A.N: So, I lied about this being two parts, I had to split it off into a third part because I had managed a total of 13000+ words! The Captain, 2damnpretty2die, is a saint for reading through it all in one go before I split it up. So in turn, double update for ya'll!
Chapter 31: Things Are Happening Behind Our Backs part 2
General p.o.v
Hades sat at his desk and furrowed his brows as he studied the scroll laid before him. It had been found in his father's study during the rebellion and he had kept hold of it ever since. He focused on the symbol that had been carefully drawn onto the scroll; it was a well-recognised one. Three spheres laid out in a triangle, with the white sphere at the top and a black and blue one on either side, all three bound together by a golden circle around it. He moved his eyes lower to the words written below:
"The one who will surpass the limits of life and death. The one who will bring hope amongst the divided clans. The one who will bring peace and a new power. When three become one, the power shall call forth a new world."
"'When three become one' huh? I guess it means that only one shall remain, and no doubt, it shall be me." Hades muttered darkly as he read through the passage over and over again. "I have already the means to surpass the limits of life and death; my serum will generate power over trivial things such as feeding and slow healing, if they fail to adapt to the serum then I will simply be eliminating the weak and only the strong shall survive. Through my carefully picked soldiers, the other clans will have no choice but to submit under my ruling, and I shall unite the clans as one." He tapped his finger against his chin as he scanned over the last condition. "New power? New Power... Aha!" He exclaimed brightly, but his features quickly darkened once again. "Now if only those damned DNA compositions would stabilise properly."
Ever since he discovered Lindsey Randall and her hybrid DNA, he had been working on trying to create his own. However, all of his efforts had yet to succeed. He had tried mixing different clans: Vampires, Lycans, Humans, Succubi, Elves, Sorcerers, and Shifters. Anything he could get his hands on, but the subjects either died on the table or became feral and completely uncontrollable and they were left with no other choice but to put them down. Of course it didn't mean that he didn't take advantage of the feral creatures to create havoc and mayhem for entertainment purposes, as he does with the strays.
With a heavy sigh, he slammed his hands onto the table. "I hate being disappointed."
The presence of another caused Hades to straighten up. "Ah, Elder. How is our dear Lucas handling his new accommodations?"
"He's given shelter and food, and Artemis has forbidden anyone from entering his chambers." The deep voice replied.
"Marvellous, and has our dearest little Princess been to see him yet?"
"My men alerted me to her appearance a few hours ago."
"Oh? Do tell me more!" Hades replied cheerfully. "Were there tears? I do love a bit of drama."
"No, I'm afraid not my Lord. They were in there for barely twenty minutes, but she seemed calm after." The Elder replied regretfully.
Hades deflated in his seat. "Well, that's disappointing." His brows furrowed, "very disappointing indeed. Tell me then, Elder, what else has been happening on the side of the 'light'?"
The Elder arched his brow at the 'light' reference, though he would admit that the title was fitting. He assumed that this meant that Hades' side was the 'dark'? He shook his head quickly, ridding himself of useless thoughts.
"Unfortunately, there hasn't been much going on. They seem rather idle and bored, if I may say so myself."
"Bored? They're bored?" Hades bristled at the comment. "No, they don't get to be bored! I've had my eye on Athena for a while now, and I'd hoped that she'd provide me with some entertainment when the Randall Clan was destroyed. When you told me of her little show in the court and I was hoping I could use this opportunity to lead her onto the right path, but instead? She shut down, she just fucking shut down! She didn't live up to my expectation and now I'm disappointed. But what's more disappointing, is that my dearest brother seems to have swept all of this commotion away and they're now enjoying a happy 'idle and boring' life."
He turned and growled out menacingly causing the Elder to take a step back in fright. "All of my poking and provoking isn't showing any results and I'm getting restless now."
"But my Lord, the Hybrids aren't ready yet. We just need a little bit more time." The Elder pleaded in a very uncharacteristic manner, causing Hades to pause and a grin to spread.
"Are you afraid of the Hybrids, Elder?" He sniggered at the thought of the all mighty and powerful Elder being afraid of the new-borns.
"They are unpredictable, uncontrollable and highly intelligent," the Elder defended, "which is surprising, considering half of them can't speak or even eat or dress themselves. But when it comes to battle, they are patient and calculative. They're monsters!"
"A little like my dear Athena, no? She's unpredictable, uncontrollable, intelligent and a monster that I absolutely want." Hades asked gleefully. "Oh, it's too bad that the ones that display such intelligence have a seven day expiry date. The ones who last longer are no better than my little darling strays around the city. Though, my Hybrids do possess better strength and speed. Oh it breaks my heart to have to put down my beloved children like that!" He finished dramatically, falling back into his chair with a hand over his heart. His eyes displayed not a hint of sadness or regret as he caught the Elder's eyes quickly. "They do provide good entertainment though, no?"
The Elder, already used to Hades' antics, merely rolled his eyes and agreed.
"Anyway, I really am getting tired of this apparent peace that's folded over." He picked up a nearby pen, scribbling onto a stray piece of paper, before folding it up quickly. "Have someone get this to Lucas." He waved the paper in the direction of the Elder.
