The Problem

by C. G Leigh

  Stepping away from my group I move up to Theseus believing his words, kneeling down before him, I bare my right wrist to him, "I am ready to make the pledge.”

  "Child, what is your name?" He kneels down to my level.

  "Henrietta Gemini Knightly, or Gemma as everyone calls me", a weight lifts from my chest.

  He smiles taking my hand in his, "Ah a Knightly it's only fitting that you be the first of your class. The Knightly's have always been a sign of strength among our community.” Theseus smiles as Mary hands the brand to him, it sparks bright red. His eyes meet mine as he moves the brand closer and closer to my wrist, before pressing it down, into my flesh scarring me.

  The pain is so great that I have to bite my lip to suppress a groan, I will not give him the satisfaction of seeing me cry.

  When he pulls away a puffy, inflamed, scar remains, the infinity symbol. He helps me to my feet, "The first to join our ranks, who will follow in her footsteps?" He shouts holding up his arm.

  No one moves to step forward, "Gemma perhaps a few words of encouragement for your peers,” Jeremiah insists.

  "Of course,” I smile stepping forward. "Everyone, for years we have trained together, lived together. Our journey was made with the purpose to hunt vampires, and protect people from their tyranny. Vampires may not be the only thing out there, but there’s still evil. An evil that wants to hurt the innocent. How can we stand and look away when others are in need. You all know my name, you know my family, and the blood that runs through my veins. The same runs through yours, it's what gives us the strength to carry on, the strength to do what's right when everyone seems against us,” I look to Dmitri and our eyes meet in understanding, he nods in agreement, he knows what has to be done.

  "We cannot give up this fight, not when it's getting hard, because before all, we are protectors, and we must do our duty, because if not, who will? Who but us, has the strength to stand up and say enough is enough. They cannot take our souls, only we can give those away, and I say my soul is not for sale, what say the rest of you,” I hold up my arm, draped in burnt skin and scar tissue, with nothing but determination bursting out of me.

  A large roar of "I" follows my speech.

  Dmitri, followed by Savanna steps forward, "Just so you know I was planning on stepping forward before your whole speech you simply got in my way like usual,” Savanna scoffs as she passes me.

  One by one each student steps forward to be branded. I meant every word of my speech, my soul isn't for sale, and they are not the devil, though they may act as his henchmen. I will not allow them to take it, I will not allow the Creed to use me as they would a weapon.

  Memere and Pepere stand off to the side, my eyes meet theirs and we nod to each other in understanding, it has begun, and nothing will ever be the same.

  As the last of us is branded, and many tears have been shed, we are instructed to move into the gym, where gear of all sorts lays around. Families together choose weapons and equipment to bring. I stand alone knowing that Memere and Pepere are doing their part, and that's how I want it.

  I pick up my weapon of choice, the bow, and some knives. Nothing is a party without some knives, and well cake.

  When everyone becomes distracted, I slip away into the darkness, and into my own world, because I have plans.

  "Are you sure about this Gemma?" Memere asks as I slip into the car.

  One look tells them all that they need to know, "She's ready Mom,” Jonas smiles from beside Deely. Pepere sits beside Memere in the front seat, with the three of us out back.

  "I know but are you all really sure I mean you've only just got out of the hospital?" Memere argues looking at her youngest son.

  "I'm sure, I've got the best nurse in the world traveling with us,” he winks at Deely. Something tells me, they've loved each other for a great many years.

  "Memere if you don't want to do this you don't have to, but it's time. We need to be strong now, will you stand with me?"

  She smiles, "You remind me so much of your Father. I did swear to you, didn't I. I won't stand back as our family is hurt again, not when my family is in danger.”

  "Rightly said Dear", Pepere starts the car and drives us away from Huntington and towards our destination. I glance back one last time capturing a picture of the place I had once called home, knowing that this is likely to be the last time I see it. Without shedding a single tear, I let it go.

  "Are you any good with that?” Jonas questions pointing towards my bow.

  I smile, "Better than all my competitors.”

  "That's my Little Warrior, your Father will be proud,” he genuinely smiles, still getting used to moving his mouth, it comes out a little awkward, but I feel the warmth nonetheless.

  "Will they really,” I comment.

  "Really what Gemma?", Pepere asks.

  "Will they be proud of me, I did just convince my whole class to become branded even though that's the opposite of what my parents wanted?"

  Jonas looks away, then back to me, "When they learn you're their daughter they're going to be the most proud of anyone they've ever been. What you've done, you've done in the name of protecting them and others marked for death.”

  "Well said Jonas,” Deely chimes kissing his cheek.

  "That's my boy,” Memere adds.

  "He gets that from me,” Pepere includes.

  I laugh, this is my family and we aren't going anywhere, but towards freedom.

