Neko Tales

[misuki]

PROLOGUE

　

1943. The world of man is steadily getting larger, more advanced. As their technology grows, their respect for nature dwindles. Their greedy natures wanting more, wanting things bigger, better. The world that once was ruled by magic, was dying out slowly, as man's lust for more grew bigger with every passing day. Sorcerers were scarce, many going into a solitary life to avoid change, sticking to the old, abandoned, run down castles or caves that still dotted the landscape. The few sorcerers left were easily manipulated by the reclusive vampires, the elder vampires were adept at mind manipulation, and often used sorcerers, and other vampires, as pawns, directing them to do their bidding.

　

Demons who once roamed the land freely now stuck to themselves, using their vast magical spells to mask their natures. The beings once revered as gods, protectors, were now sought after as murderers, wrongdoers, sinners. Angered, the Demons were now mostly evil, wreaking havoc upon any human unwise enough to come near, intent upon showing the humans of their grave mistake in forsaking their protection. Among the various races that dotted the planet, the most common non-human race was the Nekos. They were a peaceful, feline-like race that wanted nothing to do with the world of the humans, or their ever growing technology. They generally disliked them, for they destroyed forests, and took over other villages, all to make room for themselves.

　

The only ones the Nekos fought, were the vampires. From what I remember from the tales’ father told me when I was younger, we were all one type. One single race. Then, for reasons unknown to me, our blood started changing. Our elders were forced to bring in some human scientists to help try to figure out why it was happening. The ones born with the gene were stronger and faster, and more agile than their counterparts. As time went on, they bred, and their children didn't look like us at all. They were taller, with long, pointed human-shaped ears, no tails, long fangs, and yellow hued feral eyes. Their skin was generally darker, and they had slight, animal-like muzzles, instead of normal noses and mouths like us. The villages shunned them, forcing them out to fend for themselves, after one particular incident. A young Neko female had been walking home late one night, and had been attacked by one of the vampires. Her throat had been slashed and her blood drained completely. After that, we shut out the humans forever.

　

My name is Ari Katalakos, and I was born into the neko village of Lykios. I was the surviving child of 3. My brother and sister died when I was a kitten, but mother and father never said why exactly, only that it had been a rare blood disease. I was one of our villages most promising students, being very adept with the use of ice based magic, various fight styles, and archery. I was often picked on because of my small size, but what I lacked in size, I made up for in agility. I am a quiet person, but I am by no means unfriendly, and like all in my village, I know the basics of herb based healing. I often would help out around the village, helping the healer gather herbs, or other small tasks. Village life was simple, but comforting, as we did not associate with humans, and thusly knew little of their strange, unknown "technology". My mother and father often whispered to me every night that I was special, and unique, but would never tell me why.

　

Growing up, I had one friend, Micha. He was one of my closest friends, and like me, he was often picked on due to his small size, but he was one of the smartest nekos I knew. We both had troubles making friends, and promised to always be there for one another. He had auburn hair, and green eyes, speckled with yellow. He was very skinny, and kind of small, which bothered him. I always told him he'd grow up to be big, like his father. When I was 9, he and his family were brutally murdered in the dead of night. I cried for weeks over the loss of my one close friend in the world. The one person other than my parents, who truly understood me. My thoughts often strayed back to him, and the fun times we shared.

　

On one spring morning, the healer had asked me if I could fetch some herbs for her that morning, as was my normal routine. Mother had given me some money to grab a few items for dinner on my way back. Humming to myself as I snipped my herbs, I placed them in my pouch. I studied myself in a small pond nearby and gazed down at myself. Slender hips, a long, sleek, black tail, long straight black hair, an oval face, and long, fuzzy, black feline ears. As I gazed into my blue, amber studded eyes, I smiled, happy with my looks. Just then, I had heard a great boom, that shook the earth, rattling it so badly, clouds of dust covered the area, choking out all within its depths. Ducking down, I covered my ears, and whimpered. Once the dust settled quietly back into the ground, I stood, and froze in fear, my instincts screaming at me to flee. Smelling smoke, I raced back to my village, and could do nothing but stare, frozen in place at the grueling sight before me. Looking around, what I saw then was not fit for my young, 13-year-old eyes. The smell of blood and burning flesh gagged me instantly. Pieces of bodies were flung everywhere, and the houses were all aflame. Frightened, I ran for my house, to find nothing but a pile of rubble. I searched everywhere, but not a soul could be found alive. I took off then, with nothing but my small pouch of herbs, my bow, the money in my pocket, and the knowledge I was the last I knew of my kind. A year after the massacre, I had done naught but train, and collect bits and pieces of information on who or what destroyed my village.

　

During my travels to the next town, I was kidnapped by a vampire, where I learned who, and more importantly why I was hunted. Skreyas hated my kind, and was actively seeking my death, all for revenge, over something that had happened long before my birth. I had no control over what my mother had done, and was angry over the fact he was taking it out on me. Chained up in my tiny cell, with nothing but a tiny, barred window, I wondered if I would ever get out, find out why everyone had been after my race. Every night, the vampire would pin me down, drain me almost dry, lash out at me in anger. I was thankful for the nights he just drained me. Other nights still make me cringe, for he would have his goons drag me from my cell, into a room, where they tortured me in various ways, taking pleasure in my obvious cries of pain.

　

I spent 2 years in that hell hole, being systematically fed on and tortured trying to hold on to whatever sanity I had left. My excellent hearing picked up on many of Dimitrus's conversations, one in particular I kept in my memory. When Skreyas learned I was still alive, he demanded Dimitrus turn me over to him, and in return he'd not kill Dimitrus. After my nightly torture and draining, I felt a sudden, shocking surge of energy surround my body, and I kicked him angrily in the stomach, and he flew backwards, into a wall. Dimitrus tried to kill me in anger, tearing a hole in my throat with his fangs, and slashing my arms with his clawed hands. I'd managed to hide a scrap of metal found carelessly dropped on the floor by one of his goons. I slit his throat before he could drain me entirely, and he stumbled off, instinct demanding retreat. I summoned enough strength to slip out unnoticed from my cell.

　

Weak from blood loss, I barely managed to escape, seeking shelter in a cave. I passed out then, not knowing my life would soon change forever. I woke up a few nights later, and crawled up to a small pool of water to quench my thirst. What I saw shocked me. My eyes were a golden color, with bits of blue and silver, my canines had elongated noticeably, my hair was now streaked with a deep crimson red, and my ears had gotten longer and skinnier. I put my hand up against my mouth, surprised, and saw my nails had gotten longer as well. Shocked, I jumped to my feet, but as I was still weakened, I slipped, and struck my head on a rock. I spent the next 4 years searching out information on where to find Skreyas, and find answers as to why he destroyed my village.

