The Zoo

Konella

My heart began to race, a mother's intuition sensing my son was near. I leapt out of bed, my pulse quickening with each step as I ran to the door. Thrusting it open, I peered out into the stark, white canvas of winter. The cold air bit at my skin, and the silence was almost deafening. I couldn't see anyone moving about, but I felt him—an inexplicable connection only a mother could understand.

Just as I was about to call out his name, I spotted a figure approaching through the snow. The familiar brown hair and perfect posture were unmistakable—it was Trae. My breath caught in my throat, and my heart swelled with relief.

"Trae!" My voice echoed in the stillness, cutting through the quiet. His face lit up with a radiant smile as he looked up and saw me. I watched him glance around for any onlookers before using his speed to close the distance between us in an instant.

"You've returned safely," I whispered, my voice trembling with emotion. The scent of vetiver and cedarwood filled my senses as I hugged him tightly, his hair cold from the snow brushing against my cheek. It was a relief beyond words to see him unharmed.

"Mère, I must inform you and Père of what happened," he said, pausing for a moment. I turned around to see Solomon, already dressed and setting out refreshments on the table. We sat down together, the warmth of Solomon's hand in mine providing a sense of comfort. Trae seemed unsure where to begin, his brow furrowed with concern.

We waited patiently, sensing the weight of his words. After a moment, Trae took a deep breath and began recounting his recent experiences. He spoke of meeting Kai on the train and his confrontation with Saya and Haji. He assured us that he had remained neutral, though he acknowledged the lingering animosity from Saya's previous treatment of me. As he described the horrifying aftermath of chiropterans attacking the train and killing everyone on board, a chill ran down my spine. The revelation that Amshel could transform into one of the Red Shield agents was shocking and unnerving. Solomon and I exchanged worried glances, understanding the dangerous implications of Amshel's ability to cover his tracks so effectively.

"This will prove difficult..." Solomon mused, leaning back in his chair. His eyes were fixed on the fire, the flickering flames reflecting his deep contemplation. "Diva and Karl have already paid a visit to Konella at the hotel—to which she handled herself quite stunningly, I might add." He gave a small nod of acknowledgment, stopping Trae from asking further questions with just that statement. Trae seemed relieved to hear it, but the tension in the room was palpable. "But all in all, things are rather difficult where they stand." He murmured. The situation dire to us and wondering what our next move should be to ensure our safety.

I felt a surge of determination welling up within me, but it was tempered by the overwhelming relief of having my family together again. The urgency of our predicament was clear, yet my primary focus was on the safety and well-being of Solomon and Trae. After losing my memory of them for so many years, I couldn't bear the thought of anything happening to them now.

"Trae, we must be cautious," I said, my voice steady despite the fear that gnawed at the edges of my resolve. "Amshel's ability to disguise himself is a grave threat. We need to stay vigilant."

Solomon nodded, his expression resolute but softened by the love he had for our family. "Our priority is to stay together and protect one another," he said, his hand gently squeezing mine. The warmth of his touch brought a sense of comfort, reminding me of the love that had been torn from us for so long. Trae looked between us, concern etched on his face, but he understood the situation quietly, his eyes conveying his agreement. He knew the importance of our unity and the need for caution.

I took a deep breath, making the decision that would shape our path forward. "We will keep in touch with Kai through phone calls," I declared, my voice firm. "Saya and Haji will continue their struggle to fight Diva, and we will support them from a distance. Our presence must remain hidden to ensure our safety. I want us to live a life that should have been if not for Diva."

The weight of my words hung in the air, and I could see the resolve in Solomon and Trae's eyes. We were united in our purpose, ready to face the challenges ahead with caution and determination.

The bond between us strengthened as we prepared for what lied ahead. In the face of danger and uncertainty, we found solace in our unity and our shared purpose. The road would be perilous, but we were determined to face whatever lay ahead, knowing that our actions would be guided by the need to protect one another and support our allies from the shadows.

Nothing ever goes as planned, which I should know better by now. After a couple of months went by since leaving Tyumen, we ran into trouble with rogue chiropterans. Diva's antics remain unclear, but we couldn't allow the beasts to roam freely. It was unsettling to receive Kai's latest phone call. Hearing that Saya and Haji had separated from David and the Red Shield to pursue her own answers to her past, all leading to the origin of her youth at 'The Zoo,' left me with a sense of unease. I was unfamiliar with this place, so before boarding a plane to Bordeaux, France, I decided to ask Solomon for more details about it.

