, just shook her head quietly. She turned to him and smiled, some emotion hiding behind her eyes that Mika wasn't sure he trusted, then left the hall.

Alone at the table during his own investiture celebration, Mika sighed, noting the sly smiles that had appeared on the faces of the nearest Vampire women. Shaking his head, he stood, heading for the exit as well.

"Mika, leaving so soon?" Paris Skyle smiled at his fellow Prince, catching him before he could sneak away.

"Apologies, Paris, I'm a bit preoccupied."

The aging Vampire nodded solemnly. "I see, I see, the fair Juliet seems to have left in quite a hurry." He smiled at Mika. "Getting a woman like that upset is surely a reason to be preoccupied." Mika frowned. "She is taking your investiture hard, no doubt."

"How can you tell, sire?"

"Hmm," Paris sat down at the nearest table, gesturing for Mika to follow. "It can be hard, being new to our world, and suddenly the assistant to a Prince. I'm sure she's feeling pressured to live up to it all." The eldest Prince leveled a knowing look on Mika, who suddenly realized where he had gone wrong.

It had been the same way for him, he realized. Blooded and brought to the Mountain where his sire was already well-known, well-respected, and a Prince, to top it all off. What had he done to ease the uncertainty that had nipped at the edges of his mind? He'd trained, practiced, honed his body and his mind past the limits he'd reached while human, he'd become someone his own sire respected, ascending the ranks until he wanted nothing but freedom. Then he'd met Juliet, fallen in love with her, and blooded her. Now he'd brought her home, only to put her in precisely that situation by become the youngest Prince in history.

"What do you suggest, Paris?" the young Prince sighed, pinching his forehead between his fingers.

"She's your woman, Mika. What do you suggest?"

"I suggested she undertake the trials, and then she left." Mika sighed, finally taking the seat next to Paris. Many Vampires came up then to congratulate Mika on becoming a Prince, and wish the two Princes well. Mika nodded, unsmiling, thanking each one as Paris beamed genuinely at his fellows.

"Do you believe she'll decline?"

Mika shook his head. "I honestly can't say I know what she'll do."

"That's the correct answer for anything when it comes to a woman." Paris laughed.

The rest of the night was spent in heated debate with Generals over policy changes, and drinking contests to see if Mika's newfound rank had changed his unruly ways. Juliet never returned to the festivities, and that was enough to make Mika leave early.

As he walked the halls to his new quarters, Mika pondered if Juliet would sleep with him from this point on, or if she would find herself quarters elsewhere in the Mountain. They hadn't been a part since he had blooded her, sleeping together, hunting together, living together as closely as he supposed a man would with his wife. Of course they did other things a man would do with his wife, so it was no surprise that he had begun thinking of her as such, after all hadn't he blooded her to be with her 'always, forever and whatever comes next'? He had half a mind to track her down and force her into his bed if she thought any otherwise. As he approached the entrance to his new room his question was answered, Juliet waited outside the makeshift wooden door, leaning against the wall and glancing around idly. As she noticed his approach she settled her gaze on him, her eyes glowing with intent.

He moved to embrace her, but she put her hands up to stop him. "Mika," she said, shaking her head. He frowned deeply. He didn't believe something as frivolous as status should make a difference in their relationship, not after what they had been through. But Juliet simply sighed. "Do you… do you believe that I could pass?" she asked, looking deep into his eyes for the answer.

Mika knew what she was asking, if she would survive the Trials of Initiation. "What do you believe?"

"I believe…" she moved off of the wall, pacing in front of the entrance as she pondered. "I believe that I'm smarter than the rest of the Vampires believe me to be."

"Is that all?" he questioned, noting the distressed look on her face.

She frowned. "And that they underestimate me, without getting to know me."

"And?" it was Mika's turn to lean against the wall, arms crossed, he watched her intently. Wringing her hands became instead pounding her clenched fists against an imaginary table as she continued.

"And if a Vampire like you can see me as more than a pretty face, can believe I am someone who deserves near eternal life… then…"

"Then?"

"Then I believe I can pass the Trials. I believe I have what it takes." She looked at him evenly, fire in her eyes and a confident smile on her face.

"And?" he drawled, one last time. Juliet's confident visage faltered for a moment before she smiled again.

"And demonstrate to everyone that they don't… fuck... with Juliet Andères." She tested the word with a smile, garnering one in return from her sire.

He swept her into his arms, and this time she allowed him to, and he carried her into his chambers.

The room was large, and amazingly spacious. Mika remembered his sire having a room of similar size, as Princes spend much time in the Hall and most all believed they should return to a home worth waiting for. There was a large coffin in the corner of the room, a makeshift writing desk and chair towards the back near two torches, and a pile of blankets and soft furs on the floor, as he requested. He realized it was presumptuous, but he had ordered the improvised bed be made so he might continue sleeping with Juliet at his side. Seeing her here, in his Mountain, in his home, his chest swelled. Upon these blankets he tossed Juliet, quickly covering her body with his, his lips upon hers. His hands began tracing the unforgettable trail from her neck, down her arms and to her hips. She sighed beneath him, returning his kiss with gusto.

Slowly he reached behind her and unzipped her dress, lips never leaving hers, gracefully pulling it down her body and revealing her lush breasts, her dark nipples already hardened with need. Her hands trailed down his bulging arms, leaving delicate red lines from her fingernails, and he moved then from her mouth to her left breast, nipping and lapping at the taut bud that screamed for attention. Juliet's hips moved of their own accord, her body trained to respond to his touches and licks. She sighed, smiling falling open to his advances.

With practiced hands, he pet her body, feeling each shiver that sped through her from head to toe, and reveling in her every hitch of breath. How many times had he held her like this on the journey to the Mountain? How many nights had he pleasured her to exhaustion, until she lay limp and satisfied in his embrace? Even as he recounted each time with Juliet, he couldn't say he'd even begun to satisfy his need for her body, and as he looked deep into her eyes, in a constant state of glazed over with pleasure, he reaffirmed just how much he needed everything else she had to offer as well.

Hours later, as they lay tangled together half covered by blankets, bodies glistening with exertion, Juliet rested her hand upon his chest, garnering his attention. He smiled smugly as he noticed the satisfied glaze over her eyes, the steady intake of breath as she basked in the completion of the act. As much as he wanted to enjoy the moment, he knew what was coming next.

"The Trials… are very traditional." He said, bringing his hand up to stroke a rogue piece of hair from Juliet's face. She turned to him.

"I can't stay with you." Her words resounded of agreement, her eyes sad and downcast. "I need to do this alone, and I can't have people thinking…" she briefly glanced up into his face. "That you're giving me an advantage."

Mika, his black eyes piercing with emotion choked back his curses. Again he reminded himself that he had put her in this position. All his training, all his explanations had prepared her for life in the Mountain, among the people, but not as his chosen mate. "You do not have to do this Juliet. You are only a half-Vampire; you cannot expect to be respected right from the start."

Juliet sat up then, her disheveled hair cascading down around her shoulders. "Tomorrow I shall present myself to the Princes, including you Mika." She averted his gaze. "I will tell them of my desire to undertake the Trials, and they will vote on it, as you have explained to me, but they will have no reason to object." Now she looked at him, her gaze bored into him. "Not even you."

"You're right; I have no reason to object. I know you, intimately." His eyes traveled down her nude body, and even after all they had done earlier Juliet blushed. "And I am the one who trained you. You will pass."

"You're sure?" she smiled now.

Mika sniffed, stretching out on the pile of furs, leisurely bringing his arms behind his head and accentuating his bulging muscles. "You must, otherwise…"

The silence stretched between them. They each knew what failure of the Trials meant, though neither could say it out loud. Hadn't he blooded her so they would not be burdened by the cloud of death? The thought of losing Juliet brought up a vicious emotion within him and he clenched his fists behind his head.

Suddenly, Mika reached out and pulled Juliet to his chest, embracing her tightly. Though confused at first, as she felt the rapid beating of his worried heart, she calmed and melted to him. "I'll come back to you, Mika. I promise."

WWWW

Evening came, and Mika woke alone. Unsurprised, he gathered his clothes and showered in the Hall of Perta Vin Grahl before making his way to the Hall of Princes for his first day as a Vampire Prince. It was a life changing moment when his hand touched the stone of the Hall, signifying he wanted entrance, and he was allowed in. The Generals inside smiled respectfully towards him as he took his place on the large stone seat beside Paris Skyle. As he sank slowly into the seat, it seemed all eyes lingered on him, as he stilled, arms upon the stone rests, he tensed, realizing finally just how momentous this moment was.

"Welcome, Mika." Paris said, smiling broadly.

Mika nodded to his elder. "Thank you Paris. It is an honor to be here. In truth, I can hardly believe that I am Prince now."

"Ah, you'll get used to the feeling one day, Mika." The grey-haired Vampire responded.

"Aye, get used to that seat, boy. You'll be living in it."

Vancha March sat on the other side of Paris, his green hair a mess a top his head, his clothing, skinned and dyed himself, covered in mud as if he'd been rough-housing in the rain. Mika couldn't help but choke back an irritated growl at his fellow Prince's comment. Mika was a traditionalist, believing that his people must preserve their culture in order to weed out the weak, but Vancha was a sort of arch-traditionalist, he embraced the old laws, but looked for ways to break them, to test the limits of what was and was not acceptable, and honestly it bothered Mika to no end that a Vampire who openly courted death by walking into the sunlight sat on the highest seat in all of the Mountain.

However Mika still held a good amount of respect for his Prince, his fellow Prince now, as all Princes were elected by the amount of respect, popularity and strength they had throughout the mountain. And Mika had to admit, March did have a healthy amount of guts.

WWW

Juliet waited until the bathing hall was empty, though she had been naked with Mika more than clothed the past few months, she still found herself self-conscious with other men seeing her in the buff. Even more, she didn't want anyone to see what she was about to do. Luckily, she'd overheard Vampires in the halls talking about Mika, about how it was customary to seek guidance from a new Prince to show your support and respect, and she knew the hall would be vacant for a good amount of time. As she crossed the vacant hall to the freezing waterfalls, a bundle clutched close to her body, she steeled herself for the day to come. Tentatively she stepped into the shallow pool where the water began to trickle down the mountain tunnels. She set her bundle upon the ground, and began unwrapping her change of clothes from around her precious daggers.

As she stared at the metal the reality of what she was preparing for hit her, and she dropped to her knees in the frigid water, covering her mouth with her hands to keep from sobbing. Her body shook from effort, and slowly the water crept up her clothing, soaking and chilling her to the bone. It felt like hours before she finally stilled, finding the courage to calm herself.

Juliet leant forward, delicately picking up one of the daggers. Her hair fell and curled around her shoulder delicately, tickling her neck. She inhaled, grabbing the strands in her hand.

Exhale.

Inhale.

Exhale.

'This is ridiculous,' she thought, staring meaningfully at the weapon in her hand but unable to bring it to the soft curls. 'it's just hair, it will grow back.' But she had grown her hair out to signify her new life, a life with Mika. Would cutting it signify her breaking from that new life? Flashes of their trek to the mountain, how he held her by the fire on that first night as she held back her tears, realizing she'd changed her entire life in an instant by agreeing to his blooding. The first time he'd truly trained her, the raw strength he'd shown as he taught her to harness her own. The pride in Mika's eyes when she successfully tracked and hunted dinner before he'd even woke.

"No." she whispered. The cold steel flashed before her eyes, and when she looked down she held a bunch of hair in her hand.

Growing her hair out signified the change, choosing Mika and this life over her old one, but there was more to change than just appearance.

Another swish, and another, chunk after chunk of hair fell into the water as Juliet carefully worked on her head. She looked down to the second dagger, the pile of clothes she had received from the storerooms, and a kindly old Vampire dressed all in red.

Swish, swish, swish.

She stood, finally, and removed her soaked pencil skirt, the white blouse, and the feminine undergarments, tossing them into the water and watching them follow the path of her hair, down, down, down into the depths of the mountain, carried away by the freezing stream. Bared, she made her way to the waterfall, ready to be cleansed and embrace the night ahead of her.

WWW

The raven eyed Prince chose not to respond, instead focusing on the Generals that now began crowding at the edge of the Prince's raised thrones. He lost himself in a flood of questions, concerns and calls for advice from the Vampires before him. To his surprise, though he was newly elected and, even more, so much younger than the majority of the Generals, he was the subject of much interest. Many came forth to question him, examine him, and probe his mind for answers and intellect. The night flew by as he found his mind challenged on numerous occasions.

"We have one here to present themselves to the Princes." Paris intoned from his seat. "Come forth."

Mika's attention immediately turned to the entrance to the hall as Paris opened it from his seat. He knew what was to come next, but still found he was surprised.

The doors to the Hall of Princes opened, and the guard looked to Juliet, nodding his head for her to enter. Taking a steadying breath, she preceded forward, eyes straight, hands at her sides. It took most all of her willpower to keep from gazing at Mika as he sat proudly before his people. Though not as busy as it would be during a Council (or so she was told) there still stat over one hundred Generals in the seats before the Princes. Normally they would be talking amongst themselves, but as Juliet came through the door all talking stopped. Many had heard rumors of her, but as she had only appeared for two nights, none could say they had believed the tales of a petite, curvy half-Vampire until this moment. She stopped before the Princes, Mika ver Leth, Paris Skyle, the elderly and wise Vampire Prince, and Vancha March, the well-known 'wild card' of Vampire Mountain, sat before her.

"You are, child?" Paris asked, as she stood quietly before them.

"My name is Juliet Andères, sire."

Paris smiled, of course he knew who she was, half the Mountain knew, but that was the gossiping half, the Generals, who sat before the Princes on a daily basis, had no clue who the lovely lass before them was. "And where is the Vampire who blooded you?" he asked.

Juliet straightened, clearing her throat quietly. She knew why he had asked that question. "He sits beside you, sire. Mika ver Leth."

All eyes flashed from Juliet to Mika, who sat stoically upon his chair. The newest Prince locked eyes with his creation. Juliet had butchered her beautiful hair, cutting the long locks she had been so happy to grow as they journeyed to the Mountain, in favor of a short style, she had her hair pinned back on the sides, and it stopped at the nape of her neck, the only exception being a hunk of bangs that hung over her left eye. She casually tried smoothing it back with the rest of her hair, but the offending locks found their way back instantly. Her pencil skirt and blouse were gone, replaced by a pair of black pants, which she'd cut right below the knee (as they'd been much too long for her legs) and a dark blue shirt that fell off both of her shoulders and perched upon her breasts, cut off and hanging loosely at her midsection, the fabric flowing down around her arms in dramatic drapes to her mid-thigh. The only thing she'd kept were the pair of soft-soled slip-on flats, black and worn in just the right way. The look was altogether striking, emphasizing her newly developed muscle definition gained from months of training with Mika on the road to the Mountain. Gone was the sweet-looking lass from the Romanian countryside, in her place stood a woman embracing change. And she had changed so much since last night, and it wasn't just her clothing that did it. She held herself high, her eyes straight forward, boring into his, no longer wide and curious, but cutting and determined. She was calm, cool. She was confident, and she looked for the entire world like a half-Vampire sired by Mika ver Leth. The few Vampires in the hall that had originally seen Juliet upon their entrance into the Mountain eyed her with distinct interest now, as opposed to openly ogling, feeling the new energy she radiated.

At her words a sudden murmur descended through the Hall. The Generals were talking amongst themselves now, talking about her and how and why she would be the assistant of a newly appointed Prince.

