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Post by Blindside Tex on Jun 28, 2018 1:33:33 GMT -5
Iris glanced to Cassandra as she came into the room. “Yes, just remembering a few things here and there.” She spoke and then drew her brows together, she could feel the anger coming from Cassandra. She stepped over to her and placed her hands on her shoulders. “I hope that after all of this my father is put into command over this coven. I know that Riskel must mean well, but…” She drew her brows together. “I get the feeling he does the things that he does for glory, more than he does them for the good of his people. Yes the coven has flourished…the city has grown, but I almost attribute that to my father…” She took in a slow breath.
A gentle knock came from the door, “Iris?” Julian pushed the door open. “Ahh Cassandra.” He smiled wide. He stepped over and hugged them both. “It’s good to see you again so soon.” He smiled as he sat down across from her at the desk. He smiled and poured himself a glass of wine. He glanced to the letter that Cassandra was writing. “Did Riskel snake you into helping him?” He questioned a brow raised. “I’ll be glad when he isn’t king anymore.” He shook his head. “I wish Lucille and Sebastian would step up again, I know they ruled for quite a long time, but they ruled with a moral compass at least…” He scoffed slightly.
Iris watched him. “So I was right, he does wish for glory?” He questioned.
“Yes, very much so. Each of his speeches to our coven center around him and the good he has done for us to make us stronger in your absence.” He shook his head. “You would have made a wonderful queen Iris, I know you would.” He then sighed, “But I know that is never what you’ve wanted, and I don’t blame you.” He gave a smile at the end.
Iris nodded and chuckled slightly. “At least someone in the family agrees, hm Cass?” She looked to her and gave a gentle squeeze of her shoulder.
**
The day passed swiftly, Iris wandered the home in search of her memories. She’d remembered several things, from creating the specialized bullets for Cassandra’s gun, to interrogating lycans over the years in the cells that they had below the mansion. Some of the memories sent shudders down her spine. That wasn’t who she was now. No. She wanted to understand the world, to understand why the Lycans truly were the horrible creatures that they were.
Iris lay in bed with Cassandra that night, her eyes stared to the ceiling. Her mind wandering. She barely slept at all through the night. As soon as the sun began to rise the next morning she was up. She pulled on her clothes and she brushed through her hair. She came to Cassandra’s side and placed her hand gently on her shoulder. Iris kissed her cheek. “Good morning, Cass.” She whispered sweetly. “Shall we grab a coffee on the way to meet Marcus?” She questioned.
Over dinner she’d explained to her mother that they would teleport there. Iris wanted to get the conversation started. She didn’t want to stand by idly.
**
Soon enough Iris stood at the base of the steps to the glorious mansion that belonged to the council. She stared to it in awe, the great pillars, the beautiful architecture. “Hopefully, we gain answers…” She spoke and gave Cassandra’s hand a squeeze. She stepped forward and pushed the doors open walking inside.
“Your highness.” A man stepped forward and bowed, he was dressed in a suit. A butler. “Welcome.” He nodded to Cassandra. “And a treat, Master Cassandra, welcome, my lady.” He watched them a moment. “Your father has been expecting you, Queen Iris.” He searched her eyes a moment.
Iris watched him, she grit her teeth slightly. “Please, just Iris.” She stated as she stepped forward. “Where are they?” She questioned. “Marcus and my father?”
“Right this way, madam.” He spoke and led them through the huge mansion. The floors were marble and granite. It was absolutely beautiful. Incredibly old even. They came to a large room with a long skinny table that held several chairs. “My lords.” The butler spoke.
Sebastian looked up from the mass of papers that lay before him and Marcus. A grin split his lips. “Iris.” He stood and stepped to her, he wrapped his arms tightly around her and kissed the top of her head. “Cassandra.” He wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly as well, giving her a kiss on the head. He grinned. “Come in.” He stepped back over. “have a seat.” He pointed. “Marcus and I are making some headway.” He spoke as he sat down and looked to the documents.
Iris looked to the messy pile before her father as she took a seat. Her eyes moved to Marcus. She took in a breath as she looked into his eyes. Marcus smiled to her. “It is good to see you alive and well. Your father has told me about your memories, are you getting them back?” He questioned.
Iris watched him, something about him was familiar, she couldn’t place it. “Yes, and no.” Iris spoke after a long pause.
Marcus nodded slowly, “I was afraid of that.” He set the pin down on the table. “You truly may never fully recover from this, it is like your slate has been wiped clean, so to speak. The compound used is called domoic acid. It is fatal in most humans….though you’re not a human.” He smirked then. “Nor are you a regular vampire.” He pushed a paper toward the two. “The acid was mixed in with the oils of Olenander flower and mixes of Rhododendrens. A deadly mixture that causes paralysis in vampires, so much to the point that one would appear dead. Pain would have rushed through your body, you would have become overwhelmingly warm, and a dizziness would have set in as a weakness overtook your muscles. Soon after your breathing would have become rather shallow as you fell unconscious. The paralysis would have overtaken your respiratory system first, and then your heart would have stopped. The dose that was given to you had to be incredibly strong. The domoic acid is prevalent in the mixture, Dylan meant to erase your mind. Possibly to use you as his puppet as well? I do not think he anticipated that you would have killed him so swiftly.” Marcus spoke, though his eyes moved to Cassandra several times, looking her over, as if her mind was trying to figure something out.
“How would he have gotten a hold of such a recipe?” Iris questioned softly.
Marcus took in a breath. “I imagine he and Nicholai were working together. Through my research before the council was condemned I found several cases where Dylan and Nicholai had worked together, they aimed to overthrow the council, to reek havoc upon the world…interestingly enough as Dylan was the Commander of the Order at the time. Imagine the sway he would have had. Vampires could have gotten away with murder easily, he would have blamed it all on the lycans.” He shook his head. “As much as I despise lycans, that is not a justified manner, nor is it how we operate. Unfortunately because of my own decisions I was locked away with a similar poison against my will…though luckily they did not use the domoic acid in my mixture otherwise I would be of very little help. It has been 500 years since I have been awake, fully. They kept me subdued through injections of the poisons.” He looked to Cassandra again, he took in a deep breath.
Iris looked between Marcus and Cassandra a moment, her brows pulled together. “Why do you keep staring at her?” She questioned, feeling a bit uncomfortable.
Marcus pulled his eyes from Cassandra and looked to Iris, a soft smile on his lips. “Forgive my manners.” He chuckled. “She just reminds me of someone.” He then looked back to Cassandra. “Tell me of your upbringing.” He spoke, focused on her.
Iris looked to Cassandra, her hand beneath the table gripped onto Cassandra’s thigh gently, she was uncomfortable by his gaze. Her eyes met her father’s then, he gave a soft smile, a knowing smile. She drew her brows together. Was there something she was missing?
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jun 28, 2018 2:00:10 GMT -5
Cassandra walked through the luxurious estate, her eyes fell upon the beautiful paintings and statues. It wasn’t like anything she had seen before… It was beyond ancient, she could tell this was their home since the beginning… History leaked through the walls here, and there was a certain desire for her to learn it. She entered the great hall, just after the reunion with Sebastian.
“It is nice to see you again, Sebastian” Cassandra hugged him and stepped over to the table. Her eyes fell on the vampire at the end of the table. Marcus… He had flaming red hair – short and trimmed. Her brows squeezed together briefly as her eyes looked over his features..
She sat down and placed her hands on the table – listening as Marcus revealing their findings of the poison. “I suppose it is as I feared, but… at perhaps it is for the best…” she glanced to Marcus – as his eyes found hers. They locked for a moment – she felt some odd sensation, like electricity beaming from his gaze, and shocking her core, her roots… who was this guy?
It was then that Iris spoke up, which surprised her. Cassandra was going to ignore the awkward staring, but… Iris being Iris..
“Ahem…” Cassandra thought for a moment. “Not much of an upbringing… I was an Orphan, I hail from Kastadonia, not a very big city.. just out – “
“I know where Kastadonia is…” Marcus spoke softly. “Go on…” he nodded.
“I…lived in the Orphanage until I was 12 where Kastadonia was attacked by Lycans… I was rescued by Dlyan and the Order. Ever since I served them, that is until I came across Iris and her family…” she glanced over to Sebastian.
Marcus titled his head “I’ve heard stories of your power, a type of ancient magic flows through your veins… are you…Dhampir?” he questioned.
Cassandra glanced to Sebastian, who nodded. She looked back to Marcus and nodded as well. “Yes… I was, at least. It is why Dylan rescued me, he knew – I unknowingly was being drained by him almost daily. When Iris’s family discovered me – it was because they could not erase my memory, it was then that my truth unfolded, I had just discovered it my self then… but explains why I was always such a great warrior… However, after some unfortunately events – I was turned into a full vampire, but it unlocked that… power you speak of…”
“Elemental power, is it not?” Marcus questioned.
“Hm… more of less, yes..” she crossed her arms. “Should I be worried?” she glanced to Sebastian.
Marcus chuckled “No, not at all child. I would never dare drink your blood, you have my protection, you are one of us…” she stared to her and then glanced to Sebastian. “It is incredibly rare for a Dhampir.. I am honored to have met you. I’ve only ever met one other, and that was a long time ago…” he thought briefly and then sighed.
“Your hair is colored, is it not?” He questioned.
