Lipton was taken aback by what he’d observed, and he didn’t know that the Great Darkness was spreading fast, dangerously stripping vampires of their natural abilities and characteristics. If what Dove had said was true, then the natural order of the universe would be disturbed, and Catan would be the Alpha and the Omega, ruling supreme over every being that breathed in this world.
Lipton wasn’t going to be enmeshed in those tumultuous thoughts anymore. He urgently needed to see Jesse, and she was the only and last person he wanted to see before his life was over. He wanted to look into her eyes one last time and gazed deep into her soul, remembering all the sweet memories both of them had shared. He didn’t want to think about his imminent death, and all he wanted to think about was her. What he would give just to spend a moment for her, without a care in the world.
Lipton pulled away from his thoughts momentarily and turned to look at Dove.
“I need to go now,” Lipton said with firmness in his voice, and he meant every word he said. The clock was ticking, and he didn’t want to waste anymore precious seconds which he could spend with the only one who mattered to him.
“Sure,” Dove replied dryly, her eyes filled with a sudden cold glaze which sent inexplicable chills down Lipton’s spine.
Lipton flicked a glance at Ken. “Come on, Ken. Follow me. There’s somebody who you need to see.”
Ken hesitated, and there was a look of wariness on Ken’s face, as if he was contemplating whether to do as Lipton had told him to do. But his eyes suddenly twinkled, as if he remembered something, or someone, very important in his life. He nodded his head, finally succumbing to the human logic of his brain. His wild and feral vampirish instincts would have defied all logics and made him refuse to do whatever Lipton had asked him to do. But the Great Darkness had seemed to strip that vampirish side of him, making him think more logically than he’d have if he had that full-on newborn vampire in him.
For some reason, Lipton was glad that Ken had seemed to lose interest in human blood, and had stopped pursuing the agenda of attacking humans and feeding on their blood. But Lipton was also worried at the same time, because if all vampires started to lose their natural abilities and characteristics, it would tip the balance of the universe, affecting the natural ecosystem of the world. Catan would have advantage over every single being who breathed and lived, and there would be nobody who could go against him. He’d be like the God of the world, using his dictatorial rule to suppress or kill those who dared to challenge him.
“I miss her,” were the words Ken said after a moment of brief silence. There was a despondent look on his face, and for that flicker of second, Lipton’s heart ached. He couldn’t bear to tell Ken that his own wife had fallen for somebody else … Lipton himself. If Ken were to know the truth, it would literally crush his heart.
“Climb onto my back,” Lipton prodded gently. “I’ll fly you to see your … her.” Lipton thought that it would be faster if he just transported Ken on his back. Ken would have lost his speed running ability by now due to the effect of the Great Darkness.
Ken obeyed and scrambled onto Lipton’s back, trembling a little as though he wasn’t sure if it were safe to fly like that.
As Lipton started to flap his wings and was ready to launch into the air, Dove had a few words to utter before he flew off.
“Goodbye, Lipton,” Dove said gravely, her eyes gleaming with a hint of tragedy. “And thank you for being willing to accept this huge task on your hand, making the ultimate sacrifice for the greater good.”
Rellie stood next to Dove, gazing at both Lipton and Ken without uttering a single word. Her face was devoid of any expressions, strange for someone who had lusted for human blood moments ago. The Great Darkness had completely taken over her, tampering with her vampire characteristics. Instinctively, Rellie edged closer to Dove, as though there was a magnetic force pulling Rellie to her. Maybe Rellie did it out of her own will. Maybe Dove had used some kind of magic to draw Rellie to her. After all, Dove’s primary intention was to keep Rellie safe … safe from Catan.
In order to restore balance to the world again and to prevent the Apocalypse from happening, Lipton knew that if he had to die, he’d surely die. That way, everything would be alright with the world again. Vampires could be vampires, humans would not have anymore reason to fear under the tyranny of a villainous supreme leader, all supernatural beings would have their powers restored …
Skepticism assaulted Lipton’s mind, and he wondered whether if Dove still had her powers. If the Great Darkness affected all supernatural beings, then Enchantresses would lose their powers too, right?