　

CHAPTER 1

　

A few days ago, I had taken shelter from a terrible storm in a cave, where I was surprised to meet a fairly young looking demon whose name was Vince. He was much taller than my short, 5'6 frame, with somewhat short, blonde hair that was forever tousled in his face and stuck up in all directions, and stormy blue-grey eyes that seemed to go on forever like an endless void. He was broad shouldered, and wore a black trench coat to cover up his bat-like wings. I never saw him without that black trench coat on either, it was like a security thing I guess. He told me a little of himself, and where he was heading. His mother, who'd been unaware of being pregnant at the time, had been the victim of an experiment, to combine humans and demons. She'd escaped when she found out, and when he was born, she hated the monster she'd given birth to. Not wanting to deal with the ridicule or being considered an outcast, she abandoned him. He'd been raised by an orphanage, where kids were cruel, and the adults turn a deaf ear. After speaking more, we discovered we were searching for the same person. Skreyas, he'd learned, might have knowledge of where he could find out where the facility who'd been responsible for what he was.

　

In the town, he bullied people into giving him the information we needed. I must admit, though his ways may be a bit... rougher than mine, they do work wonders. When we got to a cave for the night, I told him of my past. My village, the time with Dimitrus. How he tortured me, fed from me. He did something that shocked me to the core, when I was done, he hugged me. I hadn’t been hugged since the morning of the massacre. Looking at him, he looked away, a slight blush on his face. I was curious, but decided not to ask anything about it, I could tell the action embarrassed him a bit. He definitely is someone I'm glad I befriended. He may be a little rougher, but it didn’t bother me any.

　

We arrived at the castle on the fourth day. It seemed in great disrepair. Great chunks of towers were missing, and it was overgrown, like the very forest itself was reclaiming lost ground. I fell silent then, remembering my hometown. Vince asked that I stay behind some ways, as he didn't want me getting hurt. I was slightly offended, but smiled and nodded to let him think I'd listen. He does not know of my secret, yet. We walked up to the one building still standing. As I stepped through the doorway, I noticed the door was rotting off its hinges. Looking around, cobwebs clung to every corner and piece of furniture they could. I heard the scratching of rats and other creatures, scurrying to escape our notice. Upon closer inspection, it seemed to have once been a temple of sorts. The once elegant stained glass windows all broken and covered with decades of dust, the rows of pews broken and rotting in place.

　

Vince seemed to be able to sense where Skreyas would have been hiding, and I followed him silently, wary for anything that might leap from the shadows. I noticed a lit room towards the back. As if he knew I was following, he turned back, his eyes narrowing a bit. Giving me a "do not disobey me" look, he whispers, “Wait here, and I'll be back for you soon." He turned away from me and headed towards where the man was sure to be. Worried for his safety, I snuck closer. I heard him talking with the sorcerer, asking about the location of the science facility, and how he could get there. I could hear the wavering fear in his voice as he answered Vince's questions. When Vince had his answers, he chuckled, and I could almost hear the smirk in his voice as he said, "This is for Ari, you sorry bastard." I entered then, and looked around. Seeing a charred corpse, I knew it was Skreyas's. Looking through papers, and shelves, I found a small document. Opening it, I read a bit about other Nekos who had been taken to another facility, in some far off town I hadn’t heard of. Tucking it away for later, I told what I'd found to Vince, he nodded and we were off.



　

CHAPTER 2

　

Stopping for the night in a rundown tower, we discussed our plan of action. I woke the next night and took notice of the tower I was in. Part of the roof had caved in at one point, and was now hanging onto a support beam by a thread, and part of another tower was leaning heavily onto this one. I could hear the slight groans and scraping as they swayed slightly in old age. Moss and tufts of grass could be seen scattered about the floor, marking this tower as one would mark a site for destruction. I headed out taking one last look at the castle, wondering what it had looked like in its prime compared to the rotting overgrown mess it was now.

　

Walking along the road that night we were lucky enough to happen upon a caravan headed to their next destination. Vince stayed out of site so as to not alert any suspicions. I lured one of the men out into a dark clearing where I knew nobody would see me, and fed. I set his body down near the camp, made him look as if he fell asleep, and we made our way to the nearest town. Arriving a few days later we spent the evening asking the locals of the city where this address might be found, and I was displeased to find out that it was a great deal further away than I had thought it would be. I was fortunate a week later to find Dimitrus. Channeling my power, I fought him. Asking him questions, he refused to answer, claiming to not know me. I soon jogged his memory, and it now lies scattered in the winds, never to haunt another creature with its tainted evil.

　

Two weeks later we arrive at New Haven and I immediately take notice of the frantic cries of the townspeople. Grabbing a hysterical woman, I demand, "What is going on?" "The science building suddenly caught on fire!" she replied in a shaky, frightened voice, before wrenching out of my grasp and running off. Dread swirls around in the pit of my stomach as I realize what this would mean for the ones I'd been searching for, and I take off in the direction of the tower of smoke rising into the night, Vince close behind me. This is no coincidence, I thought to myself, someone knows we're searching for answers. A lone figure was seen escaping, but before I could react the building gave one last great groan, and I watched as it gave in and collapsed and caused the earth to give one mighty shudder, the sounds of metal and wood echoing like hail throughout the night, taking all the knowledge it contained, along with our hopes of further information with it.

　

I turn around when I heard footsteps and hid, not wanting to get into a confrontation with whoever could be behind this, and was relieved that it was Vince. I stood up then, and he looked at me, I could see that he was noticeably bothered by what had happened. "Are you ok?" I asked him softly, my voice full of concern. He stood there for a few moments, saying nothing but his eyes expressing everything. I walked up to him, and wrapped my small arms around him, embracing him in a hug like he had done to me. "I am going to see what they know, Vince. You should do the same. The more we know, the better." With that said, I proceeded to head to the nearby locals to see what they knew. When I had my information, we set out in the direction I'd seen the man go.

　

As Vince and I headed towards the direction the individual ran off in, I heard great rumbling quite some ways away. Instantly aware of what it was, I grabbed Vince and pulled him off to a ditch nearby. " Hide your energy, NOW" I hiss out, in a demanding, yet worried tone. He gives me a puzzled look, but complies, nonetheless.

　

Trucks appear off in the distance, and I tense. During my inquiry of the previous town, I had heard of a group of so-called scientists the locals called quacks. Apparently they were working to cure some horrifying disease. During my travels, I had heard of a group of humans who hunted down any creatures not human for the sheer thrill of the hunt. As the trucks draw closer to us, my gaze hardens as I remember one gruesome tale I'd heard involving them and a young couple. She was just like me in a way, but she was a race I hadn’t recognized from the descriptions given to me. She'd been taken against her own will but she was not tortured by a crazed lunatic, but rather she was taken by her lover consumed by the desire to be with her forever. The Hunters had gotten wind of them and found his home where both were tortured for many nights. Her lover had gotten a piece of metal, and offered to end her suffering, but she refused, saying she wanted to be with him until the end. Both were brutally ended in cold blood a few nights later.