“Mhm…” she nodded slowly, trying to understand what he was getting at.
“I thought so…” Marcus poured a glass of wine, and passed the bottle around. He took a long drink – almost nervously.
“It seems fate has come full circle, I just wonder… how…” Marcus finished his glass easily.
“What… do you mean?” she questioned.
“Hm…” Marcus pondered for a moment. “Your true hair color is Red, I know this. I would know always… anyone who has the eyes of my dearly beloved Cassadora, Cass – whom you were named after…” he sighed. “I almost certain that you are the long lost daughter whom I thought died along with my secret love, a human… Cassadora of Kastadonia, however… she was killed 500 years ago… Yet you are only 28 years of age…I wonder how this happened…” he crossed his arms.
“My secret affair is the ultimate reason I was punished, it was used as blackmail against me, and ended in my entrapment… Cassadora was to be killed, you within her womb…” Marcus leaned back in his seat. “This… quite some news to me…”
Cassandra stared to him for along moment, a sort of pit opened up in her stomach. She didn’t quite know how to feel about it all. “How.. do you know this is true?” she questioned, her brows pulling together.
“If you are truly my heir – you should have a birthmark on her shoulder, it is shaped like a bird, a unique family trait that is.. like our brand…” Marcus poured another glass of wine then.
Cassandra glanced to Iris – it was true… she did have it on her back… Iris had mentioned it before…
“I…. don’t know how to process this… I… need some air…” she stood then and left the room. Her steps lead her to a set of stairs, which lead to a balcony. She placed her hands on the stone wall, which was only about 3 feet tall… she stared outward over the rolling
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jun 28, 2018 2:51:31 GMT -5
Iris glanced between the two, her eyes widened slightly. Marcus was Cassandra’s father…a very ancient and very powerful vampire. It made sense. The powers that Cassandra had the strength that she held as a Dhampir. Iris got to her feet as Cassandra rushed from the room.
“Wait.” Sebastian spoke, his voice calm.
Iris looked to them, her brows tucked together. “You do realize how….how damaging this all is?” She questioned. Her eyes showed her anger as the darkness crept into them.
“Yes, I understand.” Marcus spoke, his eyes watching her. “Just sit a moment, Iris.”
Iris grit her teeth and sat down. “What do you want? I can’t do anything here. I need to be with her.”
Sebastian sighed softly, “Right now, Cassandra needs to be given a few moments to think things through. Think of when you first woke, how overwhelmed you were. I’m certain she must feel the same…if I had known she was your daughter Marcus I would have told you sooner, my apologies.”
Marcus shook his head as he took another drink. “No, no fault of yours. It was my fault for falling in love with a human that is ultimately what caused my entrapment for 500 years…I just wonder how this was done. Her mother was human and she was almost 9 months pregnant when the council found out, when they stated they would kill her…” He grit his teeth. “Dylan had to have known…” He clenched his fist slightly. “That is the only explanation. There is no reason for that small city to be attacked….I wonder…” He took in a deep breath. “I wonder if he planned it, if he watched her grow, thinking she would die at the age of 5 like all the others, but when she continued to age, he took an interest in her, he needed her. I guarantee the orphanage wouldn’t allow him to adopt her.”
Iris crossed her arms she shifted slightly, she still hadn’t sat down. “That’s all fine and dandy.” She spoke, her voice like fire. “But you can’t just spring things like that on people.”
Marcus looked to her with soft eyes, “Again, my manners are a bit rough, I’ve been locked up for 500 years. Look at what just 3 years did to you.”
“Oh…no that’s her normal attitude….” Sebastian let out a chuckle and smiled to his daughter. “Please sit Iris.”
Iris shook her head, “No. I need to help her.” She turned.
Sebastian stood and blocked her path. “We need to discuss a few things…” He placed his hands on her shoulders. “I want Marcus to hear from you, I have voiced my opinion on the matter of king and queen, and who shall rule. But he needs to hear from you.” He nodded.
Iris looked to her father, her eyes dark as night. She took in a deep breath. “Very well.” She nodded and turned. She stepped over to the table and sat down heavily. Iris began to lay out her plans, just as she had before Cassandra. She spoke of the future, of uniting the good lycans with the good vampries. Creating a council that held a member of each coven, instead of the few elite that ultimately become corrupt. She spoke of the peace that she envisioned. Sebastian smiled as he listened to her, she truly was his daughter. Her vision aligned much with his, though he didn’t favor the lycans nearly as much as she gave them credit.
Marcus leaned back in his chair. “How would you put this in place?” He questioned her staring into her eyes.
“Honestly, those that are in place as king or queen now, if they choose to join the council and you deem them fit, that would be a good start to get the ball rolling. But then, after that, this whole royal game can be abolished. It can be by vote. Our world can become democratic, the corruption will all but vanish. The council can be switched every century, or less if need be. But it should be placed on a schedule. It shouldn’t be once you’re in you are in, like it is now….” Iris watched Marcus, reading his reactions.
“And what of the Lycans? I’ve yet to meet a good Lycan, as you say.” Marcus studied her.
Iris gave a gentle smile. “Why don’t you ask your daughter about how good a Lycan can be?” She questioned. “The second hand in the order is a lycan, a scientist. He’s a good man from what I remember of him, he kept me alive when Arden changed me.”
Marcus watched her a long moment and nodded. “Yes, your father spoke to me of this as well…” He took in a long breath. “It seems you and my daughter are rather special pieces to this puzzle, hm?”
Iris watched him, “Exactly. Now if you’ll excuse me.” She stood and stepped from the room. She rushed through the halls, following Cassandra’s scent, listening for her heart beat. Iris came up behind her and wrapped her arms around her gently. “Hey.” She whispered, her voice soft, calm. Iris didn’t speak anymore passed that. She pressed her lips to Cassandra’s cheek and then she too looked out over the hilly landscape. Iris let the silence settle in, the peaceful view. She slowly took in a deep breath after a few minutes. “Is there anything I can do?” She asked softly. “I can only imagine how much of a shock this is…your father is one of the oldest vampires…” She whispered.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jun 28, 2018 17:24:07 GMT -5
Cassandra breathed deeply as she stood outside. She looked out to the world and then sighed. “Nothing can ever be black and white, can it?” she gripped the wall and glanced up to the sky. A black raven flew from the heights – and swooped down low to Cassandra. The raven landed on the wall and looked to her, waiting for her to retrieve the rolled up letter tied to it’s leg.
She stepped back and unrolled it – it was a hastily written letter…
Sebastian,
Nicolai visited me immediately after your departure – knowingly. He proposed that I join him and the ‘Revelation’. Which is a growing group of vampires planning to thwart the council, by means of force. I kept a low profile. Please discuss with Marcus and return as soon as possible.
Regards,
Riskel
Cassandra turned just as Iris entered the balcony. “I am okay… I shouldn’t so surprised, I am unique – certainly I should have come from something equally so… we have a bigger problem on our hands…” she handed the letter to Iris and sighed deeply.
“It seems there are more bad guys than good guys…” she crossed her arms and nodded. “We must deliver this to Marcus.” she stepped past Iris and renetered the large room.
Marcus looked up from his piece of paper and raised an eyebrow. "Everything alright?" he questioned.
Cassandra looked to him and then took in a deep breath. "Before we.. move on, I need to make it clear. While you are my blood, you are not my father. We shall not share this information, it remains here - only with us. As far as we all know... my mother and father are dead...." she then took the paper from Iris and stepped forward.
She handed the note to Sebastian. "Riskel sent this by raven - it seems the council members that are fired - have now decided to take it upon themselves to create their own alliance..." she sighed deeply "Nicolai tried to convince Riskel to join them, he says he remained neutral in his efforts to keep them at bay, but he would certainly try again..." she crossed her arms and looked to Marcus.
Marcus sighed deeply "I fear this would happen..." she glanced to Sebastian and shook his head. "I did not want to have an internal battle with my own people, but it seems that it is inevitable..."
"You need to reform a new council, and swiftly. As long as it remains weakened - the easier it is for Nicolai to recruit. There are many people who would sooner just do as they are told, you will have to maximize efforts to get them on your side... first." she watched as Sebastian passed the note over to Marcus.
"And how do you propose we do that?" Marcus questioned, his eyes looking over the letter...
"Abolish the laws of Royalty... Many great kings and queens deserve to be apart of the council. Expand the council into tiers. A level that is on par with you, voted in by the senate - which is the representation, or the kings and queens - that are voted in by the people. If you give your people the sense of power - especially in the decisions we make - they would be better advocates to support you, and even give their life for you..." she stepped over to the table and pulled out a piece of paper.
"This is how I organize The Order - almost like a military. I do a little more appointing based on performance, but yours should be ran like a democratic government..." she began to draw out a tree. Marcus on top, his council, the senate - broken up into different segments with positions and jobs. "No single person should do everything, it must be balanced, and everyone must have something to do... or they will get bored, stale, and start to revolt..." she passed him the paper with the elaborate tree diagram.
"Folks would be within this government, and at some level - also handle their covens... but their role in the government might be a little less consuming than those above them... but they still have a vote... a word in the end." she leaned back and shifted slightly. "We impliment this immedately, get folks in their seats, and you include them in the decisions on how to handle this situation. Though, you'll need to set a bit of ground rules, fair rules... of course. Not much different than the current, but official and documented..."