"Solomon, can you tell me more about this place? Why would one name it as such if it didn't hold exotic animals?" Sitting in first class, the rows being quite a good distance from others, Solomon poured a glass of wine for me and leaned back in his seat. I couldn't help but quickly admire this man. Having gone through such chaos in his life and heartache for me, here we were, together again and still going through loops to find peace.

"As far as I'm aware, the château was where Joel and Amshel resided while conducting their research. They separated the two and performed different tests to identify the species and capabilities of Saya and Diva. Of course, with this being said, Diva was released from her confines and killed Joel herself, turning Amshel into her first chevalier. With Saya seeking her answers there, it stands to reason why she separated from the Red Shield to find herself."

"It's quite confusing really. I don't know enough to define the details of Saya and Diva and how they operate. They are unique creatures born of a cocoon, was it? It's rather fascinating to me how different they are when they look exactly the same."

"True," he chuckled, taking a sip and making a face to the brand. "With Diva being used more as an experiment, her personality is the way it is. Saya was cared for as Joel's daughter, being raised in a loving environment to which she was free to roam the mansion and be as spirited as she wanted."

"How carefree." The wine wasn't pleasant, and I placed my glass down, deciding not to have anything. Trae was conversing with the flight attendant pleasantly, his charm working on the poor girl who was clearly falling for him. Solomon leaned close to my ear, his hand around my waist as I felt his smile on my earlobe tickling me.

"Trae is coercing her for some blood."

I turned to him, surprised, and he motioned for me to watch. As I kept my focus on him and watched Trae whisper sweetly to the flight attendant, she seemed to be in a daze, her eyes half-open and almost sleepy-looking as she giggled and spoke back to him. When he took her hand, his lips gently caressing her skin, his fang nicked her lightly and drew out the smallest of droplets as he continued kissing her, and she wasn't any wiser to what he was doing.

"How is he doing that?" I asked quietly.

"You are capable of doing the same. Trae spoke of what happened in the facility where I brought you and how, upon awakening, you drew Van towards you to drink from him."

Not recalling much from that time and fascinated with how Trae was doing it, I watched as the attendant seemed to slowly come back to a lucid state, appearing confused about what she was doing. Trae was ever the gentleman, raising his empty glass for another drink when she nodded and went about her duties.

"Trae," he looked my way with a grin as I was rather impressed by the scene.

"Were you surprised, Mère?" he asked. My response being a simple nod, he chuckled and fixed his sleeves a bit before talking about it. Though we were a small distance apart, thanks to my enhanced hearing, he didn't have to speak loudly at all, and I was able to hear him as though sitting right beside me. "Since I am a chevalier born, blood intake is something I need to do once in a while. Just as I am capable of eating normal food, blood will fulfill my needs better."

Taking this time to get to know Trae a bit better and his disposition, the remaining time on the plane passed quickly as we landed in France. Getting in contact with Kai and seeing where he was, he stated they were reaching their lodging and would soon depart to 'The Zoo' in hopes of catching Saya and Haji there. I looked around and found several clothing brands I had to try and took hold of Solomon and Trae in a vice grip as I pulled them in.

Reaching a stopping point in my shopping spree, I looked to Solomon who was now styled in the current style of the locals and couldn't help but admire him. Exuding an air of refined elegance, his attire reflecting the sophisticated fashion of Bordeaux. Wearing a tailored white blouse, the crisp fabric hugging his form perfectly. The blouse was paired with sleek black trousers, accentuating his lean frame and adding a touch of timeless sophistication. Tasteful gold accents adorned his outfit, from the delicate cufflinks on his sleeves to the subtle gold thread woven into the hem of his trousers. His accessories were nothing short of luxurious. A shimmering scarf from Swarovski's enchanting 'Stardust Collection' draped effortlessly around his neck, catching the light with every movement. His wrist bore a Hermès watch, its vibrant design adding a splash of color to his otherwise monochromatic ensemble. Solomon's look was completed with a unique designer bag from Isabel Marant, the intricate details showcasing the craftsmanship of the renowned brand. His attire was both modern and timeless, a perfect blend of classic elegance and contemporary flair. The scent of his cologne—an intoxicating mix of vetiver, iris and lavender—completed the ensemble, leaving an impression that lingered long after he had left the store. Though Trae and I were nothing short of exquisite in our own choice of clothing, I couldn't help but ogle my husband.