“Dove,” Lipton began, his wings arched high, ready to shoot up into the air, but he hesitated. “With the Great Darkness spreading like poison across the world, I believe that even Enchantresses like yourself would be affected. Do you still have your powers with you?”
It seemed that Lipton’s words had stung Dove a little, as her body gave a slight tremble. Was it because being pushed the fact that she was now powerless due to the Great Darkness somehow … aggravated her?
“Yes, it’s affecting me,” Dove admitted with a hint of shakiness in her voice. “I still have my powers with me … but they’re not as strong as before anymore. I’m starting to feel that the strength of my powers is ebbing away, and that is why I need to act fast before my magic completely disappears. If I’m absolutely powerless … then there would be no way to stop Catan anymore.” A look of trepidation flashed across her face, accentuating the escalating fear in her eyes.
“Then you must act fast,” Lipton said stoically, the truth pounding on him like weights, knowing that the faster that Dove was able to find a solution to Catan’s death, the faster Lipton would meet his own ultimate death as well. And that was why he couldn’t waste anymore time. He wanted to see Jesse before it was too late.
Lipton gave Dove and Rellie one final look before taking off into the night sky, dotted with only a handful of flickering stars, which seemed like the last shining rays of hope in this treacherous darkness of evil. Ken let out soft grunts as Lipton dashed across the air with the fastest speed he could muster. Lipton glanced behind him to see if Ken was alright, and there was a slight fearful look on his face as he clung onto Lipton’s back as tight as he could, afraid that he might fall at any second with the rushing speed. Ken almost looked so human that nobody would have ever guessed that he was actually a newborn vampire. He had the vulnerabilities of human now, since his vampire abilities had been stripped away.
Lipton wasn’t overly concerned about the panic Ken was experiencing from riding on him for the first time. He was more concerned about meeting Jesse for the last time, and telling her how much he loved him and wished that things didn’t have to end up this way. For the first time ever in his life, a hot tear streamed out from his eye down his cheek. He’d never cried before in his entire life. No, he wasn’t one to give in to his emotions easily. He was a warrior who was supposed to suppress all his own emotions, and maintained stoicism in the midsts of any circumstances. But this time, he couldn’t hold it back anymore. His heart was crushed at the mere thought that he’d never have the chance to see Jesse anymore, and to know her much more better, and hopefully, they’d end up having a life together despite all odds.
The storm of emotions which attacked Lipton made him tremble, causing Ken to whelp in anxiety as he tried to grip onto Lipton, fearful that he would slip and fall.
When Lipton realized that he was giving Ken a shaky ride, he uttered, “I’m sorry, Ken. I’ll try not to twitch a lot.”
The streets below him went by in a flurry of blur, as he picked up speed, trying to reach his destination as soon as he could. When the sight of the familiar streets loomed ahead, Lipton felt a slight wave of relief, knowing that Jesse was nearby, and that he was seconds away from seeing her. Lipton swooped down from the sky, inclining rapidly toward a maroon-shingled house with the number 76 on it. Ken let out a brief cry, digging his nails d
eep into Lipton’s back as he tightened his grip, almost looking like he was about to slip off at any moment if Lipton were to incline more at a precarious angle. The house drew nearer and nearer, and Lipton felt his heart beating in great anticipation at the thought of seeing her face again. Lipton landed right on the front porch of that house, his body still arched as Ken was still holding onto his back.
“You may get off now,” Lipton said without glancing back. Shakily, Ken scrambled off Lipton’s back, heaving a huge sigh as though he was relieved that he didn’t have to fly any longer. Ken didn’t really enjoyed the experience of flying, as Lipton didn’t really give him a smooth ride. Lipton seemed to be in a haste the whole time, as if he were chasing time.
Lipton rapped on the door a few times, and when there was no answer, he practically pounded on the door so hard that it almost jarred the bones in his knuckles.
“Jesse!” Lipton cried, wondering if Jesse was really at home, or she was out. He couldn’t help but feel a wave of disappointment start to bubble inside of him, as he pondered of the possibility of Jesse not being at home.
Be home, Jesse, Lipton mentally pleaded, praying hard that Jesse was at home. Minutes ticked by, and still, there was no answer. Could something have happened to Jesse? Maybe something bad had happened to her, and she was somewhat incapable of answering the door.