"What is it, my Lord?" The Elder asked curiously.
"Oh, just something to pass the time." He replied cryptically, refusing to give any more information.
The Elder narrowed his eyes suspiciously before complying and tucking away the folded note into his pocket. "My men tell me that you may not have to wait much longer for a usable Hybrid. They are getting closer and closer as we speak."
"We wouldn't have had to wait at all if you hadn't failed in bringing my Athena's child!" Hades shot back immediately.
"I-it was a lapse in judgement. My men were not quick enough to intervene during the attack and they were gone by the time they had arrived." The Elder stuttered.
"You let the only living Hybrid die, Elder. It's on your hands, so you best pray that the next batch of subjects are a success or else you'll become the next to lay upon the table." The Elder swallowed harshly at the threat and kneeled down quickly. "Now get that note to Randall." The Elder disappeared the instant he received the dismissal drawing a smirk from Hades.
"At least he can do something right." Hades let out a puff of air before looking around the room absentmindedly. "Well, in the meantime. Guard!" A soldier came running through the door instantly and bowed before the vampire.
"My Lord?"
"Bring me my daughter!"
Arizona p.o.v
We wandered into the halls of Cambridge High idly, taking in the scene and familiar sights. However, Calliope stopped us just as we stepped passed the front entrance.
"Calliope?" I asked in concern. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah…" She sucked in a deep breath and held it for a few seconds before releasing it quickly. "It's just… I wanted to give you something, no, that's not right, it's more like return something to you."
"Calliope?" Her actions were causing me to worry. I briefly wondered if I shouldn't have brought her back here.
She stuck her left hand into her jacket pocket before reaching her other to move me so I now stood in front of her facing the door, as she faced me with her back to the door.
"Right, so you need to stand right there, whilst I stand here, right?" She rambled nervously.
"Right…" I replied cautiously.
"Do you remember what happened here?" She asked me.
"Uh, you have to be more specific. We spent a lot of time coming in and out of those doors, Calliope." I teased, hoping to lessen her nerves.
"Right, but I meant the day you disappeared. That morning, on your sixteenth birthday, do you remember what happened here?"
"You are my life and I love you." I recited perfectly from memory. The card that was once attached to the present she gave to me that morning. The wide grin I received was enough to tell me that I'd hit the mark.
"You remember?" There were tears filling her eyes and I lifted a hand to her cheek.
"It was rare for you to say those words to me, and the fact that you had written it down on something that I could see everyday… Yeah, I definitely remember." I replied with a warm smile.
"Right, close your eyes for a sec?" She asked and I complied without a second thought. I heard shuffling before I felt something dangle in front of my face. "Okay, now open!"
My eyes shot open and tears filled them immediately. "I-is that?" I couldn't finish my sentence as the emotions had clogged up my throat. The teary nod I received made me pull her into my body, soaking in her scent. I leaned forward, gently cupping her face and kissed her soft lips, recreating the scene from twenty years before.
Calliope had presented me with the same necklace she gave me on my birthday twenty years ago. I couldn't believe that she still had it. It warmed my heart greatly knowing that she had kept a piece of me with her. When I had regained my memories, I was devastated to learn that I had lost my necklace when I was attacked, but knowing that it was safe with Calliope, there were no words to describe how I felt.
We pulled apart and I stared into her eyes, drowning in the love that was reflected in them.
"Will you put it back on for me?" I asked in a soft voice and grinned at me before she turned me around as I swept my hair out of the way.
"I can't believe you kept it." I whispered in awe when I had turned back around. My fingers came up to play with the lopsided heart pendant on the chain as I lost myself in my memories.
"Are you kidding? It was the only piece I had left of you." Calliope replied, "well, that and your Thunderbird."
"You have my Thunderbird?" I replied in shock, "you stole my car?"
"Hey! I didn't steal it!" Calliope replied indignantly, "what's mine is yours baby, don't you remember?" She added in a sweet tone.
"Nah uh! You totally stole it, I never gave you permission of ownership! I want it back! Where is it anyway?" I asked curiously.
"In Seattle. I took that car everywhere with me." I grinned at her, loving that she kept it with her no matter where she went.
"Wait, the one I keep seeing in the car park, that's yours? I mean, that's mine?" I remembered that every time I saw the car in the car park, there was always a sense of longing and yearning that lingered within. I guess it made sense now.
"Yes, that's the one, and no, you can't have it back. It's mine now." Calliope replied with a grin and I pouted at the rejection.
"Aw man, I loved that car! Hey wait, how did you even get the keys?" The thought had suddenly struck me, where did Calliope find my car keys and my necklace?
She suddenly became very sombre and I instantly regretting asking her. "The day I found out that you'd disappeared I went to your house. The front door was closed, but it wasn't locked, so I snuck inside. Your house looked exactly the same as it usually does, which doesn't make sense to me now, considering I've seen what had happened the night before. I'm guessing Hades' cleaned up so it wouldn't look suspicious?"
