by CJ England
The painted teenager smiled and all were shocked at the change it made on her face. “I have wanted to see the Lord for a long time and now I finally get to. I'm ready."
"Then just walk on through.” Koran pointed to the vortex. “Your destiny awaits you."
Terry took a deep breath and then reached over and ruffled Charles’ hair. “I'll see you on the other side, kid.” With that parting remark, she jumped into the vortex.
They all crowded around the Gate, watching as Terry's figure changed, losing its form.
Kira held her breath. Would it work? Could this be the beginning for the shades? Without realizing it, her hand instinctively reached out and took Gallegar's. The vampire's eyes flared hot green as he stared first at their clasped hands and then at Kira's unknowing face.
"She made it!” Patrick shouted in glee as he watched Terry land safely on the other side. One of the swirling figures bowed, welcoming her to Heaven.
"It works!” Kira felt tears roll down her cheek and she fought to stop them. When she was hauled against Gallegar's strong chest in celebration, her defenses fell for a moment and she hugged him back joyously.
When Gallegar released her, she immediately ran to Patrick and did the same thing. “Now you can send them. You have done it, Patrick. You have saved your people."
Patrick's eyes were wet when he answered. “I didn't do it alone. Thank God, I met y'all. You were the answer to a hell of a lot of prayers."
Remembering herself, Kira stepped back and took a deep breath. He voice was again calm when she spoke. “As I said, we are a company. We work things out together and this is one of the successes."
Patrick was tight with emotion. He turned to Sandy and kissed her on the forehead. “It's your turn now. Take that baby and go home."
Sandy's eyes were full of tears. “Thank you, Patrick. I won't forget what you've done for us.” Turning, she almost ran into the swirling blue. As her shape melted away, they could hear the childish laughter of baby Charles as he crossed over into the light.
"I will bring the rest,” Patrick said hoarsely, tears streaming down his sculptured face. “I'll start with all the children and the women. The men will go last."
Kira frowned as a sudden thought came into her mind. She was sure Patrick would hate the idea, but it was a good one. “Perhaps, the men should stay behind."
Patrick turned and stared at her. “What are ya talkin about, sugar? It's time for them to go. We have the means now."
"We are also in the middle of a war. The men could be soldiers that fight for our side. We should not overlook them."
Patrick narrowed his eyes. “You're crazy. Some of them have been waiting for over ten years to go to their reward. I'm not telling them they have to stay."
Kira turned to Koran, who along with the other Chosen was standing dumbfounded, listening to the argument. “You are the master of strategy here, brother. Should they stay or go?"
Koran opened and shut his mouth twice before responding. It was a loaded question either way. “It would be nice to have the extra help. But...” He held up his hand when Patrick turned to argue. “These people do not belong here anymore. We cannot keep them here against their will. It would be wrong."
Kira's heart pounded in her chest. She hated herself for what she was doing. “Then ask them. Give them a choice. Perhaps, some will be brave enough to stay and help the cause. We need everyone we can."
Patrick's brown eyes were full of shock and sorrow. “I can't even contemplate doing such a thing.” He ran a restless hand through his hair. “I will have to think about this. It goes against everything I believe in."
"That is all we can ask.” Gallegar stepped in quickly. “Go to your people. Arrange the passage for the women and children. Whatever you decide, we will stand with you."
* * * *
Several more days passed. Patrick put forth the question to the Ethereal men about staying behind, but he limited it only to those who had no family to go to. Any others went with the women and children in the first sendings. To his shock and surprise, about half the men asked, decided to stay to help fight the demons.
The Company was kept busy checking out stories their people brought to them. It seemed the war had started in earnest now. Every day, odd deaths were reported and sightings of corrupt supernaturals were all the news.
Patrick, along with Koran and Benjamin, started training the shades left behind in different fighting disciplines. They had an army of about two thousand shades and vampires, and hoped when the time came, it would be enough.
