Ready for Battle

Casey

We are almost to our destination, and I can feel the tensions in the vehicle rising. I focus on my breathing and the road trying to keep myself calm. Everyone just assumes that I’m a naturally calm person who can keep cool in any situation. In reality, it’s hard, it's’ actually a lot of work and took a lot of training to be able to force calmness over myself in a stressful situation. I notice that Jordan is affected by the song, I know why he is, but I won’t say anything. He is unaware that I know he is crying. I’ve known before as well, I’ve heard him up late at night when he would spend the night here. Through the time of Devon’s suicide he spent almost two weeks with us. He was so worried about Shaniqua that he couldn’t sleep. He would comfort her and then when he would go into his room when she passed out, I would hear him. I never confronted him on it.

       So I force myself to look ahead I ignore the fact that I want to help him, that I want to tell him it will all be ok and we will get through it. I see the sign ahead, it’s barely visible through the thick brush that covers it now. This used to be a busy road. Now weeds grow through cracks in the asphalt and it’s bumpy, broken, and hard to travel on. The sign wasn’t in english, but I knew what it meant. It was a warning, telling those who could read it to stay away. It was meant only for mystics like us. Humans couldn’t  read ancient vampiric text so they weren’t at risk by being here. Besides, we could all tell the difference between human or not, all by smell. I traveled further down the road. About three miles later, there was a small opening off to the side it lead into the trees on the side of the road. The only reason I saw it was because I already knew it was there.

      I pulled down that little pathway type divot into the thick woods, glancing back to make sure that the others were still following me. They were so I headed onwards, stopping only when I reached the stream. We were still about four miles away from their kingdom, even the base of the mountain we needed to get to was about two miles, but here was our meeting grounds. I stopped the vehicle and got out, opening the back passenger door I shook Shaniqua awake as Alexia and X got out on the other side. Jordan helped me and eventually we woke her up.

       “Alright! Let’s go everyone huddle up we are gonna set this out right here right now! Everybody better gather round cuz I ain’t gonna say it twice.!” She said as she jumped out of the vehicle as if I wasn’t standing right there. I looked at Jordan and despite the situation; he smiled and shook his head.

      “Bipolar I swear…it has to be bipolar.” He said climbing out and stretching. I laughed in spite of myself, and we went to join them, before she threw a hissy fit.

Shaniqua

       “Ok people! Listen up” I said again after everyone was around and the other pack got out and joined us. “This is really important not only because we are going into a ‘foreign’ territory, but because it’s not really something we can plan out. I don’t want anyone getting hurt and yet at the same time there are way too many variables to plan for. They could spring anything on us at any time.”

       “So wait.” Summer interrupted me; I glared at her I hate being interrupted. “You’re telling us that we came here to help you risking our lives, our safety and well being, and you don’t have a plan to take them down? The home nest of the worst enemy of wolves and every other mystic; and you don’t even know how we are gonna do this? Are you crazy?!” her voice was rising and she came up so she was right in my face I looked down at her. She was a good five inches shorter than me it dawned on me, a pixie! That is what she reminded me of I knew it wasn’t the time but she was getting on my nerves. Alexia was looking at her like she was on crack. Most of my pack was, because they knew what I was capable of if she pissed me off.  So I took a deep breath before answering her.

       “First off I am going to let you know now, that I do not like being cut off with what I am saying. So please don’t ever do that again if you want to stay on my decent side. Secondly, no Summer, I don’t have a plan I realize that we are facing a huge threat and our worst enemy, but I don’t see there being a way to plan for an attack in which they could be planning. This could all be a ploy and made sure Markkus knew this, he knew the risk and I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t put you all in anything he didn’t think you could handle. So I really don’t think it’s your place to say much about.” I took a breath and stepped back, I had been right in her face. “As for your last question; yes I am. I am crazy, I’m psycho, wacky, and weird, odd, abnormal, call it whatever. I’m definitely not normal you can ask anyone who knows me.  However I protect those I care about at any cost. So going after one of my own isn’t crazy it’s natural. You can’t tell me that if anyone of your pack got captured that you would sit around and be like oh well. So don’t’ accuse me of shit like that” I growled at her. She shrunk back next to her pack and looked down. “Now… if we are finished with this little fiasco I’d like to get a move on.”