"Or Lucia" I added, to which Calliope glared at me for. "Y-you know, just so you wouldn't worry that I'd been slaughtered or anything?" I finished with a sheepish smile.
"Probably, but anyway, I went into your bedroom and cried the moment I found your keys and your necklace on the floor. I'm pretty sure I spent a few hours just crying on the floor of your bedroom. Kinda pathetic right?" She laughed lamely, but I grabbed her around the waist and pulled her to me tightly, resting my head on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry you had to go through that alone. I'm sorry that I lost my memories, and I'm sorry that I made you cry." My heart broke when I saw the sadness that tinged her aura, and even though she was trying to outwardly hide how much she was hurt by the events, I could still see it.
"It's not your fault Ari, you didn't have a choice."
We stood there silently as time passed by, arms wrapped around each other tightly, almost afraid to let go.
A glitter along her neck caught my attention and I freed up a hand to bring to her neck. I gently pulled out the chain and gasped when I saw what was on the necklace.
"Calliope?" I asked gently and she smiled softly back at me.
"They were brought as a pair and I was going to show you mine the day after I gave you yours. A surprise of sorts I guess?"
I gently traced a finger over the heart of her necklace. One that matched mine exactly.
"You've been wearing it all the time? How have I never noticed?" I asked in wonder.
"Not exactly, I wasn't sure how you'd react to it at first. But I've kept them both with me, just waiting for the day they would get to return to their respectful places."
"You've never doubted that we would meet again?"
"Never Ari, we were meant to be together. I knew it the day I met you, and the day you asked me on a date was the day I knew that I'd spend the rest of my life with you." Tears filled my eyes at the conviction in her voice. Not once in my life have I ever felt more loved and treasured by anyone than I did right now.
"I love you, so, so much." I choked out through my tears.
"I love you too. Oh, and by the way, I've just remembered. Imagine my surprise when I climbed into your car and flipped the visor down!" Calliope exclaimed excitedly and I blushed brightly, remembering what I'd stuck on it.
"I can't believe that you stuck the picture we took on our first date and the card I gave you with that present on the inside!" She chuckled as my cheeks continued to redden
"Shut up! They were both significant moments in my life." I defended.
"Really?" Calliope stopped laughing immediately, eyes wide. "Tell me! Tell me, tell me, tell me!" She started to pull and swing my arm childishly, pestering me until I gave in, which realistically, didn't take much.
"The day we went out on our first date was the day that I fell in love with you, even if you were super shy and awkward." Calliope smiled bashfully as she remembered how nervous and silent she'd been the entire time we were at the fair, I'd talk and tried to engage her in a conversation, but she'd been so shy. But that was the most endearing part and what made me fall in love with her.
"And the card?" She urged me to move on.
"The day you gave me that present was the day I knew that I wanted to marry you." She gasped at the revelation. "I knew that day that I couldn't imagine my life without you in it, that I needed you more than I needed air, and that I loved you more than life itself."
"Ari…" Her voice was heavy with emotions and tears had clouded her eyes, but she was still the most beautiful person I had ever laid my eyes on. I couldn't resist the pull as I grabbed her head and crashed my lips onto hers, pushing her back until she was against the wall to the side of the front entrance. A moan escaped her as I deepened the kiss, putting everything I had into it, trying to convey everything that I felt into one kiss.
I love you. I want you. I need you. I can't live without you.
Erica p.o.v
"Ah Erica, you're here. Good." My father's voice came the moment I walked through the doors.
"Yes, you called for me, my Lord?" I replied warily. Ever since his 'if the serum doesn't kill you, I will' speech a couple of days ago, I've been steadily avoiding any further confrontations with the man. The last thing I expected was to be called to him.
"Yes, yes! I have a problem you see?" He turned and smiled ever so sweetly at me. "And I need you to go and take care of it."
"Sir?" I questioned, I still had a few days left of my 'one week' sabbatical and he knew it. I growled under my breath. 'He promised dammit!"
"Oh, it's nothing that someone, even in your condition, can't handle."
"Then why send me?" His eyes narrowed dangerously at me and I tensed.
"You've been nothing but a disappointment lately my dear." His voice started off low, sending shockwaves into my brain.
What is he doing to me?
"So think of this as a test of some sorts, to prove your worthiness to me." The low humming that accompanied his voice disappeared and I found myself bowing involuntarily.
"I'll see to it my Lord." I promised.
I found myself making my way into the maze of caves that hid the entrance to the underground my father rules over, with a heavy heart.
He used his fucking powers on me. Him and his fucking power of voice!
Each high ranking or Royal blooded vampire had their own speciality, and my father's just happened to be 'Power of Voice'. It meant that he could sway you into doing things without you even realising it, and not only that, but as soon as he plants an idea into your brain, he has the ability to trigger it without even being near you. Sort of like a hypnosis trigger word. His power is actually quite similar to those with the 'Power of Mind', once you're under his sway, he can activate it at any given time and you would be powerless against his voice.
A noise caught my attention and I dropped into a fighting stance, eyes changing as I broadened my senses. There were many different auras surrounding me and I felt myself frown as I failed to figure out how many were around me and what kind they were.