  TWENTY TWO

  I have them let me out near Shep's farm, I need to see him, hopefully we have arrived in time to warn them. To prepare everyone, but as I enter the woods and hear the shouting, words of anger and fear. I follow the noises, dressed in all black, with my hood pulled up, bow drawn and arrows at the ready, I advance forward. Hundreds of people are standing on either side of a large clearing. The clearing is surrounded by thousands of blue forget me not. Such a majestic sight, the sun cascading over us makes it seem so peaceful. Yet, I fear that soon these flowers will become purple tainted with the blood of hundreds.

  On one side is the hunters, the other the townspeople. Theseus and the other Creed members stand at the front, Fletcher beside them, and my heart nearly stops seeing him. The him on his knees, a knife to his throat, my him and not just anyone's knife, but Fletcher's.

  How could he get caught? I have no idea, he's stronger, faster, dare I say smarter than Fletcher, or so I thought.

  Almost like they could hear my thoughts, Theseus steps forward, "One of your own has surrendered himself to us who shall be next?"

  "He only surrendered because you have his girlfriend,” a voice I quickly recognize as Ray's lashes out.

  "His girlfriend?" Theseus asks confused.

  "Gemma,” Fletcher informs him.

  "Oh yes, Gemma you think we have her. That is in fact incorrect as she is a coward, who only moments after undergoing the rites left in a fit of fear, yet, that will not deter us,” Theseus murmurs.

  "Now I know you're lying, Gemma isn't afraid of anything, especially not a fight,” Shep growls.

  "Just say the word and I'll kill him," Fletcher begs, pushing the blade closer towards Shep's neck.

  Madgi, Charlie, Ray and Lex each take a step forward, Theseus holds up his hand, "Not so fast or I may just take Mr. Fletcher up on his offer.” Madgi growls in response, and Anna reaches out for him needing his comfort.

  "Enough I am Mayor of this town if you have something to say you will address me,” Ward steps forward.

  Theseus grows disgusted, "Oh yes the vampire mayor.”

  "Yes I am a vampire, as are many of us here today. We wish you no ill will nor do we want to go to war with any of you. We all just want to live in peace, with our families, just as you would," Ward declares trying to reach their sense of decency.

  "Be that as it may we have no guarantee that you will do as you say so this will end one of two ways, either you surrender and you all will be placed in a facility and monitored or you will all face death,” Theseus lea
ves no room for argument. I glare, trying to restrain myself.

  Voices echo all throughout the clearing and no one moves, I wait and watch, Quincy stands beside my parents, a talisman around her neck, she seems scared, her eyes finding Dmitri. Their eyes never leave each other. Dmitri looks as though he wants to run to the other side and stand with her, in fact I know he does, but he has to wait.

  "Kneel,” Theseus orders. Still no one moves, instead, determined faces take the place of all other emotions, everyone stands their ground.

  "This is our home so no, none of us will ever kneel, especially not to you,” Seraphina speaks, becoming an ambassador for everyone as heads nod in agreement.

  "Very well I see a demonstration is needed as you all think us weak, and full of empty threats. However, you will all soon learn that when we say we will do something we mean it, Mr. Fletcher go ahead,” Theseus decrees.

  Everything seems to slow, his family cries out, the people cry out, his friends, his fellow townies, and that's when I know. My time of waiting has come to an end, my arrow leaves my bow before the smile of joy can reach Fletcher's lips at being offered first blood.

  My arrow flies true as it pierces Fletcher's shoulder forcing him to drop the knife away from Shepherd's neck and leaving time for Shep to stand and get to the other side of the clearing. Fletcher hisses in agony, as he cries to the side.

  "Who shot that?" Theseus exclaims hatred in each word.

  “Which one of you did it, who dares to injure one of my hunters?"

  The way parts as I step through the crowd and move forward, my face covered from view by the hood, "Who are you?" Theseus asks, analyzing each of my steps as I get closer, I make my way to the front of the crowd.

  Lifting my head, I pull it away to uncover myself and reveal my identity, "You,” he hisses.

  "You, why would you do this?"

  I smile, "That's easy, because jack the ripper over there was going to slit my boyfriend's throat. Not cool with me by the way,” I glare at Fletcher.

  "You, you and that beast. You would sully yourself with an abomination not of this world?” Jeremiah steps forward.

  "The only abomination in this world is people who want to commit mass extermination, oh and yes I did sully myself, and I plan to keep sullying for many many years to come", I point out.

  "Why you little,” he roars.

  "Enough", Theseus cuts him off, "So this is your choice is it? To die with these monsters even after you have sworn your allegiance, does the rites, the Creed mean nothing to you?”

  Pulling my sleeve up I look at the scar that still hurts from the branding, "I made a promise to protect the innocent from evil and I'm doing just that. I'm not gonna let you hurt these people, I'm not gonna give away my soul for a cause I don't believe in and certainly not to hurt people who I know are good. Come on guys we went to school together, do these people really look like a threat or do they just look like people trying to protect their families. We did not sign up to kill innocents just because old men in robes tell us to. We make our own choices, I've made mine now it's time, make your own choice,” I beg looking at all the familiar faces.