       “So here’s what I’ve come up with.” Said Destiny “I think our best option would be to attack from the rear, this will be harder, seeing as the back side is facing the mountain so we will be approaching from higher above. This means ultimately we need to be as undercover as possible. Postpone the actual fighting for as long as absolutely possible. Best case scenario we can get inside before we have to take anyone out. However, at the same time this is highly unlikely yet like Shaniqua said we need to prepare for anything. There is no way of knowing if they are expecting us or if we can actually surprise them. So we will spread out across the back coming through the mountains. Markkus?” She looked at him.

        “Yeah?” He came forward to her.

       “Is there anyone in your group that has telepathy? That would come in handy. I’ll know a little bit better how to divide this.”

       “Well we have two. There is…..”

       “So why is she doing all the planning here if you  are the alpha?” Came a snide voice. I looked that way though I already knew who it was. Summer was looking at Destiny with distaste. God can’t this girl just give it a break. Destiny looked ready to pounce on her for speaking and questioning her position.

       “Seriously? Can’t you just knock it the hell off and get used to the fact that I don’t run my pack like you do yours? No offense Markkus I’m sure you do a great job.” He nodded in understanding, but glared at Summer. I could tell me and this girl were just destined to not get along on any front. She was driving me crazy and wasting time too.

       “Well I’m just aski…”

       “No!” I shouted “I’m done with the questions, the wanting answers, the interruptions, the wasting of time. My mate is in there and at any moment they could kill him. They are putting him through torture of some sort I am sure. And you wanna know why Destiny is making the attack plan? Because that’s what she’s good at!!! We all work together, everyone plays their part, everyone has things that they excel at and we piece it together that way. Get used to it! And for god’s sake shut up and listen!!!”

       “But you said..”

       “That’s enough Summer!!!” Markkus shouted alpha voice obviously. She jumped and looked at him with wide eyes. “You will do as you are told. She is alpha also and therefore you will listen to her under my command. You need to stop the questioning and follow the plan as laid out, no matter who is the one who makes it.” I stared at him in disbelief, but was happy that he had intervened because I was gonna snap. “Please continue with your planning.” He said when he thought Summer was sufficiently taken care of.

      I nodded gratefully then continued. “Actually Markkus, You were saying who your telepathics were. They would be really helpful with communication when we divide up.”

      “Oh right, so as I was saying we have two telepathics. There is Amber.” He motioned for her to come forward. A tall light skinned, red-head came forward. I noticed her vibrant blue eyes, piercing bright. She smiled shyly and waved hi.

       “Nice to meet you Amber, you may be playing a key role in our agenda.” She stood next to Markkus quietly.

       “Then we have Geoffrey.” And a shorter dark male stepped forward. His long black hair partially covered his eyes but I could see they were green and was buff and built. He seemed like a quality fighter.

       “It’s good to meet you ma’am.” He smiled and held out his hand. I shook it and smiled.

       “Nice to meet you to Geoffrey. Think you can handle being one of our main communicators?” He nodded “Good, it’s a big job.” He just laughed and shook his head. Then went to stand by Alexia, they brushed arms and she jumped. I glanced at her and smiled. Geoffrey looked at  me and then Markkus.

       “Erin you wanna come here for a second.” Erin came over to me and I motioned to Geoffrey and Alexia. He got my meaning and walked over to them. He was able to tell if people were mates, and by the reaction those two had when they touched, my guess was that they were. However, he was also able to see glimpses of people’s future when he touched them, which could be bad, so he had to learn to keep his mouth shut, this sometimes cause problems if people found out bad things.

