Thirst

by Tapley, Travis

  They had waited until night to fly together to the deepest, darkest part of the Honey Island swamp. He took her hand and pulled her into a nose dive into the alligator infested waters. She felt a panic set in, but tried not to show it. She had never told him she didn’t know how to swim. She clung to his arm as he made a perfect entrance into some kind of underwater cave or something, she wasn’t quite sure. He had known the exact spot to hit the water. It was almost as if he had a built in vampire GPS. She felt silly for thinking that when she realized he was a vampire, he could do anything and she wanted to learn those abilities too.

  They came up into an underground cavern. He led her to an old oak door. She was amazed and had never seen anything like it. Who would ever believe this sort of thing was hidden right in the middle of Honey Island. She had heard the stories of Honey Island her whole life, the monster that was supposed to haunt this area, but as in vampires, she thought it all ridiculous to believe. She was starting to believe anything was possible.

  “What is this place?” She stammered while gazing up at the ceiling.

  “It is a underwater cave of sorts,” He said as he opened the door. “I had to have a place that could not be found by anyone to hide the armor. What better place than alligator infested waters. I dug and cleared and cleaned most of what you see here. It has been the perfect spot.”

  “There have been tales I never dreamed could be true, I have lost my son, my parents and my daughter I have no clue and yet, I am still being shown things that only someone in a fantasy land could dream of. What good does this armor you are talking about do?”

  “It is not in so many things, but it is.” He started explaining. “It does absorb blows from swords, guns and other weapons quite well. Although our kind do heal rather quickly from cuts and so forth, it helps us heal even more because it prevents the bigger cuts when we are struck, we just have to avoid a direct hit on the heart.”

  He lead her inside and opened a lock and removed a chain. He swung the doors open and before he hung two of the most amazing pieces of clothing she had ever seen. Was clothing even the right word, she did not know.

  “Seneca?” She started to ask him if the suit had been Amaranth’s, but she thought better of it, so what if it had, it was now her turn to wear it and fight by his side as had been foretold by his mother. His mother, she would have given anything to have met such a woman. A woman who risked everything to get her out of the darkness and into the light, to give her a hope of being free of the way she had to live. She thought wasn’t that what everyone wanted out of life? To step out of the darkness they were sometimes in and to live in the light and have a joy and happiness around them that no one could take away? Such a sad thought to think that so many never found that light.

  “We will rest here tonight and tomorrow…” His words faded as he thought of what was at stake in a matter of hours. He looked up at the ceiling and uttered to himself, I hope this ends as you wanted it mother.

  They awoke the next morning in each others arms. He pulled her close to him and thought of everything she had been through in these past two weeks. He was not going to lose her now.

  “Seneca,” she said, “You have talked of healing when we get cut and how fast it is, are you sure it works on me the same way?”

  Without saying a word, he knew actions spoke louder than words, he reached over and took his small dagger and drug it across her arm. She screamed in pain, and had a look of what the fuck is wrong with you? It quickly became one of amazement as the pain was of short duration and the wound had very little time to bleed and it started to heal. She was astonished. She laughed almost like a little girl at the miracle that had just occurred on her arm.

  “Do you believe now?” He asked.

  “You didn’t have to do that,” she said, a simple yes would have been good.”

  “But would you have really believed me?”

  She stared into his eyes with a half knowing grin. “I guess not.” She replied.

  The parades had started in the city. Float after float went by. They watched from the balcony of their home. He always loved the parades. The majesty of it all, the beauty and time that went into it. There was nothing like this time of year in New Orleans. He had never seen anything like it in any city he had ever lived. Summer loved them too. It was a shame that if they survived they would have to fell to another land for years until they could come back here. Would she be able to take their daughter with them?

  The day was drawing to a close and they made there way down onto Bourbon Street. Some of the arrogant drunks were making snide comments about the way they were dressed. They were approached by three of New Orleans finest and just with a stare and a little vampire mind control, the cops simply told them to have a good evening. She looked at him and said, “Can I do that?”