The feeling of urgency ripped through Lipton, and he was about to break the door down when it suddenly opened right in front of his face.
Instead of the face he was anticipating to see, Maggie stood right in front of him with a curious look on her face.
“Where’s Jesse?” were the first words that streamed out of Lipton’s mouth.
All of a sudden, Maggie’s face fell, and there was a forlorn look on her expression. The moment Lipton saw Maggie’s countenance, his heart sank. He didn’t detect any good vibes from Maggie. Did something go wrong with Jesse?
18. Mortality
“What happened?” Lipton cried, shoving Maggie aside so he could enter the house. Lipton swirled around anxiously in the den, his eyes searching for any signs of Jesse. Ken followed Lipton inside, and when Maggie caught sight of Ken, shock was plastered on her face.
“Isn’t that Jesse’s husband?” Maggie asked, eyeing Ken curiously. “How did you find him?”
Lipton didn’t bother to answer Maggie’s questions. Instead, he strode up to her with wrath all over his face, and he stared right into her face.
“What happened to Jesse?” Lipton demanded. “Have you done something to her?”
Maggie blew a heavy sigh, her face streaked with panic. When she didn’t respond, Lipton flung his arms out and grabbed Maggie’s shoulders, and shook her so hard that Maggie let out horrified whimpers.
“Why aren’t you saying anything?” Lipton’s voice sounded strained, as the swirling emotions threatened to shatter his composure.
Lipton shook Maggie so hard that it sent stabs of pain through Maggie’s body. In retaliation, Maggie waved her right arm, and Lipton was sent flying backwards, crashing against the bookshelves behind him. The impact caused Lipton to groan in pain, but like a spring, he bounced back to his feet by flipping his wings to give him an upward boost. Lines of fury creased Lipton’s forehead, and it was clear that Maggie had aggravated him further by using her magic against him.
Lipton couldn’t understand what why Maggie was unwilling to tell him about Jesse. Did Maggie turn to the dark side and somehow hurt Jesse? Lipton was going to force the truth out of her, no matter what it took.
When Lipton was about to advance toward Maggie and pounce on her, Maggie held up her hand and cried, “Wait!”
Lipton stopped in his tracks, sensing the panic and urgency in Maggie’s voice. Was Maggie going to blurt the the truth now? Or was she trying to buy some time so she could withhold the truth even longer?
“Jesse’s …” Maggie began, her voice choking. She flicked a glance at Ken again, her eyes filled with the turmoil of emotions.
“Jesse’s what?” Lipton demanded, growing more panicked by the second. He didn’t like where this was going, and he had a sinking feeling that something bad had happened.
“Jesse’s dead,” Maggie blurted, her shoulders trembling as she began to let out agonized sobs. She buried her face in her hands to conceal the tears that were flowing down her cheeks.
Lipton gasped loudly, unable to believe a word that Maggie had said. What was Maggie talking about? How could Jesse be dead? Jesse was a vampire, for God’s sake. She couldn’t die … unless she met the real death by the stake. Was she staked to death? Knowing Jesse, she wouldn’t die so easily, given that she was cautious and physically trained to deal with combats, but deep in his heart, Lipton couldn’t help but feel that maybe Jesse had really died for real this time.
“No!” Lipton cried, flapping his wings in rage, the emotions pushing against him like pounding waves. Here he was, trying to bade farewell to Jesse for one last time … only to find out the truth which reared its ugly head, dampening his spirits and making his insides feel like they were going to burst at any moment now. He glanced at Ken, trying to gauge his reaction, and saw that he too was consumed by agony, his eyes tearing up, defying all traits of his newborn vampire nature.
Lipton leapt toward Maggie with such hastiness that he almost knocked her down.
“What happened to Jesse?” Lipton fumed, staring deep into her eyes, demanding for an explanation. Lipton couldn’t help but smell something fishy about the whole thing. Why was Jesse dead and not Maggie? Was Maggie somehow responsible for Jesse’s death? Doubts whirled inside Lipton’s head as he tried to make sense of Jesse’s death. “Did somebody staked her? How could she possibly die? She’s a vampire!”
“Jesse didn’t die the real death,” Maggie began, trying to maintain her composure but her expression betrayed it. “She died a … human.”