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jun 30, 2018 21:45:53 GMT -5
Iris looked over the letter her eyes grew wide. She handed the letter back to Cassandra and went to speak as she pushed back into the meeting room. Iris followed her quietly, she observed the conversation between Cassandra and Marcus. It was harsh, yet, she expected it. She watched as Cassandra drew out the diagram, it was intricate, well designed. She understood why the Order was so successful, Cassandra was an excellent leader. This was really the first time she'd been able to observe her working since she'd come back.
Marcus looked over the diagram, his brows raised. "This would definitely cause a shift in our current standards..." He spoke as he looked to his daughter a long moment. "Very well." He nodded and looked to Sebastian. "Well we have 8 regions that the council currently oversees." He pulled a piece of paper and began to draw. "As Cassandra stated I will sit at the head of this as General Officer and Sebastian you will sit as you Couselor." His eyes moved to Cassandra. "I know that you have your responsibilities with the Order, but I would like to have you listed as an advisor upon the council, you will help with decisions as well as keeping things in line." He looked to Iris a moment and took in a deep breath.
"I don't want to be a part of the council, I just want to stop this." Iris spoke up, her eyes locked on his.
Marcus smiled then, "That's the answer I was hoping you would give." He spoke, "You will be a Field Officer, one of 4." He looked back down and began to draw in lines, he was mirroring Cassandras chart that she'd drawn for him. He left blanks for 8 members from the surrounding areas to sit. He continued down breaking out into the locations and the names.
"A Field Officer?" Iris asked, her brows drawn together.
"Yes, who else is better to help fight on the front line than you and Cassandra?" He questioned and lifted his eyes, a smile on his lips. He then looked back down.
Sebastian looked to Iris a moment, he then nodded. "I will send word to the covens..." He began writing letters hastily.
Iris leaned forward slightly, "What if letters are not fast enough?" She questioned, "If Nicholai is already on the move...what if he intercepts these letters that call our people to action...and thus he gains an upper hand?" She shook her head. "Cassandra and I should go coven to coven and explain the circumstances. We will send the appointed advisor to you from each coven and we will explain the structure of our new system, allow them to choose who comes and who will remain in charge over the coven."
Sebastian nodded, "That may be a good idea, Marcus. I've seen the lycans intercept our letters before, Nicholai is no different."
"Hm." Marcus nodded, "Yes, this is true. You're right, Iris." He looked to her. "Well, move swiftly." He looked to Cassandra a moment before he stood. "It seems we have a lot of work to do and only a short amount of time."
**
"Riskel, what will your answer be?" Nicholai stood his arms crossed. "You've made me wait long enough." He stepped over and poured himself a glass of whiskey. "You wouldn't make your father wait any longer would you?" He grinned then.
Riskel took in a breath, "No of course not father." He stared to him. He was trapped. His father stood before three other vampries, strong vampires. Others that he'd already recruited. If Riskel denied him...surely he would be dead. "I'll go along with you." He nodded.
"Good." Nicholai grinned. "We will have Marcus begging on his knees." He chuckled, his voice dark. "And soon enough we will form the council I've always dreamed of. No more laws against our hunts. No more laws against drinking humans dry." He licked his lips. "All the blood you can imagine, boy. All the power." He stepped forward. "Well, what are you waiting for? Tell your coven that the council is the enemy, inform them, dear boy."
Riskel lifted up his pen, his hand shook slightly. He nodded as he pressed the pen to the page, a letter that would condem the family, Sebastian would become an enemy to the coven, according to Riskel.
**
The doors pushed open and Lucille walked into the room with Julian in tow. "Iris, dear." She hugged her and kissed the side of her head before she sat down. "What's wrong?" She asked, looking to the focused expressions of the others.
"The old council is building a rebellion." Iris spoke, "Riskel warned us." She glanced to Cassandra. "We should get moving." She spoke as she stood. "We should start in the south with Strathmore...we have to stop as many as possible before Nicholai can get to them." She took in a deep breath as she waited for Cassandra to teleport them.
Iris reached out her hand and took Cassandra's. Moments later they appeared in a beautiful city. Rain fell from the grey skies. Iris glanced to Cassandra, "Thank you for not allowing my mother to put up an argument." She spoke softly, "I love them, but I do remember that they always kept me shrouded in safety, I want to be myself, I want to save this world from the darkness that hides within the shadows before it destroys the world." She looked forward then, the words from her mouth were spoken like a true queen. The queen that she refused to be.
The sound of someone running through the rain filled Iris' ears, the sloshing of their shoes. Iris drew her brows together as a young girl rounded the corner, she wore a beautiful dress. Blood ran down her arm. "Run! Run!" She cried as she stumbled and fell into Iris.
Iris caught her, "What's happened?" She questioned and looked up as a man rounded the corner. He had a wicked grin on his lips, his fangs visible. "What did you do?" She questioned as she looked down to the girl whom was weak in her arms.
The man searched her eyes. "Well if it isn't Iris." He spoke. "Back from the dead I heard?" He questioned and chuckled. "Don't worry, it won't be for long, Nicholai, will be sure of that."
Iris carefully set the girl down. "Oh? You don't say. Who are you?" She questioned her eyes watching him, the darkness crept into her eyes. She heard a scream echo from a nearby alleyway.
"Your father never taught you anything of the council did he?" The man questioned. He chuckled then. "My name does not matter. If you want to survive Iris, you would be smart to join us." His eyes then flicked to Cassandra. "You would be wise as well Master Cassandra."
"I will not allow you to bring the world crashing down in flames." Iris lunged forward, her dagger pulled quickly.
He gripped her wrist easily and snickered. This man was one of the council members that had been cast out. His name was Avery. He was an ancient vampire much like Marcus. In fact, he was older than Marcus. He was one of the council members that always pushed for the vampires to be an elite race, to dominate the humans and use them for their blood, to create more Dhampirs and use them as slaves. He was a part of the old days, the days when vampires were feared before new law had pushed them into hiding after the Lycan wars. He was around when the first Lycan was born. His eyes stared into hers and he grinned. "You think you can kill me? You really think you can stop this? Just wait and see what we are planning, queen." He asked and searched her eyes. He moved swiftly then, tugging her forward in a quick motion that lasted only a fraction of a second he'd shoved the blade into Iris' thigh and he rushed away, disappearing into the night.
Iris fell over gasping as her muscles hardened from the silver. She grit her teeth. The woman that had been chased after swiftly stepped to Iris and pulled the blade. "You're Iris..." She breathed, "I knew I recognized you." She whispered, she looked up to Cassandra. "It's good to see you, Cassandra." She spoke as she helped Iris to her feet.
Iris' eyes were bright golden, she gripped her leg as it began to heal. There was another scream. "What is going on?" She questioned.
"Avery and his men came to our home, claiming horrible lies about the council, trying to turn us against Marcus and Sebastian. Claiming they kicked them out into the cold, left them for dead...." The woman took in a breath. "When my husband told them he would not support criminals...he..." She looked away, "Avery murdered him...right in front of me....I was able to slip away, but...I'm not so sure of the rest of my family, my son, I can only hope he made it out." She glanced as another scream echoed through the city.
"Are they openly attacking the humans?" Iris questioned, her eyes worried.
"Yes, it seems that way, as I ran from Avery...I had to jump over several bodies...this isn't good..." She whispered.
There was a gurgling growl from behind them. Iris turned to see a man stumbling from the alley, his body twitched, bones crackled, blood ran down soaking into his clothing from his neck. He snarled baring slender fangs before he lunged forward. Iris was swift, she pulled her pistol and pulled the trigger. One shot, perfect aim. The shot rang out as the body fell to the ground limp. "What....is that....?" Iris asked her eyes looking to the deformed man.
"We must get to safety." The woman spoke. "I can tell you more once we are inside...if Avery has done this, there is no telling what else is on the streets with us." She looked to Cassandra and then Iris. "Come." She took off. The wound through the streets that were painted in the blood of humans.
Iris' eyes remained golden, her blood lust was rising with each passing second. She shook her head, shaking the thought from her mind. Her pulse increased as she pushed back her urge to drink. Eventually they came to a home. The woman pushed through the doorway, a man lay on his back, a bullet through his chest. Her husband. A few other bodies lay strewn through the room. Iris took in a deep breath. "Who are you again?" She asked.
The woman looked to her with watery eyes. "Caroline Rigby..." She drew her brows together. "Don't you remember me?" She questioned. She then shook her head. "Come." She led them through the home away from the dead bodies. She fought back tears. She slipped into a small dining area and sat down, brushing tears from her eyes. "I can't believe this..." She whispered.
Iris bit her lip slightly. "I'm sorry..." She spoke softly. She then let out a long sigh. "Can you tell us what is happening? What happened to that man?"
Caroline looked up, her eyes puffy. "What happened to that man was the bite of a lesser vampire." She spoke, "That is why it is strictly forbidden by the council to openly turn humans...it needs to be a controled environment...and even then the human may not survive. When bitten in such a violent way..." She shook her head. "They are an abomination. I haven't seen one since before the Lycan wars...before the council came to be..." She whispered.
Iris took in a breath her brows drawn together. "What do they aim to do? Why are they doing this?" She questioned.