　

I glance over at Vince, who was still a bit confused, and explained to him briefly. “They are an army of blood-thirsty sadistic humans who capture and torture any and all non-humans they can find. They have a particularly strong group of humans trained to detect any amount of power emanating off of a being not human." I explain softly and look at the large group of trucks heading this way, creating a cloud of dust thick enough to choke the life from any being caught in it. As they get close, I dare not move a muscle, as I knew, strong as I might be, I'd not be able to take on the whole force of them Vince or not. The trucks neared, large, boxy, metallic things with an open back area the tarps flapping in the breeze, with the whole thing colored a camouflage green and brown. I could see the humans sitting in the back, talking about their latest kills, what they'd do if they found one, and such things. I looked over at my companion, saw the rage and bloodlust in his eyes, and dug my nails into his arm. He gave a quiet hiss of annoyance, and glared angrily at me but calmed down, and I sent him a silent warning in my eyes to stay low.

　

The large trucks passed, but a smaller, enclosed vehicle stopped as it neared the entrance, and 6 humans emerged and the largest, a male with long dark hair and a buff looking frame, got out and proceeded to give orders, and they split up. A smaller human, a female with short purple hair, and an average sized male with wavy crimson hair, start to walk over to our general location. Steeling myself, I gesture to Vince to slowly back up, as I point to a nearby clearing of bushes. Sweat drips down my brow, as two of them head in our direction. Wishing silently that they'd turn around, I dared not move. It was all in vain, as they stumbled upon us, and with a look of determination, Vince tells me to run.

　

　

CHAPTER 3

　

I hesitate, not wishing to abandon my friend, but as if he knows something I do not, he growls at me to leave while I can. Glancing back at Vince who'd begun fighting the two Hunters, a look of sadness and worry pass across my face, as I wonder what will become of the person who I'd come to view as a close friend. Cursing to myself in anger, I'd let my guard slip when I was arguing with Vince. A hunter with dark hair and a mask over most of his face was running after me. Vowing silently to rescue Vince, I mask my energy and hide in the dense overgrowth of the forest, hoping to catch the Hunter by surprise. Creeping silently closer to where he's standing, I pull out my bow, and ready an arrow, and as I stalk the hunter, I smirk a bit. The hunter is now the hunted. He wanders further away from me, my ears flicking in the direction I hear him walking in, and I speed up, wanting to reach him quickly, my tail twitching in silent agitation.

　

I hear him, he is close, and I notch an arrow, letting it soar silently and effortlessly to its intended target. Hitting the man in the shoulder, I curse in my head for my missed shot, and the fact that I've given away my position. He rushed me, with an elegant katana in hand, and I leapt back as he swung, the slice echoing in the silence of the night. Using my agility, adrenaline rush, and small frame to my advantage, I dodge effortlessly for a while. Summoning a small sword with my magic, I get into a stance. Hardening my gaze, I stand there, proud and ready for him.

　

He swung down hard, and I parry his attack, and counter with a stab of my own, grazing his side. Angered, he retaliates with a series of swift movements, and manages to catch me in the arm. Blood streaming down my left arm, I steel myself, and rush him, swinging my weapon in an arc, and cut his arm deeply. Swinging down hard, the sheer power of it rattles my small frame, causing my sword to vanish. While I was recovering from my momentary shock, he manages to catch me in the stomach, and I used what energy I had left to summon a dagger-size shard made of ice into his chest, causing him to cry out and stumble off into the forest, his survival instincts overriding his desire to kill me, and I collapse as the blood loss and energy drain catching up to me. The last thing I remember, is regret over not being able to save Vince, and worrying over what they'll do to him, as I slip into unconsciousness.

　

Blackness. An eerie void of nothingness that makes one want to go mad, no sound, no touch, no soothing night wind to embrace me. I shout, but nobody answers my cries for help, and I walk around in this void of endlessness for what seems like days, months, even. Suddenly, a sharp pain in my side startles me, and everything gets a blinding white glow, and I awaken then, the pain in my side overwhelming my other senses, dizzy and weak with blood loss, I force myself on my feet. 'I have to keep going', I tell myself, 'the Hunters will surely find me here.' I tear a strip of cloth from my black dress, and wrap it in a makeshift bandage in a vain attempt to stem the heavy blood flow, and slowly walk into the direction opposite of where I thought he'd headed in. Stumbling over a tree root, I fall again, only to pick myself up. 'I am a neko warrior, I am strong and I will not fall yet, I must have revenge upon the Hunters for their misdeeds.' I tell myself. I keep going for a bit, and stop as I start losing my sight, sitting on a small, moss covered stump to catch my breath. Looking down at the crimson stain growing larger across my torso, and at my arm, the blood partially drying and seeping slowly, my thoughts trail back to Vince again.

　

Closing my eyes, I try to concentrate on feelings and memories of happiness to distract myself from my pain, but those too, have been clouded by pain and suffering. The pain causing my memories of happier times to become faded, the faces not so sharp and the feelings were dull in my weakened state. Clutching my side, I take a pained breath and struggle to my feet, my legs shaking with the effort to stand. The wind blows soft, soothing caresses onto my flushed face. The only sound I hear is my own harsh labored breathing. It seemed like hours of walking, endless trees and bushes passing by grabbing at my arms and legs, before I found the end of the forest. My eyesight gets more clouded with every step, the pain in my side now overwhelms my small frame, my head throbbing painfully, as my mind screams with the need for fresh blood. I reach the edge when I trip over a rock, crying out in pain as I fall to the ground in a dull thud. Crawling back to my feet in agony, I take one last pained step, before I collapse, my body unwilling to take any more. My mind tries to will my legs to work, my arms to lift myself up. My last thoughts are those of regret. Regret over Vince, over not being able to find out if I am the last, not being able to stop the experiments, and the thought that I will never know what it means to love, and I close my eyes, clutching the grass in anger, and a single tear escapes my eyes, sliding down. A silent witness to my suffering, and I close my eyes, and am once again lost in the darkness, the emptiness that is unconsciousness.

　

　

CHAPTER 4

　

When I came to, the hunger and need for blood hit me full force, my fangs protruding slightly. Groaning with painfully stiff muscles I open my eyes look around. Confusion overrides thought as I try to process where I am. I appear to be in a small basement, a few chairs, and a mat are the only furnishings, a few candles lit the room, their shadows dancing playfully on the walls, and a few cobwebs clinging persistently to the cracks and crevices. For the most part, it seems immaculate, everything put in a place, almost perfectly. 'Whoever owns this place must take good care of it,' I think musingly, and sit up, my head spinning for a few moments making me nauseous. I stand up slowly, hissing in pain, as my worst wound has yet to close, and my muscles stiff with not being used. "How long have I been out?' I wonder as I take a few steps stretching carefully, noting the t-shirt I now was wearing seeming more like a dress on me.