        “Grab each other’s wrists please.” He asked them and they obliged. He then put his hand over their interlocked hands and closed his eyes. Markkus looked at me, his pack looked confused. Of course my guys had seen this happen before, and I had Erin do it to me and Alex, but never let anyone know. Because Alex was part vamp, his genetics could interfere anyway, depending on who his parents were so I didn’t let anyone know. But I decided that maybe his gang would like to be filled in.

       “Markkus.” I motioned him over. “He’s checking to see if they are mates.” His eyes grew wide.

       “You can do that? I mean he can do that? Figure out if they are destined to be together? I didn’t think that was a power possible.” I nodded

       “Oh it most certainly is. And it comes in handy to.” Erin opened his eyes, but gave no emotion away in his facial expression. He calmly walked over to me and jus barely smiled. Only enough for me to notice, but I saw it, then he walked away.

       “Well then” I said “Destiny please continue.” She shook her head.

       “Uh uh girl. You ain’t pulling that crap here.” She laughed at me “Tell us. One of  you better or someone will get hurt.” She glared at me then Erin.

       “I would say make me, but we ain’t got time for that. Yes they are mates. So welcome to the family.” They smiled and Alexia looked relieved. I pulled Markkus into a hug. “Guess what that means?” I said smiling.

       “What does it mean?” I could tell from the look in his eyes that he was playing along.

       “You are part of the family now too.” He laughed. We all were happy for a few seconds then it got serious again. We still had the task at hand.

       “Anyway.” Destiny continued “as I was saying, the telepathics will play a big role. We also have Xavier and Peter. They will be our other two. So we will have Xavier and Geoffrey as a team. And Amber and Peter as another. This way either side will be able to know what’s going on. However, you should all keep in contact with each other. Everyone needs to know what is going on at all times, it’s of dire importance.” She began drawing out her plan in a crude drawing in the dirt. “So we will be in two groups, with people from each pack in each group so that way we have strengths of different kinds in both groups.” she drew two lines in the dirt from what was the back side of the castle. and showed them entrancing from opposite ends of the structure. “A few will hold back and watch out from the outside., but I’ll pick who in a few minutes.. If they attack from the outside, then depending on how many there are, take them out. If, however, there are too many then you need to get your asses inside. Track us down, do something. But I am doing everything in my power to keep everyone’s asses safe here. I don’t want anyone getting hurt ...or worse. The rest of us will be inside and that’s about as much as I can say. There isn’t much we can do to avoid any changes in the little bit of planning we have.. Everyone got it?” She stopped and took a breath.

       There was a round of agreements “Ok, well then. I am gonna pick who goes where. “I divided them up into groups. “Ok, we’ll have Xavier, Geoffrey, Jake, Jennie, Jordan, Erin, Stephanie, Tarisha, James, Tanner, Daniels, and Jessa. I will also be in this group and Markkus you will be leading the other group.” He nodded in agreement, then gave a pointed look at Summer. “then the other group will contain, Amber, Peter, Casey, Alexia, Braydyn, Destiny, Ashlyn, Corey, McKayla, Steven, summer, Alan, Devry, Misty, and Dustin.” I looked at my work and smiled satisfied that I had done a good job. “Ok, so does everyone understand what we are doing?” They all nodded. “Ok, then Markkus you take them around to the East side, coming around the back. We will have Amber and Peter communicating with my boys here. They will inform you of what’s going on here, and vice versa. We will go around the West. Ok, let’s head out people!”

       “Wait.” Alexia said. “Would it not be more beneficial to stealth if we were in wolf form?” I thought about it

       “Yeah good idea. We will do that” We all switched, I cringed at the popping sound of the bones as we changed. I looked around and saw a satisfactory pack of beastly looking wolves. I nodded to Markkus and we headed out in our own ways. I led my pack through the thick underbrush of the forest. We moved quickly, yet at the same time, did not exert too much energy. We needed to be strong for this battle, I could feel the adrenaline spiking in my veins. It wasn’t going to take us long to get there, because we could move extremely fast. Half of me wanted to get there now, every second that had already been wasted was twenty seconds past. The other half of me was a little bit more rational, and it wanted me to think rationally too. I argued myself in my head as we ran; I needed to get a hold of myself so I wouldn’t hurt anyone including myself.