"I guarantee Avery will blame the council. He'll blame you..." She looked to Cassandra, "Or even you, the leader of the Order. That would be a heavy blow, but..." She shook her head. "They will stop at nothing, I've seen the look in his eyes...the rage...they were kicked from the council because of their horrible crimes...I heard what Dylan did...I knew him..." She lowered her eyes again. "I'm terribly sorry that someone did that do you, Cassandra...we shouldn't ever use someone with a gift such as yours in such a horrible manner."
Iris glanced to Cassandra and bit her lip. "How many cities do you think they've already gotten to? If they broke up...if one of the council members took their own group to each city...we will be too late..." She lowered her eyes to Caroline.
"It felt as though we were his first..." She spoke softly. "He was outraged when my dear husband told him that we would not comply." She sniffled slightly and shook her head. "What does the council need? How do we stop this maddness?" She questioned softly.
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Post by Raven on Jul 1, 2018 15:27:47 GMT -5
Cassandra leaned over – looking to the picture of Marcus’s new establishment. He outlined the roles, following the foundation that Cassandra had provided him. She leaned back and sighed softly “If they intend of fighting us, surely they intent to attack humans too… The mortals will have to learn of vampires, and in this case – not in a good light… and if we want the aid of the Order – humans will learn of vampires that way too… though I can control it, and we can ensure correct information is distributed…but this won’t be good news for you either way…” she crossed her arms thinking about it.
“Think about it… meanwhile Iris and I will do what we can” she stood and then walked with Iris. She looked to Lucille and Julian as they entered the next room, but they had to move swiftly. She grasped Iris and held her close – “Deep breath” she whispered and then they teleported easily, ashes left in their wake.
Iris spoke to her, in their privacy before they continued forward. “Not to worry… you are your own being now, we have ensured that…” she leaned down and kissed her gently. “Come now – “ she turned her head then as they heard someone rushing forward through the rain.
The next few moments were swift – the young girl saved, but the vampire approached. She could sense something within him, a greater power, she grit her teeth – ready to attack. Though he struck, with no real intention to kill them, she wondered what it was all about… she went to pull the knife but someone beat her to it.
“I would say it is a pleasure to see you again, but perhaps not in these circumstances…” Cassandra pulled her sword then, her eyes glancing about. Nothing seem to remain but the dead, scattered about the floor. The rain swept away the blood, but only to pool in between the bodies…. She grit her teeth as they looked out to a disfigured being.
Cassandra teleported easily, her sword sliced through abomination, it’s body fell into two and onto the ground. She teleported back and they continued rushing through the red streets. They entered the home – and she closed the door behind them, locking it as well.
“You’ll have to forgive Iris – in light of recent events…her memory has been lost, slowly she regains it but it is a difficult process… she isn’t quite the same as we last knew her to be… but she is in my hands now, we will try and recover all we can…” she walked over and grasped a tissue and handed it to Caroline.
“They’re attacking because they can, they feel there is nothing to punish them. Years of rage and bloodlust – now they can finally act on it… monsters, demons, trapped within themselves and caged, now unleashed…” she glanced to Caroline. “Is your husband truly dead?”
Caroline glanced to her and sniffled. “I…” she stood. “What do you mean?”
“My blood… can bring back those on the cusp of death, even if his heart has stopped – there is a chance I can revive him… take me to him, I will try regardless.” Cassandra helped Caroline up…
They walked through the elegant home until they came to the King’s Chambers. He sat on the bed, quiet and cold – his neck was shredded to bits, where Avery ripped him apart, draining his blood..
Cassandra looked to Caroline and Iris – “You both should step out… just a moment…” she nodded.
Once they left the room – she pulled her knife out and cut across her wrist… she held it over the King and let her blood drip into his wound… “You’ve lost so much blood my friend… but your heart is still beating – so slow that you appear dead… your body in a stasis.. .trying to preserve the organs… You only had a few minutes left…” she whispered as she watched his skin heal. The blue dead color began to lighten, until finally his eyes opened.
He gasped loudly and reached up to her wrist - gripping it with strength. Cassandra yanked back her hand and pressed her other to his chest. “Relax… you were on the edge of death for some time…”
“H-how?” he glanced up to her, and noticed her tattoos… “Master Cassandra…” he whispered and slowly sat upward. “I am.. in your debt…” he bowed his head.
“I know what has happened… The council has split into two, Nicolai and Avery wish to create a new one… your loyalty to Marcus is unwavering, and we are grateful. Unfortunately Avery has killed many humans, and much of your coven…” she placed a hand on his shoulder. “We have every intention to fight… will you join us under Marcus and his new Regiment? He has restructured the organization… you would be amongst his counsel…” she stepped back.
The King slowly stood and nodded slowly. “I have always been Loyal to him, he is a good leader… as are you… I will consult my wife… come on…”
Cassandra opened the door to allow the King to exit the room, Caroline stood – her jaw dropped. “My love!” she shouted and ran to her husband… Cassandra stood next to Iris, arms crossed.
“At least there is that…” Cassandra whispered.
“Speak with your wife the proposal, and then return to Marcus… we must be off. Nicolai and his men intend to visiting every coven, we can only hope to be faster…” Cassandra glanced to Iris.
“Thank you… so much” Caroline hugged Cassandra and then smiled. “You are a gift amongst us… the entire world is in debt to you… We will join you – what is left of our Coven will reconvene with Marcus, we are not safe here…” she looked to her husband then – who nodded.
“Very well…” Cassandra then wrapped her arm about Iris – and teleported. They appeared next on the port city of Klossen…
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 4, 2018 15:09:24 GMT -5
Iris was silent as everything played out. The moments seemed to speed by as her mind raced. Her thoughts never stopped. Before she knew it they were in the port city. Klossen. Iris glanced around, it was silent. The city was sleeping. She drew her brows together, she could hear something in the distance. "Come on." She took Cassandra's hand and pulled her through the shadowy streets. As they moved forward the sound of someone shouting could be heard, a struggle. Iris picked up her pace. They rounded a corner and she paused.
"They live among us! Don't you see?!" A man stood upon a box. "Lycans! Vampires! Witches!" His face was red from yelling. He held a stack of flyers. "You must protect yourself! The end of days is upon us!"
Iris glanced to Cassandra a moment. She stepped forward looking up to him with creased brows.
"Young lady, are you taking precautions?" He asked as he held a flyer forward to her. "Are you staying safe in these trying times! Have you heard of the tragedy in Netherfall?"
Iris took the paper and looked down to it. She flipped it over looking to the cartoon like image of a vampire, it made them look like monsters. The lycan that was drawn upon the page looked absolutely demonic. "Tragedy?" She asked, "In Netherfall?" Her eyes looked to him worried.
"Yes, it's horrible." He stepped down searching her eyes. "Blood, everywhere, I just came from there, I nearly died myself, I had to stab one of those fuckers and run!" He spoke quickly. "I nearly died, you must be safe." He held her shoulders, staring into her eyes.
Iris stared to him she uncomfortably took a step back pulling from his grasp. "Cass?" She asked and looked to her.
The man looked to Cassandra, he straightened. "Master Cassandra, of the Order!" He bowed. "Oh thank the heavens!" He raised his hands into the air slightly. "You've come to protect us, we may just survive this nightmare yet!" He looked to her then.
"Yes, we will help..." Iris spoke and searched his eyes slightly. "That is why we are here, to help." She pulled Cassandra away as she glanced to the bits of blood on the man's black jacket, she could smell the blood on him. Human blood. Vampire blood. He wasn't lying. "N-Netherfall...?" She asked, her pulse racing. "Riskel?" She asked softly. "The lord and lady here, we must warn them." She nodded and pushed forward.
Iris quickened her pace, she was running through the city and soon enough she stood in the driveway of a nice victorian home. The front door was wide open. "No..." She breathed as she rushed forward. The sound of a gun firing echoed through the silent town as she ran up the stairs. A body crumpled to the ground.
"Iris!" A voice called, "Oh thank god!" A woman rushed forward and wrapped her arms around Iris. "Oh dear are you hurt?" She questioned and grasped her shoulders looking her over. "I heard about Netherfall...is your family alright? Were they there?"
Iris looked to the woman, she was dressed nicely with long curly black hair and icy eyes. She glanced passed her to see three vampires lying on the ground, blood pooling beneath them as a man holstered his pistol. "Wh..." Iris looked back to her.
"Oh you poor dear. Lucille told me about your memory when we spoke a few days ago." She cupped her cheek and then glanced to Cassandra, a soft smile on her lips. "We've taken care of a few of the traitors..." She then sighed. "They came to our home and claimed the attack on Netherfall was the doing on the Council and..." She looked to Cassandra. "They claimed that you had turned against us, that you were hunting vampires now, Cassandra." She shook her head, "Leo and I couldn't believe it..."
The man stepped over, he wore a tunic with a vest over it and nice slacks, he was clean shaven and had hair that seemed to fall perfectly in place. "I know Cassandra, I've fought with her." He nodded to Cassandra. "You wouldn't dare turn on us, I trust you and I will stand by you. Others..." He paused. "I fear the worst, we will have covens that turn against the council over these claims...the slaughters..."
"They went to Strathmore...and turned humans...they created abominations...and...there was so much blood..." Iris spoke, she shook slightly. Things were getting out of hand. Spiraling down at an uncontrollable rate.