"Mika," Vacha laughed. "You become a Prince, and you surprise us all with your first blooding." He eyed Juilet intensely. "She's a looker, that's for sure."

Mika bit back the rage creeping up his throat. "She is far more than that." He said steadily, calming himself.

The murmurs in the hall became full-on gossip as the Generals argued about the pair; Mika ver Leth the youngest Vampire Prince in history and his assistant, a petite, curvy woman of no apparent strength. All eyes landed on Juliet and she fought the urge to tremble under their gaze. Instead she focused on Mika, on the strength in his eyes, and willed herself to pull from them.

"Mika," Paris said, never taking his eyes off Juliet. "We do not have many rules when it comes to the blooding of new Vampires, but I am compelled to ask, what do you see in this girl that makes her worthy of being Vampire?"

All at once the crowd silenced, awaiting Mika's response.

The black-clad Vampire looked stoically from Juliet to Paris and then back, his body never betraying his inner emotions.

"Juliet is all things Vampire." He began, to the surprise of the hall. "She is honorable, courageous, and cunning. Remarkably intelligent for her age."

Juliet fought the smile playing at her lips and remained passive. Internally she shook uncontrollably, mentally willing Mika to say something that they actually wanted to hear.

"That's well and good," Vancha interrupted. "But look at her!" again all eyes on Juliet. "Women don't take easy to our lifestyle, Mika. And she looks about as frail and faint-hearted as they come!"

In all her time with Mika, Juliet could tell when he was biting his tongue, the Prince's gaze became suddenly stoic as he nodded to Juliet. "Appearances can be deceiving."

"Never judge a book by its cover." Paris nodded in agreement.

Juliet returned the smile the elderly Prince gave her. "Thank you sire."

Paris cleared his throat, and Mika and Vancha sat straighter in their chairs. "As far as I am concerned, you are welcome among our ranks." He gave a sweeping gesture to the room. "Mika ver Leth is one of the best judges of character I have met in my tediously long life, and if he deems you worthy, then so you are."

There was an agreeable murmur in the crowd, and as Juliet chanced a glance around she saw the Vampire Generals nodding and a few even smiled at her reassuringly. As soon as that began to make her feel better she heard a loud rumble from the crowd.

"Appearances are only so deceiving, sire."

The murmurings stopped once more, and a female Vampire came forward. She stood next to Juliet, and seemingly towered above her, though their height difference was slight. She had dark hair, tied back behind her neck. She carried herself with easy confidence and strength, and that alone made her next comment bother Juliet.

"Arra Sails, sires. I am a General of this Mountain, and I dispute this."

"Dispute?" Mika drawled, looking at Arra. He hadn't seen her in years, not since he left Vampire Mountain when she chose Larten Crepsley over him. Though they had once been close, he looked at her now and saw little but a fellow Vampire of good-standing.

"Forgive me sire," she began. "But I am not one to mince words. This girl is not Vampire material."

Before Mika could even respond, Vancha cut in. "Oh? Why?"

Arra stepped forward from Juliet and turned. Face to face, she scanned Juliet up and down. She walked behind her, making sure to exaggerate her glances before returning to the front. "Vancha was true in what he said, this life is not easy for a woman, not in the least, and you look as if you've hardly worked a day in your life."

Juliet couldn't help herself, "I've worked many days in my life, and trust me you haven't worked until you've worked with drunks."

The Vampires in the hall chuckled, even Arra smiled shortly, but she was not impressed. "I do not mean to offend you, I simply believe this was not very well thought out." Her eyes turned sympathetic and she said quietly. "Almost as if you had drawn the short straw."

Juliet saw then that Arra Sails did not speak to scare or intimidate her, only to warn her. Now Juliet looked at her, her face was worn and her eyes dark, she had numerous scars littered over her body, and though she dressed modestly, Juliet could easily see them. This was a woman who chose this life, and worked hard every night to earn the right to have chosen it, she believed Juliet had not made the same choice.

"Juliet's worthiness is not up for debate." Mika growled, startling the entire room. "I know her worth, I know as her sire that she will make a capable Vampire."

"Really, Mika?" Arra asked, "Have you fully prepared her for what her life will be? For the threats that we, as Vampires, face?"

"I needn't, as she has already seen and lived through it all firsthand." He spat.

Juliet did not speak, knowing exactly what Mika was talking about. Their eyes met, and she blinked, slowly nodding. Though they had silently agreed never to speak of that night, now, she realized, would be the best time to flaunt her ability to kill.

"Juliet Andères is worthy as any Vampire." He said, "Aside from all the qualities I have already stated, she has shown true strength by saving my very life."

The hall was deadly silent. Paris looked to Mika. "We have not heard of these events, Mika."

Mika let out an imperceptible sigh, noting Juliet's gaze falling to the floor. Slowly he began to recount the story of the group of Vampaneze that attacked Juliet, while she was under his very protection. He explained her injuring one of the Vampaneze before fleeing, how they gave chase, all the while leaving a trail for him to track; the encounter in the forest, the blackout, waking to find Juliet taking down the large leader of the Vampaneze. Now the murmuring in the hall was plenty positive, all the Generals kept referencing another Prince by the name of Arrow, who was out of the Mountain, and Juliet felt their eyes again.

Arra looked at the woman. "You… I apologize." She said quietly. "I should never have questioned Mika's reasoning. You truly are worthy." She frowned. "But I don't understand. Normally one who's seen the horror of the Vampaneze would be hesitant to join our ranks, more likely would want nothing to do with us…"

"I agreed to this life," she said. The Princes and Generals and Arra all looked at her. "I was not coerced, nor forced. I am not afraid of hard work, or a hard life. I am not afraid to prove myself, and in fact the main reason I presented myself today was to voice my request to undertake the Trials of Initiation."

If she thought she felt eyes on her before, now they burned; each gaze full of curiosity and concern.

"Are you insane?" Arra laughed. "Worthy or no, you'll still a half-Vampire, and you've got no training under your belt. You'll face the stakes immediately."

Juliet met her scrutinizing gaze evenly. "Call me mad, then." She shrugged, hands on her hips. "But I'd like to prove you wrong."

"You are sure?" Paris asked, leaning forward to rest his elbows upon his knees. Mika could hardly control his hands, clenching at the armrests of his throne.

"I'm positive." Juliet's eyes were determined, but Mika could see the slight tremble in her hands. "Strength equals respect, I have the respect of my sire," she glanced tentatively at Mika, her words bringing a rush of emotion to his eyes. He nodded stoically. "I wish to prove, even more, that I earned it."

Vancha watched Juliet with unreadable eyes, tapping his foot idly. As silence filled the Hall, he began a steady chuckle. "What in the 'ell are we waitin' for?" he guffawed. "The lass wants to prove herself, well I want to see her prove herself!" There was a murmur of agreement throughout the crowd. Paris stroked his beard contemplatively and looked to Mika.

"And you, Mika?"

Mika nearly jumped as elderly Prince calmly said his name. "Sire?"

"She is your assistant," Paris continued, his blue eyes penetrating Mika's. "And a very new one at that," he laughed. "It would be foolish to allow her to undertake the trials without your approval."

Mika frowned, looking from Juliet to Arra to Paris to Juliet.

"I haven't a doubt about her abilities. She has my approval."

Paris smiled again. "Juliet, you have permission of the Princes to take the Trials of Initiation, but wouldn't you like some time to prepare first?"

Juliet smiled nervously. "That would be very helpful, sire."

"How long would you deem appropriate, Vancha?" Paris asked.

Vancha scratched idly at the fur covering his chest. "Not sure, sire. I'd say two weeks would be good enough for me."

Mika was about to protest, they all knew that it was customary for a Vampire to train at least two months before taking on the trials, but Juliet cut him off.

"Then I shall take two weeks!" she smiled. "Thank you sires."

Paris smiled back. "You are most welcome, Juliet. We shall prepare the Trials for you and in two weeks' time greet you back in this hall with the selection of your first trial."

Arra, silent for so long, cast Mika a long, unreadable look.

Feeling the dismissal in his words, Juliet gave a short bow, locking eyes with Mika and smiling. For all his worry, Mika could not help but feel encouraged by her smile. She turned on her heel, and walked briskly out of the hall, Arra Sails hot on her heels.

Once out of the Hall of Princes, the older woman reached for Juliet's arm, but she turned to face her. "I understand your concern, Arra, but it's too late, I'm taking the trials." She snapped.

Arra only frowned. "I was only meaning to wish you luck, Juliet. You'll certainly need it."

Now Juliet frowned. "I know how tough the Trials are supposed to be, but you wishing me luck…" her voice was full of concern. "Why do you say that?"

Arra sighed, motioning for Juliet to follow her as the moved further away from the Hall of Princes. "The Trials are as hard as they are varied. Two weeks is not time enough to train adequately for all of them."

It was silent between them as they walked the halls, receiving strange looks from the Vampires they passed. Even with her new look, Juliet carried herself as one would expect a young woman to, not a Vampire, and seeing her in such close conjunction to Arra went against her.

"I'm resourceful." Juliet responded after some time.

"Apparently. But you'll still need help."

Juliet stopped; they were right outside the hall of Khledon Lurt. "Are you offering help?" she asked, meeting Arra's eyes.

The elder woman didn't bother to mask her annoyance. "I am, and you should not take it so lightly. Many a Vampire has begged for my training."

Juliet looked down now, fighting to understand the meaning in Arra's words. "Why, though?"

"Why?" she snorted, entering the Hall and taking a seat. Juliet followed. "Perhaps to help Mika prove that blooding the woman he loves was not a terrible idea." Juliet blanched. She'd tried to pretend nobody had noticed their association other than sire and half-Vampire but apparently, "It's obvious, Juliet. Written on your faces."

Juliet sat across from her at the table, and two servers brought the pair mugs of warm blood and bowls of broth. "Mika trained me," she said, idly stirring her broth. "But I'll accept your help, if you're genuine."

"I am." Arra replied between spoonful's. "I want you in the Hall of Sport at sunset, don't keep me waiting. And for your sake, Juliet, you better hope Mika trained you right."

Feeling the conversation had reached an end, Juliet rose awkwardly, unsure if she should thank the woman before her. However Arra was completely immersed in her food, allowing Juliet to sneak away without another word.

Out in the hall, Juliet sighed, walking silently towards Mika's chambers. Once there she stopped, realizing how wrong she had been to return there. Shaking her head she made her way to the Quartermasters storerooms, hoping to find the kind, older Vampire that had assisted her with her clothes.

She found Seba Nile, the Quartermaster of Vampire Mountain, taking stock of his largest storeroom, the one filled with food. Tentatively she approached him.

"Excuse me, Mr. Nile?" she asked, walking up behind him.

The red-clad Vampire turned on his heel, a bundle in his arms. "One moment, I am in the middle of counting." Without asking he handed her the bundle, gesturing for her to stay put before he walked away. She did, for a good ten minutes before growing impatient.

"Mr. Nile?" she asked again. From somewhere behind a stack of crates he responded.

"Seba, please. And just a moment more."

Juliet huffed, but continued holding the bundle in her arms. Curiously, she pulled back the corner of the burlap covering it, revealing she was holding a very large sack of flour. "Must be bread time." She said, chuckling softly to herself at her pun. Seba appeared shortly, a crate over his shoulders.

"My apologies, Juliet, was it?" she nodded. "Allow me to take that from you." He reached for the flour.

"No, no, it's fine. Are you about to deliver this? Would you like me to help?" she motioned to the doorway. Smiling Seba thanked her.

"I simply need to deliver these ingredients to the cooks, before a bread war starts." He laughed. "Normally, they would send someone to pick these up, however it seems a good majority are in the Hall of Princes today, interrogating young Prince Mika." He shook his head, his long grey hair swaying along his shoulders. "Are you sure, you are not busy?"

"It's alright, I can walk and talk. Lead the way!" Juliet smiled behind him.

Seba made his way out of the storerooms, leading his helper down into a deeper part of the Mountain. Having only been in the Mountain for a few nights, Juliet took the opportunity to ask for directions.

"We are going underneath the Hall of Khledon Lurt," Seba explained. "That is where the cooks are. There is a hole cut into the ceilings, leading up into the hall. They use a pulley system to cart food upwards to the hall so it may remain fresh."

Juliet stared in awe as they entered the kitchen. There were old fashioned wood burning ovens, not unlike the one in her manor, only there were about a dozen lined up against the stone walls. Each had a hole bored into the ceiling above it, and Juliet realized that it was awful drafty in the hall. There were also a dozen or so fire pits carved into the floor, and the smell of roasting meat wafted up to Juliet as she followed Seba around them. It was also hotter than she could have imagined, and as a result the majority of the Vampires she saw were barely clothed.

"A lot of these pits aren't in use…" she noted. Seba nodded.

"We are a bit understaffed for cooks at the moment, but it is no matter. There are not enough Vampires to feed to keep them all running." He stopped in front of a large wooden table that a handful of Vampires were working at, chopping meat and kneading dough. "Your supplies, gentlemen."

Each Vampire at the table smiled and nodded their thanks, eyeing Juliet with interest as she set down the large bag of flour. "Smells delicious." She smiled politely. "What do you use for seasoning?"

"Naught but salt and pepper." Replied a Vampire with a large tattoo covering his bared chest. "You interested in cookin' with us, lass?"

"Oh, no, no." she laughed. "I'd only be a burden. But thank you for all your hard work!" She noticed Seba chuckling behind her and turned to follow him out of the large hall.

"Well you're welcome to help anytime!" the tattooed Vampire called after them. Juliet only smiled.

Outside the hall, Seba gestured for Juliet to continue behind him. "I appreciate your assistance, Ms. Andères." He said. "Now what is it you needed from me?"

"Oh!" Juliet had almost forgot the entire reason she'd sought the Quartermaster out. "I need a room, sir."

Seba raised his eyebrows. "I was under the impression that you were staying with Master Mika, as he ordered quite a few of my heaviest blankets and softest furs to make a bed…"

Juliet blushed, looking away for a moment as they continued down the hall. "Ah, yes… well I suppose you haven't heard… I am going to take the Trials of Initiation."

"Indeed? The best of luck to you." Seba didn't seem to understand her meaning.

"Well, I want to do it alone. I don't want people thinking that Mika is giving me favors or…"

Seba nodded. "Say no more. You wish to prove your independence in order to garner respect. Admirable." He smiled. "You will make a fine Vampire, Miss Andères, you have a remarkable head on your shoulders."

Juliet smiled at the compliment, feeling at ease with the aging Vampire once more. "Do you have anything available?"

The quartermaster seemed to think for a moment. "That is entirely dependent on what you are wanting."

'Like shopping for a home,' Juliet thought, shaking her head ruefully. "Well, I would like to be somewhere… solitary? I don't know anyone in the Mountain other than Mika… I would prefer not to have a roommate."

"Are you a heavy sleeper?" he asked suddenly.

"Yes, I suppose. I lived out in the country, so I'm used to quiet nights and loud ones; wolves howling incessantly, mating seasons and the like."

Seba considered her statement, pausing in the hallway. "Secluded, no roommate, and you do not mind noise?"

"I just was a place I can call 'home' while I face my challenge."

Knowing all he needed, Seba began down the halls, walking briskly. Juliet followed intently. They turned corners, passing by some of the larger halls, including the Hall of Sport where Juliet would be meeting Arra the next night. As they neared the Hall of Perta vin Grahl, the roaring waterfalls echoing off the stone walls, Juliet realized why Seba had asked what he had. Following a small corridor past the entrance to the waterfalls, they stopped outside a set of two doors, one on each side of the hall. Seba indicated the easternmost one, the room that connected directly with the bathing hall. Juliet hesitantly opened the wooden door.