       Within minutes we were at the back of the castle, about 300 hundred yards up the mountain. About 500 yards away across from us, was Markkus’s group was just coming lower down the mountain. They must have taken a more roundabout route, which was fine by me. I just needed to make sure we stayed out of sight for as long as possible.

       I take a deep breath and then jump when someone touches my shoulder, I’m so wound up that every little thing freaks me out. I turn lowly growling and then I see Xavier he crouches down and is in human form. I glare at him best I can when I’m still in wolf form, I was thankful that he at least put his pants back on. Him, Geoffrey, Peter, and Amber would have to stay in human form to be able to communicate with the rest of us. They could only communicate with each other with the telepathy. He could however read minds as well, which was something Peter couldn’t do he could only receive and send with other telepathics. That meant whoever he’d be discussing with would have to be in human form to talk back unless amber had the same talent as X, I didn’t know if Geoffrey could.

       “He can.” X whispered and I jumped again. I hate it because you can’t tell when he’s reading your thoughts. I am glad he’s not a usually nosey person, because I wouldn’t feel comfortable being around him if he were. I can’t put my mind blacks up till I’m officially mated and only Alphas can anyway. That’ll be nice when I get that. “I know I know, I’m sorry, but I came over to tell you that Peter just said  Markkus wants your permission to station a few members of his group now and head towards the back.” I liked this guy, always wanting to make sure it was ok with me. I thought to X ‘that’s fine, but tell them not to attack until we do the same and get down there. I don’t want them to jump the gun’ he nodded and zoned out, so I knew he was telling Peter what I had said. Then he nodded to me and slunk back a little ways. I could hear the other group moving towards the castle a few minutes later. I perked my ears, and then after about three minutes and I knew they were far enough away, I sent another thought to Xavier.

Stranger

Shaniqua

       ‘Get everyone over here. We are going to set up and head out. I don’t want to wait too long because I don’t need the spacing between waves if for some reason they do end up getting spotted.’ He stepped off into the woods to gather everyone up. I took that moment to take a breather and focus; I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths. When I opened my eyes the pack was around me ready for action. I nodded at them, and then we crept silently through the woods down towards the castle’s rear entrances. My heart jumped into my throat when I saw a dark shadow move behind a tree off to my left. I crouched ready to attack, waited, holding my breath. Then crept after it, a few feet ahead I saw a hooded figured crouching down and faced towards my group. I knew that this figure had seen them, so I had no choice but to pounce. I got ready, then attacked, leaping off the ground with more power than I thought possible.

       The person struggled to get away, pulling away and kicking. I realized that it was a woman, by the slender hands that pulled at my fur. I bite her hand and she whimpered. Finally throwing the hood back so I could see her face, I saw a young blond girl, who couldn’t have been more than twelve; her bright blue eyes looked young and scared. Her skin though naturally pale, looked white as snow from the fear I had instilled into her with my attack. I was startled and pulled back, I wasn’t one to kill period, I only did when I had to. But looking at this young girl, I knew there was no way I could kill her.

       She scooted backwards on her butt, trying not to make any movements that might startle me into attacking again. I didn’t want her to be afraid, but I didn’t know if I could trust her, I backed up slowly. Then changed quickly, and smiled at her so she would understand that I wasn’t going to hurt her. Her eyes grew huge and her mouth hung open.

       “X! Get over here, far left corner of the back wall through the trees. There’s a little girl back here. Bring Corey! Hurry!” I sent the thought quickly hoping the girl wouldn’t dart. I reached out towards her and she mumbled something too quiet for me to hear. I pulled back, I sensed Corey and X behind me. And the look on the girl’s face confirmed it. She looked completely terrified, as though we had found

out something we shouldn’t have. I assumed that she wasn’t known to be out here and I hoped that she

understood we weren’t here to find her. due to her seeming suspicious. I did, however, want to know what exactly she was doing lurking around the castle of a very dangerous predator all by herself. “Change your form…… I don’t want to scare her anymore. I don’t know why she is out here, but

if she does have a connection to them she could alert them if she runs off. and there is no way I want to

be responsible for the death of a young girl. Especially if it is one of them,” I thought this to both of them

while observing the girl from a short distance. She hadn’t moved at all, and seemed slightly less afraid,

even so we had to be careful.