"So they've resorted to that....hm..." Leo clenched his jaw slightly. "I wouldn't put anything passed Nicholai, his plan all along was to gain your coven and control it, even with Warren." He shook his head. "Warren was strong, he wouldn't have let this happen. But Riskel...he is no king. He is merely a dog following orders."
Iris drew her brows together. "Did...he lead this?" She asked, her voice soft. A pit formed in her stomach. If she had stepped up. If she hadn't pushed back against stepping into her role. Would Netherfall have been attacked? Would the slaughter have happened?
"From what I heard, yes." Leo looked to the dead vampires, "These scum even went as far as to tell us that you've abandoned your coven." He looked to her. "I know you, Iris. I know you're having trouble remembering, but I know you would never abandon your coven." He shook his head. "And look, here you are, you're trying to warn us, aren't you?" He watched her nod. "I wouldn't expect anything less of you."
Iris took in a breath. "We are restructuring the council." She spoke, "Marcus is leading the change in structure, we need to act quickly. Gather your coven, inform them. Make sure everyone is safe." She glanced to Cassandra, her eyes worried. She bit her lip slightly. "We need to check on Netherfall..." She whispered.
"I wouldn't advise it." Leo spoke, "From what I heard, it is a bloodbath."
Iris glanced back to him, "It is my home." She spoke. "My coven, my people." She took in a breath. "We must stop this, we have to stop Nicholai."
**
(earlier)
"You will announce that Iris has left the coven, that she has abandoned everyone, that the council is going to bring down a harsh blow upon the coven and that we should stand against them. That the council wrongfully cast the members out." Nicholai spoke his eyes staring to Riskel.
"I...can't do that." He shook his head. "This is mad. What you are doing is mad. Sebastian was a good king, and he is doing what is right!" He stood defiantly.
"Son." Nicholai stepped forward. "You will do this, just after we set the bomb off, or I will kill you in that explosion myself to prove a point. You may be my blood, but if you stand with them, you are not worth my time." His stance was agressive his brows pulled together.
Riskel took in a breath. "You're going to kill innocent people..." He breathed.
"Only enough to get my point across, The Order is our enemy, Cassandra has turned against our kind, and the Council will stop at nothing to control us. It is a pretty picture that I will paint in blood." He grinned. "If it gets this entire coven on our side, then my job here is done."
Riskel lowered his eyes, his breath shook. He turned and looked over the city, a city he'd helped to build up with Sebastian and Lucille. He took in a deep breath and turned. "No." He spoke and pulled his short sword.
Nicholai grinned, "Very well." He swiftly pulled a pistol and aimed it. "Do you think you are fast enough, son?" He questioned.
Riskel grit his teeth, "I'll cut you down where you stand." He rushed forward and slashed at his father. The sound of the gun echoed through the room. Riskel fell forward gripping his chest, he gasped for air.
Nicholai pushed his heel into the wound and kicked the sword away. "You were never a fighter, son." He brushed a bit of blood from his arm. "Don't worry, we can bring this city down without you." He stepped off.
**
Sebastian stood in the foyer of the council hall, his eyes wide. Several members of his coven had run from Netherfall. Wounded. Lucille rushed around with Julian behind her, tending to the injured. It was madness. "Marcus, we need to ready ourselves." He spoke and glanced to Marcus and took in a deep breath. "Nicholai has been plotting this for sometime it seems, he is strategic..."
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Post by Raven on Jul 4, 2018 15:36:30 GMT -5
Cassandra looked to the gentleman shouting in the streets, she pulled her brows together and studied him briefly. “Yes… we are here to help. Listen, quit shouting in the streets – instead… go inform the churches, the orphanages – those vulnerable, we can handle the rest…”
The man looked to her and then nodded slowly. “Okay.. I will do that.” He then hurried off, his flyers still in hand.
Cassandra turned then and followed Iris as they came to the beautiful home. “It sounds like Nicolai is moving swiftly, I fear for the worst…” they ran into Leo and his wife. She saluted to the man, her memories fond of fighting along his side when the Lycans were thick in his city…
“Riskel…” she grit her teeth, she never liked him. She agreed – he was a weak leader. “It sounds like I need to get my people involved…” she sighed softly and paced slightly. “The Order Hall First – and then home…” she then turned to Leo.
“I know your fight is here – but if you can get to headquarters – Marcus is waiting to reconvene with allies… Whenever you can, at a minimum – write him… I will send more troops here to protect you and your people…” Cassandra looked to the Queen briefly, who hand a hand about her heart – her eyes concerned and worried.
“Thank you…” Leo nodded and then saluted.
Cassandra grasped Iris and teleported – they appeared in her office, where their Lycan Scientist friend sat at his own desk. Nigel stood up and smiled – “Iris, you are alive! I am so happy” he held his hand out. “It has been a while… hasn’t it?” he smiled.
“Iris – this is Nigel, if you remember. The scientist that… saved your life. He is a good man, and my second hand of The Order…” Cassandra introduced, Nigel bowed his head and nodded.
“Listen, we have a very dire situation going on…” she crossed her arms. “The Vampire council has split into two. Marcus is leading the original group – I’ll call them the good guys, the bad guys is lead by Nicolai – you remember? Riskel’s father, that corrupt fucker…” Cassandra looked to Nigel, who nodded as he listened.
“Yes… I am not very fond of him, though I thankfully never had the pleasure of meeting him. So, an internal war has began?” Nigel moved to his desk, shifting through papers. “We intercepted a letter – from Nicolai actually.” He handed it over. “Paint the streets red, is all it says…” he squeezed his brows together.
“A cue to attack…” she sighed softly. “Yes, Nicolai’s intent is to convert any middle standing covens, and he is acting fast. Murdering humans, and spreading corruption about my name, and everyone else’s. We need to get the Order involved, even though vampire’s have never been our focus…” she glanced to him.
Nigel sucked in a deep breath. “I see, yes – what is the approach then?”
“We are not vampire hunters, we will go into the cities and protect the innocents, that is our primary objective…” she looked to him.
“Yes… yes, I agree with this. Very well, what would you have me do?” Nigel questioned further, sitting at his desk and pulling out pen and paper.
“I need to be on the front line, with Iris and her family. You will have to lead The Order. I need you to prioritize and monitor the group divisions, communicate and send them out – and as fast as you can do it…” she looked to him. “I have an idea…” she stepped away.
She lead Iris down the hallway and opened another door, a woman sat at her desk – she glanced up and nodded. “Master Cassandra?”
“Lithandry – hello. We have a… problem” she spoke and sighed softly.
“The vampire covens, I heard..” she stood. She had pale soft skin, long blonde hair – and when she smiled, her fangs were just barely visible.
“Yes, Nigel and I are formulating our plan, but… I have to be on the front lines. This means, I am going to promote you to High Captain, you will report to Nigel..” she dug through her pocket and handed her a vial. “We need to move as fast as we can… you’ve done it before, you’re the most qualified. The first steps is communication, we need someone who can teleport…”
Lithandry lifted the vial and looked to her and nodded. “Very well, I accept”
“Just write down how much you want, I’ll get it handled. For now – see Nigel now.” Cassandra spoke and stepped back.
Lithandry stood and saluted. “I will not let you down, Master Cassandra – thank you” she nodded her head and stepped out of the room.
Cass turned to Iris and smirked. “I have a few weapons up my sleeve. Lithandry is the daughter of an ancient – a very strong and loyal vampire, her promotion puts her at 3rd in command.” She grinned “Okay, I’ve done enough here… let us go to Netherfall”
Cassandra held her hand out and they teleported. They arrived just outside the door of their home… she turned and winced. Buildings on fire… the dead… every where. It was way worse than previously, the gore was terrible. Bodies ripped in half, limbs scattered – blood stained the streets. “God… damnit…” she whispered.
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 4, 2018 16:08:14 GMT -5
Iris looked to Nigel as they appeared in the headquarters. Memories of her confinement flashed before her eyes. She sucked in a breath. "Right...saved me..." She nodded and bit her lip slightly. She looked away a bit uneasily and followed Cassandra, listening and observing. Soon enough they teleported to Netherfall. The sweet smell of blood caused Iris to tense, she looked to the bodies that lay outside of the mansion her eyes had melted to the golden color.
She turned to knob of the door and stepped inside. The home was silent. She walked through it, listening for any movement at all, she could hear a faint heartbeat. She walked up the stairs, the place was trashed, papers and books thrown on the floor. Nicholai had searched through everything, what did he aim to gain? To find? Iris pushed open the door to the study to find Riskel on his back. The faint heartbeat belonged to him. "Riskel..." She spoke as she stepped forward and knelt at his side. She cupped his cheek, his eyes fluttered.
"No...you can't be....here...." He choked on the blood in his mouth. "Get out....Iris..."
The sound of clapping came from the balcony. "How nice of you to join us." Nicholai spoke, he looked to Cassandra and in an instant he'd tossed a silver pin through the air. "Hang tight a moment." He grinned before he turned his attention back to Iris. He stepped forward. "How do you like our new position hm?" He questioned. "Can you feel the power that we hold? We could rule over everything, instead of hiding in the shadows."
Iris stood slowly, she glanced to Cassandra with worried eyes.