"Ahem," catching their attention as they turned around, I looked ahead to where we were going and couldn't believe such a place was in such a state. "Is that really the place?"

The place was condemned, abandoned, and left to rot. Not a soul would go near it as the tragedy was passed down over the years of the fire that took hold of countless lives happening here. Solomon nodded, not fazed by the place and Trae showing more curiosity than anything. The path leading to the place was overgrown and shrouded by countless shrubbery. Vines hung low and would obscure anyone's vision trying to come through. Passing through it with ease thanks to Trae and Solomon's hands as blades, I looked at the falling ruins of a mansion before me and barely touched the metal gate before it crumbled at my touch.

"Oh my…" not believing this place to be so decrepit, we walked in carefully and listened for Saya and Haji if they were close by. Though I tried reaching out to Haji like I've always done before, I felt our connection was gone. There was nothing there for me to sense between us and I thought I would feel lonely, but there was nothing.
Ringing

Trae picked up the phone and put it on speaker.
KAI: Hello? Did you guys make it here?

"Yes, Kai, we're here at the entrance now. Have you also arrived?"
KAI: We have. I have Riku with me and David went in a different direction with Lewis. No sign of Haji or Saya though on our end.

"I see. We'll keep an eye out then and be sure not to run into David wither way." Trae looked around before slipping off his coat and letting his wings out. It hurt for a moment that his shirt was torn, but he was sensible keeping his coat untarnished. "I'll take to the skies and see if I can spot them quickly."

"Then we'll remain down below." Solomon held my hand and Trae ended the call and took flight upward as I looked at the fallen ruins of this place a little closely.
It truly would have been a marvel to see in its prime, but the blackened buildings and fallen ruins of towers make it hard to believe it was such a rich environment. Even the garden, overgrown and filled with smells of the small lake was something to dismiss being beautiful once. Passing fallen pillars and finding a peculiar plaza of sorts, remnants of the past laid here as tables eroded to mere twigs, and cloth melded into the ground while silver plates and kettles seemed to be blackened by fire.

"Is this where the incident occurred?" I asked, not knowing if Solomon even knew the answer.

"…as far as what brother Amshel spoke of, this seems to be the place where Joel held his birthday event and Diva killing him here."

"Where it all began then…"
Roaming around thoughtlessly as I looked at the building and found the structure to be far too unstable to venture inside, I wondered around further in until I felt something that made me stop. Solomon stopped as well, his eyes looking around and I looked up to find Trae spiraling down quickly and landing with a loud crack in the cobblestones.

"Mère, Diva is here!"

"Did you see her?" I asked quickly.

"From a distance, she was being carried by James. Should I try contacting Kai and letting him know?"

"…it might be too late for that if she's already here. Do you know the general direction she was at?"

"Yes." He looked towards the East and pointed. "I saw some strange tower-like structures where she was heading towards. I didn't see Haji or Saya from up above."

"Alright. Then let us make haste towards Diva and—" I heard something from the copes of trees and a blur of color pass me as I was pulled into Trae's arms protectively and heard a loud thundering crash behind me.

"Dammit, I missed."
Looking over my shoulder and finding Karl standing up with a deformed arm and a crazed look in his eyes, Solomon coming up behind him with claws extended as the two collided.

"Karl is here?" Trae didn't think Diva would travel with more than one, his expression stated that much.

"Trae, we need to move, now!" I called his attention to me and he held me tight as he opened his wings and leapt up back into the sky. Looking down and seeing Solomon fighting Karl without holding back with me being there, I reached for him in hope he could feel my concern for him. [Please be safe…]

Never would I have thought to get a response.

[I will come for you, mon amour.]
Hearing his voice in my mind and not believing it to be true, I wanted to link with him again as this was a first until Trae began flying away. I felt a thrill of emotions bubble up in me hearing him connect like I've done with Haji. Though I don't know why it's only now when I've tried this before, it made me feel even better that I could connect with him more than I already am.

"There," Trae hovered over the small buildings that connected to a strange tower of sorts. It seemed solid enough, and seeing metal bars for windows made me think this was the place Diva resided at. Before telling Trae to land, a horrific wail of sorrow echoed from the tower and Trae immediately flew to where it came from and we peeked into the window to find Kai sobbing inside.

"Kai?" Trae called out to him and I watched Kai look up and see what he held in his arms. Riku was pale, covered from the neck down in blood as he was drained. Cover your eyes!" Trae made sure he had one arm around me before he used the other to tear the window and the wall entirely off and create an opening to get inside.