They both changed and came out of the bushes crouched down. and waited for me to make the

next move. they knew as well as I that she could bolt, or worse…… be a shape shifter or have other such powers that could prevent us from capture. I inched towards her holding my hands up in a surrendering sort of way.

“It’s ok we aren’t going to hurt you. I swear we won’t.” I said still moving slowly. “I just want to

make sure that you are okay. I didn’t mean to hurt you, I thought you were someone else. and I can make it better.” when I was about a foot away I stopped. and held out my hand cautiously. “Just let me see it, it’ll be okay I swear.” and I reached for her hurt hand. She pulled it closer to her chest, keeping it cradled in her cloak and out of view. I could, however, see the blood on the front of her dress and as it trickled down towards her elbow. “It’s ok Hun, I swear. I can help it.” I glanced back at the guys who were tensely yet patiently, sitting and waiting.

“How?” I looked back at her startled, I had not expected her to accept my help at this point let

alone talk to me. she seemed to notice the hesitation, “How can you make it better?” I smiled at her, hoping that would help ease her tension.

“Let me show you dear.” I reached for her hand again, “You just need to give me your hand.”

She glanced at Corey and Xavier hesitantly, but said nothing and slowly scooted towards me.. When

she was just a few inches away, she unwrapped her hand and held it out to me. I placed it in my lap and

looked at the wounds more thoroughly. I had gouged deeper than I thought. and when she released the

pressure from her arm; the blood flowed more quickly.

“Oh I am so sorry. Ok here is what you need to do; keep the pressure on your arm like you had

it before.” I waited for compliance. “Okay now I am going to carefully place the torn skin where it belongs so that I can heal it. This will hurt a little bit, but it would be great if you could keep as quiet as possible.

“Tell me if it hurts too bad and I’ll stop okay?” She nodded and looked nervously at her mangled hand,

expecting the great pain. I was honestly surprised she never cried out in pain when I first attacked let

alone when I broke skin.I then began replacing the skin as best as I could as that was the only way to heal it. She winced when I touched it, but other than that gave no further indication of being in pain. Once I had done the best I could, I took my shirt I wiped up most of the blood. She barely said ow once. I had to admit she was a tough little girl.

“Okay here is the deal, in order to heal you I am going to have to put a great deal more pressure

than I have been or even want to. However, this is the only way it will work.” she shook her head

“I don’t understand what you mean by ‘heal it’. do you mean with potions like my father?” I looked at her

confused, but covered it quickly; I would get to the bottom of that later.

“No, I am a healer.” I said and she gasped “I can say chants and/or spells to heal people the only thing is…....” I would’ve told her that the consequences are that it diminishes my strength, but Corey coughed loudly. This reminded me that we still didn’t know if we could trust her. She seemed not to notice, due to she had suddenly become animated beyond expectation.

“You don’t know how big of a deal this is!” she whispered loudly and excitedly. “My dad said there were no more healers left in existence. We always thought they had died out years ago. He will want to

meet you!” then her face fell “that is; if I ever see him again.”

“Okay dear, how bout I fix you up and you can tell us what is going on. We have to make it quick

though because my pack is waiting for me.” She nodded. I proceeded to say a quick spell. This way the

skin is patched, but there are still scars that will fade as ordinary ones do. I simply sped the healing up to

stop bleeding.