Nicholai stood just a foot from her now. "Don't bother, I'd stop you before you even lifted a finger, my queen." He searched her eyes. "How's your memory hm?" He grinned and chuckled then. "I helped Dylan formulate that poison, a shame it wore off before you were incinerated." He sighed, "But this will do, it's helped us recruite much of the coven that my son built for me." He glanced to Riskel, "A shame he didn't want to follow in my footsteps. He's loyal to your family for whatever reason." He scoffed slightly. "He's weak, is what he is."
Iris swallowed, her eyes staring to him. "No, he is strong to stand up to you." She spoke. "You're a monster." She gripped the handle of her pistol.
"Ah, I am?" He questioned, his eyes turned a violet color. "Iris, you'll do as I say, hm?" He grinned.
Iris took in quick breaths, she could feel her mind clouding. "No...." She stumbled back, she fell over Riskel and scrambled back to her feet, her back pressed against the wall.
"Without your memory your mind is weak, much like the abominations, they are weak minded as well." He stepped to her. "You see, I can't even think of touching Cassandra's mind, she's too strong, but you, you are able to be moulded."
Iris grit her teeth. "No..." Her eyes darkened, her fangs became visible. She lashed forward and struck him, her claws ripped across his chest.
Nicholai chuckled as he looked down to his chest, "That was an awfully nice shirt." He spoke and shook his head. "Come now, Iris. Stop fighting me." He reached forward and gripped her head.
Iris shoved against him sending him stumbling back. She pulled her pistol and aimed it. "You can't control me." She cocked the gun.
Nicholai growled he lunged forward. Iris pulled the trigger. The bullet grazed Nicholai's shoulder. He ripped the gun from her hand and it clattered across the floor. He slammed her against the wall. "We will bring the council down, this is a new age." He spoke, "You can not stop us." He stared into her eyes as he held her head. Iris' eyes fluttered. He snickered, "You're weak, weaker than Riskel even." He grinned. He turned then and stepped to Cassandra, he grinned. "How does it feel?" He asked and stared into her eyes. "It's such a shame that silver is such a burden on us, isn't it? Such a powerful creature turned defensless by a tiny object."
Iris slammed into him just as he leaned forward to drink from Cassandra. She slammed her fist into the side of his head. "What did you do?!" She snarled, her mind still cloudy. The two began to fight then, punches were thrown. Iris pulled her dagger and just as swiftly as she stabbed it forward Nicholai stabbed another small pin into her leg. "I'll deal with you later. Enjoy." He spoke before he rushed from the home. Iris fell to the ground as she gripped her thigh, her body slowly became frozen.
Riskel turned on his side. "I....Iris..." He choked out. He crawled to her leaving a trail of blood on the floor. Riskel reached and pulled the pin from her leg, her breaths shook. "G-Get....out..." He choked. "Get out now..." His breath shook, he would be dead within minutes.
Iris gasped, her eyes wide. Her body felt like it was on fire. She staggered to her feet. "Cass..." She reached and pulled the pin from Cassandra's shoulder before she hugged onto her. "What..." She shook her head trying to shake the cloudy feeling. She stumbled slightly, "We have to check the town...we have to stop them..."
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Post by Raven on Jul 4, 2018 17:06:34 GMT -5
Cassandra gasped as she felt the pin prick her. Within seconds her entire body became incredibly stiff – an unimaginable cold washed over her, and then squeezed every atom that held her together. The pain was the worst she had felt in ages… She had never had the pleasure of being frozen by silver, a prick or two – perhaps, but never this.
Her vision remained – her eyes watched as the fight commenced. Never before had she felt so vulnerable and so useless. Though to her surprise – the fight was over, Iris and Cassandra both stood frozen, and Nicholai escaped. Though why ? Why did he not kill them right there? He wanted a fight, he wanted the back and forth – the attention, this was all him – he had gone insane over the years…
Cassandra gasped loudly as the pin was ripped from her skin – she stumbled forward and grasped onto Iris. “Damnit” she cursed and then looked to Riskel. “So you stood up against him?” she stepped over, her legs trembling from the pain that slowly began to seep away. “Come on –“ she held her wrist over his lips.
“Go ahead, you deserve it…” she whispered. Riskel looked to her and reached for her hand… he lowered it and sunk his fangs into her flesh. After one long draw – he slipped away. She glanced to his wound – the bullet was seemingly pushed out, it clinked against the ground… and his skin repaired itself, instantly.
“Thank you…” he stood and helped Cassandra up. “Come on – we will go together”
Cassandra took his hand and was lifted to her feet, she turned and nodded to Iris. “Come on…” She pushed through the pain and they all 3 ran into the city. Cassandra grimaced as they stepped over the dead bodies. They rounded the corner and saw something… terrible.
A vampire stood over a human – gripping him by the his shirt – the vampire’s teeth were ravaging against his neck, ripping and thrashing into the poor skin of the human. The man cried out as he writhed in pain, within the terrible grip of the demon. Though moments passed and the body was limp – drained of blood.
The vampire pulled his head back - all of his jaw and neck were slathered with red hot blood, it soaked into his shirt and all down his chest. Cassandra grit her teeth and teleported forward. Her sword cut into his body, piercing his chest and stabbing through his back. She twisted it – snapping and cracking came from the wound, she was severing his spine. She then withdrew her sword and kicked the vampire down.
The vampire cried out in pain – still alive even after the attack, but he would suffer there until he died. Cassandra wiped her sword off and sheathed it “Fuck you” she spat and then glanced to Iris.
A crowd of humans rushed forward, running from another vampire. Cassandra pulled her gun and fired an entire clip into the vampire, until he was dead on the ground. “Hurry – come on, the church” she rushed them forward, she threw open the cathedral door and rushed them in. Within the church was her group from the Order – they had been rounding people up. This was the stationary group within Netherfall.
“Master – we couldn’t hold them off, we did what we could – “ the Officer of the Squad approached. Blood was smeared across his face and arms, he looked beat…
“You did the right thing – I will send more people as we find them… make sure that this is a safe haven… under stand?” she looked to him. The officer nodded. Cassandra turned and lead them out the door.
“Nicholai is probably long gone – we need to finish off these vampires, save who we can…” she glanced to Iris. “Should we split up?”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 4, 2018 18:55:53 GMT -5
Iris gripped onto Cassandra, "Are you okay?" She asked, her eyes a bright golden color. She shook her head trying to wash the fuzzy feeling from her mind. It was unlike anything she'd ever felt. She watched as Cassandra gave Riskel her blood. Soon enough they were headed into town, sprinting along. Iris gasped as she looked to the destruction. A building what was used to hold the festival....the ball...it was collapsed from an explosion, bodies were torn to pieces with shrapnel pierced into the skin. The air was thick with the stench of fresh blood. Iris watched as a vampire drank a human dry, her eyes wide. This was a nightmare.
Iris rushed forward as a group of humans came toward them. Her eyes trained in on the vampire that chased after them. She slammed into him harshly, toppling to the ground. Memories flashed through her vision as she stared into the eyes of the man, he was of her coven. "Jack...?" She breathed. "How...? How could you..." She looked to the blood that was all over his jaw.
The man looked up at her a wicked grin on his lips. "How could I not? We've been living in fear for centuries! Fear of the damned council! Fear of Sebastian enforcing the laws of the council! Not anymore!" He shoved her off of him.
Iris stumbled back she looked to him with soft eyes. "No...this isn't how it should be." She spoke softly. Her memory with him played in her mind, she stood in the middle of the grande hall, a simple dress on. He had taught her to dance. She'd spent hours with him, learning while her parents fought in the lycan wars when she was young.
The vampire lunged forward, "Nicholai told us you would say that, if you showed your face." He slammed into her, pinning her against the crumbling brick of a building. "You abandoned us and left us to Riskel..." He shook his head. "He is not our king."
Iris stared into his eyes. "No, no I didn't leave, I went to stop this madness from happening..." Her voice was barely a whisper as she spoke.
The vampire chuckled, "You're too late, Nicholai will have all the covens behind him in a few days time...Don't worry my queen, I'll end this torture for you, once and for all." He licked his lips and gripped onto her more tightly as he moved forward to bite into her.
Suddenly he was slammed from the side, as he was shoved from her a blade sliced through his neck, lobbing his head off. "Come on." Riskel took Iris' hand. "We need to catch up to Cass." He nodded and pulled her along. "Don't let my father get into your head, Iris." He spoke over his shoulder. "Lesser vampires have no choice, you are stronger than that." He pulled her into the church behind Cassandra and the group of humans.
Iris took in quick breaths. One of the humans looked to her searching her eyes. "She's one of them." The young girl spoke. "She's...."
"No, I'm not one of them. Don't worry..." Iris looked to her, she knelt down, "I'm not here to hurt you." She looked into her eyes, "We are here to stop this, to save you." She nodded. "We won't harm you like them, okay?"
The little girl stared to Iris, she began to calm. She then moved forward and hugged onto Iris, tears streaming down her cheeks. "They killed me mommy..." She whimpered. "My daddy..." She sobbed.
Iris took in a breath, she held onto the girl and glanced up as Cassandra and the Officer from her order spoke. She handed the child off to one of the humans. "Keep her safe." She nodded, "We will end this." She turned then and followed Cassandra outside.
"I can take the west end." Riskel spoke taking off in a sprint, "Someone cover the east and the north." He called over his shoulder.