　

Wondering where I am, and who brought me here, I began to start a few of my simpler exercises when suddenly a low, slightly amused tone voices out, "You should not be up yet you know, you've been out for 2 weeks. I don't want to have to patch you up all over again. It was messy enough the first time." Chuckling a bit, he descends the stairs, shaking his head. Watching him warily, I note he smells human, his blood calling out to me like sirens calling out to sailors on the sea. I hear his heartbeat, as if tempting me to taste the sweet nectar of his life force, and my fangs elongate slightly. I back away in fear, not wanting to hurt the person who saved my life, but the hunger drives me closer, my instincts trying to overcome my will, and common sense.

　

Looking me over, he seems to note my wary, yet hungry posture, "What exactly are you, girl? I've not met anyone with cat ears, or a tail." Huffing indignantly, I glare at him. "I am the last known survivor of the proud Neko race. My name is Ari Katalakos. Now, if you'll excuse me, I must feed before my hunger overrides my good will towards you." My voice dry, scratchy, and aching a bit from not being used. From severe hunger I move towards the stairs, determined to show I didn't need help. He grabs my arm as I near him, and I look at him closely for the first time. Dark wavy hair that curled at the ends, tousled over sparkling hazel eyes. A strong jaw, and nicely defined cheek bones. I can make out a faint scar over one eye, but that adds to his looks. I raise my eyebrow waiting for my release. "You aren't strong enough to make it to town yet, Ari believe me. We are long ways from anywhere, and judging from your wounds, and personal experiences, you would collapse. I am reluctant to do so, but feed from me, as I don't want to have to bury you. It would be more work than I care to do right now." He looks at me calmly, a strange look in his eyes and releases my arm, offering his wrist silently.

　

I study him once more before making the few steps to him, and pull his arm towards me, noting he is quite tall, and sink my teeth quickly into his wrist, his blood flowing into my mouth tasting sweeter than any I'd ever had previously. I drink a few minutes, like a starving person would gulp water, the blood flowing into me, energizing me, closing my wounds, and removing any aches. I close it with a swirl of my tongue, silently noting to ask him about his blood at a later date, and step back, a healthy glow staining my cheeks. "Thank you. I never got your name, by the way. What is it?" I ask in my quiet, soft tone, and he looks at me with a heavy lidded gaze, smirking. "It’s Jet. Jet Blackstone, Miss Ari. Now what were you doing all alone, in the middle of nowhere?" I look at him for a moment, and look away, studying a wall. Something compelled me to tell the truth to the man before me, and I speak up, my voice soft, but strong and light.

　

"I was traveling with a friend, when we got ambushed by one of the Hunters, a group who tracks down and tortures and kills anything not human. Two of them had stumbled upon our hiding place, and he sacrificed himself to save me. One of them followed me, and I fought him, I injured him severely, and he retreated. When I was able, I escaped as far as I could, and collapsed where you found me." "I've heard of the Hunters, and you're lucky to have survived. I was out hunting dinner at the time when I stumbled upon you. I was sure you were dead, and was shocked to find you barely alive." He replies in his low, velvety tone. "We were going to track down an individual, a man, who came out of the science building right before it collapsed. Do you know anything of that?" I asked, looking at him, noting he seemed to get his color back rather quickly. “I will tell you everything I know a bit later, Miss Ari. For now, though, I would like to eat, as feeding you has left me with quite an appetite." With that, he got up, leaving me to my own devices.

　

　

CHAPTER 5

　

A week has passed since I first woke up, and I had decided that I had been relaxing often enough. Looking around, I clear a space, and summon an elegant katana of ice, and start going through my exercises, slowly at first, then speeding up. After about 15 minutes, I whirl around and my blade meets another. I look up and Jet looks down at me, a smirk crossing his face. A bead of sweat travels down my brow, as I move into a stance, and wait for his move. "So you like swords, hmm? Let’s see how skilled you are, little cat." He says in a teasing tone, his eyes flashing like gems in the candle light. With that, he thrusts his own katana at me, and I parry with ease, and counterattack effortlessly. After a few minutes, sweat dripping from both our bodies, he manages to knock my blade from my hands, and it vanishes with a small pop. Looking at him, I smile, and get into a fighting stance.

　

He waited there for a moment studying me, and I smirk as he suddenly moves, almost landing a punch. Ducking low to avoid it, I manage to knock him off balance, which he regains quickly. Jabbing him in the side with a quick hit, I leap to the side to avoid another hit. As he turned to look at me, he grinned, and flashed away, appearing behind me, hitting me in the chest, and I flew backwards, twisting in mid-air, I land on my feet, and grin. Pushing myself forward, I use all my momentum and land a blow straight to his chest, and he's sent flying backwards. He does not land so gracefully, and ends up in a heap on the floor, but just as quickly recovers, and jumps to his feet grinning.

　

Exchanging blows for a while, he landed a hit that sent me to the ground. Walking up to me, he held out a hand and helped me up. "There's more to you than meets the eyes, Miss Ari. Nobody's given me such a good workout in a long time. So thanks. I might just have to keep you to myself, so I have a good workout partner." With that said, he winked boyishly at me and proceeded to walk upstairs. I stared at him, my face burning brightly, as it was a different kind of interaction, one I was unaccustomed to. "Shower's up here, if you're interested!" He called out from upstairs. Venturing up there, I saw the rest of his house was sparsely furnished. Jet walked up to me, and handed me some clothing. "Here, it’s a bit big, but I don't normally have guests either." Nodding to him, I stalked towards the restroom, looking forward to a long shower, as I felt quite sticky with dirt, old blood, and sweat.

　

After we were both freshly showered, he leads me into a small living room of sorts. I look at him and inquire as to why his house has so little in it, and why he doesn’t have any electricity like other humans. "Well, I get sent away a lot, so I never have the time to look for stuff. And as far out as I live, electricity won’t go this far. I have what I need. When I retire, most likely I will buy more stuff. Now, about the gentleman you spoke of. I am going to assume he's in hiding, as the Hunters are looking for him as well. They don't take kindly to his experimenting, and now that he's the last one left of the group of scientists, they got the excuse they needed to be able to get rid of everything. One big accident if you will. A tragic collapse kills all inside. Now, Miss Ari, why are you getting yourself involved in this mess, hmm?" I sighed, and looked away. "I'd read in a journal of other Nekos being drug into the building a few years ago. I'd been searching for clues in New Haven, when it happened." Jet looked at me, seeming to be thinking about something. "Well, since I've been unofficially asked to look into that matter myself," he paused then and a dark look flashes swiftly past his handsome features, "how about you stick with me, hmm? Save you some trouble of searching for scraps on your own." "I can manage just fine on my own, Jet. I've been alone for 6 years, surviving. I would, however, like help if your offering it. Two minds think better than one." I say to him quietly. With that said, he nods, and bids me good night.