  "No one is going to listen to your attempts at corruption because that is what they are, you trying to turn us against each other", Theseus smirks thinking he has won.

  Until Dmitri moves, he walks across the line to be with Quincy. "Dmitri you get back here,” Jeremiah orders, but Dmitri ignores him.

  "Son you have a duty,” Mary cries, but he ignores her as well and quickly moves across the clearing standing before Quincy as he pulls her in for a kiss.

  Soon others follow and cross over to our side. People I recognize crossover even Professor Maycomb, and Professor Dayton, families together crossover.

  I make my way over to Quincy first, she catches sight of me and launches herself into my arms, "I'm so sorry,” we both mutter at the same time, "You have nothing to be sorry for,” I clarify.

  "No, I should have been honest with you,” she murmurs.

  "No, I understand why you weren't and I'm so sorry that I made you feel like I don't care, because I do you're like a sister to me,” I say, hugging her tight.

  "That goes both ways,” she whispers.

  When we pull away she smiles widely up at me, "So you have a boyfriend huh?" She wiggles her eyebrows up and down.

  "What? No I can't even remember saying that,” I reply scratching my brow in denial.

  "Really because I remember it quite clearly,” a voice from behind me speaks up, making my heart skip a beat, as usual. Smiling, I turn towards my Golden Eyed Nemesis. “Hi pal, I’m so glad you’re okay,” I knock his shoulder with my knuckles.

  “Just kidding,” I laugh and jump on him pulling his lips to mine. Trying to devour him, shoving my tongue into his mouth and putting all my desperation into it. I pull away only to pepper little kisses all over him. He moves a stray piece of hair out of my face, and places our foreheads together rubbing our noses in a sweet gesture.

  "You should probably know that you make me sick, like every time I see you it's complete nausea, it's just the most painful experience,” I say reminiscing about our first conversation about love.

  "Ditto Darlin, in fact you make me so sick that I would go as far as to say that I loathe you,” he remarks using my own term against me.

  "Ditto babe,” I grin and kiss him again. For a moment it seems like it's just him and me. Until, I realize that everyone else has been watching us.

  "Ah I knew it, it's about time,” Anna exclaims. Madgi smiles, kissing his wife's forehead. While Ray holds a lopsided grin, and Charlie smiles warmly at us.

  For just a moment everything is well before it shatters like fragile glass, a gunshot rings out with a pop, and Shep quickly steps in front of me, "That's enough of that,” Theseus declares.

  "Now I demand order and I shall have it,” he demands, looking at both sides. Our side now greatly outnumbers his, but pride keeps him in place. "I will have my blood,” he shouts.

  Everyone moves into position ready to pounce to protect each other if needed, I move around Shepard, "Then let it be by single combat,”I declare, "So only two must fight,” I add.

  Theseus sneers, "Do you take me for a fool? I will not put one of my hunters against a dangerous creature.”

  I take another step forward, "Then put them up against me.” Voices of protest spring forth, the most notable, being Shep and Quincy.

  He smiles interested at the concept, "And the bargain?"

  "If I win you leave this town and never return, it's off limits,” I declare.

  "And if we are to win?" he asks.

  "Then we will surrender, and you can kill me, make an example out of me,” I remark, playing on his weakness for power. Voices of protest ring out in disagreement, but Theseus grins, "You have injured my best with your arrow, who shall take his place?" He wonders looking at everyone remaining by his side.

  "I will,” Savanna steps forward.

  "What do you think, should we let her fight, will she defeat this Gemma?" he asks around the crowd, then turns to Fletcher who nods, "Very well you have yourself a bargain girl. To the death or unconsciousness.”

  "Gemma no,” Shep stands in front of me.

  "I have to do this or he will never leave without killing,” I explain our eyes meeting and an agreement is reached as he steps out of the way, I walk out onto my battlefield.

  For a moment, I turn back looking towards my family, they all look fearful for me, but with hope, I make eye contact with my parents, wanting to tell them the truth of who I am, but knowing that now as I go into battle, is not the time.

  I turn away and focus on my opponent, we approach each other knowing that one of us will likely leave this victorious and the other either dead, or wishing we are.

  "You know I always knew that it would come down to you and I,” I comment standing a few feet from her.

  She smiles, "I have to agree. I have been waiting for a chance without others int
erfierring to show how much better than you I am.”

  I smile sadly, "You know Savanna that was always your problem, trying to be better than me. You never had to be better than me, you just had to be good enough for yourself, and damn everyone else and their opinions.”

  She hisses, "Always the martyr aren't you Knightly", she throws herself at me knocking us both to the ground, I block each of her hits. Kicking her off we both spring apart and she looks over to the crowd, towards someone, drawing my attention. I turn to see her looking at my parents.