  He simply replied, “Yes.”

  He saw her raise up I the crowd, floating about 7 feet in the air. He heard the gasp from the crowd as some started to run and he heard the exclaims that it was that woman that was at that parade with the man that flew, that vampire man. The crowd parted like the Red Sea.

  “So, we meet again Seneca!” Lilith yelled at him.

  “Yes, we do and it is time to finish what I should have finished 300 years ago.”

  “How rude of you Seneca. You aren’t going to introduce me to this bitch by your side? She doesn’t look like Amaranth, oh wait, that’s right, I killed her ass while you watched helplessly like a little crying boy.”

  “Fuck you Lilith. You won’t be so lucky this time.

  ”Don’t be so sure of that. It seems I am quit good at taking thinks you love from you. Your mother, your lover, your son, and not to mention your daughter.”

  It was more than Summer wanted to hear. “Damn you, you vile woman. Where is my daughter?”

  My, my, my what a ugly mouth you have. I think it is my business where your daughter is. You will have a chance to find her. Maybe.”

  “Enough of the nice introductions, where is your sidekick at? Did you finally drive him away with your demanding ways?”

  “I don’t care where that coward is at. I don’t know why I cared that he exposed himself at that parade. Maybe he killed himself. No concern of mine, I shall have my new king once I dispose of you.”

  “Well, then, the crowd has parted shall we tango” Seneca asked drawing his sword. As soon as he took his out of its case, Summer followed his lead and did the same.

  Chapter 20

  “Ashes to Ash Wednesday”

  As Lilith, Seneca and Summer made their way down Bourbon Street like three cowboys from the old west to see who had the fastest gun, a voice rang out behind Seneca and Summer.

  “So, you wished I was dead? You want a new king? Wonder what the council will think of that?” It was Michael. Seneca wanted to turn and look and he knew Summer did to but he quickly told her no, do not do it. Eyes must remain focused in front of them. He wasn’t sure what was going on, where Michael had been, if this was a trick by him and Lilith or what exactly was happening.

  “Where have you been you imbecile? You know I answer to no one. I am the Council. I control then and you know that. Now attack them we have the advantage. Do as I say you fool.”

  “It no longer works that way Lilith. I am no longer on your side. Seneca gave me what I wanted. He gave me light. I am now a child of light. I see what I have not seen in years, so many years.”

  Confusion was in everyone’s minds. Seneca wasn’t sure what was happening, Summer didn’t know and Lilith felt her rage coming up on her from her toes. She no longer wanted to fight Seneca and Summer,at least not in this moment. She wanted this traitor Michael dead.

  “Step aside Seneca and take your whore with you.” Lilith spoke. “I am about to end this, this, fools life. You do not betray me and think you will survive.”

  “I did not betray you, I finally did something for myself instead of following you like a blind dog.”

  Seneca and Summer steppe
d onto the sidewalk and watched as Lilith walked right past them as she made her way toward Michael. Seneca could feel the flames of wraith burning off of her as she passed.

  Michael with a look of determination pulled the sword from it case. Seneca had a look of bewilderment upon his face, it was the sword of Amaranth. How had he gotten it? They had left it at the Vatican. It was almost like a swap. Caelina’s sword given to Summer and Amaranth’s left there. Michael must have gone back. Then if he did it was true, he was now one of them. Or was he? It was a chance he didn’t want to take and while Lilith was focused on Michael, he and Summer slipped into the alley and off into the night. Did Lilith even notice they weren’t there? Should he feel bad about leaving someone behind? If he had known the truth yes, he would have felt bad. This was not a time to dwell on the what if’s but to prepare. So far everything he had read in his mother’s books were turning out to be exactly as written. All except the ending that she could not foretell.