I barely caught the low growl before a dark figure leapt out at me from the shadows. Their speed was impressive, but I was still faster as I spun away from its grip and summoned my sword, embedding it deep within the creature's chest. It raised its arm lamely in a last attempt to get me and I jumped back as a bolt of energy shot from its opened hand. There was a low and pathetic whining before it took its last breath and I studied the creature before me.
What the fuck is that?
Most of its features were shifted, and the growling and whining gave away its nature as a Lycan, but the power it used screamed vampire.
A Hybrid? No, that's impossible. It's against the laws of nature for vampires to even think of turning a Lycan. And there was no way they would survive the process, how Athena managed to even change that cub is a mystery. One that even my father has failed to solve, that's why he wanted to capture the cub and why he wants Athena by his side so badly.
I didn't have time to waste as I caught on to six blinding auras heading towards me at incredible speed. I panicked, as I was unable to recognize which direction they were heading from, but I didn't have to wonder long as another figure shot out from the shadows and launched at me. It was a lot faster than its companion and I was knocked off my feet and into the walls of the cave. I grunted at the impact and swung my sword at its head. Apparently, the things were fast, but dumb as shit, as it only watched as my sword made contact and severed its head from its neck.
I panted as the pain began to increase and realised belatedly that it had somehow managed to dig its claws deep into my side without me realising it. My senses tingled and I gave in immediately to my reflexes as I flashed away just as a flaming arrow hit where I once stood. My eyes widened in realisation. Elfin magic!
I looked at the owner of the arrow and saw a tall, slim blonde with pointed ears holding a bow conjured from magical fire in his hands. When his eyes met mine I was faced with lifeless and blank eyes, and when he snarled at me, I saw his fangs.
Another Hybrid? What the fuck is going on?
I felt myself shivering and sweating as my vision blurred. Fuck! The side effects from the serum had started again. I blamed my father for this, if he hadn't sent me to attack Athena over and over again, I wouldn't have overdosed on the serum and my body wouldn't need so long to cool off from its effects. My body had yet to work through the last batch in my system, but the only way I could get through was to continue using it, it was like a drug and I was currently going through withdrawal. I couldn't keep using it to counter the effects without letting it cool off, because then my body would burn through itself and I would overload on the power, and well, it would basically end in an explosion.
The shivering increased tenfold and I was finding it hard to breath. No, no dammit! I had no choice. I reached into the pouch in my jacket pocket and was horrified to find that it was empty. No, that's impossible, I had just got it from the lab before I came here. They should have refilled it.
I forced my body to move as I ran, using all of my energy reserves to increase my speed and the distance between us. I dropped behind a large rock and leaned my back against it, panting heavily. I knew it wouldn't take long for them to find me as my blood was still trailing everywhere. I laughed bitterly at my state as I pressed a hand against my wound. I'm not even healing anymore.
I pulled out the pouch with my other hand and froze when a piece of paper fell from within it. I picked it up with shaking hands and couldn't help the angry and tearful roar that escaped my throat when I read it.
Prove your worthiness to me or die with the rest of the trash.
A loud howl nearby alerted me and I rested my head against the rock, eyes closed, resigned to my fate.
Why does he hate me so much? I've done everything he ever wanted! I'm his daughter, his fucking daughter!
Footsteps came closer and I heard the creatures panting and grunting from exertion. I opened my eyes as they lunged at me, a sad smile taking over my face.
Then… Darkness.
Callie p.o.v
"Hey, do you mind if we went back to where I used to live?" Arizona asked me as we sat on the bleachers on the field. I remember when I used to sit here all the time, watching as Arizona trained. She used to play soccer and I remember how embarrassed I was when she would point at me every time she scored a goal, dedicating each one to me, even before we dated, back when we were just friends.
"Not really, but I'm sure the current homeowners might." I teased lightly.
"Actually, Calliope, I still own it." I perked up at that.
"Really? Wha…how?"
"Technically, I never gave up the house, we just didn't live in it. In fact, we own multiple properties. And by we, I mean Terri, Tim and me. You remember the warehouse in Seattle and the underground safe house in Miami?" I nodded in reply. "Well, that's only two of the many places we have. We use it for when we have to travel for missions. When we're not using it, then we just send people to take care of it."
"Well what are we waiting for? Let's go!" I jumped up in excitement; we had a lot of memories in that house, ones that changed my life.
When we pulled up to the house, I found myself trembling involuntarily. A hand clamped tightly onto mine.
"Are you okay?" I pulled her hand to my cheek and she shifted so she was now cradling my face.
"Yeah, just remembering the last time I was here." I shivered remembering how heartbroken and distraught I was when I found it empty of all life.
"I'm sorry." She stroked my cheek softly, "Hey, do you remember the first time you came over?" she asked trying to lighten to mood.
"You mean when your mom was so happy to see another girl in the house that she left the house with your dad in tow and told you that they wouldn't be back for hours?" I laughed at the memory.
"It was embarrassing Calliope! How often do parents encourage their fifteen year old daughter to bring girls home with them?" She whined in the most adorable manner.