"Do you think this will suit your needs, for now?" Seba questioned, motioning to the room.

In the far west corner was a desk, smaller, but not unlike the one in Mika's large chamber. There was a small coffin in the center, and a hammock hanging along the eastern wall. Directly right of the entrance there was a small waterfall that emptied into a grate over an opening in the floor. She could hear the roaring of the waterfalls behind her, but it was muffled by the walls and covered by the splashing of the smaller waterfall inside. The room had its' own combination shower/toilet, she would have no need to embarrass herself with her shyness in the showers. And as if that were not bonus enough, Juliet noted happily that the small room included a set of drawers, as if designed for a woman to stay in.

"Oh yes, Seba, it's perfect!" she turned to him, beaming. "Thank you so much. I'm sorry I took you away from your work!"

"Pah, you do me a favor, taking this one off my hands; too far away from the main halls, or so I have been told. Full-blooded Vampires cannot seem to sleep with the sound of a roaring waterfall next door." There was a decidedly unimpressed tone to his voice at the words. Juliet chuckled. "I am happy I could assist you, my girl. I shall have a courier pick up your things from Master Mika's chambers and move them here." With a smile he pet her on her shoulder before turning to leave. After a few steps he stopped and returned. "One more thing, Juliet, should you have need of anything, extra clothes or shoes, remember to come to me."

Once alone in her new room, Juliet flung herself upon her hammock, taking advantage of the time alone. During this time she should mentally prepare herself for the upcoming Trials, instead she lounged, dazed at her stroke of luck. 'Here's hoping the luck keeps up in these next few weeks.' She shook her head absently, her bangs falling over her eye once more to her annoyance. 'No dwelling on that.' She sighed, stretching out. 'I guess I should rest before tomorrow. Heaven only knows what this Arra Sails is going to put me through.' She smiled, taking another look around her chamber, and then turned onto her side, allowing the hammock to swing back and forth idly, before dozing off.

WWW

The Hall of Sport was by far the largest room in the entire Mountain. Juliet tried to hide her awe as she moved through the room, searching for Arra. Head held high, and purpose in her steps, she looked straight ahead, glancing as if passively assessing her surroundings when in truth she scoured every inch of the room in her search. 'I worked at a bar' she thought. 'Looking like I'm not paying attention was part of the job.' She smiled to herself, and at those she passed. There was every type of activity, from wrestling to sword fighting to gymnastics (or at least that's what she thought she looked those over the set of bars that stood suspiciously empty in the center of the room). She almost found herself lost, as she passed by Vampire after Vampire, some of which looked about to challenge her to a fight, most of which gave her a strange hand gesture as she passed. After wandering purposefully (to the eyes of those around her) for what felt like an eternity, Juliet stumbled across Arra speaking to an aging Vampire with an eye patch. They stood next to a small empty space with a white outline of a circle drawn into the stone. A makeshift ring. Juliet had seen many as she'd walked through the halls.

"Arra!" she called, a small smile building on her lips. "I feel like I've been searching for you for hours."

The older woman frowned. "You may as well have. You're late."

The small smile vanished. "What? I was lost in this giant hall! And how can you tell? How would you even know the proper time?"

"You get used to using your internal clock after a few decades." She muttered dryly. "Juliet, Vanez Blaine, Sportsmaster. He'll be assisting in your preparation."

Unable to find indignation after the introduction, Juliet nodded. "Truly? Thank you sir."

Vanez, the gray-haired Vampire sporting the eyepatch smiled genuinely at her. "Not a problem, dear. I get too much fun out of training newly-turned Vamps to pass this up!" his words nearly made her falter. "Taking on the Trials of initiation, and so soon. You're brave girl. Brave or you've got a death wish the size of this mountain!" he laughed, Arra and Juliet remained thin-lipped.

"Punishment for your tardiness, Juliet." Arra said, pointing to the ring. "You'll spar Vanez until you're black and blue."

"If I hadn't been tardy what was the plan?" Juliet frowned, hair falling before her eye once more. She let it be.

"He was only to beat you blue."

She couldn't suppress the smile, rolling her eyes with a sigh. "Oh good. Here I was worried we'd start light."

Arra gave her a pointed look. "I do nothing light."

Stepping into the ring uncertainly, Juliet watched Vanez slowly flex his arms, popping his joints with ease. "Surprising," he said with a chuckle. "Most young'uns who end up in the ring with me protest, stating a I have a 'handicap' and the match would be too easy. You're pretty quiet."

"Mr. Blaine, Vanez," Juliet shook her head adamantly. "I'm not going to delude myself. I've barely been a Vampire three months, you've easily got at least a century over, and you obviously lost your eye fighting, otherwise you wouldn't be the Sportsmaster in a Mountain full of muscled warriors."

"You're a smart girl." He smiled.

"I've been known to catch on to a few things."

Arra growled from the side. "Less chit-chat, Vanez. She's only a fortnight before her trials, I at least want her to die trying."

With a single nod, Vanez attacked.

True to her plan, by the end of the night Juliet was bruised black and blue from head to toe. Her left eye was swollen shut, allowing the tuft of hair to fall in front of it and mask it easily, though some of her other injuries were less easy to hide.

"Impressive," her female instructor stated, allowing her to collapse onto the bench in the mess hall.

"Whft?" Juliet asked, her right cheek was swollen, making her words muffled.

"Your sparring ability. You're better than I believed." She accepted the broth set in front of her with a nod. Juliet just stared sadly with her good eye at the liquid before her, unsure if she could lift her aching hands to the bowl. "How often did Mika train you?"

"Effry nigh." She shrugged, now glaring at the bowl as if trying to will it to her mouth.

"I see his signature in your moves."

Juliet looked up now, the ache in her body lessening at Arra's uncharacteristically warm words. "Really?"

The older woman nodded. "He's done a fine job there, I don't believe we'll need to focus so hard on hand to hand combat," she frowned, as if remembering. "How are you with weapons?"

"Juliet is nigh unstoppable with her daggers."

The two women looked up to see Mika ver Leth standing above them, his signature all-black outfit pressed pristinely, and somehow looking more imposing than ever. He looked curiously at the two of them, before focusing on Juliet. It took more strength than he knew he possessed to keep from investigating her bruises more closely, instead he crossed his arms, allowing his hands to clench into fists. "I heard you two were quite the spectacle in the Hall of Sports tonight."

It was true; most of the Vampires in the hall had stopped their training to investigate Juliet's spar with Vanez. Time after time she dodged his attacks, but for every successful evasion he'd knocked her down thrice. It seemed everyone became interested when she continued to get back up; that and Arras' unusual comments during the spar, almost as if the female General had been encouraging the young half-Vampire.

"I volunteered to train your Assistant, sire." Arra spoke up, while Juliet still found herself unable to say anything, though she held Mika's steady gaze.

"And?"

"She's predictable, uninspired, and has a problem keeping a schedule, much like someone else I know." She gave a pointed head tilt to Mika, and Arra didn't even flinch as Mika's gaze turned into a glare and fixed itself on her. Juliet went back to staring at her broth. "She's also stubborn, agile, and possesses a hidden strength, also much like someone I know."

"Your judgment?"

"It's been one day, she's covered head to heel in bruises and more than likely has a fractured rib," Arra poked Juliet in the side, causing the young woman to jump on her seat and groan. "Yet she never once complained." Arra smiled. "She's certainly unique."

"Yes," Mika's eyes found Juliet's again. "She certainly is."

With that he nodded to the two women and proceeded to the Princes table at the head of the hall. Juliet sighed, causing Arra to turn to her. "You signed up for this." She reminded her.

"I knowf," she replied. Again she sighed, but this time she shook her head. "I'll winf. Andf whenf I do, eferythinf willf bef okahf."

Arra stared at her, clearly holding back the urge to laugh. Juliet glared back at her and sighed again, finally struggling to lift her bowl.

"Juliet, give it up. You've got no need to be proud right now." It was the older woman's turn to roll her eyes.

Juliet glared as Arra took hearty sips of her broth, alternating bites of bread. She glared down at her own cooling bowl again. 'No need to be proud,' she mentally agreed, leaning over the bowl and lapping at the broth with her tongue, moaning as the warm liquid made its way down her throat and soothed her from the inside. Arra only smiled and shook her head.

"We'll go to the showers and then sleep. I'll see you again at sundown in the hall of Sport. Don't be late this time."

Juliet only glanced up at her from her hunched, lapping position, nodding. Though if every time she was late she received a more grueling training session, she wasn't sure she could promise to be on time. After all, she only had two weeks.

WWWWWWWWWWWWW

Arra hadn't been joking; they only trained her in sparring for two more days before deeming her 'decent enough to risk it'. On day four they allowed her a brief rest and recovery period, to let the worst of her yellowing bruises heal and get the medics to look at her ribs. The white clad Vampire prodded the purple area on her chest carefully.

"You'll need at least three weeks to heal this," he said feeling the tender spot again.

"I've got about one week. What can I expect?"

"Pain." He said simply, leaning back and standing back up. "With strenuous activity, even without. It hurts right now?"

"Not really…" she shrugged, pulling her shirt back down. She'd wrapped her breasts with bandages the day before, finding that it was easier for her to maneuver in the ring, and also that it made her posture much better. Not that she'd gained more modesty, if anything she'd lost it all. Nothing beats shame out of you like bathing with a dozen or so bear-sized men with matching hair, like she had that night with Arra. Though she couldn't help but blush at their blatant appreciation for her body, she found herself no longer distressed or uncomfortable if nude or semi-nude around her fellow Vampires.

"Then you'll be fine." The Vampire gave her a reassuring smile. "Though if you do feel more pain I'd suggest downing a few drinks, there's really nothing more helpful for an internal injury like yours."

"Not even an aspirin?"

He shrugged. "If you have one, though they increase bleeding, and if you have internal bleeding…"

She nodded vigorously. "Stiff drinks, got it." She thanked the medic and exited the room, content to spend the rest of the day lounging in her hammock.

'Perhaps I should take some drinks with me?' she thought, smiling. Just as she was about to round the corner to the mess hall, Arra came around the corner.

"Juliet? How's the ribs?" she asked.

"Injured, I'm told I should have some drinks to cure the pain." She feigned feminine distress. "Whatever shall I do?" Arra smiled, shaking her head slowly. "Care to join me? I was going to get some in the hall, but I think it might be better to just ask Seba for a full barrel!" she laughed.

Arra frowned. "You want me to drink with you?"

"Is that an insult or something? I'm still not quite familiar with etiquette… but I've seen the men drinking all the time…"

"No, no," she shook her head. "It's not an insult. I just don't get to be social very often." Arra shrugged noncommittally.

"Well you are a giant bitch." Juliet replied.

Arra stared at her, her jaw nearly slack in surprise.

"Has no one ever told you that?" The raven-haired woman asked, laughing. "Seriously, Arra. You're a huge bitch."

"Then why would you want to drink with me?" she snapped.

"Because you're my friend." Juliet shrugged, laughing and wincing at the pain it caused her ribs. "At least, I think you are. I'm not really sure. I'd like you to be."

Arra caught Juliet's eyes, full of mirth and wincing slightly. As she examined their pale blue visage, she realized what it was that Mika must see when looking into those eyes. This woman broadcast her emotions through those ethereal portals, and Arra could see nothing but kindness and sincerity. Sighing she shook her head. "Yes,"

"Yes to drinks?"

"Yes, I'm your friend, you annoying chit."

Juliet smiled. "That's nice, Arra, but drinks?"

"Oh for the love of… yes! Let's go see Seba before you force me to break more of your ribs."

"Please don't do that."

"Walk."

Twenty minutes later they arrived at Juliet's room with a full barrel of ale and a pitcher of blood to share between them. Seba had been ecstatic to hand over the supplies, especially once he saw Arra waiting in the hallway behind Juliet. The older Vampiress picked up the barrel with ease and gestured for Juliet to lead the way. Juliet, holding the comparatively small pitcher, two mugs, and pocketing the barrel tap Seba had tossed to her in her black cotton capris, smiled cheerily and continued on with a skip in her step that only served to increase the ache from her ribs.

Arra surveyed the large room with interest, setting the barrel on the floor by Juliet's small desk. "You have this room to yourself?"

"Yes. According to Seba, nobody can stand the waterfall noise."

"It is terribly loud." Arra agreed.

Juliet twisted her lips. "I don't hear anything more than a muffled splashing."

Shrugging, Arra sat beside the barrel, motioning for the tap. Juliet tossed it over to her. "You're only a half-Vampire, it's not so strange." She jabbed the tap into the barrel, meeting little resistance, at least from Juliet's perspective, and reached for a mug.

"Ah-ah." Juliet smiled, moving in front of Arra and blocking her reach. "Allow me," the tan woman picked up the mugs in one hand and bent to the tap, positioning both glasses underneath. She poured the ale with practiced precision, and even slid one across the floor to Arra. The ale foamed with picturesque quality.

"You really were a bar wench." Arra nodded in thanks, eyebrows raised in appreciation.

"Is it hard to believe?" Juliet asked, taking a drink of her ale. In her short time as a Vampire she'd found it hard to acclimate to drinking blood, but somehow her aversion to beers had disappeared, and whenever she ate meals she found it easier to wash down the glass of blood with a swig of Vampire Mountain Ale.

Arra eyed her evenly. "Juliet, let me be frank."

'Uh-oh.' Juliet thought. 'Honesty isn't supposed to come out for another few drinks…' "Y-yes?"

"You may have cut your hair and changed your clothes, but you're still, very much, a sweet country girl." She shrugged and drank her ale.

Juliet's mouth set in a frown. "I just wanted to make a change. I want the Vampires to respect me."

"Don't get me wrong, Juliet. You've changed much just by altering those two things." Arra sighed, her weather-beaten features becoming soft. "You don't have to be different to be a well-respected Vampire."

Juliet sat and crossed her legs. "You honestly believe everyone will respect me if I offer to bake for them? To serve them lunch? Or hand out beers!" she refilled her glass and reached for Arras', the woman did not protest. "God knows that didn't really work on Mika. He looked at me like a child for months before Kathy showed up… and then the daggers… uuuugh…"she sighed.

"I think I see, you're doing this for him?"

Juliet brought mug to her lips and took a casual sip. "I'm doing this for me."

"If you die, will you die for yourself?"

"I don't plan on dying."

"Not many do."

"That's life."

"Actually, it's death. A slow and painful one."

Juliet groaned. "What is your point, Arra?"

Arra sighed now, leaning back on hands after setting her mug down. "He's an enigma."

Their eyes met. "He is."

"Do you truly think this is what he would want?"

Juliet laughed. "This is the exact opposite of what he wants." She finished her ale and refilled her mug again. "He'd be content for me to wait patiently for him in his bedroom, nude, spread eagle on the floor day in and day out."

Arra scoffed. "Mika ver Leth is a man like any other, but he is not that crude."

A sigh. "You're right," she pinched her forehead between her fingers. "That's not how he sees it, but it's how I see it. He doesn't think I should do anything. Not because I'm a woman, or weak or anything of the sort… but merely because I have him. He's there to protect me, to shelter me, to feed me, clothe me, wash me, train me, carry me, make love to me, I could go on and on and on!" she sounded so exasperated, yet Arra couldn't stop smiling. "What?" she snapped.