Maggie’s words were like tons of weight pounding against him. Since when could a vampire die as a human? Maggie just didn’t make any sense.
It was all too incredulous that Lipton let out a loud snort, shaking his head. “How can you joke at a moment like this? What you just said doesn’t make an ounce of sense! That’s crazy! Jesse’s a vampire … not human!”
“If you don’t want to believe me … that’s fine!” Maggie cried defensively. “I saw her die right in front of my very eyes, like a human. Earlier this morning, a group of masked men came over to my house, trying to kill me. Jesse fended off those attacks, trying to protect me! I thought that she couldn’t die … but she did. She used all her strength to shove them away, and it worked … initially. But soon after, her strength seemed to be ebbing away from some strange reason, and eventually, the men were able to take her down. They just stabbed her with knives! It was a horrible sight! Blood flowed from Jesse, as she screamed for her life, and before I knew it … she succumbed to her injuries. I was devastated, shocked. They killed her with knives, not stakes! Jesse died the mortal way … I was so dumbfounded that I just froze on the spot, unsure of what was going on. Angered by what I saw, I tried to use my magic against the men, trying to toss them away. But you see, a strange thing happened … my magic didn’t work. The men advanced toward me, and I wasn’t sure what to do. I became so panicked that my thoughts were all jumbled up. I was practically powerless against these men. That was when I ran all the way to the back door, trying to find an escape route. For some strange reason, the men didn’t seem so keen on getting me. I was able to escape, and I ran as far as my feet could take me. I didn’t know where to go, and I just ran around in random directions, enmeshed in confusion. Eventually, after what seemed like eternity, I took the courage to go back home, and to my surprise, Jesse was not in the house anymore. She was gone! The men took her! I don’t know why … and I went hysterical and I couldn’t comprehend what was going on. But now, I’m able to maintain some level of composure, even though I’m flooded with questions in my mind as to what have happened … I don’t know why the me
n took her! I don’t understand why Jesse could have died like that, like a human! I don’t know why my powers are gone! What in the world is going on?” Maggie’s face was etched with utter confusion, and for the first time, her eyes seemed to tear up. She must have been trying to hold back her emotions all the time, but they seemed to be getting to her now once she let it all out.
Lipton knew what was going on. He hated to admit it, but the Great Darkness had seemed to invade every part of Wartwick, infecting almost every living being. But one nagging question pounded inside Lipton’s mind.
“If you lost your powers, how were you able to use my magic against me a moment ago?” Lipton demanded, suspicion crawling inside his head.
“I stole magic from the Jar of Clay. It’s an ancient jar passed down from generations in my family line. The jar contains a certain amount of magic which can be tapped by any members of our family line, and it’s only used for emergency. I was able to muster some magic from the jar, but I cannot solely depend on it. The more magic I use, the more the magic depletes from it. Once it’s all gone, then I’m completely doomed. I’m using only a partial amount of magic from it, so I can save the rest for dire times. The Jar of Clay is my only source of power now, but it’s not strong enough to defeat somebody like Catan.” Maggie paused for a moment, desolation plastered on her face, her forehead creasing with lines. Then, she continued in a strained voice, “I’m afraid that there is nothing we can do now, but pray for a miracle. Everything seems hapless now, and the more time progresses, The Apocalypse is becoming more inevitable. Everyone would be powerless against Catan, and there’s nothing we can do about it. We become his slaves …” Maggie choked on her words, her eyes red with tears.
Lipton didn’t know what to make of this. Everything Maggie had said sounded so surreal, and for that flicker of moment, he just didn’t want to believe a single word she had said.
“Who are those masked men?!” Lipton raged, anger rising within him like lava. He didn’t care about Catan anymore, or anything else about the Apocalypse. He just cared about one thing … Jesse. “Why did the men take her away?” Lipton needed those answers now or he’d literally go crazy. Fury pounded inside his chest, and he was ready to rip apart anything that came in his way. Ken was as silent as a mouse, his face evidently showing the panic and fear he was feeling. There were times he tried to utter some words, but they couldn’t come out. He didn’t really know what was going on, and the fear froze his mind, choking on his thoughts.
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