"Well apparently, you had been really anti-social and had been avoiding all of your friends back in New York." I reminded her.
"Yeah well, Tim had just disappeared and my friends were less than helpful. Can you blame me for wanting to leave?" Arizona shot back playfully. "Though, it was obviously all part of my master plan."
"And what plan would that be?" I arched an eyebrow at her.
"To find the most beautiful woman on the planet and to finally meet the love of my life." She replied with a cheeky grin. "I was just lucky enough to find both in the same woman." She added with a wink.
Wow, she was really laying it on thick today. "You," I playfully scolded, "are so cheesy!"
"But you love it!" She leaned forward and kissed my cheek.
"I do, very much so." I admitted with a smile. "Do you think we could stay here tonight?"
"Why Calliope!" She exclaimed outrageously, "we'd be home, all alone, no one to interrupt us with alerts of intruders or 'important' meetings. Why ever would you want to stay here for?" She waggled her eyebrows suggestively at me.
"Not what you're thinking babe." I let out a roar of laughter when her expression dropped almost instantly. "But I do want to spend some time with you, just to be together like normal people."
"But we're not normal people." She pouted.
"I know. That's the point. But could we just pretend? For like a day?" I insisted, pulling out the puppy dog eyes for extra incentive.
"Fine fine," she conceded with a sigh, but she suddenly perked up once again. "Oooh, it can be like our own mini vacation!"
She quickly hopped out the car and ran over to my side, pulling me out before dragging me into the house.
"Ari, we don't even have clothes." I protested weakly. To be fair, I didn't think she would actually agree considering our current situation. I'd assumed that she'd insist that we returned to the manor, but I guess she was really taking to this 'anything I want' date.
"There are shops Calliope!"
Well, I guess that's that.
Erica p.o.v
I opened my eyes and was met with a red sky, red like blood. I was lying flat on my back on… What am I on? I stretched out my hands and felt the soft strands of grass between my fingers.
Where am I?
"Well, well, well. Fancy meeting you here." The voice was low, but filled with amusement.
I tilted my head backwards and was surprised to see her perched on top on a rock staring down at me.
"What are you doing here?" I tried to sit up, only to find that I couldn't move my body. "And why the hell can't I move?"
"Death is a funny thing isn't it?" She asked gleefully.
"Am I dead?"
"Nah, but I sure scared ya right?"
I scoffed at her. From my position, I could only get an upside down profile of her, but I could clearly see the wide grin that was on her face.
"You seem different." I murmured, but she either didn't hear me or just pretended not to.
"Tell me something about you that I don't know." She asked randomly.
"I'm in love with you." I replied with a roll of my eyes.
"Okay… Tell me something about you that I don't know and is true." Her voice never lost its amusement, completely ignoring the fact that I was partially paralysed.
"Touché..." I thought for a moment, wondering if I should tell her. "I hate my father." Why not? I had nothing to lose anymore.
"What a coincidence I hate mine too." She chuckled. "Give me something else."
"I want my father dead." I replied in the most serious tone I could adopt.
"Well, I'd like mine to stay very much alive." She shot back immediately, as if I hadn't just revealed how much I hated the person I had spent most of my life killing for.
"I'm serious." She needed to understand that I wasn't playing around. I couldn't stand the treatment I was receiving anymore.
"Well if it's any consolation. I can kill him for you" I actually smiled at that.
"... I love you" I couldn't help but admit. I had spent so long wrapped around in hatred and revenge that I'd forgotten what it actually felt like to be loved, and to be cared for. Graham was an exception, he treated me the way I'd always wanted my father to, but I couldn't allow myself to show him that.
"I love you too. What can I do for you?"
"Right now? This is helping." I had started to relax now. The issue of my paralyses and the strange place I'd found myself no longer causing me to worry or panic.
"Me offering to kill your dad? Because that's not a secret you know?" She sniggered at me, and I growled, assuming that she was laughing at my moment of weakness. "I'd offer to kill him everyday for you, ya know?"
Oh, so not exactly laughing at me.
"No, you... being here... for me, like this. What does your other half have to say about this? About me?"
"She doesn't like you, for obvious reasons, but she understands that I have my reasons for doing this. She says as long as you can be trusted, it's fine."
"Am I?"
"What?"
"Trustworthy?" She had no reason to trust me. Why would she? I probably wouldn't.
She suddenly appeared by my side and gently traced a finger under my eye. I had only just realised that I was crying.
"I believe you." All amusement had disappeared from her voice; apparently she was finally taking this seriously.
"Why?"
"Because I can."
"Then why do we keep hiding from everyone?"
"I want to take you home, remember? But you can't. You wanted to stay. And until we figure something out, I won't put you in danger of his wrath."
"I'm sorry, I'm trying, but he's my dad you know? He's blood. He's-"
"You're not alone anymore. I won't allow anyone to hurt you or use you anymore." She interrupted.
The tears fell faster than before. "Even Zeus?"
"Even him. I won't let him hurt anymore people I care about."