"You are one peculiar girl."

"Why would you say that?" She downed more ale.

"Most women who are frail and, let's say, lacking in strength, are more than happy to have a man like that take care of them."

Juliet scoffed, harsh and loud. "It's been shown in my experience that women who are frail and, let's say, weak, like me, are more determined than most to prove they are the exact opposite." She smiled. Arra smiled. Their eyes met.

"You are the exact opposite Juliet Andères."

"I know," she laughed. "I've worked my ass off to prove it."

Arra laughed, the sound made Juliet's smile even bigger, and raised her mug to toast. "I like you, Juliet."

"Well good, I've been working my ass off to prove that as well." She giggled.

"You'll earn their respect."

The mood changed, and Juliet became suddenly introspective, the sound of the waterfalls became louder. "Do you think it will work?"

"I take it you believe they'll never see you as anything other than Mika ver Leth's assistant. This is true. He is the youngest Prince to ever rule Vampire Mountian, and before that his sire was a Prince. It is as if he is part of a legacy…" Arra tapped her mug idly.

"You think they'll make me a Prince?" Juliet sounded shocked by the notion.

"Only if you deserve it. We don't pass down the title of Prince. Mika worked hard to earn his spot, but as I said, it is as if he is part of a legacy, and you are now a part of it as well."

They sat in silence, drinking and pondering. Juliet finished yet another mug and refilled both hers and Arra's. "Less talk about the future," she sighed. "More talk about tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?" Arra asked.

"No more dueling, right?"

"Ah, no you're right. No more dueling. You've proven your skill there. Enough to hold your own in a few of the trials that would require you to."

She took a hefty swig of her ale, proud of herself. "What next?"

Arra stared at her, again tapping her mug. "Well," she began. Juliet watched her from behind her drink. "How are you with heights?"

WWWWWWWWWWWWW

The two weeks were over before Juliet could stop to catch her breath. When Arra had made her practice literal mountain climbing, she thought she'd made it through the hardest training yet. She was wrong. Not only did the General have harder, more strenuous tasks for Juliet to undertake, but she continued their tradition of 'Girls Night' between shifting courses. It was all the harder on Juliet after the 'underwater survival' class, which, as she would describe it, consisted mainly of Arra trying to drown her in the river outside of Vampire Mountain. Juliet never wanted to see liquid again, yet there she sat, mug in hand, downing glass after glass of ale to help recover from her new aqua phobia.

And to prepare for the next day.

"Tomorrow you will draw your first trial," Arra said, watching Juliet with even eyes. She was bruised, to be sure, but she held herself confidently, never allowing her aches to show. "You will approach the Princes, a guard will have numbered stones in a sack-"

"I reach my hand in, pull out a stone, and face the trial. I know Arra, you've repeated this three times in the past half hour." Juliet smiled. "You're more nervous than I am, aren't you?"

The older woman's face betrayed her. "It would embarrass me if after two weeks of training you, you up and died during the first trial you face…"

"I already told you I don't plan on dying."

"I remember."

Juliet sighed, stretching back and allowing her bare midriff to peak out from under the baggy shirt she wore. "I have a reputation too, you know."

Arra raised her eyebrow, "Do you?" she asked dryly.

"I must, haven't you heard the betting going on around the Mountain?" she smiled. "Odds are stacked against me. Two hundred to one. It's as if nobody in the entire place thinks I'll win."

"One person must." Arra shrugged.

"I have a feeling you're the one." Juliet laughed again, fully laying on the stone floor.

"You don't think it's Mika?"

"Mika doesn't place bets on life or death."

Unbeknownst to Juliet, a heavy silence followed as Arra tapped on her mug. It wasn't until the elder Vampiress set her mug down completely and moved from her place across from Juliet to sit next to her that Juliet sat up, question on her face.

"You truly love him?" Arra asked, her voice throaty and low.

"I do."

Arra cleared her throat, catching Juliet's eyes in her own. "There was once a time when I knew him as well as you do now," Juliet opened her mouth to speak, but Arra continued. "That time is gone, nearly forgotten and neither of us cares to talk about it. But I do not wish to see him hurt, as he will hurt in the most terrible way if you fail these trials."

Her gaze became intense, her brown eyes searing their emotion into Juliet. She looked away. "Why are you telling me this now? You could have led with this, you know? 'I was once in love with Mika so I'll keep you from dying in the trials because I still care.' Would have saved us a bit of animosity in the beginning…"

Arra shook her head, sighing. "Juliet, I'm telling you this because you've been afraid to acknowledge the possibility of-"

"I can die, I know that. I understand that."

"Do you know how it will affect your loved one?"

Juliet clamped her mouth shut, fuming. Of course she knew how it would affect Mika. Didn't he always take chances so she wouldn't have to? She thought back to that terrible night. How the Vampaneze had hunted her and Mika had chased after them, confronting them with a ferocity she'd never known him to possess. He'd always been so gentlemanly, so composed. The moment she was in danger his vicious side come to light. When he'd thought she'd been hurt…

But then how had it been for her? When she'd seen that Vampaneze knock Mika to the ground… blood everywhere. That's why she'd come down from that tree, on the verge of tears, bloodlust risen so high that she knew she couldn't contain it. The thought of losing him…

"It's more than… everything I originally thought." Juliet shook her head. "I would have done this… regardless of if I had thought this deeply about it from day one. Mika's reputation… it means more to him than he's willing to admit. That's why he came back here when he could have stayed away. When we could have just been together, living wherever we wanted. He cares too much about this sort of thing. I saw it in his eyes, how much he needs me to fit in here, when I first told him I wanted to take the Trials. He was proud of me, even if he was scared for me. I need to make him proud, almost as much as he needs me to stay alive." She let their eyes meet again, searching Arra for the answers. "It will help us both."

The older woman nodded slowly. "You're committed, and you see how important this is fully, now."

"Yes, I do." Juliet's eyes glowed with determination.

"Good. Make him proud."

"I have to make you proud to, don't I?"

"My reputation means little compared to that of a Prince."

"I don't believe that for a moment…"

Arra waved her off with a shake of her wrist, a smile twitching at the corners of her lips. "Come back to him… us… alive." Arra held out her hand.

"What's this?"

"You've earned my respect." She tried to explain the weight behind it, but Juliet had never borne witness to Arras' famous bouts for respect.

"I thought I earned it a while back?"

"Now you can shake my hand."

"Friends don't shake hands." Juliet frowned.

"This is significant, Juliet." Arra growled. "Just shake my hand!"

"Why don't we hug like normal female friends?"

"By the Vampire Gods, Juliet you are IMPOSSIBLE!"

WWWWWWWWWWWWWW

The Hall of Princes was buzzing with energy when Juliet found herself called inside. Turned out there was never much entertainment in the mountain, and whenever someone undertook the Trials of Initiation it was a bit of an occasion. The Princes greeted her warmly, and she vaguely noticed a change in the ranks.

"Juliet, how do you fair this fine evening?" Paris asked, stroking his long, grey beard and smiling at her.

"Excited, sire." She smiled back.

"Not many would call facing death 'exciting'." Said the newcomer. Juliet looked blankly at the large, bald Vampire before he burst out laughing. "Apologies, ma'am. You've got no idea who I am, do you?"

"Juliet, this is Arrow, our fellow Prince." Paris said, motioning to the bald Prince.

Juliet's blank look became one of intense wonder. Prince Arrow was… HUGE. His arms and legs seemed to bulge from his boulder-like torso, giving off the threatening appearance of something entirely supernatural. He had strange tattoos on his bald head, and as she looked closer she noticed they were arrows, perhaps where he took his name from.

"N-nice to meet you!" she gave a small bow. "But where is Vancha March?" The eccentric Prince with a penchant for walking into the sunlight had disappeared. It was her understanding that all Princes were to be present for the drawing of Trials.

"Vancha has taken Arrows place outside the Mountain. As is custom." Her eyes shot to Mika as he explained. "In case of emergency, there is always one Prince away from the Mountain, to maintain governmental leadership should something happen to the others."

Juliet blushed. "I remember you telling me this, I suppose I forgot…"

"A simple thing to forget, my dear, do not be embarrassed." Paris laughed as Mika sat up straighter in his chair and Arrow eyed Juliet with interest.

"Do you really intend to take the Trials of Initiation?" the bald Prince asked, his voice deep and intimidating, yet Juliet heard something melodic and trustworthy within it.

Juliet nodded sharply. "I do."

Arrow's eyes met hers and she let him stare her down, unmoving. Then he smiled. "You truly are of Mika's tutelage." He laughed. "Let her draw her first trial!"

There was a murmur of excitement that swept through the hall. All of the Generals crowded to the front of the seating area, eager to watch Juliet's fate, and make sure there was no cheating. A large, blue-clad guard stepped forward, a heavy burlap bag in his hands. He stopped a few feet before Juliet. She took a deep breath and stepped forward.

"Do you accept whatever trial you pick?" the guard asked. She nodded. He thrust the bag forward.

Closing her eyes, Juliet let the sounds of the hall sink into the background, focusing on the beating of her heart.

'Moment of truth.' She opened her eyes.

She reached in.

"Number thirty-two! The Gauntlet!"

An anxious sound covered the excitement. She felt all eyes on her as she held the stone out. Slowly she looked to the Princes. Mika's lips set in a thin line. He was worried. The other two nodded.

"We will have a guard escort you to the trial momentarily, we will await you there." Paris said. He motioned for her to leave. She nodded politely.

"Thank you sires."

Outside the hall Arra approached her. "So?"

"You weren't in there? Aren't you a General?" Juliet smiled smally.

"I appreciate anticipation as much as the next. I wished to hear it from you." Arra nodded for her to continue.

"The Gauntlet?"

The elder Vampiress frowned. "An interesting choice, Juliet."

"You act as if I made it consciously." She laughed. "Can you tell me anything about it?" They began walking back towards the hall of Klehdon Lurt.

"It's a good choice, really, for you. Many Vampires fail it so quickly, because many Vampires believe in nothing but strength. It is an obstacle course, of sorts. You will run through it, taking as much time as you need to bypass the obstacles, and at the end there will be an item for you to take back, through the obstacles."

"A heavy item?"

Arra shook her head; they entered the hall and sat towards the back near the exit. "It can be anything, but nothing that the Vampire participating in the trial cannot carry. That isn't the hard part."

Juliet paled at her tone. "What is the hard part?"

"Once you reach the end and take the item waiting for you a countdown begins." She looked Juliet in the eyes. "You will have seven minutes to take the item back to the starting point."

She didn't falter. "How long is the obstacle course?"

"Five miles."

"Is that far?"

"For a full grown Vampire? Five miles ran straight in seven minutes is fairly simple. However…"

"I'm not a full grown Vampire and I'll have to run through a crazy obstacle course." She nodded.

"Make sure you watch out for the hammer." Arra nodded.

"Hammer?" Juliet looked flabbergasted.

"Juliet, this course isn't standard obstacles. It's set deep in the mountain along a narrow path through a field of stalagmites. Every obstacle in this trial is deadly. Falling axes, hammers, pitfalls and the like. That's why they call it 'The Guantlet of Death'."

"That's not what they called it when I drew it!"

Before Arra could respond, a guard walked up to them. "Juliet Andères? Your trial is ready. Come with me."

WWWWWWWWWW

'Arra wasn't joking.' Juliet thought, stepping into the hallway after the guard. He had taken her so far into the Mountain she'd thought he was taking her straight to hell, so certain she would fail and die a shame to the entire Vampire race. But he hadn't, instead they'd entered an enormous cavern lined with stalagmites and stalactites, with twisting, narrow path cut into the center. The way the path wound around the room, Juliet could easily see how it was five miles long. She wondered idly how the path had come to be, but became distracted by the sounds of movement coming from above. Juliet tilted her head upwards, questioning the noise. She received a rush of dread.

The entire room was a dome! The upper walls were carved out, and stone benches, much like those in the Hall of Princes, lined the areas. Vampires were filling in to watch her undertake the trial, and she spotted the Vampire Princes, Arrow, Paris, and of course Mika, standing dead center. She met their gazes.

"Juliet Andères, you have come to challenge the Gauntlet of Death!" Arrow's voice boomed over her, echoing throughout the cavern. Juliet gulped. "Should you finish this trial fairly, you will draw and take your next trial tomorrow night. Should you fail, or should any evidence of cheating be found you will be executed. Are you ready?"

"I am." She called, straightening and clenching her fists in anticipation.

Mika cleared his throat. "You have until sunrise to reach the end of the path,"

Juliet paled. Arra had said as long as it takes. 'Then again, sunrise is hours away… I suppose for Arra nothing takes that long.'

"Once you retrieve the object at the end of the path, you have seven minutes to return to the spot you stand at now. The countdown starts the moment you touch the object." He said the last part harshly, as if he was making something clear to her. Before she could question it he shouted, "Begin!"

Bracing, Juliet ran forward. Uncertainly she took each step, waiting for an obstacle to appear. She had made it about a quarter mile without anything happening, and slowed. "What the hell is going on?" was she being tricked? Sighing she took a step.

The floor gave out beneath her foot and she hopped backwards in time to watch it fall where she had been standing. A single platform of the path was left midway between the two ends.

"Well, there's that." Juliet laughed a little to herself, hearing the voices above her. "This one seems easy." She took a step forward.

Four giant spiked balls fell on heavy chains, swinging haphazardly in her path, completely obscuring the platform before her.

"I'm never speaking again." She sighed, watching in vain as the spiked balls smacked against each other and swung east, west, north and south. There was no pattern to their movement, and even worse, one swung directly over the platform she needed to step on. "Stumped at the very first obstacle." She moaned. "What can I do?"

Juliet closed her eyes, allowing her other senses to take over. She heard the mumblings from above.

"She's gone stiff. Looks like she's scared." Arrow laughed. "I thought she had courage, Mika, but it seems it was all an act. And on the very first trial."

Mika's words came through gritted teeth. "Do not underestimate her." He crossed his arms and watched, his gaze focused on her intense concentration.

The balls made a specific noise when they hit each other, Juliet listened for it intently. There was a constant stream of hits for about fifteen seconds, then a lull for three. She opened her eyes, before another lull, praying it was-

"Yes!" the silence came when all the balls swung away from the platform. So there was a pattern to their swings. She only had a few seconds to make it through, or get crushed to death. "Not here." She growled. She closed her eyes again. 'This is what I trained for. What did Arra say? I'm acceptable…. What does Mika say?'

"You're incredible, Juliet."

It was as if he stood right next to her. Juliet could feel Mika's confidence in her abilities. She concentrated even harder on the sounds pattern. 'Only have one chance. I cannot miss.'

'Clank, clank, clank.

"Ready." She clenched her fists and crouched. She could hear the crowd tensing around her.

Clank, clank, clank, clank, clank.

'GO!'

She sprinted, and jumped, soaring through past the chains. Juliet had one chance to hit the platform, or she'd be crushed, or worse, impaled on the stalagmites below her. She reached with her leg, feeling her the toes of her left foot touch solid ground. 'Push!' she pushed against the platform, propelling herself forward again in time to feel the swishing of air as the spiked balls clanged together where she had once been.

Juliet didn't even realize she was standing on the other side until she was startled out of her thoughts by the path returning to normal behind her. As she watched the spiked balls disappear and the ground raise back up, she suddenly realized what she needed to do to pass the trial. She took a step back toward the obstacle she had passed. The ground fell below her and the balls came swinging down. She stepped away and waited for everything to return to normal. Again she stepped forward and the balls swung before her, and again she stepped back. She repeated this experiment exactly ten times before turning and proceeding down the path. Now that she knew how the obstacles would appear, she knew she had no reason to run.