Daily, Gallegar tried to talk to Kira, but she put him off, always finding something else to do when he came around. As the days went on, Kira grew thinner and more tired looking. She was not the same person she had been before. She was cold and distant and spent as little time with the company as possible. Gallegar missed the loving and gentle woman who had first come to him.
Every once in a while, he would catch her looking at him, her heart in her eyes. When he took a step toward her, the golden eyes would dull and she would turn and walk away as fast as she could. His heart, so long without her, felt like it was dying.
* * * *
One dark night, they were called out on a wild goose chase. Shots were fired and punches were thrown, before they were able to get away. Now they were all back at the loft and royally pissed that they had been tricked.
Gallegar paced to the bar and poured out a tall glass of bourbon. He slung it down and then poured another. “I have had enough of this.
He stomped back to the window, his green eyes glowing furiously. “Over and over again, we go to check things out and it is nothing. Nothing, but rumor and lies. There must be a better way!"
Danolas sat down heavily in the chair near the fire. His handsome face was marred by a deep cut from a broken bottle. “I am open to suggestions. I try to look before we go out, but nothing is clear to me. It is as if all is coated in mud. I have no vision!"
"It was a set up,” Benjamin announced.
"Damn right it was.” Lucas paced over to the window and stared out at the street. He was covered in dirt and his mouth was bleeding from a strong left hook. “The wizards are trying to take us out before they open the Gate back up. They want us weak and hurting."
"It is working,” Koran spat out. He too took a long drink of the bourbon. “They have us chasing our tails. We are unorganized, unprepared and careless. If we don't start acting like a team, we are all going to get killed."
Kira gasped and her eyes went molten. “That cannot happen. We have come together to save this world. How can we do that if we cannot even save ourselves?"
Patrick was the only one unharmed, but he was as angry as the rest. “I see no team in this room. We fight constantly. What ever happened to pulling together, like we did when Kira was caught in the Gate?” He ran frustrated fingers through his long brown hair. “Nothing goes right any more."
As leader, Gallegar took the insults personally. “What would you have me do?” he snarled. He pointed at Danolas. “Our seer is blinded.” He gestured next to Koran. “Our strategist is hamstrung.” Finally, he waved a hand at Benjamin and Lucas. “Our strength is diminished."
He turned and walked back to the group. “And do you know why?” Gallegar turned and his eyes met Kira's golden ones. “It is because our heart has gone cold. Everything we have fought for in the past is now turned to ice."
She blinked at him. “What are you talking about?"
Gallegar had finally had enough. “I am talking about you and how you are acting. This trouble started when the demon took you to its nest. What happened there, Kira? What haven't you told us?"
Kira took a step back from the angry vampire, feeling cold congeal in her veins. Her heart pounded in her chest. “I told you what the creature did. You were not there. What do you know of it?"
Gallegar took her words like a punch in the gut. He'd wanted to know if she was mad at him because he had not been there to rescue he
r and it looked like he just got his wish. “A Ghra ... I would have been there if I could! Only the daylight prevented me from being at your side. Do you think I wished to be stuck at Sanctuary, not able to help in any way?"
"No!" Kira put out her hand to him. “I do not blame you. That is not what I meant."
"Then what you did mean, Kira?” Danolas watched the wall Kira had built inside herself. It was wobbling badly. If they could push her a little more, he might be able to see behind it.
"I-I meant...” Kira's eyes filled with tears and all could see the struggle on her face. “I do not blame you for not being with us. It was my fault I was taken. Mine! I chose to go inside. Everything that happened is my fault and I must be the one who sets it right!"
Turning, she fled the room. It wasn't until they heard the door slam, they realized she had left the loft.
"Kira!” Gallegar gasped, moving to go after her.
Patrick floated to the door. “I'll go with her. She won't see me, so she will think she's alone.” He looked at Gallegar. “Don't worry. I'll take care of her.” He popped out, leaving a silent bunch behind him.
"What just happened?” Benjamin wondered.