Iris looked to Cassandra a long moment. "If we split up, it could be dangerous, but we will cover more ground...possibly save more lives." She gripped onto Cassandra then staring deeply into her eyes. "Be safe." She breathed before she kissed her. Iris then rushed off heading toward the east side of town. She sprinted along, listening. "Go to the church! Go there! The brave men and women of the order are there to protect you. Go!" She called as she ran down the streets. She skidded around a corner as a woman sprinted from a vampire.
The woman was grabbed harshly and slammed against the wall. The vampire leaned forward and bit into her harshly the woman screamed in pain. Iris slammed into him and pulled her dagger. She stabbed it into his chest. "You're dispicable." She growled. Though the scent of fresh blood caused her to feel dizzy. She shook her head. Blood lust. She usually had more control.
Iris turned to the woman whom was sobbing, she'd slid down the wall and was gripping onto her neck. "Come on." She helped her stand. A group of humans were rushing by. "Hey!!" She called. "Take her to the church, hurry to the church you will be safe there." She spoke and handed the woman off. She staggered slightly. She stepped back over to the vampire and pulled her dagger from his chest. "Nicholai is a liar." She spoke as she wiped the blood from the dagger on his shirt. His blood pooled on the ground beneath him. She stood as she heard footsteps approaching. Her eyes fell on a tall man with short well kept hair. He had on expensive clothing. He was walking toward her a grin on his lips.
Iris pulled her pistol and aimed at him. She pulled the trigger and he dodged, she pulled it several more times until he slammed her against the wall. "You don't know what you're dealing with." He growled, his eyes bored into hers. "You're messing with a power much stronger than your own." His voice was menacing. "The streets will be painted in blood in each of the cities until the humans bow down to our power, until the council gives in and abolishes the laws that caused us to hide in the shadows. We are the stronger being. We deserve this." He gripped her wrists tightly. "You will not stop us."
Iris stared to him, "I will." She spoke, "There are far too many that believe in the council, that stand behind Marcus. You won't get away with this." She struggled against him. He was strong his grip didn't faulter as she tried to pull away.
The vampire grinned, "Ah, you think you're invincible with the Dhampir? Hm? Is that it? Don't worry, we will get our hold of her and she will be ours, just as she was intended to be."
Iris shut her eyes tightly then. She took in quick breaths. "No....you won't." She grit her teeth as her bones popped. Suddenly a white light surrounded her, the vampire stepped back. Iris changed into her wolf form, she snarled as she lunged forward and snapped down on the vampire's wrist. She shook her head snapping his bones and dislocating his shoulder. The two toppled to the ground and she growled as she ripped at his throat causing blood to splatter across the ground. She looked up as another vampire came toward her, her fangs bared. She leaped into the air and tackled him easily. She clamped down on his neck as well and easily killed him before she rushed forward. As she sprinted she changed back into her human form seemlessly. She rounded a corner and a blunt pipe slammed into her abdomen. Iris buckled forward from the pain, the pipe came down on her back she gasped for air.
"Take that!" A man called angrily. "You're not taking my kid or my wife you filthy scum!" He hit her again harshly, her rib cracked from the swing as he brought it down on her again.
Iris was on her hands and knees now. "W-wait..." She gasped. "Wait..." She collapsed as he kicked into her side. "Wait...I'm...n-not..."
"Honey!!!" A woman rushed forward and knelt next to Iris. "No...no....she's not one of those creatures. This is that sweet girl from the Remmington family." She looked up to her husband. "Iris? Isn't it?" She asked her eyes worried. "Can you hear me sweetie?"
Iris coughed up a glob of blood. She gave a shaky nod. "Y-you need to get to safety...to the church..." She choked out as her eyes fluttered, she fell unconscious...
"You poor thing..." She looked to her husband. "Look what you did!" She snapped at him. "This poor girl was trying to help us! I told you! I told you not to just hit anyone!" She smacked him on the side of the head as if she was swatting at a fly.
"I was just...trying to keep us safe...those things...they are monsters..." He stared to Iris as his wife stood.
"She said go to the church. Pick her up, let's go honey." She opened the door, "Come on." She grabbed her son and pulled the young boy into her arms.
The man knelt and scooped Iris up. "I'm sorry..." He breathed as he rushed through the city with her. They jumped over dead bodies.
"Stop right there." A vampire stepped out in front of them. He grinned. "What's that you have there?" He questioned. He chuckled then. "Oh a human saving a vampire? How cute."
"Get back." The woman held a shotgun in her hands, her son held onto her back and peeked over her shoulder. "I'll shoot."
"You won't want that girl with you when she wakes." The vampire grinned. "She might kill you." He snickered.
"I've known her for years, she isn't going to hurt anyone." The woman snapped and cocked the gun. The vampire rushed forward then. She pulled the trigger as he lunged for her and bullets scattered into his chest. He fell to his knees, a sizzling sound from the wound, silver. "That's right." She grinned. "Try to mess with us, huh?" She nodded to her husband and they made their way through the city.
Soon enough they came upon the church. The man set Iris down on one of the church pews. Iris lay motionless blood leaked from her nose. "What the man said..." He looked to his wife. "He said she's a vampire...you heard him...a vampire..." He muttered. "Is that what these things are?" He asked his eyes worried.
His wife looked to him and let out a long breath. "I...don't know..." She shook her head. She stepped forward then and gripped Iris' jaw gently, she opened her mouth carefully and her eyes widened as she looked to the small fangs. "She was trying to help us..." She whispered as she released her grip. "There's more to this." The woman looked to her husband.
Riskel walked in then his eyes glanced about the room. "Iris..." He rushed forward. "Is she okay? What happened?" He looked to the woman.
"Well, my husband thought she was one of the monsters attacking the city..." The woman spoke.
Riskel pulled her into his arms. Iris' head lulled and fell back. He carefully adjusted her until her head leaned against his shoulder. "She's not a monster." He spoke his eyes staring to the woman. He then walked off in search of Cassandra.
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Post by Raven on Jul 4, 2018 19:16:41 GMT -5
Cassandra nodded “You’ve got this” she whispered and then teleported easily. She shifted through the city – teach teleport was in a blink of an eye, she crossed the entire city with ease. She could smell them – the vampires, they had an odd stench, she could feel the bloodlust radiating from their body.
She appeared in a small café shop, a collection of men sat at a table and drank tea, eating calmly – all while the entire place was full of murder and chaos. One of the men looked up and grinned – his fangs were long and pointed.
“Who do we have here? The leader of the order herself… Cassandra, eh? The Dhampir. I was hoping you’d show… There is a mighty price for your delivery, you know” he grinned and stood up.
“And you are?” Cassandra grit her teeth.
“Ah, the leader of this fine event, don’t you think it is fun?” he finished his tea and then stepped around the table. He pushed both boots into a dead human, stepping on his back, and then over him – as if the body wasn’t even there. The vampire pulled out a gun and twirled it about in his hand. “Lets do this” he nodded and then held the gun up.
The gunshot filled the air – but it lodged into the wall of the café. Cassandra had teleported – 2 vampires were still seated, eating, watching the event like it was a show. But now their heads rolled on the ground, until they touched foreheads and stopped… dead eyes looking to each other.
The leader turned and grit his teeth, he fired several more times – but to no avail. Cassandra appeared before him and gripped the barrel of the gun, she flipped it and bashed his temple with it. She purposely knocked him out – ensuring he would survive, and to have to report his loss..
She teleported out of the room and made her way about the city. Cassandra would spot a vampire, and within seconds it would be dead, they couldn’t even put up a fight. Her sword would push through them, and she would be on to the next one. This crude style is the main reason why she was able to push the Lycans back so much, they couldn’t even compete.
The streets became equally littered with dead vampires, and soon she even watched them leave - their numbers too thin to try and fight back. Humans rushed down the streets, running to the church…
Cassandra stepped into the church and slid her sword into it’s sheath, about her back. She squeezed her brows together, she saw a couple standing over Iris, Riskel next to her. She rushed forward and pushed through “What the hell happened?” she questioned as she looked over the wounds.
“Um… it was an accident, she is okay though…” The husband spoke… “So, I think you have a lot to explain, Master Cassandra…” he crossed his arms.
Cassandra turned to him, and then sighed softly. “Yes…” she pulled Iris’s head into her lap. “Vampires, the ones in the myths, they are as real as Lycans. Picture the Lycans and then the opposite of them, the Vampires. For the longest time Vampires remained neutral, quietly hiding from everyone, and they had a good governing rule that kept them in shape. Well…. A select group have decided to rebel, and now internal war rules. You see, this town is protected by the Coven, and my people of the Order – who by the way are humans. So the rebels are attacking entire cities as a message to the covens… unfortunately…” she caressed Iris’s cheek.
“So yes, it is true. Unfortunately the Calm that I brought upon us is now over. This is just the beginning of the terrors that are to come… but I am working on a plan… It’s just a little difficult…” she sighed softly and glanced to Iris. “The rebels have been driven out, for now…” she shifted from Iris and then nodded. “I must talk to my officer and tend to the wounded, let me know when Iris wakes…”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 4, 2018 19:41:06 GMT -5
Riskel watched as Cassandra held onto Iris, caressing her cheek. He looked to the woman and the man as Cassandra explained their world to them. The woman looked to him after Cassandra stepped away. "And you young man..." She looked into his eyes. "Are you one as well?" She questioned.