The next obstacle showed itself another quarter of a mile in, and Juliet added that information to her mind, reminding herself to keep a look out. This time it was a wall of steam that burst from the ground, lifting the portion of the path into the air, where it came crashing back down. Getting around it didn't seem very hard, until Juliet moved too close to the steam and felt the heat searing into her flesh. She realized that this too would be an issue of timing. An expertly performed leap put her on the platform as it rose up, and before it could crash into the stalactites above her (as she'd watched it do numerous times before jumping) she leapt down, landing in a roll.

As she came out of her roll, skidding to a stop, her shoes tapped a metal plate on the ground before her, causing a wall of flame to burst out of the floor. She leapt back and the ground beneath her rose up, pushed by the steam. Juliet cursed, jumping down once more and triggering the wall of flame. She stilled, both the steam and the flame roaring, and suddenly she realized she would have only seconds to get through both of these, and only once chance to try.

Juliet leapt onto the platform, allowing the steam to take it up once more, she vaguely wondered if this worked for heavier Vampires, then dismissed the thought when, as the steam took her to the desired height, she jumped over the grate where the flames came out. She landed safely with the flames bursting out behind her, then calmly walked further in, worried less about what lay ahead and more about how she would make it back.

The next few obstacles were also a quarter mile a-part and easy enough to get past, a set of swinging axes was simple enough to time a jump through, as she had faced something tougher for in the first few minutes of her trek. Then came a portion where the path broke into blocks, and slid east and west before her eyes, quick as lightening, forcing her to use her wits and her guts and hop lightly from one plate to the next. That part lasted a good half mile. A set of ropes hanging from stalagmites spaced more than an average jump a-part from each other forced a laugh out of Juliet as she caught her breath after the skipping she'd done. The young woman had learned the hard way that climbing wasn't her strong suit in her training with Arra, but she pushed through. Swinging from the ropes and taking her time to practice for the way back. She'd done that with every obstacle she'd past so far, aside from the walls of fire and steam. She knew having seven minutes to do what had so far taken her an hour would be tough, and wanted every possible advantage.

The path before her rose up, creating a large, rocky wall for her to climb to continue. Juliet sighed and looked down at her nails. Sure, they were super strong, but she was still a woman at heart and the thought of chipping on really ate at her. Shrugging and shaking her head, she began the climb up. At one point the path gave way to nothing but stalactites, and Juliet had to cling to them for dear life while slowly maneuvering her way to the other side.

"I always forget some of the obstacles in this Trial." Paris mused, stroking his beard. "This was one of the first Trials of Initiation ever created, and gave inspiration for many that we use now. It is as if she faces smaller versions of several Trials she may end up facing later."

"Wouldn't that be interesting?" Arrow nodded. "Her first trial she picked training for other trials." The two princes shared a chuckle. Mika grit his teeth, watching Juliet with morbid anxiety eating away at him

It felt like eternity, her heart thumping wildly in her chest, but she finally reached the end of the path. There stood a pedestal at the top of a few small steps; it held the item Juliet needed to take back to the start. She couldn't be sure, but she thought it had been two hours since she'd started the trial, which meant she had to move doubly fast to make it back to the start in seven minutes. The moment she approached the steps she frowned, something was off. Arra had mentioned a hammer.

Her foot touched a remarkably familiar feeling spot of path, and her instincts screamed at her to dive, and so she did. Just in time to dodge the giant hammer that came swinging down from the ceiling mere inches away from the set of steps.

"Doubly fast? It'd be easier to just die and finish as a ghost…" she laughed, gasping for air at her own joke. She stepped towards the pedestal and saw her two daggers, sheathed, sitting atop it. She smiled warmly, knowing Mika had had his hand in this, reminding her that he was watching, and even more so, that he cared. Before she touched them, she took a seat on the steps. Juliet needed to catch her breath, and plan her next move. Sure, she'd made the trek to Vampire Mountain on foot with Mika as was tradition, but even she knew hiking was not her strong suit.

'What is my strong suit?' she laughed, shaking her head, and looked out at the obstacle course, now back in the picture of a narrow winding path. She counted the seconds that passed as she went through recalled each challenge she had passed, and how she'd beaten it. There was a reason Juliet had chosen to go back five or more times and face them again. She closed her eyes.

"I can't say I've enjoyed this trial." Arrow said, crossing his thick arms and frowning. "Not much sport to it."

"You've never been one for a test of wits Arrow." Paris chastised. The bald Prince frowned deeper. "Your apprentice has a level head on her shoulders, Mika. It seems she's taking the time to rest before the countdown begins." He gestured to the large hourglasses situated to their right. There were seven in all, each representing one minute, and a guard stood poised to tip the first one the moment Juliet touched the daggers upon the pedestal.

Mika nearly laughed. In all the time he'd known Juliet he'd never thought of her as 'level-headed'. She was brash, overemotional, and prone to fits of excitement. But as the young Prince watched her sitting on the steps, a look of pure determination on her face, he swelled with pride. All worries of his beloved failing the trial were gone. He knew that look. That was the look that said Juliet Andères was going to win.

Juliet had counted exactly seven minutes, and in her mind she was racing the course back to the start. Unfortunately she'd made it halfway before her internal alarm went off, signaling she'd failed. She started again, planning out every move down to the second. Fourty-five minutes later, she stood.

"Prepare yourselves!" she didn't even realize she'd shouted until the whole of her spectators roared in anticipation. Juliet stepped forward, arming her internal clock. She reached for the daggers, hooking her fingers under each leather strap, turned on her heel and ran.

WWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

"Ne'er before had a half-Vampire moved with such speed, nor such grace! She leapt through fire, dove through peril and dodged each death trap set in her path! Not one could say what drove her legs, what demon from hell thought she gave chase? Worry not, lass for no beast could ever catch up! For seven minutes she had to make it to the start, and what did she do? Make it in half!" Cheers resounded as the boisterous Vampire finished his tale, his arm around Juliet's small frame. Every spectator had screamed as she'd crossed the finish, out of breath, skidding to a stop. Her internal clock had apparently been off, she was so new to her half-Vampire body she hadn't been counting on speed she'd never known she'd had.

Juliet had been meticulous, counting each second that each challenge took to activate, preparing her feet for the feel of each pressure-sensitive plate, and as she dodged the barrages of swinging, falling and sliding weapons. She skipped over each stalactite, using her momentum to push forward before she slipped on the smooth sidings and impaled herself on the needle-like tops. She'd timed everything so well, she was able to use a single calculated leap to bypass the sliding path, rolling and using her hands to sprig forward and continue her run. Truly, she had dove straight through that wall of flames that had worried her so much, hoping it wouldn't scathe her if she picked up enough speed. As soon as her foot touched the ground, she pounced to the portion of path that would fly up, rolling off of it and into a full sprint. At that prime moment when she was only seconds away from the very first obstacle that had stumped her the moment the trial had begun, she leapt. Ten times she had watched the spiked balls come down, swinging seemingly haphazardly, but there was a pattern. She'd found it, and exploited it, somersaulting off of the small platform and skidding to a halt right at the start of the path. It had taken her three hours to trek the path. She'd returned in three minutes and twenty-eight seconds.

The roars of the crowd when she'd finished were deafening, and she turned, exhausted to see every Vampire that had witnessed rushing out of their seats. Even the Princes looked immensely excited, and Arrow's voice boomed over her, telling all that she had set some sort of record. Before she could catch her breath dozens had burst through the entrance to the path, swooped her up and carried her to the Hall of Khledon Lurt, where this boisterous Vampire had regaled everyone within with the tale of her very first Trial. And they cheered. They cheered for her.

Juliet's cheeks were burning from embarrassment and excitement and she smiled broadly, accepting every single back-pat and shoulder squeeze. The attention was wonderful, she wouldn't deny that, but she felt her knees giving out below her. By the time she knew she would collapse, Arra was before her.

"I heard you not only succeeded in your first trial, but you won the record for the fastest run." The older Vampiress smiled at her, Juliet gave a strained smile back.

"Sure did, it was amazing. I'll tell you about it later. I really need to fall to the ground."

Arra frowned, pushing the large Vampire who was holding her up away and taking her arm. "I don't normally condone supporting those who can't support themselves-"

"I've earned it, you know." Juliet laughed, and Arra smiled.

"Let me help you to a table." She laughed.

The crowd around them began to open for Arra to assist Juliet to a seat, and as they made it away it closed back up as newcomers clamored to hear what had happened. "The talk of the Mountain, you are." Arra said.

"I've earned that too." Juliet smiled, letting her head tilt downwards as she watched her feet move, unfeeling.

"Indeed you have." Arra stopped suddenly, and Juliet strained to look up. Before them stood all three Princes, each smiling broadly.

"Miss Andères." Paris said bowing down to see her face. Juliet smiled apologetically. "Are you alright?"

"I may or may not have pushed myself too hard. I'll know for sure if I sit down." She gave a small laugh. "I'm certain I'll live."

"We should hope so," Arrow said, nodding to her. "You did quite a number on the Gauntlet. I was sure you were putting me to sleep, but then that leap!" he smiled and went to slap her on the back, but Arra moved her out of the way. "Oh, apologies." He laughed. "I'll give that to you later!"

"Thank you sire." She smiled again, trying to stand up straight. Arra assisted her. "I'm sorry it took me so long to finish. I'm a bit of a-"

"Perfectionist. We can tell." Paris smiled. "You have keen eyes, my girl. Full grown Generals ten times your age have taken that trial and failed miserably. I was most impressed at how you dodged that final hammer."

Arra stiffened imperceptibly and Juliet's smile grew. "Towards the end it seemed a little too easy, I felt I should just… dodge."

The two Princes nodded at her, smiling. "We look forward to your next Trial." Paris said. "Rest well, and hope for something less-"

"Movement. Less movement. Less running. Less jumping. Less dodging. Maybe a sitting trial? I could take and pass one right about now." Juliet's legs became strained and she stooped once more. All three Princes, even Mika, who had been unnervingly quiet, laughed out loud.

"Perhaps we should establish the 'Trials of Recovery'. Bahahahaha!" Arrow succeeded in slapping Juliet on the back this time, as Arra rolled her eyes and refused to dodge. "We shall see you tomorrow night, rest well!" And the two older Princes walked towards their eating table at the foot of the hall, leaving Mika, Arra and Juliet standing together.

"Well?" Arra sighed. "Have anything to say to your pupil?" she eyed Mika. The Prince knelt down to where Juliet sagged by Arra's hip.

"How are you, Juliet?" He asked. Juliet smiled.

"My body seems to think I've passed all five trials already."

Mika smiled and leaned closer to her, whispering. "Beneath the Hall of Sport is corridor that leads deep into the mountain to an underground hot spring. Early in the morning it is always deserted. You should soak yourself there."

Juliet nodded. "Thank you."

Even more quietly Mika whispered. "I love you, Juliet Andères. You've made me very proud." He stood and straightened his robes out, nodding to Arra. "Thank you for training her for these trials, Arra."

"Thank me after she's passed them."

Juliet frowned. "Don't sound so sure I won't, Sails."

Arra smiled down at Juliet. "You've seen little of the Trials, Juliet. Just you wait."

She rolled her eyes. "Take me to my room, Arra. I'm about to die with all this blood rushing to my head." Arra repositioned her up higher, nodding.

"Sire." She said. Mika nodded.

"Goodnight, Mika." Juliet said, turning her head as far as she could to watch him as they exited the hall.

In the halls, Arra began helping Juliet to her room.

"Mika mentioned some hot springs…" Juliet said, trying to keep up with Arra's pace.

"I know, I heard him. He's terrible at lowering his voice." The two women laughed.

"Can you take me there?" She looked up into Arra's brown eyes.

Arra paused. "I can, but how will you get out? You can barely walk."

Juliet laughed. "I'll just sit there until tomorrow night. If my muscles aren't rejuvenated by then, I'll die in the next Trial, or they'll have to take me out of the water and straight to the Hall of Death."

There was a jovial tone to her voice, but Arra knew she was being serious. In the little time she'd known the young woman she'd learned two main things. First, Juliet was terrible at lying, and she knew it. Second, Juliet would put on a happy face to hide the things that truly bothered her.

"Fine." Arra sighed and began helping her down a different hall. "The best way to soothe tired muscles is to continue working them as you rest. Stretch them to the point of pain and then relax, it will help them grow."

Juliet nodded. "Thank you Arra."

"You made me a promise, Juliet. I would hate for you to break it."

WWWWWWWWWWWWW

Saving herself the embarrassment of having Arra help her undress, Juliet sank into the steaming pool of water fully clothed. The pool was waist deep, or would be to a Vampire, and when she sat it nearly covered her head, so she braced against the ledge and sighed. Arra waved on her way out, telling her that she'd be there to escort her from her Trial drawing the next night, and Juliet thanked her again before closing her eyes and letting he hot water soak her to the bone.

After half an hour she felt well enough to take off her sopping wet clothes and threw them on the outside of the pool, moving herself further in. 'Mika was right,' she thought, laying back and floating, 'nobody comes down here this late.'

"I was hoping you hadn't forgotten how to take my hints."

Juliet jerked; spasming and falling face first into the hot water. Surfacing she sputtered and wiped the water from her eyes in time to see Mika ver Leth tossing his gloves on the ground before removing his black robes and pushing them in a pile next to her wet ones.

"M-Mika!" she screamed. "What are you doing?" His undergarments joined his robes in the pile. And she blushed furiously.

"Calm down Juliet," his voice was warm and full of laughter. "No one will be down here but us."

"But what if-" her rebuke was cut off and she watched as he lowered himself into the hot water and his face contorted in a look of pleasure, a look Juliet had seen elsewhere, that caused her heartbeat to accelerate. "Wait, you planned this?"

Mika dove under the water and surfaced before her, waist deep in the pool where she floated, water glistening on his chiseled chest. "I did. I've missed you."

Before she could respond, he pulled her to his embrace, crushing his lips to hers. Her body responded on its own, looping her arms around his neck and melting against him, opening herself to his expert tongue. The kiss lasted an eternity, but ended too soon for Juliet's liking as Mika pulled away and nuzzled her neck. "Juliet, my precious Juliet." He whispered, running his fingers through her wet hair and catching them on all of the knots.

"Mika, why did you lure me here?" she asked, "Other than…" she felt the stiffness against her belly and blushed. "The obvious reasons."

Mika untangled his hands from Juliet's hair and released her. "I did not come down here to make love to you Juliet, unless that is what you want." His black eyebrows rose as he watched her reaction. Annoyance, then embarrassment, and finally consideration passed over her face before settling on exhaustion. "I know how important it is that the mountain believes you receive no influence from me, or my fellow Princes. I wanted to see you."

She smiled demurely. "Missed me that much?"

"The kiss did not tell you that clearly enough?"

She laughed and splashed him with water. Mika merely stood and let the droplets hit him. "I've missed you too Mika. It felt like ages since I'd slept alone…" her voice drifted off and she leaned back to float upon the steaming water once more. Mika crouched and watched her.

"How are you?" he asked.

"I suppose I really didn't believe it would be so hard…." She sighed. "When that first obstacle stopped me in my tracks I thought 'This is it. I'm going to die here.'" She laughed, and Mika saw the fear etched in her features. "And all I could think was 'what an embarrassment'. And 'Arra will be so disappointed.' She made me promise. She made me promise not to die. To come back to you and keep you from hurting and I was about to break that promise on the very first Trial." Juliet turned, diving under the water and surfaced, kicking her legs out to stay above water. She wiped her eyes and Mika knew right then that she was crying.

