by C. G Leigh
Memere reaches out, "My whole life I begged my parents to let me out of the family business. I swore it would end with me, but your Father was intent. Jonas, he always looked up to Edmond, he wanted to follow in his big brothers footsteps. They were always such strong headed boys, even when they were little."
She struggles to go on and Pepere takes her hand in his, "Gemma, you have to know we tried to get out of the lifestyle, but the Creed they don't let anyone out, not unless they're dead. Friends of ours the Garrett's they decided to get out and left in the night, but somehow they were found out and the next thing we knew they were dead, a vampire attack they called it.”
"What about the other people, witches, lycans, when did you learn about them?"
Memere turns to me saddened, "They tell you when it's too late to get out. After your ceremony, they tell you and then they send you away to hunt, sometimes that's vampires, sometimes not.”
"So what happened, my parents wanted out?" I ask, dreading the answer.
"Your Father is as loyal a man as there is, he and your Mother fell in love so quickly. There was no doubt in his eyes about his life. He would go through the rites, marry your mother and they would travel the world ridding it of vampires. When he learned the truth, he stayed only for the sake of his family. A few years later, when his brother went through the rites, they all decided it was time to leave. But they would do one more mission, can you guess what that mission was?"
"Fillmore,” It all leads back to Fillmore.
She nods, "We were to be ready for their return. Only when they got to Fillmore, they realized that the people there were not what they had been told. They couldn't go through with what had been asked of them. They became friends with the locals, they wanted us to bring you there, and said it would be safe. I was too scared, too afraid of what would happen to our family, I should have had the courage."
She begins to cry, something I seldom see from her. "When we refused to bring you to them, they came back for you. The Creed somehow knew that they were coming. They attacked Jonas, he was the first to stand in the way of the Creed and they took him away, tortured him for information, that's why he is the way he is. They broke my boy,” Pepere tears up, his agony clearly present.
"Your Mother and Father fought hard, but the Creed wouldn't let them live. They shot them both, one boy taken, the other dying in my arms. But they had a friend with them, his name was Ward, he changed them into you know what,” Memere murmurs the last part quietly.
"They love you so much Henrietta, they would have taken you with them, but they were newly turned, could hardly control themselves.”
I smile sadly, "I thought maybe they just didn't want me anymore. Not after they started their new life.”
"No Gemma that's not it at all! They wanted you so much, but you see you were here when the Creed attacked. You saw everything, you were so young, so tiny, frightened, but you looked at those men who attacked your parents with such rage in your eyes. Always the strong one, you are. Your parents knew that you would grow up safe with us, and so they made the biggest sacrifice a parent can. They didn't give you up, they gave you your best chance, so you see, they love you and have always loved you first and foremost,” Pepere reminds me.
"You know I saw them, met them. I didn't tell them who I was. Didn't even talk to them much. They seem like really good people though, and Mom is so beautiful, Dad's eyes seem to follow her everywhere. Like two love birds.”
That's when I remember my dream, the doves, they were my parents, watching over me. Like somehow in my subconscious I knew that they were still out there, that they love me, and that one day we would see each other again, I know one day they'll stand beside me, that one day we'll fight together.
"They always did light up a room. I miss them, I miss my boys, I wish I could have been stronger for them."
Reaching across the table I touch her hand, "There is still time for us to be brave. When the time comes will you join me?"
A fire seemed to light in her eyes, "To the grave.” Pepere nods in agreement.
NINETEEN
There are a lot of things I now know that I didn't before. When all of this began I was a trainee, barely entering my adult life, with no idea about the real world. Maybe for some people ignorance is bliss, but for me it just means pain. My ignorance led me astray from the life I should have always been living. I will not allow the mistakes of the past and the consequences of the future to stop me, I'm going to give them hell.
All these years I've wanted to be the best, to make them proud, I've hated vampires. I enjoyed the thought of hunting each and everyone of them down and making them suffer like my parents had suffered. Now it's different. I know the truth, the one that has been hidden in plain sight.
I know now what I must do, and it all begins at Whiteshore Psychiatric Hospital.
"Do you mind if I do this alone?" I ask as the car comes to a stop outside of Whiteshore.
"Of course, we'll wait here.” Memere pats my leg.
"Let us know if you need anything,” Pepere adds as I get out of the truck.
Inside, I find him, sitting in the usual spot, near the television. Nurse Deely approaches me, "I hadn't heard you were coming in today. Are your Grandparents with you?" She looks around for them.
"They'll be in soon, but know I needed to see him alone for a few minutes,” a look crosses her face in recognition, like we somehow now share a secret.
Her eyes begin to water, "Well I'll let you get to it,” she walks away, only to glance back with pain filled eyes.
Uncle Jonas has the usual glazed look in his eyes, pulling the vial from my pocket I pray this will work. Putting some in my hand I blow it into his face watching the golden sparkles disappear, but nothing happens.