Riskel gave a slow nod. "Yes." He replied, "I am, but I am not here to harm you." He lowered his eyes back to Iris.
The woman chuckled, "I always knew there was something odd about the Remmington family." She leaned on her shotgun, she then looked to Riskel against, "Is Cassandra?" She asked.
Riskel took in a deep breath and slowly nodded. "Yes. There are a lot of good Vampires." He spoke, "Cassandra is actually something even more special, as is Iris, but I won't get into that now." He replied. He looked down to Iris and sat down next to her, he brushed a bit of hair from her face. "Right now what matters is that we've saved many lives." He spoke softly. "Hopefully that is enough to show our true nature, we are not monsters."
Iris took in a sharp breath. She gasped as her eyes opened. The bright golden color remained. She let out a painful cry as the injuries pulsed.
"Calm, deep breaths." Riskel spoke, "You're safe." He stared to her. "You're at the church."
Iris grit her teeth, her jaw tightened. "The blood...." She breathed, she looked to him with her golden eyes. "I....can't..." She clenched her jaw and shook her head. Her skin was pale.
"Do vampires....need blood?" The husband asked, his eyes watching her.
Riskel nodded, "Yes. After her injuries...her body is going to require it. This isn't a safe place to keep her." He scooped her up. "Would you tell Cassandra I've taken her upstairs?" He asked as he slipped quickly from the room and climbed the tower to where the church bells hung. He set Iris down carefuly. "Take in deep breaths." He spoke staring to her. "I know it hurts." He searched her eyes. "Remain calm, keep in control. I know you can control the urge Iris."
Iris lay on her back with her fists balled tightly. "I c-can't..." She choked out. "Get me out of here...please...there's too much blood..." Her pulse raced.
**
The woman stepped up to Cassandra. "Master Cassandra." She spoke and glanced to the Officer. "A word?" She asked and pulled her away. "Iris woke...her eyes were golden...I'm not sure what that means but she mentioned blood...that fine young man took her upstairs, he asked me to tell you." The woman paused a moment. "I will do what I can to help, Master Cassandra, you have done us a great deed ridding the world of fear, it can be done again. Be it a different monster, they are all the same." She nodded.
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Post by Raven on Jul 4, 2018 21:25:46 GMT -5
Cassandra turned the woman approached her. “Yes?” she listened – but the woman did not even get to vanish her sentence. Cassandra suddenly teleported away – she appeared in the room with Iris, Riskel was standing next to her. “Listen – I’m going to take her. You need to get control of your town, take care of the people – if you need my people you have the right to command them.” She slipped her hands under Iris and teleported them.
They appeared next in a quiet room – they were back at head quarters. Before she could even step away – Lucille came into the room. “Is she okay?” she rushed forward and cupped her daughters cheek.
“She needs blood – badly” Cassandra looked to Iris.
“A blood bag isn’t going to do it, she needs something fresh…” She glanced to Cassandra with concerned eyes.
“Okay… I’ll be swift” Cassandra teleported away. She appeared next in a busy bar – a city quite far away. She approached a woman and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Hello” she smiled.
The woman turned, her eyes beaming as she held a drink in her hand. “Hi” she grinned.
“Hey sweetness, come with me hm?” her eyes glowed yellow briefly.
“Sure” she smiled.
Cassandra chuckled and teleported. It was as easy as that – her luring skills were beyond her own expectations… perhaps also because this woman was a little tipsy.
The woman slowly stepped forward to Iris. “She is yours – “ Cassandra watched “I’ll take her back…” she glanced to Lucille and stepped out of the room – honestly, she didn’t even want to imagine her lips upon someone’s neck. But she knew she had to let Iris have human blood, as much as her own blood was tasteful…
She stepped into the next room, where Marcus approached. “How is it going?” he questioned.
“Terribly – Nicholai anticipated our speed, and doubled his own. Each city we have gone to has already been attacked, the streets… I’ve never seen so many dead, not even during the peak of the Lycans… I am worried, the humans are going to…” she shook her head and crossed her arms.
“This isn’t the first time the council has split like this… it is the cycle of our life, no different than humans at times…” Marcus lead her forward and poured two glasses of wine. “When you live…. For eternity… it gets boring. The minds of once great people are warped, and their need for… energy, must be fed. In these cases their energy drives from war, rebellion, attention…” he sipped on his wine.
Cassandra lifted her glass and sipped it. “So… what do we do then?”
“We just keep moving… those who see our view - will follow us, we cannot force anyone. The people who haven’t made their choice, won’t make the choice to join us. It is just too easy, and too satisfying to fight for their own greed…” he sat down on the couch and crossed his leg.
“So, you are saying we should exert the effort?” she questioned, eyes squeezed tight.
Marcus chuckled “Not quite, I think it is important to ensure the safety of the people, but theres no sense in arguing with them, the only choice is to fight…”
Cassandra tilted her head “I….” she shook her head. “I’m not sure how I feel about that answer”
Marcus bit his lip slightly and nodded “Perhaps in my age I’m less optimistic as you might be… I can admire your courage, despite. If you wish to try, I will not stop you. You just tell me what I need to do..” he stood then. “You are a good leader, you made more progress in 3 years than anyone in the past – You know what you are doing…” he smiled weakly.
“Ahem..” she cleared her throat “Um…” she set her glass down and looked to him. “Well…thank…you?”
Marcus looked to her and then stepped away…
Cassandra made her way to the room, she knocked on the door. Lucille held the woman, who was asleep now in her hands. Cassandra stepped forward and took the woman – within moments she returned. “Okay… well… Are you okay Iris?”
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Post by Blindside Tex on Jul 4, 2018 23:49:08 GMT -5
"Cass..." Iris breathed, she grit her teeth as she fought herself. Her want for blood was incredibly strong. "Get me out..." She whispered as she was lifted into her arms, Iris held onto Cassandra weakly.
The next few moments passed swiftly. Suddenly a woman knelt before her. Iris looked up to this woman she could hear her heart beat within her chest. She stared to her a long moment. "This won't hurt." She whispered softly as she grasped the woman and then pulled her closer she bit into her neck and drew the blood into her mouth. The color began to return to her cheeks as she drank. The fuzzy cloud cleared from her mind. As the woman loosened in her arms.
"Iris, you have to stop." Lucille placed her hand on her shoulder.
The gentle touch of her mother brought her back to reality, she slipped her fangs from the woman's neck and pressed her fingertips to the wound, healing the two punctures. She looked to her mother with icy blue eyes. "Mother..." She moved and lay the woman on the ground.
"Iris." Lucille pulled her into a tight embrace. "You're okay." She spoke as she held her. "You were very deprived of blood, it's okay." She spoke as she stepped back. "That's why I stayed." She nodded. "Do you feel better?"
Iris nodded as she thought back to the situation. "Yes, but...everything is going to hell, mother." She locked eyes with her then. "Netherfall...."
"I know, nearly half of our coven fled...other covens have started to show up here as well...this is going to be much like the Lycan wars. Can you remember?" She asked as she searched her eyes. "Do you remember living amongst the covens? You were incredibly young, only a few years old at that point. We weren't in the mansion because it was unsafe."
Iris thought a long moment. She shook her head. "No, but...I can imagine...what they are doing to the humans...drinking them completely dry...turning them unwillingly."
Her mother's eyes widened. "The lesser vampires...?" She asked softly. "Are they turning humans?"
Iris nodded, "Yes we saw it in Strathmore...deformed beings..."
"He is building an army..." Lucille spoke and let out a long sigh. "Let us catch up with Cassandra hm? She can take this kind lady back home." She scooped the woman up into her arms. It was then that the door opened.
"Cass." Iris spoke, not even giving Cassandra a chance to finish her sentence she stepped forward when she'd returned and threw her arms around her. "I'm sorry.." She whispered softly. "I was wreckless I suppose...I should have known the humans would fight back..."
"Humans did that to you?" Lucille raised her brows.
Iris nodded, "Yes, they thought I was one of the vampires attacking the city, when I came around the corner...it was Mr. and Mrs. Killinger...."
"The bakers?" Lucille asked. "You know your father told me to never cross them." She then chuckled. "That woman will pull that shotgun off the wall to defend herself in a heartbeat. She once killed three lycans all by herself."
Iris took in a breath and shook her head. "Her husband should have been in baseball with the way he swings a metal pipe." She laughed then before she looked to Cassandra. "Is our attempt to warn the others in vain?" She asked. "They seem to have anticipated our every move..." Her eyes fell she took in a breath. "I can only imagine how many innocents have died..." She muttered. "This isn't right, we have to stop it...we have to stop them..."
"There are nearly 100 downstairs already. Most came with wounds and horror stories." Lucille spoke, she cupped Iris' cheek. "Whatever you do darling, please be safe." She then looked to Cassandra, she placed her hand on her shoulder and looked into her eyes. "You too dear, I don't want to lose either of you." She smiled before she slipped from the room.
Iris looked to Cassandra a long moment. "That cabin sounds nice about now..." She sighed softly. "I wish I could have experienced the calm you spoke of...." She then shook her head and offered a smile. "What do we do?" She asked her eyes looking into Cassandra's.
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