"I wasn't ready. I'm not ready. I have no idea what I'm doing Mika. And it's only day one. There's four more to go after this!" she buried her head in her hands and Mika grabbed her, pulling their bodies together as she sobbed. "I don't want to die, to embarrass you, or Arra or even myself!" he stroked her back, his chin resting atop her head and she sniffed. "But you've both done this before me, and I just don't understand how!"

Mika cleared his throat and Juliet looked up, her eyes large and shining. He fought back a soft smile. "The challenges ahead were created to put full-grown Vampires to the test. To weed out the weak." He stroked her hair and she leaned her head to his chest. "You will be tested, surely. But you speak as if you are a mere child tasked with the impossible. You forget that you a grown woman, bursting with strength and intelligence. Arra would not have you make a promise that she didn't believe you could keep."

Juliet's sniffling began to subside, but Mika did not release her, instead he pulled her to the shallow edge of the water and allowed her to sit in his lap and lay against his chest. "You're right," she whispered, clearing her throat afterwards. "I'm acting like a child. You've both put so much faith in me-"

"Already you've done nothing but make me proud, Julie'." Mika kissed her forehead. "I'm certain Arra feels exactly the same."

She smiled. "This… is what I needed."

"I told you the soak would do you well."

"Not what I meant."

"I know."

Juliet laughed out loud, running her fingers down Mika's chest and pulling a groan from the Vampire. She blushed and pulled her hand away. "Julie', I don't know when or if we'll be able to be alone together again before your Trials end…"

"You're about to ask if I want you to make love to me, aren't you?" she traced her index finger around one of his nipples, another groan escaped.

Mika smiled wickedly. "Is that a yes?"

Juliet frowned and smiled apologetically. "I'm a little sore, Mika. I would love to but… even when you're being gentle I discover new muscles the next day… And you know I need to rest, my muscles need to relax and recover…"

Mika didn't stop smiling. "I know the perfect way to relax your muscles, my love." She didn't have time to protest as he lifted her off his lap and sat her in the shallow water, moving between her legs.

"M-Mika what are you, stop!-" he ducked under the water and Juliet's protests were soon replaced by frantic urgings.

WWWWWWWWWWW

Juliet's second trial was met with a bit more fanfare than the first. As tales of her first trial had spread around, numerous Vampires and Generals crowded the Hall of Princes to watch her draw the next one, in the hopes of having better seats to watch her undertake it. She had to avert her gaze from Mika as he sat straight-backed and proud on his throne. He'd done well, true to his word, her muscles ached little after the bout of pleasure last night. She nodded politely to each Prince, and noted Mika's attempt at hiding his smile.

"Welcome back, Juliet!" Paris said, smiling kindly. "Are you ready to undertake your second trial?"

"I am, sire." She nodded sharply, smiling confidently.

"Then draw."

The guard with the sack stepped forward again, and Juliet repeated the same method she'd used the night before, closing her eyes before stepping forward and pulling the stone from the bag.

"Number six!" The guard called. "The Trek to Paradise!"

Juliet's audience began talking in earnest, and she stood still, a blank look on her face, swiping her quickly-growing bangs aside. "What is this Trial? I'm supposed to die?" She looked to the Princes for an answer.

Paris stroked his beard. "Quite the opposite, my girl. The Trek to Paradise is a mountain climb."

Juliet held in her groan, cursing her luck. She could almost feel Arra shaking her head from somewhere in the crowd. "What mountain?"

"This mountain." Arrow responded. "You will climb from the base of Vampire Mountain to one of its highest peaks, where one of our scouts has placed a flag. You'll have one rope, but no other climbing equipment. Get down however you can, but to pass you will have to return to the Hall of Princes with the flag."

"And how long do I have to do this?"

"Until tomorrow night." Mika replied.

"Leading straight into my third trial?"

"That is correct." Paris said, his voice regretful. "You should count yourself lucky, a fully-blooded Vampire would have no choice but to go at this task as quickly as possible, or face roasting in the sunlight should they climb during the day. You will have the leisure of both day and night. Of course if you manage to bring the flag back beforehand, you will have some time to rest, but it is a double-edged sword. If you climb too quickly you may exhaust yourself, and endanger yourself during the climb. If you climb too slowly, you risk having no time to prepare for your next trial."

"I suppose I'll have to figure this one out as I go." Juliet smiled, putting her courageous face forward. "When do I begin?"

"We shall have someone escort you to the base of the mountain. From there we will see you off. Prepare yourself for our call." Mika nodded gently to her, telling her to leave. Juliet nodded back, thanking the Princes and made her way out. Arra joined her during her exit.

"Everybody seems certain I'll pass this one…" she sighed. "But will it be worth it if I do?"

Arra shook her head. "Do not be distracted by their tone, Juliet. This trial is simple for a full grown Vampire with experience climbing. You have no experience and-"

"I know, Arra. Half-Vmapire. I'm getting tired of hearing it." She sighed again. "Any advice?"

"Pace yourself and find a pair of fingerless gloves. It will be cold." With a nod the women went their separate ways. Later the guard found Juliet in Seba Nile's storerooms, the elderly quartermaster had outfitted her in a pair of thick-yet-maneuverable black pants, hiking boots, a knit sweater and a pair of fingerless gloves (as was her only request). They escorted her to the outside of the Mountain, and then to the base where Prince Arrow and Prince Mika waited for her.

Mika stepped forward to her and gave her a single length of rope. "Good luck, Juliet." He whispered. She smiled, looking up into his eyes, and then up to the mountain before her. There was a flag up there somewhere, and she needed to find it.

"Begin!"

At the word she jumped to the nearest ledge, then the next, then the next until finally, even with her keen Vampire vision, she could no longer see the ground. Arra was right, she was no good at climbing, but Mika knew better. Juliet was an expert at jumping.

WWWWWWWWWWW

She started the trial just after sundown, and six hours passed. The Hall of Princes was quiet, general discussions happening between those within. The call came to open the door, and Prince Arrow responded, allowing entrance to whoever waited beyond. Stunned silence filled the room as Juliet ran up, panting. She stopped about ten yards from the thrones, bent over and trying to catch her breath.

"Juliet-" Mika began, she held up a hand to request a moment, her shoulders heaving with effort.

Juliet stood, shaking her head and stretching out her back and the entire room could hear the popping of her joints. Shaking the remnants of snow from her sweater, she reached behind her to the back of her leg and pulled up her pants. There she had used the rope to tie a small green flag to her calf. Juliet pulled out the flag and waved it around in front of her, to the jubilant cheers of her onlookers, and tossed it on the floor in front of the Princes. Without a word, she smiled, waved, turned on her heel and left.

Juliet didn't stop moving until she reached the hall of Khledon Lurt. She walked purposefully to a table, sat down and stopped the first Vampire server to pass. "Feed. Me." She hissed. The man nodded and left to fetch her portion of food. A gathering of Vampires came around her, clamoring to hear the story of her climb. "Not much to tell. Climbed up got the flag came down." The server returned, pushing through the crowd with a bowl of broth and some bread. Juliet salivated at the sight. "Foooooood!"

Arra Sails and Vanez Blane pushed through the crowd to sit with her at the table. "Juliet, you're not telling everybody how you passed?" Vanez asked, watching her keenly with his good eye.

"I goff da flaff!" she said between bites of bread.

"Obviously!" he laughed. "What's wrong with you? You're eating like you haven't in…" He looked at Arra, who looked back at him questioningly.

"You haven't eaten in three days, have you?" she asked.

Juliet didn't respond, but did slam her empty bowl on the table to demand seconds. The group of Vampires around her laughed heartily. "That explains why she finished so quickly. Halfway up she musta felt the pangs!" Juliet's face burned.

"I've been busy…" she said, swallowing down the last of her mouthful.

Arra smiled at her. "You have. I'm sorry I hadn't reminded you… it was such a careless thing to forget."

"It's alright Arra. I'll survive!" Juliet's second plate arrived, and she ate just as quickly as before, inhaling everything in front of her before settling back with a satisfied sigh. "And really, the climb wasn't so hard. I simply jumped from available ledge to ledge. Much faster than climbing, and easier on me too." She laughed. "I have no strength in my arms!"

Vanez laughed with her. "It's true. She fell from the practice walls in the Hall of Sport more times than I could count." The laughter around her kept her smiling as she explained keeping her footing on the increasingly icy slopes. How the real reason it took even as long as it did was because she couldn't find the flag.

"The damn thing was iced over! I had to claw it out." Another round of laughter as Juliet regaled them with her exploits. "I felt I was out of options, and I was so hungry! I had carved it down to nearly nothing but the ice wouldn't let go… so I put it under my sweater." Unabashed, she lifted the material of her clothes, revealing a bright red point running up her stomach. "The freezing cold helped me forget how starved I was…"

"Clever." Arra said.

Vanez gripped her shoulder kindly. "You finished as fast as a full-blooded Vampire. I'm sure everyone's impressed!"

Juliet smiled and nodded contentedly sipping at some water the server had brought to her. "I'm glad. But really, I'm so tired of talking. No more about me. Please."

Vanez laughed. "Fair enough girl, fair enough. How about I tell you about the last time I took on the Trials?"

WWWWWWWWWWW

There was applause as Juliet entered the Hall of Princes the next night to draw her third trial. Blushing she waved awkwardly at the Vampires in the seats around her, she'd never thought she'd become a small celebrity within the mountain, but she couldn't deny her excitement over it all. Again the Princes greeted her warmly.

"We were most impressed last night, Juliet. Perhaps one day you'll be willing to go into full detail about your second trial?" Paris said, smiling.

"One day, maybe. But there really isn't much to tell." She shook her head idly. "I jumped, I grabbed, I fell a few times-" there was laughter around her. "Got the flag and brought it back. Easy-peasy."

"Glad to see you're accepting the sport that comes with each trial!" Arrow nodded to her. "Push yourself harder each time, and everything will soon be 'easy-peasy'."

The guard stepped forward and Juliet drew her next trial.

"Number two!" there were gasps around her. "Duel Against a Vampire General!"

At that point Juliet visibly paled. "No…" she sighed her entire posture drooping. Mika's hand came to his frowning mouth, knowing full well the depth of the challenge before Juliet.

"Bring forth the ballots!" Paris proclaimed, and the guard immediately stepped back, another one taking his place with an identical burlap sack. Paris motioned for Juliet to look at him, and she did so, nodding vigorously at every word he uttered.

"Juliet, the number you draw from this sack represents a Vampire General within the mountain who has agreed to challenge anyone taking the Trials. You will meet them in the ring within the hour. Please, choose."

Visibly shaken, Juliet stared, dumbfounded at the guard holding the sack before her. The Vampire smiled broadly, shaking the sack in invitation. "Alright," she sighed, and reached forward to pick her opponent.

"Number thirty!" The guard called. Arrow smiled, Paris as well and Mika frowned even deeper.

"Guard, escort Miss Andères to the sparring pit, and explain to her the rules." Mika said, motioning to the guard. Nodding, the man handed his sack to the previous guard and gestured for Juliet to lead the way out of the Hall of Princes.

In the hallway, Juliet had to ask. "Who is number thirty?"

The guard shrugged. "Only the Princes know which Generals agreed to the Trial. You'll find out soon enough." He led her down the halls near the Hall of Sport, explaining the rules of the duel to her.

"You'll get to pick your weapon before you enter, as will your opponent. Be careful, though. It's the only one you get. If it gets knocked from your hand or destroyed you'll need to figure out how to manage without it. The duel goes on until one of you dies."

Juliet stopped in her tracks. "I'm supposed to kill them?"

"Or they could concede, which is more likely. Even more likely than that is they kill you. You're lucky, you know. Not many get to fail their Trials honorably."

'Oh yes,' Juliet thought, glaring with fury at the guards back. 'I'd much rathfer die fighting than strapped in a cage. Nothing terrifying about either prospect…"

He dropped her off in a closet-sized room with a single bench facing a wall covered in weapons. None of the weapons were particularly nice, but they were all sturdily made and basic.

"This is where you pick your weapon," he gestured to the wall, "and this is where you wait. The gate will open when the duel begins. Good luck." He gave her the strange hand sign that many Vampires in the Mountain had given her recently. His index finger and ring finger splayed out and touching the tops of his cheekbones, and his middle finger touched his forehead.

"What does that mean?" Juliet frowned.

"Nobody's told you? I suppose most just give the sign these days," he sighed. "Even in death may you be triumphant."

Juliet's frown disappeared into a look of fear. "I shouldn't have asked…"

"In a way it means good luck." He said a sad smile on his face. "You're going to need it." Then he left her in the dark closet, staring at death, its form a decision on the wall.

There was a variety upon the wall, but Juliet had never practiced with much more than a single short sword or her two daggers. Thinking back to the blades tucked away in her room, she reached for a pair of knives on the lowest shelf of the wall, hoping they would suffice against her opponent. It felt like hours, but the gates opened within ten minutes and Juliet stepped into the small round arena, only to find herself face-to-face with Arra Sails.

WWWWWWWWWWW

"I have to object, sires." Arra said, shaking her head sadly. "I've helped train Juliet for her trials, I know all of her moves in a duel. It would be unfair of me to be her opponent."

"The rules are clear Arra, regardless of your mentoring, you must face her in the ring," Paris was frowning as he spoke, stroking his beard in contemplation. "Perhaps you have not seen everything; perhaps this will be a chance for her to show some new skill."

Under her breath, the Vampiress mumbled, "I highly doubt that."

The conversation was over, as far as the Princes were concerned, and although Mika wanted to protest, thinking objectively as a Prince, he saw their logic. Should Juliet prove that she can best someone who had trained her, she would prove her worth as a Vampire with ease. His heart pleaded with Arra to go easy on her pupil, even as his mind berated him for thinking such a thing was even possible. The debating between Arra and the Princes had lasted long enough to drive him mad, and he was thankful as he and Paris made their way to the arena where the duel would take place.

Arra positioned herself in the center of the ring, awaiting her opponent.

Juliet entered when her gate was lifted, armed with a set of daggers, her face stoic with resolve. When her eyes fell upon Arra, the young woman instantly paled, eyes widening, but there were no words exchanged. Each woman knew what had to happen. The call came from above. The match had begun.

WWWWWWWWW

If Juliet hadn't been scared for her life when she first drew the Trial, she certainly was now. Arra Sails was a notoriously good duelist, well-respected throughout the mountain, and the one who'd trained her in dueling most recently. This was an advantage and disadvantage all in its own.

Arra didn't hesitate when the call came; she lunged forward, slashing at Juliet with her sword. Having sparred with Arra and Vanez so many times, Juliet knew to immediately step back and block with her daggers, the metal taking the worst of the force, but still pushing her backwards bit by bit. When the moment finally came that the older Vampire realized she was making no ground, she backed up, and Juliet immediately dodged to the right, out of her opponents range.

In this duel, she would have to think on her feet. Arra knew all of her best moves, all of her strengths and weaknesses. She would need to end things quickly, to surprise her opponent and catch her off guard. All of this Juliet knew she was capable of, or at least she would be with any other opponent, but more than anything Juliet knew that Arra would not go easy on her.