I sigh, putting the vial back in my pocket in defeat. Kneeling down in front of him, I smile up at him sadly. "Hello Uncle, I've missed you, really really missed you. I hold out my latest origami creation, a warrior, or at least it's supposed to be. "I made you this, it's a little Warrior, like you used to call me. I'm sorry, so sorry that I forgot about our great adventures together. You would always make me laugh, and you taught me how to throw my first knife. Nearly took the head off Mom's favorite lawn gnome,” laugh at the last part.
"I want you to know that I remember now, everything, or most of it anyway. I'm so sorry that this happened to you, that they did this to you. I hate them, for what they've done to our family, but I swear to you I'm going to make it right. I guess I'm like you and Dad, you both knew the right thing to do. I'm not so sure anymore, I had the chance to stay with my friends, my parents, and the man I maybe love, but I came back here. I pledged to hate them forever, but I didn't mean it. How could I? I love them all, so much, but my pride, my confusion and anger guided my hand. Now I know, I know what's right, what I have to do".
My eyes meet his and still I still see nothing, "I can't imagine what they've done to you. They hurt my friend Quincy too, she was so afraid to tell me what she really is, because they threatened, hurt her. But she's strong, so are you. They must have had to hurt you so bad to make you go away from us, from your family, from me. That's okay, you needed to hide, to survive what they were doing, but we are here. I'm here, and it's time to come back to the world and to your family. I know it might seem easier, better, safer to stay where you are, but it's time to fight again.
You're a Knightly, that's what we do, we fight, until we can't anymore, till our breath is gone, and our life is long over. I need you Uncle, your little warrior needs your help, so it's time.”
My head hangs low and the tears begin to trickle down my face like the beginning of a great rain storm, I feel like I've cried in the past few days more than my whole life, but no longer will I be afraid to cry, it hurts, and that's okay.
A light gentle touch draws my head up, expecting that Deely has seen me crying and has come over to comfort me. Instead, the most beautiful thing has happened. Jonas smiles down at me, his hand stretc
hes out to me, "It'll be okay my little warrior.” I smile in disbelief, tears of joy replacing those of sadness as I reach out to him, engulfing him in a tight embrace.
Nurse Deely freezes as she watches us, "Jonas,” she asks in denial, the tray in her hands falling to the floor. As we pull away he looks up meeting her eyes, "Hey their Snowflake.” She cries and walks towards him, disbelief crossing her face. He pulls her close, hugging her, kissing her, whispering love into her ear and touching his forehead to hers.
"I'm gonna go get Memere and Pepere they need to see you,” I smile so happy that he has come back to us all.
"Thank you so much Gemma. You have no idea how long I've been waiting for him to come back to me,” Deely genuinely looks up at me like I have somehow returned her other half.
I nod, moving to get the others, "Gemma Thank You for reminding me who I am,” Uncle adds. I smile, "No Uncle thank you for coming back for us.” In that moment, we both feel it, the changing of the tides.
Despite so much chaos on the horizon, for a brief moment, it feels like things are going to be okay, that they're going to get better. I watch as my Grandparents reunite with a son that they had lost, but is now found, I know now what I must do, save them all, or die trying.
TWENTY
As I walk through the halls of Huntington Academy, I feel the shift, the change in the air. As I enter my room, and glance at Quincy's side, I remember the betrayal and pain in her eyes.
No one deserves what I did to her, no friend, no sister should ever think I despise her. I would do anything for Quincy, even if that means accepting the unknown, and embracing change.
As I pull on my uniform, it's like pulling on armor, readying for battle, leaving my necklace on, tucking it into my shirt, like some hidden rebellion. Stepping out into the halls, I'm welcomed with whispers and doubt. But that's how I like it, let them whisper, let them gossip, because I know the truth and they don't, but soon they all will, and then I'll have plenty to say.
"Miss Knightly, a word?" Professor Maycomb gestures towards his office.
I follow him inside, where Jeremiah is waiting for me, "Hello again Gemma. I came because I wanted to be the one to tell you, it has been decided that the rites will take place tomorrow. All the hunters are being called back, every single one will be in attendance to welcome the new hunters into the fold. That is when we will act, once the new hunters have been sworn in, we will attack Fillmore and exterminate them all for good.”
I glance at Professor Maycomb and for just a moment, I swear I can see doubt and anger in his eyes, but quickly return my gaze to Jeremiah smiling, "Praise God, may he grant us all the strength to destroy our enemy.”
"Quite right you are Miss, I'm glad you feel so invested in this fight, because I was hoping that when the time comes you'll be encouraging to your peers who may doubt the cause. They look up to you and I think it would make it easier for them to embrace if they know someone of your stature chose to remain with our cause,” Jeremiah explains.
"Of course I would be honored,” I cross my fingers behind my back, well at least in my head I do.
We share a smile, his seeming oh so genuine, and mine, like frostbite.
Later, Dmitri Finds me at lunch, I feel like a robot, all day being so careful, not letting my truth show. "We have to do something, they're going to kill them all,” he whispers sitting across from me.