Why couldn't I have met her before? Why couldn't I have met her before I made all these mistakes?
"Just say the word Erica, say it and we'll go."
I stared into her eyes and felt nothing but love and warmth. It felt like home.
There was a low whining sound nearby as a something wet starting nudging at my cheek. I half-heartedly swiped at the annoyance. The whining increased and I opened my eyes to a fox like creature.
"What… the fuck?" I groaned.
"Glad to see you're awake." I snapped my head over to where the voice came from to see a woman with short black hair and wide green eyes staring back at me.
"Who the hell are you?" I demanded.
"Why thank you Lana, thank you for saving my life." She mocked. "Oh you're welcome Erica."
"You know who I am?"
"Obviously, my Master sent me here to save you." She stared at me unimpressed.
"Right, so who are you?"
"Lana Winters, at your service." She bowed dramatically. "And that over there is Leo." She pointed at the fox cub that was now sat beside me, watching me curiously.
"Right, what are you then?"
"That's kind of rude isn't it?" She shot back angrily.
I stuttered at her temper, "u-uh…sorry. It's just, I can sense vampire in you, but there's something else as well."
She crossed her arms and arched a brow at me. "Impressive."
"I'm a Royal, I can sense vampires." I deadpanned.
"I'm half vampire, half sorcerer."
"You're a Hybrid?" I asked incredulously. I swear they're appearing everywhere now. "Do you work for Hades?" I demanded immediately as I felt myself forcing my power to appear.
"Not a chance." She growled and a frown appeared on her face. "My Master just happens to have a habit of inadvertently creating Hybrids."
She threw something in my directions. "Here, courtesy of my Master."
I looked at the vial in my hand and stared at it curiously. "What is it?"
"A gift." She replied cryptically.
We stared at each other until I finally relented and drunk the vial. My eyes widened as I felt a sudden rush of energy and the remaining effects of the serum left my body.
"W-who the fuck is your Master?" I forced out with a hoarse voice.
"I'm sure you already know. Besides, I assumed you'd be expecting me."
I furrowed my brows and tried to remember what she'd said before she'd sent me back to reality.
*Flashback*
"Just say the word Erica, say it and we'll go."
I opened and closed my mouth several times, words failing to escape. "I don't know where to go."
"Come with me and I'll be your new home."
"Teresa?"
"Yeah?"
"I want to come home."
She grinned happily as her eyes grew white and I felt energy pass through my body sending me into a relaxed state, the burning sensation at my chest didn't even worry me, I was that relaxed. "Don't worry about the stray Hybrids, I've gotten someone to take care of it." My eyes closed as I submitted to the calling of the darkness. Before I drowned completely I heard her final words drift through my mind.
"I'll be waiting for you. I'm so excited."
*End Flashback*
"So what are you here for?" I asked Lana.
"Just to give you the answer you're looking for." I looked at her curiously, "I'm sure you want to know why my Master is so insistent that you join us."
"Because I can help her," I answered hesitantly.
"Not just because of that." She smirked, "have you heard of the prophecy of the 'Power to change the world'?"
"My father is obsessing over it, he believes he is the only suitable candidate." I scoffed at the idea.
"Oh, he doesn't have a clue does he?" Lana giggled. "Have you seen the scroll before?"
"I've glanced at it, I've seen the crest and the script, but I haven't really studied it before." I closed my eyes trying to recall what I'd seen before.
"That's enough. The prophecy isn't about one person to wield the power to change the world. It's about three, as per the crest signifies. Tell me what the prophecy says, Erica."
"The one who will surpass the limits of life and death. The one who will bring hope amongst the divided clans. The one who will bring peace and a new power. When three become one, the power shall call forth a new world." I recited.
"You know, once upon a time, when Zeus and his brothers rebelled, it was believed that the three of them would be the ones to fulfil the prophecy? But when Hades turned against Zeus and Poseidon, doubts and questions were raised. Do you understand what the prophecy means?" I shook my head mutely, still shocked over the fact that the prophecy depicted three people not one.
She smiled at my confusion and it made me feel like a child being talked to by their teacher.
"The three who have been prophesised are from the Ryans, Robbins and Hahn family." She snorted when I stared at her blankly with wide eyes. "Yes, if you haven't figured it out by now, it means: Teresa Ryans, Arizona Robbins, and you, Erica Hahn. 'The one who will surpass the limits of life and death': Erica Hahn. 'The one who will bring hope amongst the divided clans': Arizona Robbins. 'The one who will bring peace and a new power': Teresa Ryans." She explained carefully.
"W-why? What makes the three of us so special?" I couldn't believe that I was part of this prophecy, it couldn't be.
"Despite what your father claims, you were the one to successfully adjust the serum to become stable enough for other vampires to use. Your serum will allow the decrease in human feedings, allowing vampires to survive and prosper without the need for blood.
What would usually cause the downfall of most clans will become Arizona Robbins' greatest strength. Her mercy, her forgiveness and her heart will overcome the prejudice separating the clans and unite them as one. Her kindness will give birth to the trust that has been missing since the rebellion, a trust that will allow us to defeat Hades' reign.