Unfortunately, the thinking on her feet part happened before she was ready, as Arra came behind her faster than Juliet could see, pushing her forward and bludgeoning the back of Juliet's head with her sword-hilt. Juliet saw black for a split-second, before shaking her head and dodging a second strike. As Arra's swing missed, Juliet backflipped behind her, kicking her left leg out and hitting the woman in the ribs.

Arra staggered, and Juliet felt her courage return. She went in for another kick, but Arra side-stepped her, lifting her knee into Juliet's gut and caused the woman to falter and trip forward onto her hands.

"Juliet, get up." Arra snapped. "You can do better." Her voice was harsh, and Juliet knew that she was simply trying to encourage her, but the knee to her gut had winded her and she coughed, threatening to vomit, seeing stars around her. "Get up Juliet!"

Arra's words floated in the back of her mind, and Juliet frowned, seeing the ground before her, and her hands, still clutching those two daggers, resting on the dirt. Somehow this entire situation seemed familiar. Arra was shouting, the crowd was murmuring something, Juliet looked up at the ceiling and blinked… and suddenly everything went black.

When her eyes opened, she wasn't in Vampire Mountain. She was on her knees in a field that she knew all too well. It was the field outside of Lord Highland's manor. Her manor.

"Get up Juliet." A woman's voice barked at her, startling out of her mind. "Get up and fight. You're not finished."

Juliet looked around, frowning. She saw the figure of the woman a few feet to her right, but couldn't make out her face. Or her body. Or anything.

In fact, if she was being honest, she would have to say that there was nothing standing where she knew that woman was. But there was. There was a woman. A woman she could but couldn't see. Juliet wanted to question this fact, but couldn't find the words. Instead she said, "I can't fight. I'm going to lose."

"You will fight." The voice was right next to her now. She had a strange accent that Juliet couldn't place. "You will fight for your life because that is how we taught you. Get up, Juliet. Get up and survive. You've too much to do."

A terrible wind blew through the field, flattening all of the grass, and centering on Juliet, flowing through her and filling her with unspeakable determination. Suddenly she knew she was afraid. Suddenly she knew she was going to die. And suddenly, she knew she wouldn't let that happen.

It happened in ten seconds.

Juliet jumped to her feet, shocking Arra into stepping back. Then she threw her dagger with expert precision, hitting Arra directly where she backed to, gouging her sword arm and embedding itself in the bone. Arra staggered back, step after unsure step, shock written over her features. In all truth, this was a battle to the death, but only if they wanted it to be. Arra could be merciful and kill Juliet if she stood no chance of winning, saving her the humiliation of being dropped on the stakes in the Hall of Death; but all Juliet needed to do was prove she could win, forcing the General to concede. Where had this desperation come from? Cringing, she pulled the dagger from her arm, dropping it, and her now useless sword. Blood flowed freely from the wound, soaking the material of her shirt and down to her pants where it fell, drop after drop onto the dirt floor.

Without hesitation and before she could even look up from her wound, Juliet lunged at her, knocking Arra off her feet, forcing her fist into the older Vampiress' gut. Arra gasped and coughed, but Juliet did not stop her assault, continuing to punch her repeatedly, pushing her back and into the wooden barricade of the stands. With lightning speed, she thrust her dagger forward, imbedding it deep in the wood, clutching the hilt tightly, and mere centimeters from Arra's head. Her blue eyes were wild, staring down into Arra's brown ones with intensity and ferocity so terrifying, the woman stuttered.

"Call it!" Juliet growled. Her free hand came to the older Vampires neck, pressing painfully upon her windpipe. She pulled the dagger out of the wall and stabbed it into the wood again, this time even closer to Arra's head, her warning deadly.

There was legitimate fear in Arra's eyes at Juliet's brutality. Clutching her wounded arm she called. "I concede. She has bested me!" her voice came out strained as she fought against Juliet's grip. Her eyes pleaded with Juliet to release her, and with great effort the smaller woman backed up, her form visibly shaking. Juliet fell to her knees, staring absently at her hands; in a nearly identical position as before she had ruthlessly attacked. Her plan had worked; she'd attacked quickly and caught Arra off guard. Even if she didn't know how she had done it. Somewhere within her she felt a wind stirring up, and vanishing from her body. Her shoulders slumped, and she blinked groggily, unable to focus.

Gasps resounded from the stands. The two Princes, Arrow and Mika were on their feet, both with eyes wide. Arra still clutched her injured arm, straining to stop it from bleeding any more. She walked to Juliet.

"Juliet?"

"Arra I-" she stopped, fighting to keep from apologizing, and to prevent her voice from quavering. "What?"

"I really thought you were going to kill me." Arra frowned.

Juliet's eyes finally focused and she trained her pained look on her friend, staring intently on the blood that continued to trickle from Arra's arm, and the bruise beginning to form around her neck. "I did too."

WWWWWW

Juliet avoided all contact with other Vampires until the next night. As she stood in the Hall of Princes, all eyes boring into her clothes, she shivered, feeling again like a monster. The Princes gave their cordial greetings, and she drew her next Trial.

"Number seventeen. The Pit of Snakes." The guard nodded politely to Juliet as she handed him the stone.

Paris motioned for the guard to set the sack down. "Please escort her to the proper area."

The guard, whom she'd seen so many times before, politely nodded and gestured for Juliet to follow him. She felt the eyes follow her as they left the room.

"I'm sorry," Juliet said, once outside the hall, after they'd walked in silence for a good ten minutes. "I'm not very talkative today."

"Whyever not, ma'am?" the guard asked, smiling at her with perfect teeth. He was young, looking at least. "Everybody is talking about you."

"About how I almost killed Arra Sails?"

"You say that as if it's nothing to be proud of." He glanced directly at her, and Juliet felt that same sense of eyes boring into her clothes.

"It's not. She's my friend."

"All the more reason for you to feel proud of yourself. You beat someone who knows you well." He frowned at her, and it was then that she noticed his age. The deep lines under his eyes and around the corners of his mouth gave away that he frowned often. Which was understandable, with crazy women like her running around refusing to comprehend what was honorable and should make someone proud. She frowned back at him.

"I suppose it's not my place to say," he cleared his throat and looked forward once more. "But I also believe your sire was quite impressed by your display."

"Mika can be proud all he wants; it doesn't change how I feel about it." They came to a stop in front of a large cave, a heavy silence hanging over them.

The vampire cleared his throat. "This trial is simple, you simply must crawl through this underground tunnel that we have filled with venomous snakes. Reach the end and you move on to the next trial."

Ignoring the change in topic, Juliet nodded. "Is it a maze? Am I timed?"

He shook his head. "No, the path is curved, but one way, and the only time limit is sunrise." He shrugged, both of them knowing that was plenty of time. "Your real challenge is surviving all of the bites you are more than likely to receive."

"How venomous are these snakes?"

"None are deadly enough to kill a Vampire, or half-Vampire… alone."

Juliet nodded slowly, understanding his implication. To get bit once was fine, but to receive multiple bites from several different snakes posed a deadly threat.

"The Princes are arriving."

One by one the Vampire Princes took their seats alongside the entrance to the pit. Slowly, more Vampires filed in behind them, eager to watch the spectacle.

"Juliet, are you ready?" it was Mika who asked her, and she met his gaze. Though his voice was stoic, clam and somewhat demanding, his eyes asked her honestly. She nodded. "Then let us begin."

The guard backed away from her, using a sweeping arm gesture to point her to the entrance. She would have to lie on her stomach and crawl through the hole in the ground. Luckily, the hole was built for grown, male, Vampires. She was, she thought idly, the exact opposite of that. Exhaling adamantly, she cast a confident look back at the Princes in their seats, and entered headfirst into the hole.

Juliet had never been afraid of snakes, where she came from there weren't many, to be seen. But Lord Highland had taught her at a young age that all things in nature were to be respected, not feared, and she'd taken those words with her throughout her life.

Until she felt something as thick as her torso slide against her leg, that is.

It took every ounce of restraint she had to keep her voice inside, and she bit her lip as she felt one of the smaller snakes coil around her, now unmoving, leg. Juliet braced herself for a bite, but after laying in silence and stillness for what felt like eternity, she assumed the snake had simply decided to hitch a ride upon her, and began her crawl again.

'Just a few snakes, right? Just crawl past the snakes, right?' her mind was spinning as she scraped her knees and elbows against the solid rock surrounding her. 'You'll see light, then you'll be done. The crowd will cheer, Vane and Arra will-' her thought immediately ceased as soon as she pictured her friend. She'd avoided everyone up until her challenge, and hadn't heard from Arra at all. 'She won't want to see me…' Juliet sighed, following the curve of the tunnel. 'She's probably terrified I'll attempt to murder her again. I still don't know what came over me.' As she crawled, she felt another snake wind itself around her left ankle. The feeling of its' smooth scales coiling around her tickled, and she fought the urge to shake it off, still wrapped up in her thoughts.

'What must she think of me?'

Juliet had trouble remembering exactly what had set her off when she attacked Arra during her trial. But she knew one thing, it wasn't the first time it had happened. When Mika had been injured, fighting that giant Vampaneze to protect her, she'd snapped in almost the exact same manner. One moment she was watching his body fall limply on the ground, the next he was holding her, bloody and shaking. In truth, she'd been worried ever since that night. Terrified that some part of her was a killer, just like those Vampaneze, and that that part would take over her when she was weak and vulnerable, and destroy everything she cared about. Juliet wasn't sure what made her think that way, but at the very same time, she had every right to be afraid after what she'd done to Arra.

She hadn't realize how long she'd been crawling, wading through her thoughts and memories of that night against the Vampaneze, until she came upon fresh air, still looking straight ahead into a dim light. A cheer erupted around her, and she realized suddenly that she'd finished the trial. The Princes came towards her.

"Well done, Juliet," Paris said, reaching down and helping her off the ground. As she stood, blinking rapidly as her eyes adjusted to the light, he dropped his hand abruptly and suddenly there was a crowd around her. "Are you alright, my dear?"

Juliet shook her head, confused. "What do you mean?" She felt something slither directly beneath her shirt and frowned as a large snake dropped to her feet.

Though they were all large, strong and capable men, she could tell they all took a mental step back away from her.

Gulping, she smiled. "Ah- how did that get in there?" she laughed weakly, suddenly dizzy.

"Juliet, you've got quite a few bites." Mika reached for her, and then suddenly thought better of it. "Medic!"

"I-I'm fine, really!" she smiled and nodded. "I don't even feel any bites, you must be seeing things." As much as she wanted to believe what she'd spoken, Juliet couldn't help but notice that her eyes still hadn't adjusted to the light, and how little she remembered Mika having two heads. Or Paris having two heads. Or anyone for that matter. Did she have two heads? She lifted a hand to her head, feeling only one, and realizing that she needed to have a seat. "Maybe…. Maybe I have got a bite or two."

"She didn't even feel the snake in her clothes, how many do you think she's got?" Arrow asked Mika, who was looking frantically for a medic.

"I don't know; but obviously not enough to kill her, not right away at least." Growling Mika stepped forward right as Juliet's legs gave out. The small snake that had coiled itself so tightly around her right ankle, hissed as Mika lifted her into his arms. "I'll take her to the medics."

Arrow and Paris nodded their approval. The elder waved them off, "Have them examine her thoroughly. We'll await you in the Hall whenever you are done."

Though Mika's surprise at their instant approval of his taking care of her was heavy, he wasted no time in exiting the hall and speed-walking towards the medical rooms. Juliet looked up at him dazedly, her eyes unfocused.

"Should you be doing this?" she asked. Mika frowned, eyes staying forward.

"Frankly, my love, my only concern right now is your health." His gloved hand clutched tightly at her shoulder, and she reached for it, gripping one of his fingers in hers.

It wasn't long before he deposited her upon a stone slab in the middle of three agitated Vampires.

"Sire?" one asked.

"She's just completed the Pit of Snakes. She's numerous bites over her body and as you can see," he pointed angrily at the snake still coiled around her ankle. "She is very popular with snakes. Gloves. Watch for any more."

Juliet suddenly felt her clothes getting ripped away from her body, and she noticed Mika's hands gripping the stone slab tightly as the medics were introduced to her bare skin. She stared at his hands intently, hoping for another glimpse of the emotions he was feeling, and then her vision began to swim.

"I don't think I can keep my eyes open," she didn't know why she said it; Juliet just thought they would like to know.

"You need to stay awake, Juliet. We need to monitor your eyes." One of the medics was talking to her, calmly, trying to get her to pay attention. Mika's hand clenched again.

"No, it's okay. I'll just shut my eyes for a moment. I'll open them again, I promise."

"Juliet, don't-"

Juliet tried to listen; she tried to open her eyes again, too. But instead of opening, they stayed closed, and everything around her faded to black.

WWWWWWWWW

When she woke, it was quiet. There weren't any steel-faced medics hovering over her, and Mika was nowhere to be found. Instead, when she sat up a slender, feminine, hand steadied her and forced her back down.

"Don't try to get up, you're in no condition."

Arra's voice and presence came as such a surprise to Juliet that she allowed the older woman to push her pack onto the makeshift bed. "Arra- I-" her voice was hoarse, her mouth felt dry as a desert, and filled with sandy cotton balls. Arra shook her head and handed her a glass of water, helping Juliet back up to drink.

"You never do anything the easy way, do you?" Arra smiled at her as she drank the water, her hefty gulps turned into small sips to keep from speaking. "You go into the pit of snakes and come out with a pet," She pointed to her ankle, and Juliet saw she still had the snake coiled tightly around it. At her gaze, the small creature stuck its tongue out, tasting the air, perhaps in an effort to sense if she was alive or dead. "And a dozen bites. They told me you didn't know you'd gotten bitten at all. Is that true?"

Juliet's gaze wandered to Arra's neck, ignoring her question in an effort to answer one of her own. The outline of her own hand stared back at her, yellow and blue and terrifying to look at. Arra cleared her throat.

"Juliet," she snapped.

Juliet's eyes darted to meet hers, seeing the anger within her.

"Why are you staring at me?"

"I-" Juliet cleared her throat now. "I was worried… I'd hurt you."

"Do I look hurt to you?" Arra ground.

"No?"

"Were you under the assumption I was upset with you because of the outcome of our duel?"

Juliet frowned, eyes downcast. "Not the outcome."

A heavy silence hung between them, as Arra digested what Juliet had said. "You fought well." She offered.

"I was a monster."

Arra sighed, standing from her perch on the end of Juliet's slab. "In your situation, anyone would be the same." She looked back at Juliet, who stared blankly at the cup in her hands. "Listen, Juliet. I'm only going to say this once, and it is important that you understand me." Blue eyes met brown, and Juliet nodded imperceptibly.

"There is no shame in fighting for your life. There is no fighting dirty when the only other option is death. I don't care what your morals are, I don't care if you think you hurt me, and you need to understand that I am proud of the way you reacted in that ring. I am proud that your survival instinct is strong enough to allow you to attack a friend in the direst of situations." Juliet's eyes began to mist, and Arra sighed. "We are Vampires, Juliet, and before that we are women." Her tone softened. "It is hard, but there must always be a part of us that is cruel and brutal and willing to do whatever it takes to survive."

"Are we… still friends?"

Juliet's question seemed to catch Arra off guard and the woman stared at her for a long moment before laughing louder than Juliet had ever heard her laugh before. "You're kidding, right? Anyone with the strength to catch me unawares, beat me in combat, and survive a dozen poisonous snake bites is going to be my friend for a very long time!"

WWWWWWWWW

Juliet survived her snake bites with little more than a headache, and come the next night, she was once again in front of the Princes ready to pick her Trial.