　

　

CHAPTER 6

　

After weeks of searching fruitlessly for scraps of clues, we finally had the breakthrough we'd been looking for. Jet often left, sometimes for days on end, to ask the locals questions, and usually came back with nothing. On those days, I usually practiced my techniques, or exploring nearby. I'd always ask to go with him, and he always said next time. He'd finally found someone, a local inn keeper, who'd mentioned a worried looking older gentleman checking into his hotel one evening a week ago. Finally, he allowed me to go with him, something I found odd, for he had always said no before. Packing up my things, Jet and I head over to the hotel to persuade the manager to give us any additional information we might find useful... Jet is quite good at getting what he wants to know out of people. When we arrive, I take note of how run-down it looks, and the obviously overworked look of all the employees.

　

Laying a hand on Jet's arm, I whisper, "Be nice to them, they don't look like they have it easy. They might spill all they know for the right persuasion. The owner is more than likely a greedy old man, who underpays and overworks." Rolling his eyes, he nodded at me, and walked up to the front desk, being watched over by an elderly lady with wildly curly baby blue hair, and large, thick tortoise shell glasses. "May I help you, Sir?" she asks Jet in a scratchy, tired tone. Jet smiles warmly, and pulls me to his side, causing me to blush, but put on a happy smile. I know he's acting, and pretend to look adoringly at him. "My wife and I are looking for a room for the night. Our transportation broke down, and won’t be ready till tomorrow. Would you happen to have a room ready, ma'am?" he replies in his smooth, velvety voice. She nods, and he uses her distraction as a tactic, and asks her, "My uncle came here about a week ago, and we've been looking for him. He's supposed to come to my sister's wedding, and he's not responded to her invitation. Do you know where he went? He's a scientist-looking type, dark hair, glasses, worried, harried expression permanently etched into his face?" She looks up, a worried expression passes across her face fleetingly, before she shakes her head no. Jet turns up the charm, and soon has her spilling everything she knows.

　

　

Once we had what we needed, we headed off to our room. When we step into our room, I look around, noticing one bed, and a tiny bathroom. Investigating further, I note the wallpaper peeling from the walls, faded, scraggly carpeting, and chips in the wood. It had a stale odor, like it hasn't been fixed up in a long while. Walking into the bathroom, was more of the same. Paint chipping from the walls, and the linoleum floor faded with overuse. After a fast shower, we sat down on the bed, and reviewed what we knew, coming up with a strategy for tomorrow. I fed from Jet again, I think I might be addicted to his blood, it seems so much richer than any other humans blood. Or it could be I'm partial, as I actually enjoy his company, I'm not sure.

　

The next morning, we both awoke refreshed, and ready to follow our new trail. Jet stopped at a store, buying supplies for himself, as well as some things we might both use. He is quite intimidating with his sword, I must admit. The thing is almost as large as me! He left it hidden last night, not wanting to scare people before we got a chance to ask around. To be honest with myself, I'd have not guessed he'd used such a large weapon, as he did not look like he was that overly muscled. He was lean, but not overly so, but he definitely was well muscled, with scars painted across his upper half. I did not mind them, I told him this, I could tell he was self-conscious about them. I have a few myself, from when I was a kitten, being trained to use weaponry. Trying to get my mind off Jet, I think back on our plan. We know someone is following us, but as Jet seems to not be concerned, I ignore it.

　

　

CHAPTER 7

　

Walking later that night, we had spent the last few hours losing the man following us, successfully. Finding a cave that night, we stop, and enter it. I look at the formations, their shadows dancing on the wall reflected by our small fire, and the light making them look like sparkling jewels. Jet has been inspecting the cave, looking for whereabouts to the location of the man. I look over to see him returning, and he has a serious look on his face. Getting up, I walk over to him, anxiousness and curiosity in my voice as I search his eyes, "Did you find anything?" Looking down at me, a cold, unreadable expression in his dark, brooding eyes. "Yea, Miss Ari, I have. I think you need to see this." With that he turns on his heels, and I follow, curious as to what he's found, but my instincts were screaming to be cautious.

　

Following behind him, I look at the cave, its high ceilings, carved by nature’s own hands, the formations, all different, looking like silent statues, or sentries, guarding their posts. I get to where he's standing and look. It appears to be an office, or a primitive lab of sorts. Looking around at broken test-tubes littered everywhere, the place was littered with paper, strewn about, as if someone was searching for something. Thinking musingly, I steps forward, picking my way past broken glass, I kneels down, and looks at some of the papers. "Someone set up a lab here, and judging by the looks of it, was here not too long ago. Where would he have gone?" Just then, I see Jet tense up tighter than a bowstring, and he looks at me with a serious, unemotional expression. "Stay here, Miss Ari. Do not follow me." Leaving me with a puzzled look, he turns and runs off to where we'd set up camp. Never being one to follow orders, as I'd been alone too long, I grab a small, suspicious looking book and mask my energy, silently creeping closer towards his direction.

　

I felt then, four strong energies, coming from the direction of the campsite, and move a little faster, being careful to not lose the element of surprise. What I see surprises me. Jet is standing there conversing with three other individuals. They seem to have impatient tones in their voices as they ask where "she" is. My cat-like hearing picks up on their conversation, "Jet. I'm not gonna ask you again. Where is the girl you were ordered to patch up and bring back to headquarters?" the dark-haired man growled, his tone angry and out of patience. "Relax, Hito. Lord M will get her when she's well. You have my word." Jet replies to him, in a cold, dark tone. "Ey, Hito! Ee's fallen for her!" the blonde comments laughing in an odd accent. "I think you're right, Sachiko. You can see it in his eyes." the third man, a red-head answers, laughing loudly. I hear Jet growl, and can almost feel the angry glare he must be giving them. "I have not fallen for Ari, gentlemen. I merely am leading her on, to further my own goals, and that of Lord M. There is a reason I was chosen to escort her, and not you three. For one, I can act. Two, none of you can handle women... Jet's voice trails off, as my mind starts racing.

　

My heart started to race, he was talking about me? Jet was betraying me this whole time? My head races with thoughts, and my chest gets heavy with betrayal, anger, sadness, and I start to tear up. 'Why would he do this to me? He acted like he truly cared for me.' Unable to stay hidden, I summon a dagger, and race from my hiding spot, and straight at Jet. "You bastard! How dare you do that to me. I trusted you. Cared for you, like I hadn't about anyone else before. And this is how you show it? Betraying me!" Looking at Jet my blade pointed at him, a hardened, angry expression on my face, as he turns to me. "Ari, damnit! I told you to stay away. Why were you listening in?" "I was worried for your safety. Silly me. Seems you have things under control here. I'll take my leave of you, Jet." With that, I turn to head back where I came from, when a hand grabs my arm forcefully. "Well, my cover may be blown, but that does not mean you're going anywhere, kitten. You're needed by Lord M, and to him you'll go, whether by force or willingly. You're choice." Jet's cold, emotionless voice wraps around me like chains.