  Michael had never been as strong, as powerful as Lilith and he knew his time had come. He was about to meet his fate. He was more than okay with it, he did not blame Seneca for fleeing into the night, he definitely made the moment more confusing. Should he have came to them and told them the truth? Maybe, but then there would have been no element of surprise. Him just appearing had caught all of them off guard and when he told of what had happened, he felt the rage of Lilith as he always had. Except this time he had really burnt himself down. She was in a quiet rage and he knew it was not good for him. He stood in the street with the crowd watching, not sure what they were watching. The police had made their way toward him and Lilith, but she had put a stop to that with a raise of her hand. Everyone was now frozen unable to move and speak and the street became deathly still and quiet. Except for two.

  Michael raised the sword of Amaranth above his head and took his stance. He knew this was it, even with the sword he was no match for her. What would Mortis think or say? Oh well what did it matter, his fate was sealed. He swung high and hard and heard the blade clank on the ground, he had missed, she would not. He had never been much with a sword, and she made the miss pay. With one swing, she cut him into with her blade, his legs falling and trying to find its torso, to put itself back together. With a swift plunge the blade went into his heart. She removed it and licked it clean, with an evil smile she finished the job and cut off the head of the only friend she had ever had and she did it mercilessly. She took a knee and rolled the head over and looked into its still open eyes. “What a fucking fool you were. You have only helped postpone the end. It shall be done tomorrow. She felt weak. A feeling she had never had before. A lightheadedness had came over her and she made her way in the night back to her lair.

  The crowd in the street awoke the next morning from what felt like to them all a drunken stupor. What had they witnessed last night? Didn’t something happen that they should remember? Everything was fuzzy and it seems as if it had to do with vampires. Maybe they needed to go visit the Marie Laveau shop and find a spell to protect themselves. They all had the feeling that today was going to be a bad day.

  Seneca and Summer slept most of Ash Wednesday. They had always made their way to the church with the kids and received their ashes. Today they would not, there were no children to take with them. They could only hope that Kelsey was alive. As if reading each others minds, Seneca looked at her and said, Be prepared for that today. She will not face us without Kelsey. She will be with her. I know it is hard, but be prepared to see your daughter as a vampire, one of the dark.”

  “I know, I have already thought of that.” Summer replied with a heavy heart.

  Lilith awoke throwing up. What was wrong with her? Had it been the blood on the sword? Was her idea of getting Seneca’s blood all these years the wrong idea? But she thought it was not his blood, it was a mixture of Michael’s and his. Was the mixture of dark and light making her sick? Was it changing her? She could not see how. There was no way. She still felt as evil as always. She didn’t want that to change. She had no desire to be a goodie two shoes. It just wasn’t in her blood. She laughed at her joke. She was being more cautious than usual, she did not know what Seneca knew. Had Michael told him where she was? Did he know her hiding places during the day. It would be dark soon and she surmised she was being foolish. She had not thought of these when she came in and knew if they had known her whereabouts they would have been there already. She let herself relax a little and thought maybe she just needed to feed before this final confrontation.

  She left the comforts of her lair knowing that when she returned, she would be the conqueror of Seneca and Summer and Queen. The world would be hers and the human race as well.

  She quickly ate her meal and intermediately felt like her wicked self. It was time for war.

  Seneca and Summer put on their armor and he knew exactly where she would be. Why was he so sure of everything now when he had been left wondering for 300 years. What had changed? Was it the simple knowledge that he had gathered in Rome? Could all of this not been solved earlier? As much as the mortals wondered about the end of time and their Jesus’ second coming wasn’t he as much in the same plight? Summer could sense his thoughts and rubbed his shoulders. “It is going to be okay babe, one way or another.”

  “I know, but it feels so much different this time.”

  Being Ash Wednesday, the streets were relatively quite tonight. The street performers were in Jackson Square and around St. Louis Cathedral, the homeless were where they always were and a few tourist were in the streets. They stepped off the corner by Cafe DuMonde and walked toward the old Jax Brewery. She was near, he could feel it.