And Teresa? Her leadership will bring us the peace we've been waiting for, the peace that hasn't existed since before Cronus' insanity. Her blood will present to the world a power long since forgotten since the clans' divide. The Hybrids that currently exist due to her blood belong to her in every way possible, but she neither treats them as property or pets, she treats them as equals and respects their need for freedom.
The three of you together will bring a new world, a better world, and that is why my Master is helping you."
"Wait, so she's using me to fulfil some sort of prophecy? She doesn't want me to join her at all!" I roared out bitterly, grief stricken that I had fallen for her antics.
"No!" She shouted, "don't you get it at all?" She was getting worked up, as was her pet, Leo, as he now stood growling lowly at me. "'When three become one, the power shall call forth a new world.' It has nothing to do with ownership or using each other as a stepping-stone! The prophecy is about unity, family. She's calling you back and welcoming you into her family because she believes in you. She cares enough about you to go against everything and everyone that's ever stood by her; she's fighting for you!"
"I-" I started, but it was apparently useless as the Hybrid tore further into me.
"She's giving you sanctuary away from Hades, giving you access to everything she has, and even if the damned prophecy didn't exist she'd do the same because you're her sister, and for some reason, she loves you!"
She stood before me with her hands on her hips, eyes ablaze with fury at my ignorance.
It was true; Teresa had never asked me for anything. Every time we were in my subconscious she would listen to me as I worked through my frustrations. I had willingly given up information to her.
I looked away from the duo shooting me deadly glares.
She was helping me because she wanted to…Oh…
"Anyway, come. There's something we need to do before I can take you home."
I nodded and dutifully followed the Hybrid and the fox, mind still reeling from everything that had just happened.
This was really it. I'm finally escaping my father's grasp. I'm finally free…and it feels… A smile crossed my lips, as I felt lighter than I had ever felt before.
It feels good. No, it feels great!
Lucas Randall p.o.v
I woke up groggy with a pounding headache. As the memories returned to me I cursed under my breath.
Fucking Athena, who the fuck does she think she is? I'll fucking destroy her!
"Food!" the cry came from behind the iron door as a slot at the bottom opened and a tray was pushed through.
I weakly made my way over to the tray and my nose scrunched up in disgust at what I was presented with.
What is this trash? They're treating me like a fucking animal!
I growled at the gloop on the plate. I didn't even know what it was, but the rumbling from my stomach caused me to cave in. I shivered at the first bite.
Looks like shit, smells like shit and tastes like shit.
Halfway through the 'meal', I noticed a piece of paper sticking out under the plate. I warily picked it up and read it.
"Surprise!"
I scrunched my face up in confusion, but suddenly, all I could hear was his voice in my head.
"Kill! Destroy them all! Leave no survivors!"
White, hot searing pain emanated from my neck as my blood turned ice cold. I clutched at my neck screaming in agony, howling as I felt my bones snap and crunch as my body was forced into shifting. His voice kept echoing over and over again in my mind as the burning pain from my neck and the iciness from within fought against each other.
My eyes widened in horror as I realised what had happened.
The fucker bit me! He tried to turn me! Why?
Any more thoughts were cut off as I began to convulse uncontrollably on the floor as blood lust took over my senses. The shaking finally stopped when I could no longer fight against it. I stood up, looking at my hands to see that I had only partially shifted, and headed towards the door against my will.
I was trapped inside my mind, seeing, but having no control over my body.
What the fuck is going on?
I heard myself let out a menacing howl as a bolt of energy shot out from my hand shattering the barrier between me and my freedom.
The guards outside stood in shock and came at me with their swords drawn, but they didn't even get a chance to fully draw them as I lunged and tore at their throats; one with my claws, and the other with my fangs. The blood tasted heavenly and I felt the blood lust increase, completely taking over my senses.
I lifted my head and sniffed, searching for the nearest body and ran towards it with a howl, only one thought running through my head.
Blood, blood, blood! I need more blood!
Callie p.o.v
We were wondering around the nearest store for supplies for our impromptu night away and I couldn't help but keep glancing at Arizona. She looked so carefree and innocent right now, a complete opposite to how she usually is back at the manor.
She was looking around with wide blue eyes, smiling at everyone who walked passed us. I thought my heart would melt when she stopped to play with a little blonde haired blue-eyed baby whilst the mother watched on with a smile and I imagined her playing with our child like that, some time in the future. Her smile was infectious and even strangers on the street loved her.
Suddenly, I felt a tingle in the back of my mind as a feeling of complete unease came over my body.
What's happening?
I looked over to Arizona hoping she had answers, only to find that she too had a look of confusion on her face. Her body was taut, ready to spring into action, and her features slowly morphed into a scowl.
"Ari? What's going on?" I asked, fear lacing my voice.
She didn't answer me; instead, she grabbed my arm and pulled me out of the store. We didn't stop until we had reached the end of the road and slipped into the alleyway in between two restaurants. The alley was filled with dumpsters and old trash bags, causing my nose to scrunch up in disgust, but the look on Arizona's face caused me even more concern.