"I do believe we just saw our lady break,” Danolas said softly. “And that, my friends, is a good thing."
Lucas grabbed a beer. “How can breaking Kira be a good thing?"
"Whatever fear she has is becoming too much for her to deal with.” Danolas looked at Gallegar. “And it didn't start when she was taken at the apartment building."
Lucas set down his beer with a thump. “You're talking about what happened when she was stuck in the Gate. You think that's what is doing it?'
Danolas nodded. “Yes, it started there. But Gallegar is right in that something happened with the second demon. She changed even more after that."
Koran took a deep breath. Suddenly, things felt back on track. “Danolas is right. After the Gate, she was afraid for Gallegar. So much, she didn't want him out of her sight."
Benjamin picked up the thought trail. “Yeah, but after the apartment building, she reversed herself completely. Not only with Gallegar, but with all of us. She doesn't come near any of us anymore. Not the way she used to."
"You must talk to her, my friend.” Danolas looked at Gallegar. “You are the only one who might break through this wall she has built inside herself."
"Hey, wait a minute—” Lucas began, but Danolas shook his head at the big man.
"Lucas, all of us know you care deeply for Kira, but it is Gallegar who is closest to her. I don't say this to hurt you, but so you will understand. If we don't get her to lower the barrier she has erected and tell us what is going on, we cannot succeed in this war."
Gallegar looked around at the other men. He wasn't sure his heart was up to anymore pain. His wonderful dream about Kira and he living happily eternally after was just that ... a dream. One that seemed further and further out of reach.
He sighed, knowing as long as he loved her ... he would have to try.
* * * *
It was late when Kira let herself back into the loft. She trembled with unspent emotion. She had almost lost it ... almost told Gallegar what was going on. The look in his eyes when he thought she blamed him for her being stolen away ... She'd run out on him, knowing she'd hurt him, but unaware of any other way to keep her secret hidden.
She'd walked for hours, only returning when she felt like the wall she had built was strong again. She was exhausted and all she wanted to do was to climb into bed and sleep. But as she walked through the loft door, she saw movement in the living room. Her heart sank as she saw Gallegar step out of the shadows.
"A Ghra ... You worried us all. Are you all right now?"
She flinched as his deep voice rolled through her. This was the last thing she needed. She was still too shaky from the earlier confrontation. “I am fine. I am just going up to get some rest. Good night—"
"I would speak with you,” he interrupted. He held out his hand. “Please, it is important."
She swallowed. She should have known he wouldn't give up so easily. Raising her chin, she nodded. “All right, if we must.” She ignored the hand and walked past him to sit in an empty chair.
Gallegar dropped the rejected hand, feeling the pain reverberate in his heart. He followed her back into the living room and sat near her on the couch. “You left so abruptly, we did not get to finish speaking to one another."
"I do not know what is left to say,” she said quickly. “I do not blame you. That is the truth."
He frowned when she said nothing more. “Why have you pulled away from us? You don't have to be alone, love. We are in this together."
Kira twisted her hands in her lap unconsciously. “I am fine. I just need to be alone for a time. Things will change.” Her eyes took on a haunted look. “You will see."
It wasn't working. She wasn't going to tell him anything. She wasn't fighting him directly, but just withholding any emotion she had instead. He had to get her to see she wasn't the only one who had to make difficult choices and trust again.
He stared at her thoughtfully for a moment then his eyes went dark and haunted as well. “It is time to tell you a story, A Ghra..."
She opened her mouth to protest, but he ignored her and continued.
"I was a young man when my family moved to a new village in Ireland. I was only two and twenty."
"Gallegar—” she murmured, knowing where this was going.
"I told you there would come a time for you to hear this story and this is it.” He ran a nervous hand through his hair.
"This village was very much like our old one. It too, was run by English, but instead of running us all out, they wanted us to stay. The lord and lady of the manor made us feel like we were needed. We were treated quite well. I grew and learned the smithy trade from my father, but it didn't complete me. I needed something more.” His eyes were pensive.