"It's good to see you, Juliet. You look pale." Paris noted as she approached.

"I really haven't been able to eat much…" she admit. "But I won't let that stop me. I need to finish this."

Arrow laughed, beaming at her from his seat. "Good girl! This is your final Trial, you know. It would be a shame to back out now, when you're so close to victory."

The Prince spoke of 'backing out' as if it were an option. Every Vampire in this room knew that if she forfeit she would be staked, but Juliet simply smiled politely and reached into the bag for what she hoped would be the final time.

"Number twenty-one. The Burning Maze."

Juliet's eyes widened in shock. This Trial she knew, she'd heard Mika talk about it, and Vanez Blaine as well. It was an underground tunnel, much like the Pit of Snakes, small enough that she would need to crawl through it. However, unlike the Pit, it was a maze, with twists and turns that could get you lost easily, and even worse, the path was lined with kindling and fire was slowly fed in from behind you. It was three terrifying challenges in one: Surviving the tight space, making it out of the maze, and doing it fast enough to keep from getting barbequed.

Snapping out of her thoughts, she looked to the Princes, each of whom had a concerned frown on their face.

"This final Trial will be your biggest challenge…" Paris sighed. "But I am confident you are capable."

"We all are." Mika said, Arrow nodded.

"Guard," Paris called. A blue-clad Vampire stepped forward. "Please escort Juliet to the appropriate hall."

"Excuse me sire," Arra called, she was seated towards the front, visible through the small crowd. "I would like to escort Juliet, if that is all right."

Paris smiled, nodding. Arrow nodded as well. "Go ahead, Arra. Make sure to inform her of the complexities of this trial."

Arra nodded, standing next to Juliet. "Yes sire. This way Juliet." They exited the hall.

"I'm going to die, Arra."

"No you won't."

"I swear. I am terrible at mazes. And timing. And I burn very easily."

"Hush, Juliet. You're just panicked. Let me talk to you."

Arra explained the Trial to Juliet in detail, and Juliet nodded, confirming what she'd gotten from Mika and Vanez previously. "You're not making it sound less terrible."

"It is terrible, Juliet. But it is also doable." The woman shrugged.

Juliet's face still had dread written all over it when Arra sighed, smiling. "There is one thing,"

"Tell me, woman. I'm about to become dinner."

"Calm down, you know I can't tell you outright." Arra laughed. "You really have some strange, confidence Juliet Andères. One minute you're energetic and the next you're terrified. Listen," she stopped outside of the room Juliet knew would house the Trial. "There is a clue in the maze. An obvious, yet easily missed clue. It's fire chasing you Juliet. Don't you know what to look for?"

"W-water?" Juliet frowned. Arra sighed and gestured for her to enter the room.

"You'll know once you're inside. Good luck."

Arra turned and left her at the entrance. Juliet sighed. How many times had she been stuck waiting before a trial, wondering how in the hell she would pass it? 'This makes five.' She laughed to herself, and then entered.

Somehow everyone else had already taken their places in the hallway. The small entrance to the tunnel was directly in the center of the large room. She wasn't sure where the fire would come from, but Juliet decided not to dwell on it. The Princes were all present, and she resisted the urge to scratch at her snake bites while they watched her. The constant itching reminded her of the little snake that had stayed with her through her last Trial. Arra had asked her in the medical room whether or not she'd wanted to keep it. Juliet had, but knew she wouldn't know how to take care of it, and so they'd sent it back to the Mountain's snake keeper.

The idle thoughts surprised her as she faced her final Trial. The only thing standing between her life and death. Suddenly a fierce determination coiled up inside of her, burning like the fire she knew would be chasing her in moments. Juliet looked to the Princes; Arrow gave the signal to start. She crawled into the hole. Let the chase begin.

The tunnel was actually wider than the one from her previous Trial, and had she wanted to, Juliet could have crouched the entire journey. She opted to crawl, though for no reason other than it was more comfortable, even with the kindling lining the ground beneath her. The first few minutes of her trial were simple enough, she followed the path and alternated taking turns. She remembered every single turn to help her find her way back, unable to think of an easier way to do things. For an amnesiac she had astounding memory, even without a sense of direction. As she moved through the tunnels, she brushed the kindling aside to line the walls around her, instead of covering the entire floor. Juliet wasn't sure it would work, but if the flames caught up with her, she hoped she could pass by them if they lined the walls.

Unfortunately after backtracking four or five times, Juliet found herself in a dilemma. She was beginning to lose her confidence, but one thing kept her light-hearted. She hadn't seen or felt any fire. She sat to rethink her position. That was when she smelled it: smoke, floating by thin black tendrils, wafting above and around her. That was when Juliet began to panic.

Gasping, she got back on her knees and began crawling down the closest path. Sure, she hadn't seen any fire, but what was the saying 'Where there's smoke', it was so obvious. Juliet darted around corners, brushing back the tinder, scraping her knees and elbows against the walls, and then she stopped.

Another dead end.

Juliet paled, turning quickly and making her way backwards. The smoke floated around her as she went, more thick the further she crawled, and she knew with fear that she was heading toward the fire, and not away. When she saw the orange glow down the tunnel ahead of her, she took the first turn she could find, desperate to escape it, then another turn, praying that she was heading in the right direction. Instead she ran headfirst into a wall of fire.

The fire before her was contained down a split in the path, blocking her from going left or right. Before it could come closer to her, Juliet pushed the closest patch of kindling back and away from the fire, creating an empty space on the ground. All it would take was a single spark, but Juliet was too frantic to think of the possibility. Sighing, she leaned against a wall, unable to formulate a single plan. The fire before her was terrifying, and she knew the fire behind her was creeping up, drawing ever nearer.

With the sweltering heat around her, she began to sweat, gasping for air in the confined space as the fire ate all that was around her. 'This is it', she thought, wiping her brow. 'It couldn't have happened any sooner. It had to happen now, now when I'm so very close.' Juliet began to sob, watching the fire creep closer. She leaned her head against the stone wall, sighing. "I'm sorry Mika, Arra…" she whispered, tears rolling down her cheeks. She went to wipe them away, but the wind had already dried them against her face.

Wait, wind?

"Fuck! Arra!" Juliet gasped, suddenly making sense out of Arra's hint; fire lapping at her heels, what should she look for? A draft! That's the way to the exit. Juliet wasted no time, now that she knew what to look for, her honed half-Vampire senses keyed in to where the draft originated from, which was, thankfully, away from the fires that crept towards her. She moved, crawling on her hands and knees faster than she knew she was capable. The smoke began to irritate her eyes, and as they watered she was better able to track the source of the draft through the twisting tunnels of the Trial. All around her was black from smoke, and Juliet had no choice but to trust her instincts as she moved blindly through the tunnels. She was so wrapped up in moving, just moving forward away from the flames towards that magical wind that blew against her face, that she didn't notice when she crawled out of the tunnel and into a small room, gasping and coughing to let air into her now black lungs. Somebody called around her "Douse the fire!" Others cheered her name. She opened her eyes tentatively, gasping as the light hit her.

"I did it?" Juliet gasped, shaking the smoke from her hair and allowing the chunk of her bangs to fall before her eyes. The crowd around her cheered so loud she thought she'd go deaf. "I did it? I did it? I-" The crowd lifted her and she gasped as they carried her to where the Princes stood applauding. Juliet was nearly black from head to toe, streaked with smoke and sweat, but she laughed and screamed in joy.

"Well done, Juliet!" Paris hollered above the noise and Juliet smiled. The Vampires lowered her to the ground.

"Thank you, sire. I… I honestly can't believe it's over." She was giddy with glee, and accepted all the pack pats and shoulder pounds from the Vampires around her. Even the Princes came down to congratulate her in face-to-face, patting her and shaking her hand. Arra was among the crowd and pat Juliet hard enough to knock her forward, right into Mika.

She'd been cautiously avoiding his gaze since they set her down, trying to prolong the moment before things became complicated again. How do they tell everyone that they're involved? How to let him know how grateful she was for his carefully worded support? Slowly she looked up.

"I'm sorry sire," she smiled. He was looking at her fiercely, some unspeakable emotion hung over his features. She turned to head back to the celebrating crowd. His arm snaked out and grabbed her, wrapping around her waist and pulling her to his chest.

"M-Mika what are you doing, everybody will see!" she gasped, half-struggling to pull away, half-happy to be in his arms again.

"Juliet, you've worked so hard," his breath was in her ear and she sighed, suddenly unable to struggle as he held her. "I think you deserve a reward."

"But what about-" her eyes were threatening the pour out her emotions.

"Honestly, Juliet." Mika laughed, he wiped the streaks of her tears from her cheeks right as they began to fall. "Do you think I can wait another moment?"

His lips crushed into hers. The cheers around them suddenly grew even louder as the Vampires in the room witnessed their bliss. By then end of the heated kiss, Juliet's face was flush with embarrassment and delight. Someone called from the crowd. "Finally!" Juliet looked at Mika, his smile was proud and full of adoration. She smiled back.

Finally, was right.

WWWWWWWWWWW

All the hard work did pay off. Within a year they were mated, and had been ever since. Many of the Vampires in the mountain would tut at them for their long-lasting relationship, but when life is lived for so long, it is hard not to find commitment boring. Mika and Juliet had shared many nights together, and a fifty year period was nothing to scoff at. But as she rolled out of bed, throwing an oversized shirt over her pert breasts, Mika couldn't help but smile. This night was special.

This night she took the Trials of Initiation for a second time, to enter into the ranks of the Vampire Generals.

"Stop looking at me like that," she laughed. "You'll jinx me."

The raven-haired Prince watched her with keen eyes as she walked to the writing desk in the corner, tracing the edges of the stone with her fingers and scribbling a note for herself later. "I have faith in you Juliet." She laughed again. "You were barely a woman when you last took on the trials. Now you are a full-blooded Vampire-"

"Am I a full-blooded woman, as well?" she cocked her head at him, he frowned and she laughed at his confusion. "Back off Mika, same rules as last time. I can't receive any help from you."

"I'm giving you encouragement."

She snorted, shaking her head. "Sounds patronizing to me."

"I only meant to point out how much you've matured, you've grown into such an amazing woman, Juliet."

"Compliments, compliments." She smiled wickedly. "You're making me horny."

He blinked, still unaccustomed the brash displays she'd been prone to giving as she'd aged. In his heart he still believed her to be a young and innocent girl, and in many ways she still was, until it came to training her body, her mind, or him.

"Then by all means-"

She tackled him before he could finish.

WWWWWWWWWWW

Later that night, for her first Trial, Juliet drew the Path of Needles, a perilous journey through a hall of stalagmites and stalactites with no discernible path. She passed it with laughable ease, her agility and dexterity proving far better than the course itself, reaching the end with nothing more than a few cuts, and no stories to tell. It wasn't until her second trial that Juliet Andères ran into trouble.

"Number two! Duel against a Vampire General."

The call made Juliet smile, and the Princes nodded from their seats. For her opponent, she drew number fourteen. She escorted herself to the arena, and picked out her daggers from the wall. The gates opened, and she faced her opponent, a General she had seen in the Halls but never interacted with. He was large, immensely large, with bulging muscles and long scars littering his entire body. He wore nothing but a pair of brown pants and shoes, allowing the entire world to see the marks that covered him. His name was Hazaad, Juliet remembered. He was known for his brutality. And he fought with a ball and chain.

At the thought of the weapon, Hazaad produced it, a thick, heavy metal chain and a large metal ball attacked to the end, roughly the size of a modern-day medicine ball, but solid steel. Juliet brandished her daggers, taking her stance. The match began.

Juliet jumped at him, sure that she could make up the obvious lack of strength with speed, and managed to get two slashes in before Hazaad's massive hand crashed into her cheek, sending her reeling backwards five steps. As she recovered, he lifted his weapon, ready to fling it into her, but Juliet had regained her footing, and dodged his first swing. Unfortunately, she believed she would have another moment to turn, to strike again. Juliet was wrong. Hazaad had fought with his weapon for centuries, and swung it with ease, as if it were a lasso. Before she could even turn the heavy ball crashed into her back, knocking her off her feet and face first into the ground. Hazaad hit her once more with the steel ball, knocking her unconscious before walking over to her and lifting her up, slamming her limp body into the wall of the arena.

Juliet Andères luck had finally run out. The arena was silent.

Just like that, his fellow Prince Arrow called the match. Juliet was unable to move or respond, pinned against the wall, and crippled from the heavy weight that had slammed into her. It was over. She had lost. Hazaad dropped her, and Mika watched, silent, as a group of three blue clad Vampire guardsmen picked Juliet up and carried her out of the ring. Hazaad stood to the side, watching solemnly. His was the way of strength, and though he felt no pity for Juliet, Mika knew he realized how unfortunate the entire situation was. All the spectators had left the arena but he and Hazaad, who locked his gaze. The General hadn't bothered to kill her, to spare her the shame of dying out of battle. For what reason, Mika did not know. But they both knew that at that very moment, Juliet was being taken to the Hall of Death. The Prince stood, looking towards the exit. He ran to her.

By the time he arrived Juliet was awake, standing silently as the guards stripped her of her clothes. Around a dozen Vampires were in attendance for the execution, including Arra Sails and Vanez Blaine, Juliet's old mentors and friends. They gave him solemn nods and sad frowns. Arra didn't bother staying any longer than to stare at him. She left immediately after. Mika didn't blame her, she had never enjoyed this sort of thing.

Mika stood front and center, his eyes wide with shock he felt would never fade. The Vampires in the hall stared at him with pity. Juliet was strapped into the cage, her arms and legs bound so that she could not make her way out, but she didn't even struggle. All of the Vampires took a step back as the call was given and the cage was raised above the pit. Her final words, uttered loud enough for all in the hall to hear, were "I'm sorry."

The cage fell.

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Mika woke with a start, gasping and grasping at the air above him in vain attempts to prevent Juliet's fall to the stakes. With a choked sob, he hammered open his coffin lid, hoisting himself out and promptly falling to his knees. The vomit came before he could collect himself, his body shaking in uncontrollable tremors as his stomach emptied its contents.

She was there. She was his. Everything he'd ever wanted right before him, and then taken away. It had all been a dream, a dream of a life he passed up, a life he'd craved for so long. He'd never had a dream so vivid before, even as he stumbled away from his coffin and gazed at his bed he expected to see her, laying there with each and every scar from her trials standing proudly upon her body. Instead he encountered and empty room, with empty walls and silence hanging around him.

The most amazing feeling had been seeing through her eyes, almost as if reading a story she was writing. He witnessed how her life could have turned out had things been different. Juliet's friendship with Arra had made his heart ache. The two women would have gotten along so well, if not for Juliet's kind spirit, then for her admirable determination that not even the proud Vampiress could turn away from. Mika had watched her struggle, fight and bleed to make him proud, just as she had when they'd been together all those years ago. Everything had seemed so right, yet as he sifted through it all with open eyes everything also seemed so wrong. Such power within her. Mika shuddered.

'A dream,' he thought, cursing at the mess he'd made on his floor. Dread filled him, and he felt the urgent need to check on Juliet—, Jewel, in the medical hall. Quickly he donned his clothing, left discarded on the floor that morning, and rushed into the halls. He rounded the corners sharp and quick, alternating between running his fingers through his disheveled hair and clenching his fists in anticipation. It took him mere minutes to reach the hall leading to the room, but it seemed as if he couldn't get there fast enough. Anxious, he entered the room.

The shrieking began.