"They're getting what they deserve,” I respond, forcing another bite of broccoli.
"You don't mean that,” he accuses, looking at me in question.
"Yes I do,” I reply emotionless.
"Do what?" Savanna takes the seat beside Dmitri.
"Can't wait to teach those monsters what a real hunter does,” I plaster an evil smile on my face.
Savanna looks at me questioningly for a moment, almost not believing me, then her face morphs into a smile, "You're alright Knightly, here I thought you would be against us taking out your parents, Quincy and new friends.”
I smirk, "That was before I really got to know them. Now I know what they really are, monsters all of them. I can't wait to have the opportunity to exact my revenge.”
"In that case I'm with you,” she holds out her hand, and not missing a beat I shake it.
"You both disgust me, if you won't put a stop to this then I will,” Dmitri leaves his tray storming off. I spend the rest of lunch, making nice with Savanna, I need her to believe this is who I am now.
Fletcher stands waiting for me as I exit the cafeteria, "Can we talk?" he asks signaling towards an empty classroom. I nod, following him into the room.
Before I fully enter the room he grabs me hard, pushing me up against the wall and his arm cuts across my throat. I am ready with a defensive move, but he sees it coming and uses his strength to anchor me. Wanting him to think he has the upper hand, I let him hold me in place.
"What did you tell them, what did you say about me when they interrogate you?" he growls.
"I said nothing of you I promise,” I force myself to look afraid.
He looks into my eyes to see if I am telling the truth, "Good because I would hate for you to be the reason for my demotion. Since you and I are on our way to reconciliation,” he releases me and gently runs his slimy hand across my cheek. "You know I forgive you for what you said when we were held captive,” he whispers.
"Your demotion?" I question ignoring his last statement.
"Yes the Council has decided that I'm unfit to be a professor here and has voted to send me to Greenland after the attack on Fillmore,” he mutters distastefully.
"Greenland really?" I say acting interested.
He smiles, "Yes, and I was hoping that you might join me. Become my hunting partner and maybe someday if you play your cards right, my wife,” he drops his arm taking a step away from me and I take a grateful sigh.
He thinks my sigh means my pleasure at his offer, "I would be honored,” I bite the words out, each one like acid in my mouth.
"That's my girl,” he moves my chin towards him wanting to place a kiss upon my lips, only to be saved by the bell, quite literally.
"Sorry Professor, duty calls,” I slip away from him, the feeling of his touch against my skin remaining as I escape.
All day the Professors keep an eye on me, maybe they were told to because the Creed doesn't trust me yet, or maybe it's because they all know that this is wrong, that this isn't right and expect me, a rebel, a leader, a Knightly to do something about it.
At night I can't sleep, not a single moment, not a blink. Too many plans to be made, too many thoughts, and feelings running through my head. The ache, of missing him, that must seem silly only knowing someone for a short while and falling for them. I've only ever felt that way about one man, or should I say one lycan.
That might seem sad, but some people don't get to feel what I'm feeling, the agony of withdrawal. Of being separated from a man that I shouldn't love, couldn't love, but despite all the odds, I do, I honestly do.
He drives me mad, and when I see him, I'm going to get the courage to tell him just how much he truly, utterly and completely bothers me.
TWENTY TWO
We are called at Dusk to gather, torches lit all around. We're organized into pairs, the girls on one side and the guys the other. I lead my side and Dmitri the other, he holds a look of pain as we reach the front. The Creed members are all dressed in gold robes, the hunters each hold a torch that's supposed to signify our unity. A large fire pit stands in the center with a single metal brand placed on the hot coals. The warmth of the flames tingling against my skin, acting as a reminder of the promise I will be asked to make.
Head Creed member Theseus steps forward, he's an older man with short white hair and grey eyes. Jeremiah stands to one side of him while Mary, his wife stands on the other side. "Welcome young ones, we have gathered here as another year has passed. This year is different than most, as we have called you all here early, because we have a rising threat to our very existence, a threat that
wishes to vanquish the innocence from the world and place it's impurity in its place,” Theseus explains looking all around.
Whispers of fear and anger, ring out as everyone learns of our "enemy". Theseus holds up a hand, "I know friends, I know. Which is why it's so important for you all to become a part of our guild. Now some of you may decide to choose other jobs, I only ask that you wait until the end to make that choice. There is more, as is tradition it is my job to inform all of you that vampires are not the only threat we will face, but also witches, werewolves, and all manner of abominations,” his voice grows louder as he continues.
Voices of disbelief ring out.
"I know you may feel betrayed by us for not telling you all sooner, but by going through the rites you will show us that it does not matter what form of beast may stand in your way, you will still stand strong and be that shield of protection for those who need it. You may wonder why we have kept the existence of these creatures a secret, the answer is simple. We worried that by informing you all too early would cause irreparable damage to the key fabric of our Creed. vampires are, and will always be the greatest threat we face,” he explains looking genuine.