  “Be prepared.” He told Summer.

  I already am.” She replied.

  “You two looking for this?” They heard her before they saw her. Then they heard a small voice say, “Mommy.” It was Kelsey and just as he had thought, she was alive. She did not appear to be anything other than a mortal child at this point and that scared him a little. What was Lilith planning? And could he stop it?

  Something was wrong. He wasn’t sure what, but he could sense it. She was not alone. Their was another dark one with her. It was a strong one, but who? Had one of the council came from the depths of hell to help her? In all their years of battle, he had never seen one of them do such a thing. But if this was it, the final time, it might be possible. If so, why was it not mentioned in the book? Was that not an important thing he needed to know. The books said he had everything he needed to end it. Had his mother not seen everything?

  “Daddy, help me!” The sound of his daughters voice snapped him out of his thoughts. How could such a small child be so brave?

  “Kelsey,” Summer screamed, “I am here baby”

  “Listen to mommy and daddy, don’t they sound so nice, my dear Kelsey? How lucky you are to have such great parents. Would you like to have your daughter back Seneca?” Lilith asked with a sneer in her voice.

  “God damn you, Lilith, I swear I shall kill you before this night is over!” Seneca had a fear in his voice that even summer had never heard. “You have taken my son, you will not take my daughter!”

  “My, my, my, you sure are cocky for someone who is not in control. I think I have the say on whether you kill me and get your daughter. As a matter of fact, it is my plan to kill you all tonight. Maybe I will spare this child and raise her as my own and in the right time make her one of us. That sounds like a wonderful plan, does it not?”

  Stay calm he told himself, she is trying to make you mad. He looked at Summer and told her the same.

  “It won’t work Lilith, I’m not falling into that trap.”

  “Then shall we cut the bullshit and finish this? You win, you get your daughter. I win, well, we both know that answer.” She flew down from the cathedral and landed about twenty yards from them. Immediately all swords were in hand.

  “Before we start this dance of death, may I introduce you to someone Seneca. An old friend you may remember perhaps.”
Lilith raised her hand and out of the shadows stepped Mortis and the rest of the council. They were outnumbered and the apocalypse was upon them.

  In an instant the war was on. Flying, spinning, jumping, hoping with blazing speed that the mortal eye could not comprehend. The Council was no match for the light and quickly they were disposed of, Summer was more of a warrior than he ever dreamed. She was brutal in her attacks and one by one she sunk her blade and cut off the heads. Seneca was holding his own too and at one point they were back to back, swords held high and touching.

  Lilith was swinging wildly and growing more and more agitated. “What is wrong with you imbeciles, there are so many of us and only two of them! Get them!”

  It didn’t work, they fell like flies until only two were left: Lilith and Mortis.

  “I would say we call this a draw, but the books say it ends tonight.”

  Lilith looked bewildered, “What books?”

  “You will never know.” Seneca laughed and struck at Mortis while summer moved in on Lilith. He had not meant for that to happen. Mortis stepped aside avoiding his blow and came around with his own swing. Seneca quickly brought up his sword and blocked it, knocking Mortis’ blade to the ground. He quickly came up and met his mark. He felt the blade sink into the chest of Mortis and he pulled out the blade as the blood dripped from it and took the head. Michael's vampire father had met his demise. All of the council was gone. All that remained was Lilith. He knew it had to be the sword of Summer to take her down, it became his job to make it so.

  He tried to move to her back so Summer could get a slice. Lilith spun around in a quick complete circle with sword spinning with her. Seneca thrust his sword and struck the arm, she howled in pain and Summer swiped at the other arm holding the sword. She connected and the sword and severed hand of Lilith fell to the ground. Lilith fell on the ground and grabbed her hand still clutching the sword. She moved out of the way of Seneca and Summer and held the hand in place, but it would not reattach itself. She looked completely shocked. “What have you done to me you wretched bitch?” She yelled at Summer.