"Trae…" Kai's voice broke as he held Riku in his arms and sobbed harder. "Can you save him?" He looked my way and tried asking once more. "Konella?"
My heart felt heavy to answer him. I knew nothing of my capabilities and what I could do to save him. Unlike Saya and Diva, I'm a Chiropteran made by science, and sheer luck that it worked. Would my blood even suffice in healing Riku? Changing him even? There wouldn't be any guaranties and I don't know if I could shoulder such a heavy weight of killing Riku if it didn't work.

"Kai, you have to understand, Konella's blood might not work the same as Saya's… could you bear it? Subject your brother to an instant death if her blood were to kill him?" Trae spoke earnestly and with truth to Kai to have him understand. I could hear Riku's heartbeat becoming slower, and his pulse was weaker each second this took. Before I could speak up on the matter, Kai conceded to it.

"What?"

"Please try it…" he repeated.

"I… alright, but I won't know if it will do anything." I knelt down beside them, taking some of Riku's hair off his face as I gently brushed it aside and looked at Kai's disheartened face. The blood on the ground mixed with the rust of the room was nauseating, but taking a deep breath in and biting my palm I looked at Kai once more to truly confirm this is what he wanted.

"Please…" his eyes on my hand as he watched me bring it to Riku's mouth, I managed to get my blood in but wasn't sure if he was capable of swallowing and needed to lift his chin. "Konella?"

"I'm going to help him drink." Taking some blood in my mouth and giving it to him mouth-to-mouth, I heard Riku gulp and pulled away when Trae took hold of me gently and pulled me back.

In the dim, flickering light of the abandoned prison cell, the air was thick with tension. The centuries-old stone walls, cracked and weathered, bore silent witness to the torment unfolding within their confines. The scent of damp earth and decay lingered in the air, a stark contrast to the life-altering transformation taking place. Kai knelt on the cold, uneven floor, cradling Riku in his arms. Trae and I stood far but near, his expression a mix of determination and fear.

"Don't let go of him," Trae had instructed, his voice steady but underlined with urgency. "Stay by his side through the process."
Riku's body convulsed violently, his frail form thrashing against Kai's grip. The sickening sound of bones snapping and muscles tearing filled the cell, echoing off the stone walls. Each crack and pop were a reminder of the unimaginable agony Riku was enduring. His screams, raw and guttural, reverberated through the space, mingling with the haunting silence of the abandoned prison.

Kai's grip tightened, his knuckles white with the effort of holding Riku steady. His heart pounded in his chest, a frantic rhythm that matched the chaos around him. He whispered words of encouragement, his voice trembling with emotion. "I'm here, Riku. I'm not leaving you."

Trae's jaw clenched as he watched, his hands balled into fists at his sides. The transformation was a harrowing sight, and the uncertainty of its outcome gnawed at his mind. The flickering light cast eerie shadows across his face, highlighting the worry etched into his features. Riku's muscles twisted and contorted, his body writhing in pain. The process was relentless, pushing him to the brink of endurance. His eyes, wide with terror, darted around the cell, seeking solace in the company surrounding him. The veins beneath his skin pulsed with newfound intensity, the blood coursing through him like a raging river.

Kai's hold never wavered, his presence a beacon of stability amidst the chaos. He could feel Riku's heartbeat, each thud a testament to the struggle for life and transformation. The moments stretched into an eternity, each second laden with suspense and dread. Finally, after what felt like an age, the convulsions began to subside. Riku's screams turned to ragged breaths, his body slowly coming to rest. The cell fell into an eerie silence, broken only by the sound of their labored breathing. Riku's transformation was complete, but the memory of the torment would forever linger in their minds.

"Is… did it work?" Kai spoke with shaken words as he looked up at us from the ordeal and was shaking.

Trae kneeled down, checking Riku's pulse and the puncture wounds left from Diva that were now gone. He looked back at me, wondering if I knew I could tell and I opened my mouth to speak when the only feeling I could grasp was relief.

"I… I feel him. There's something here that let's me know he's alive." Tears escaped me and I quickly wiped them away as I knelt down as well. "Riku has become my first chevalier." An odd affirmation, but worthwhile as Kai exhaled his relief and started crying again out of joy. "Kai, I can't promise you anything that he'll be the same. But he's alive."

"Haha, that's all that matters to me." His hand quickly found mine and pulled it close. "I know I asked you for the impossible, but thank you. Thank you for saving my little brother."