"So I wrote. I took my dreams and put what I felt on paper. I had some skill at it too, but I knew it couldn't go anywhere. I was, after all, only the son of a blacksmith."
"What happened?” she asked, her throat aching at the sadness in his voice.
"I was wandering one night after supper. My head was full of stories and I had no quiet place at home to write them down. My sisters were always fluttering around me, trying to get me to court one of their friends."
He allowed a small grin to escape. “You see, I was nine and twenty and had not settled down yet. In those days, it was highly suspicious."
"If you had not found anyone...” Her eyes flashed, before she cut herself off. “I am sorry. Continue."
He covered a smile. Her temper was a good sign. “I had taken my papers and sneaked into the woods to write in privacy. I went there often, when I had a chance.” Gallegar's voice turned cold. “It was there I met her."
"Who?"
"She was the lady of the manor. Lady Elizabeth Coswell. She was as enchanting as the night sky, with long black hair and skin as white as milk. She was everything beautiful to a poor and untried youth.” His voice sharpened as he was lost in the memories.
"She pleaded so prettily to hear my stories and I fell for her sweet voice and smooth manners. Before long I was writing poetry to her. Stealing away in the middle of the night, just so I could be with her."
Kira's heart pounded. She wanted to hold him and soothe the pain of the memories away. The story was already breaking her heart.
"Soon, nothing mattered to me but the time we spent together. And one night, at long last, she took me into her arms and we became lovers."
Jealousy, like a sharp knife, cut through Kira's stiffly held body. Hearing about him with another woman made her stomach roll with sickness.
"I thought I had it all. My writing flowed. I had the love of a beautiful woman. I didn't even care we were breaking the holy bonds of the church and committing adultery. In my mind she belonged to me. It was her husband who was the interloper. This went on for seve
ral weeks.
"Now I cannot understand why she waited so long. Perhaps, she wanted me truly bound to her. But one night as we lay in the moonlight after making love, Elizabeth whispered there was a way we could always be together."
Tears filled Kira's eyes. “No, Gallegar ... no more."
Ignoring her, he went on. “Of course I said yes. Who wouldn't want to be with such a perfect woman? She kissed me. Then, as I lay in her arms, she leaned over my neck and took my blood."
"Gallegar!"
"At first I didn't understand. By the time I did, it was too late. I struggled, but I was too weak. She'd nearly drained me. Then she bit into her own wrist and forced her blood into my mouth to complete the change. It was then I knew this wasn't the perfect woman, but a demon in disguise."
Gallegar stood. He had to move. “Afterwards, she left me lying there. I managed to pull myself to safety in a cave, but I slept through the next day. When I awoke, it was the following evening and the change was complete. I was stronger, faster and my senses were so acute, it hurt."
He turned and looked at Kira and she almost cried out from the pain she saw in his eyes. “And the hunger ... I knew what I needed, but I refused to do what she had done to me. I stayed in the cave all that night and the next day. When the following night came, I was ravaged by the need to feed. I bit into my own arm just so the hunger would stop."
Tears were rolling down Kira's face now, but the vampire went on, his eyes unseeing.
"Elizabeth found me two nights later. She took me home with her. I found out then her husband was also a vampire. He didn't care she had been with me or changed me. She had brought others home in the past."
"I was so far gone with hunger I would have done anything they asked of me. But they thought I needed to eat first."
Gallegar looked at her with eyes so haunted it hurt to look at him. “They brought me this pretty little maid. Her name was Maureen. I knew her. I'd played darts with her brother at the pub. I tried to run away, but he held me as Elizabeth sliced her neck open."
He buried his head in his hands. “The smell of the blood. I couldn't control myself. I threw myself on her and fed until I was full. When I was finished, I struggled to my feet, covered in her life blood. I will never forget the way she stared at me with those dark eyes that would never see anything again.