　

Suddenly, something in me snaps, and I felt the same surge of energy now, that I had not felt since the night I escaped Dimitrus. Ripping my arm from his grasp, I turn to him disgust, and hatred evident in my voice as I speak. "You will not be taking me whatsoever, Jet." I growled his name, and narrowed my eyes, "I will be going from here. And you'll let me go." As I spoke, I noticed my voice get a tiny bit more animalistic sounding, and look Jet in the eyes. Worry passes his face fleetingly, as he spoke. "Why would I do that? We both know who'd win in a fight. It'd be easier to give in and come along quietly. I don’t want you killed." Feeling confidant, I take a small step forward. "One last spar, Jet. If you win, I'll go with you quietly. If I win, I go free." My voice speaking words I knew would be far too tempting for him to resist. Not speaking, he nods, and gets into a now familiar stance. Smirking slightly, I do the same, and we take off.

　

As we begin, I note that it was unusually easy to dodge his blows, and land them much swifter than before. I watch him, my keen eyes picking up every detail. Throwing some small Ice daggers at him, I leap forward, landing a blow on his chest, causing him to smash against the walls of the cave, making dust and debris fall from the ceilings as if it was trying to escape. He jumps up coming back at me with his large sword in hand. Dodging his attacks, the tip of his weapon caught me in the arm, and I summon my own, to fight back. He charges, and our weapons clash with an angry scraping noise, as mine directs his away from my body. As we fight, I can tell he's tiring. I feel slightly winded, but not nearly as bad. Suddenly, the events from earlier come flooding back, and I cannot contain my anger, and jump at Jet, a small blur of black. Knocking him on his back, I put my sword into his neck, a feral, hateful look on my face as I gaze into his hazel orbs. "Been holding back, hmm? Ari? I see I'm not the only one with secrets. No wonder Lord M wants you so badly..." He trails off as the tip of my shimmering Ice sword digs deeper into his throat. "In my village, betrayal was one of the worst things you could do. We cast them out to fend for themselves with naught but a dagger and their life. Some would beg, and plead on their knees to come back. Others accepted their wrongs and left without a glance..." I trail off, and look down at him. Looking into his eyes, I see a flash of sadness and something else I can't identify pass through him. "Just go, Jet. Go before I change my mind and end your life as my instincts tell me I should." Knowing he's beaten, he takes off in a flash, and I go forward, continuing my search.

　

　

　

CHAPTER 8

　

I was thankful I happened upon a tiny town an hour later. It was nothing more than a few small houses, an Inn, and a store. Walking to the Inn, I pull a few coins out of the tiny pouch on my hip, and give them to the elderly man inside. He passes me a key wordlessly, a questioning look on his face, probably wondering as to why there is a small female checking in at such a late hour. Grabbing it, I smile at him, and locate my room. After checking for traps, my thoughts stray back to the earlier events. Jet had been a hunter all along, and some reason, Lord M wants me. Unsure of why, I shake my head and go to shower. After a shower, I dry the tub, and grab the blankets and pillows from the bed, and curl up pulling out the book, which turns out is a log of what has been done to whom, and where they're located. My heart leaping to my throat, I turn to the more recent ones, and find entries on my companion, Vince. Sobbing at what they've done to him, the injections, and experiments he's endured, I decide immediately to head to the facility where I know him now to be and free him from the torture and pain he's had to endure at the hands of the sick and twisted scientists. I've also learned that they're trying to make super-humans. Beings who will wordlessly follow orders, and be able to take more damage, and deal out more damage than an average human can. Wondering who the "Lord M" was the Hunters mentioned earlier, I fall into a dreamless rest.

　

Waking just after sunset the next night, I set out to the city called Karuma, where Vince has been taken, and formulate a plan to free him. I believe posing as a scientist is the best solution, and will forge papers myself stating Vince is to be transferred to another facility for further experimentation. Thinking back to Jet, a silent tear escapes my eyes, and I push the hurt away, as logic reminds me of what he'd done. I was also curious as to the ease at which I'd overpowered him. I knew he had not been holding back, and I knew he was a very skilled opponent. Wondering about Vince, I realize I miss his companionship, he felt like a sibling to me. Thinking no more of anything but the task at hand, I race silently in the direction of Karuma.

　

Arriving at Karuma, I spied on the people entering and exiting the building. Purchasing an outfit similar to theirs, I style my hair to hide my ears, and wrap my tail around my waist, concealing it with a wide, loosely fitted belt. I had managed to make a counterfeit badge look like theirs, and changed my name. Donning a pair of fake glasses, I clip on my fake I.D badge, and enter the building with an air of confidence. Looking around, I see sterile white walls, and wooden supports. 'No wonder the other one went down so easily. It’s all tinder.' I thought to myself, rolling my eyes. Getting the information easily from the obviously dim-witted secretary stationed at the front desk, I head in the right direction, and am stopped a few times by various people with questions. Brushing them off as best I can, I finally locate Vince's cell, and the two burly guards standing silently and imposingly in front of it.

　

Summoning my best intimidating air, I walk up to them, and show a fake document stating he was to be moved. Looking it over skeptically, they give me questioning looks. "I would not want to be the one to disobey his orders, gentlemen. Now. Hand over the prisoner to me, and we can both be on our way." I state to them angrily. One of them huffs in annoyance and grumbles to himself, but unlocks the cell, and walks into the cell. Stopping me briefly, the other guard hands me a vial of amber liquid, and a needle. "If he struggles, give him this. It'll knock him out for a few hours." Nodding, I enter the cell. What I saw, almost made me cry out in pain, but I held it in, and proceeded to lead him out. Leading him out was not as easy, as I knew we'd not be able to just walk out the front door. Sneaking around, I almost got caught a few times, but managed to stay hidden. I located a stairwell, and half drug- half carried him to the stairs. By sheer willpower, I managed to get him down the stairs, and came to a door used by staff to exit to a small garden area nearby. To my dismay, there was one guard in the area, but using the liquid I was given earlier and myself as a distraction, stuck it in his arm, and within seconds he was out,

　

He was definitely malnourished, his ribs protruding from his body almost painfully. His clothes were in rags. He had multiple large bruises dotting his once flawless skin which was now pale, and scrapes, scratches, and puncture wounds all down his arms, no doubt from the injections. He seemed drugged, his eyes listless and lifeless as I led him towards a small park area. Once I was a safe distance away, I set him down, and told him to stay put, hiding him behind a tree. He nodded sluggishly and closed his eyes. I purchased him some loose-fitting clothing from a small store, which I helped him into, blushing a lot in the process. Taking his hand, I lead him to a nearby Inn, and check in for the night. Helping him into bed, I take out some healing salve I'd found at the general store, I rub it on him, and proceed to sleep myself, knowing I have a long road ahead of us.