“Well the thing is, is my father is a very strong learned spell caster.” I was shocked, what that meant was he had trained himself to learn spell casting. So he had some powers of a wizard, but it wasn’t

something he was born with. Not everyone could learn powers. Very few were gifted like this and even

though they could not be as strong as most mythically gifted people; it took years to learn these spells

and perfect them. From the sound of it; he father had been at it for a while. “And he was captured by

the Lord of this palace and held captive because the true wizard bloods are good and refuse to help

or associate in the evil of the vampires. So he was forced to partake in their rituals and anything they

needed him for. All in order for the two of us to stay alive,”

“So how did you escape then?” I glanced at the boys who were getting increasingly restless; we

all knew we didn't have much more time. It had been nearly fifteen minutes already and we had no idea

what the others were doing. I could only pray to God that they weren’t doing anything foolish. “And why are you out here?”

She shook her head “It’s a long story and I don’t have time, and considering you are here, you

obviously educated enough to know that if you are here on any important business, that you don’t have

much time either. But I have to save my father and once they find out I’m gone then they will be on alert

and it will a million times harder to accomplish anything. But I swear I will tell you everything when we get outta here.” She looked at me with pleading eyes.

I turned to the boys, “Communicate back to the others the details, and we got to get going.” X

nodded.

“We already did and they are aware of our new member and such important information as, us having

yet another person to pick up. They aren’t all happy but oh well.” He shrugged and changed and we crept through the bushes with the girl behind us. I realized I didn’t know her name and turned to her only to see a small chocolate brown cat behind me. I must have looked surprised because she changed and then whispered to me.

“You aren’t the only one who can shift form.” I shook my head and grinned thinking ‘if only she

knew’ to myself. ‘

“What’s your name?” I asked keeping one eye on the boys in wolf form already and slinking way

ahead.

“Aristana” she grinned “but you can call me Star. That’s what my dad calls me” I nodded and

shifted and she followed my lead. I glanced back once to make sure she was still there, and this time I

realized why her dad must call her Star, on her back was a large patch of blackish-blue fur in the distinct

shape of a star. It hit me as oddly familiar, but I couldn’t place it, so I pushed it out of my head. When we reached the others in our group there was no need to explain and I nodded to them, they looked tense and bored. We took off silently through the bushes.

We were close now, maybe twenty yards from the walls and I motioned for the others to stay

in coverage. It was all about stealth from here on out, we could not risk being seen or this place would

become a bloodbath. Those who were instructed to stay back, found good hiding spots in the dense trees and thick scratchy underbrush. I headed over to the door slowly creeping along the wall, I knew I needed to move swiftly and still be as quiet as possible. As I got close to the doors I could feel a presence, I stopped and pressed myself against the wall. I looked around me, but could see no one and I held my breath to listen and yet could hear no one. I was utterly confused, but I knew I was not wrong because whenever I get feelings like this I never am wrong. This is why I am the best hide and seek person ever, because I know when someone is near,

even if I can’t see them. I inched closer to the door, and then stopped dead when I heard a twig snap. My heart literally stopped at that small sound. However, as I thought about it, I realized it couldn’t have been anyone from the pack unless someone was at the doors.

I waited patiently, which was difficult, but necessary, and then I heard it, a slight shuffling sound, someone was standing by the door but was somehow invisible to my eyes, or just invisible period. I could see the dirt shift so I had an idea of where they were at, I got ready to pounce, but just as I did the doors opened and the person became visible. Pressing myself against the wall as tight as I could I listened as the person who came out ordered the other man to follow him and then they walked out in front of me and off into the woods. I didn’t know for sure that the door was unguarded, but waited a few minutes to be sure and then crept up to the door.

I quietly tugged on the door and when it slowly pulled open I said a silent prayer of thanks that it

was quiet. I couldn’t see anyone around, and as I worked to steady my breathing, I realized I couldn’t hear anyone either.

Impressum

Texte: Me
Bildmaterialien: idk
Lektorat: Me and Jen
Übersetzung: it wasn't
Tag der Veröffentlichung: 15.04.2014

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Widmung:
To My sister who loves these stories and was the reason I began this story. To Jen because she really liked it, so thanks for the support.