"Arizona, what's the matter?" I asked again.
"You felt it too right?" She asked back, "that weird feeling that stirred from somewhere deep within, it wasn't just me right?" I nodded mutely as fear settled in the pit of my stomach.
"Ari?"
"I sensed something, something that's really close, but it's not a vampire. I mean, it feels like a vampire, but there's something wrong with the aura. Something's not right." She rambled nervously as she paced the small alley.
"What does that mean?" Her rambling was starting to scare me, it was as if she was afraid of what she had sensed.
She finally stopped and stared at me completely rigid. "It's the same feeling I got when I was around Lindsey."
I gasped in realisation. Lindsey was a Hybrid, and I had been told that Hybrids were rare; in fact, they weren't supposed to exist. According to Arizona though, there are a few around, but they are all under the same alliance: Athena. So why would the apparent appearance of Hybrids in the area scare her so much?
"So it's a Hybrid? What's wrong with that?"
"It's not one of Terri's." I stared wide-eyed at her. "The closer they get, the more obvious the scent of blood becomes, and the weird, foreboding sense of death that accompanies their aura. That is never associated with anyone that is part of Terri's team.
I blanched as the gravity of the situation finally hit me. Shit! "Are you saying, that there are other Hybrids lurking around right now? I thought they didn't exist? Arizona!" I was panicking now. Hybrids had always been frowned upon and the ones that accompanied Terri were created by accident. Had someone purposely created these Hybrids? And the blood and death that Arizona sensed on them, what did that mean?
"I know!" She screamed back at me as she started pacing again. "We need to get them away from the humans here. Get them far away before we try to take them out."
"And how do you suggest we do that?"
Her eyes flashed purple as I felt her aura expand greatly. "From what I can sense, they're frantic and desperate. They're mindless, almost like the strays." Her aura suddenly turned dark as she growled angrily. "Fuck! It's not just Hybrids we're dealing with, they're feral Hybrids!"
"H-how many?" I swallowed harshly, the fear now numbing my body.
"I dunno. Three, maybe four? Their auras are a mess and if I hadn't encountered a Hybrid before, I wouldn't even know what they were."
"Can we take them on?" That was the real question. I didn't doubt Arizona's strength, but let's face it; I wasn't the best fighter around. Taking on so many vampires usually wouldn't pose a problem for her, but with the added element of another species, they became unpredictable. Not to mention that they were feral as well, so completely mindless and they didn't hesitate to unleash whatever power they had.
"Do you trust me?" She asked suddenly.
"With my life." I answered without a thought.
"Then trust in us." She said, her purple eyes took on a golden hue and I felt the power begin to stir inside of me. I nodded and we took off in a flash. I blindly followed Arizona as she trailed the aura that I couldn't quite get a solid hold on.
So much for our mini-vacation…
Arizona p.o.v
We arrived on the outskirts of the town to see four creatures tearing through the remains of two humans. Blood was everywhere are they tore the innocent beings limb from limb, chewing and gnawing sounds filled the air and I heard Calliope's horrified gasp from behind me.
I didn't have time to spare as my power flared up, fangs emerging, and launching myself in between two blood covered monsters. My sudden appearance had shocked them, giving me time to launch the first attack as I raised my hands, rage born flames emerged blasting the two creatures in separate directions.
A second roar caught my attention and I looked back to see a partially shifted Lycan get launched into the air by Calliope. A smirk crossed my face and I turned back just in time to avoid an ice powered arrow heading my way. I jumped backwards and saw one of the Hybrids with an ice summoned bow in their hands. Their face contorted as it snarled at me revealing its fangs.
A Vampire-Elf Hybrid! Seriously?
The second Hybrid let out a powerful roar and I was struck by a strong gust of energy. I recovered quickly to encounter the beast head on, hands grasped together tightly as we both tried to knock the other off balance.
Right, so this one's a Lycan mix. Fucking great.
I growled out as I submerged my body in a barrier of lightning, shocking the Lycan enough to free one hand and shoot another blast of energy into its body. The brief respite counted for nought as the other Hybrid launched itself over its companion and a cluster of arrows bombarded me. I barely had time to erect up a barrier, however I was caught off guard as the Lycan tackled me from the side, knocking me to the ground as it straddled me and clawed me across the chest.
Fuck! These guys are relentless.
My eyes brightened as I expelled a large amount of energy, forcing the beast off of me. I quickly rolled to my feet, panting as the blood ran down my front. I was puzzled when I realised that my healing was delayed.
What the fuck?
I stopped dead when I realised that my feet were frozen, looking down I saw that ice had formed around them and a second later I registered the pain coming from my calves. There was an arrow embedded into it.
When the hell did that happen? They're so fucking fast!
I growled as I considered my options. I couldn't release my form here, not when we were so close to civilians. I would destroy the area with the power.
Shit, shit, shit!
I looked up to see the two Hybrids standing side by side, slowing closing in on me with sadistic smirks on their faces.
A scream reached my ears and I snapped around to see Calliope go down and a Hybrid closing in on her, fast.
"Calliope!"