　

　

CHAPTER 9

　

Awakening the next night, I notice Vince is sitting up in bed, a bit of color back in his face, which was full of confusion. Walking over to him, I see his eyes light up at the sight of me. I hand him the small cup of water I'd been holding, which he drinks greedily. "A-Ari?" He croaks, his voice hoarse and scratchy. "Where, how?" Sitting down next to my light haired friend, I look into his eyes and smile. "I have missed you, Vince. One of these days I will tell you what's happened, but not now. Right now, I'm just glad you're alive, your death would've been hard to take." I say to him softly. I see him smile gently, and lift his arms up, pulling me slowly into his strong, warm embrace. Looking down at me, he searches my eyes questioningly a moment, "I'm grateful you rescued me, Ari. I was sure I was going to die in that hell hole."

　

An hour following the rescue, I am still in attack mode. My eyes dart towards every shadow, thinking they'd found us. Shaking my head, I decide a shower would calm my nerves. I emerge from the bathroom, my cheeks flushed from the heat, my hair still slightly damp, and I can feel him looking at me. I smile at him, and announce, "I need to feed, Vince. I shall return shortly with something for you to eat. I noticed you looked malnourished." He nods at me and I'm off. I find an unsuspecting man wandering the streets, feed from him, and leave him in an alley. Wandering into a shop I purchase some hot soup for Vince, and head back to the Inn.

　

Remembering the journal, I pull it out, and skim through it, reading various experimentations, when I came up with something that causes me to cry out in surprise. 'August 24, 2051, Project N- Still haven't found her. Lord M is getting impatient. Our Hunters have scoured the towns in search of any non-human females. If we can't find her, M will surely have our heads. She is the only female of her kind known in existence. He needs her for reasons he won't disclose to our staff. All we know is she needs to be alive, and intact.' Reading further, my heart pounding, 'November 7, 2051. The half Demon experiment was found, and re-captured. He had been traveling with her. Sacrificed his own life for hers. Despite torturing him, he never spoke a word of her. We'll just keep starving him, and beating him until he speaks. Every being has a breaking point. We'll find his.'

　

Tears streaming down her face, I flung myself onto Vince sobbing. "I'm sorry you went through so much, Vince. I-I had no idea t-they were after m-me." He wraps his arms around me gently and strokes my hair. "Your life was worth everything they did to me, Ari." He pushed me away slightly and forced me to look at him. "I know why they want you, as well, and did not want them to use you like that. I would take a lifetime of torture if it meant you were safe somewhere far from their grasp." Drawing away from him a bit more, I start to speak, but he puts his fingers on my lips. "Shh, little one. It is over with. We will speak of it no more today." With that, I read the journal more, looking for any other information we can use. A few days later, Vince is well enough to travel, and we sneak out of the town, unseen.

　

CHAPTER 10

　

Two months have passed since I rescued Vince. He looks like a different person almost. He still has his scars from their torture, but he's regained his health. We spar nightly, getting stronger for whatever might come our way. We lay low, as most likely the Hunters are out searching our whereabouts. He'd been looking like he had something on his mind all day, and later that night, I asked him what was wrong. I saw him take a breath, and exhale slowly. "I know what you are, and part of why they want you." He looks at me carefully, and I just look back at him. "And you kept this from me why? How long have you known?" I saw him wince at the hurt in my voice. "I didn't know for sure it was you, awhile back. As I'm sure you've read, I'm an experiment too. My mother... " he trailed off, before clearing his throat and continued, "She was human. They experimented on her, and she did indeed escape, with the help of a guard. She had me, and hated me, for I was like this. She ran off, I don't know what happened to her. I was discovered by them when I was small, I'd been placed in an orphanage, and I guess back then they took in children for their experiments."


At this I gasped, and frowned sadly, but waited for him to continue. "I don't even know what they did anymore, and it does not matter. I overheard them talking about your race, and their problems with the genetic mutation gene. That there were different generations. The first being the ones the mutation originated from. The second, the offspring of the first. The gene affected them the worst, for whatever reason. They were animalistic looking, required blood to live, and could not have children. All offspring of the first generation, with very few exceptions, were affected the same. Whether they had children was never affirmed or denied. For whatever reason not every second generation was affected the same." Looking away, he clenches a fist in anger. "I won't let them get to you, Ari. Whatever their reasons for wanting you, they will have to go through me. And I'll die fighting for your freedom." With that, we lay down for the night, and within moments, Vince is sleeping soundly. I lay there, my mind swimming in whys. Why they wanted me. Why I lived when my siblings did not. Why Vince seemed to know so much about my race. Making a note to question him tomorrow, I roll over and close my eyes.

The next morning, I awoke with the sense that something was not right. Glancing around, I noted that Vince was missing, and couldn't stop the feeling I was being watched. Closing my eyes, I concentrate on bringing back the power I'd discovered awhile back. After my fight with Jet, I remembered feeling it after escaping the vampire, but must have forgotten when I struck my head. I had not been able to master it yet, but I was getting there slowly. I felt the surge of energy, and stalked off towards the woods, moving cautiously, looking for anything out of place. Suddenly, someone grabbed my arm and I bit my tongue to keep from crying out in surprise.

Turning to the person in question ready to attack, I saw it was merely Vince. He leaned in close, and whispered in my ear, "There are two strong individuals nearby. I was about to wake you when I saw a glimpse of one of them. I snuck off to try to surprise them." Vince's breath tickled my neck, and I shivered a bit. He noticed and smirked a bit, causing me to blush. I turned away, and focused on locating them. I saw them enter camp, and instantly recognized the two men. They had been there the day of Jets betrayal. Not wishing to fight, we try to slip off silently, but one of them discovered us, and we turned to fight. Our training payed off and we made quick work of them.





CHAPTER 11



As we headed back towards New Haven, we'd been following a shortcut told to us by a few of the locals in a small town we'd passed through. But as we kept going, I got a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach, something telling me to turn back. But it also compelled me to keep going, drawing me closer. Vince had been increasingly quiet, obviously as drawn to follow the path as I was. We stood on a high hill, and looked down, into a small valley, blanketed in the twilight hours by a thick fog. As we neared, the vegetation seemed to be dying out, warped and twisted by unseen forces. The fog made me feel as if I was suffocating and drained, as if I could sleep for days on end. I looked to Vince, who seemed to be similarly affected. There was something not right here, and I whispered to Vince, who nodded in agreement. We could make out a small village in the distance, and proceeded to head in its direction, to ask the locals questions.



We soon came upon a dark figure, hovering menacingly over a much smaller figure, huddled up on the ground. Upon closer inspection, I noticed it was a boy. Shouting at the figure, it looked up at me, and grinned. I could get nothing but true evil from it, and as it backed away, it seemed to disappear, as if it had been a figment of my imagination. I then heard laughter that sent shivers down my spine, making the hair on my neck stand on end, like it was piercing my very soul. We ran to the boy, and he looked up at us and smiled. "Thank you so much for rescuing me! I don’t know what he'd have done if you had not happened upon me." He grinned at us happily, and grabbed our hands. "C'mon! Let me lead you to the Inn." he paused and looked up at us, "Everyone lives there now." A shudder snakes its way up my spine, but we follow along nonetheless.



When we reach the village, we notice that it appeared to be a ghost town. Not a single soul could be found anywhere, the buildings were all in great disrepair, some had even collapsed. What little plant life we saw was of the same warped, stunted pattern as the rest of what we'd seen. The only building that was intact, was the Inn, but even that looked as if it was ancient. The boy paused, and pointed. "See!" he cried out excitedly. "That’s the Inn. My name's Mathias. What’s your names?" he asked, chirping happily, his tone light, and full of energy. Strange in this place, especially feeling as we do. Not wishing to give out my real name to strangers, now that I know of the ones after me, I smile and reply, "Mina. And my tall silent companion is Luca. We only wish to spend the night. We have pressing business to attend to." At that, he frowned. "Aww, you don't wanna play with me, Mina? Please play with me! Nobody ever does anymore..." He trailed off, his usual happy tone replaced by one of such extreme sadness for a brief moment, replaced quickly by his usual demeanor. "Come and find me, Mina!" He calls out laughing, and I can't seem to stop the shiver that ran down my spine. Deciding to question the ones in the Inn first, I grab Vince's arm, and we head into the large Inn.



"Welcome to the Inn of Dolus. I'm Jocelyn." Was our greeting upon entering. Dolus? I'd come across that word before but had been unable to remember its meaning, and asked the middle aged woman about it. "Oh, you'll find out soon enough, I am sure. It's always fun for the new ones that come to figure it out on their own." She grinned cryptically and handed us a key before disappearing into the kitchen. Turning to Vince, I hand him the key, and look up at him. "Something does not feel right about this place Luca. I am not sure as to what’s going on, but I think we should stick close together. I don't want to be parted from the only person I know I can trust at the moment." "I agree, Mina. This place is creepier than the labs." he replies back, grinning. I shake my head, and we head into another room, a sitting room, from the looks of it.



Various people sat talking, or reading. What caught my eye, however was the one lone demon, sitting in a chair drawing. Before I could even think to approach him, however, I was greeted by a middle-aged man with a large beard, and thin muddy brown hair. "Oh, another couple joins in our fun, I see! Welcome, welcome! I am Thomas, the Innkeepers husband. As he pointed out the various people sitting around the room, I notice he avoided the Demon as well as another couple who were sitting silently in a corner together, simply observing everyone else. Thinking on the oddity I glance back at the demon, determined to find some answers on this town.



"Why does a small cat and a large bat approach this one?" He says in a low, gravelly voice. He chuckles at his comment and looks up, his hand covering his drawing. "Vitolo hears many things, dislikes sharing. Dislikes strangers more." He looks into my eyes and I feel transfixed, as if under a spell. Vince's voice breaks it, and my eyes narrow. "We are after a certain person, known as 'Lord M' have you heard of him?" He looks at me and narrows his eyes. “Lord M, it says? Hmm this one has heard of Marcus, a very old vampire lord, controls many things. Very dangerous, why does the small cat wish to find such a creature?” I could hear the hatred in his voice as he spoke of Marcus. “I believe Marcus is behind the destruction of my village. I wish to remove him from existence for all time. He will pay for his crimes!” I hiss the last part angrily. Vince places his hand on my shoulder, and I relax. “A little ways away from here they will find a cave, and must seek their answers there.” He says cryptically, and turns away, heading out the door. I chase after him, wanting more but when I get there, he’s gone.



I turn to Vince, a serious look on my face. “There is something about this town that is very creepy, I think we should leave at once.” I got the same eerie feeling I had upon our arrival, and suddenly the boy from before appeared in front of me, visibly angry. “NO! I won’t let you leave!” He shouts at us, making the heavy air seem impossibly thicker. “You won’t EVER leave this place. Just like everyone else here, you will stay and play with me too!” He laughs a child-like laugh, one that would send even the most battle hardened to their knees in fear. He disappears, and we run for our lives. “Vince, Dolus! It means Deceit!” I shout panting. “We have to get out of here NOW!” We run, trying to get out of town, but it seemed to go on forever. We stop, getting nowhere, and think up a plan.



Just then, Vitolo runs to us, and tells us to go, and points in a direction. “Vitolo will distract the evil child, a minion of Marcus! Sent to keep you from finding the truth.” Truth? I think a moment, but am pulled from my thoughts as Vince shook me lightly. “Ari, we have to run, we don’t have a big window here.” Vince says, shaking me loose off my thoughts, and we run, like our very lives depend on it.



The child, Mathias, appears behind us, looking less childlike and more demonic. In what was the scariest voice I’ve ever heard, which seemed to be straight from the bowls of hell itself, “Get back here! Nobody defies the firstborn son! You are but puppets, for my amusement, so says my father, Marcus!” Dread pools in the pit of my stomach, and before I can act, Vitolo is in front of us, and mutters a few words in a language I do not recognize. A portal appears, and he glances at us. “ Enter, and be safe, for the moment. Vitolo was saving it for himself, but if Marcus is mobilizing, this one, nor no others be safe from his dark desires. This portal will take you near the place I mentioned. Tell the inhabitants I be sorry I’ve not returned. I think the small cat will know them.” We look at one another, no words necessary, and we jump into it, unknown of the outcome.



Chapter 12



We came out of the portal near the cave, as Vitolo stated we would, and walked up to it. Smelling something somewhat familiar, I give Vince a puzzled look. “I smell something… familiar, but strange… Like I should recognize it, but it cant be. “ I trail off, confused. Vince shrugs, waiting for me to make a move. He’d been oddly quiet since the town a bit ago, and I made a note to ask about it later. I hadn’t ever seen them, but they smell like family, but different. Instinct guiding me, I creep silently into the cave, my vampirism guiding me in the dark. “Who goes there? You are trespassing into the home of Vitolo, and his children. Stop or be killed, demons!” A male voice hisses at me, in the distance. “Why have you come here?” A feminine voice asks, kind and gentle sounding, similar to my mothers’ voice. “I am no demon, but a Neko, I was sent here by Vitolo. He said I’d find things here that would be helpful in taking down Marcus.” “Neko, you say? What is your name, most nekos were wiped out years ago by Marcus, fearing they’d discover his most horrible secret.”