Curse of the Asuune

by Jr Steven Sterup

  “Wait, so John is your grandson?” Kathrine asked confused.

  “You don’t recognize me do you?” John asked beaming with anticipation.

  “No, should I?” Kathrine asked.

  “I looked a little different the last time you saw me. At Samael’s office. You told me that if I left you would let me live. Unless I gave up blood you would eventually kill me. Well, I listened.” John was very proud of himself and very grateful to Kathrine. “Why do you think grandma and I are here?”

  “Since I saved your grandson you came to help me?” Kathrine asked Kelly.

  “Yes, and of course dad told me to keep an eye on you,” Kelly smirked.

  “Who’s your dad?” Kathrine begged.

  “Charles,” Kelly replied.

  “How the hell do all these Nephilim have children? We can’t have kids with humans.” Kathrine was amazed at the odds that a Nephilim would accidently find another Nephilim.

  “We instinctively choose our own kind. We generally aren’t even attracted to humans, though we don’t know why at the time. Nephilim are just more appealing to us,” Kelly explained.

  “So, you’re a Versi. That means that uncle Charles is a Versi too?” Kathrine’s mind boggled at all the things she didn’t know about her new extended family.

  “Yes, the one and only bear in the world,” Kelly said with pride. She idolized her dad and with good reason, Charles was a good and kind man.

  “If he’s a bear, who is the third feline like us?” Kathrine wanted to know everything. She felt like she was swinging around in the dark, luckily catching things occasionally.

  “Mom, of course,” Kelly replied.

  “You’re mom? Who is that?” Kathrine just couldn’t stop asking questions. She felt a little stupid but she wanted to know it all.

  “Sofia. You call her, Agnus. I call her mom. She’s been my mom for nearly a hundred years. My real mom died when I was small. Dad and Agnus raised me and let me go on with my life til I was about fifty. I wanted kids and grandkids. They told me to live my life then change to be like them and they were right. I don’t regret my time with Carl one bit but after he died, I was ready.” It became even harder to hate Kelly, though Kathrine still hadn’t managed to hate her. Not only was she nice, she was part of Kathrine’s family. Being Charles’s daughter made her at least a cousin.

  “Agnus is Versi, that little…” Kathrine feigned anger.

  Hailey laughed and so did Kelly. John just sat there looking left out. At least Kathrine was no longer the baby and she found a little confidence in that.

  “She didn’t want to intimidate you or overwhelm you I guess. You know mom, she’s a stickler for the rules but a real softy like dad when you get to know her,” Kelly said when she was done laughing. “She felt it would be better for you to learn from Castriana.”

  “She really doesn’t hate you does she?” Kathrine turned her gaze to Hailey.

  “No, she has every reason to hate me but not Agnus. The woman has a heart of gold.” Hailey looked sad now. Hailey had helped her brother find Agnus. It was her fault that Agnus lost her child. She could never make up for that.

  “Don’t look so down, Cass,” Kelly said. “Mom doesn’t blame you anymore. She knows you’re brother forced you to do it. Just like all the other things your brother made you do. You didn’t have a choice.”

  Hailey hadn’t heard that nick name in a long while. The last person who called her that was Sarah, many centuries ago. It was long before she had betrayed Agnus and ended her friendship with Sarah.

  “Sorry, you don’t like Cass do you?” Kelly asked. She could see the anguish on Hailey’s face.

  “No, it reminds me of how much I hurt your mom,” Hailey said as she wiped a tear from her eye.

  “I’ll just stick with Hailey then,” Kelly said apologetically. “One more thing, I need to give Sarah credit. I’m not the smart one here. Sarah told me everything that was going on with you and with Hailey through my dad. Apparently this was all her idea. This is the reason I know so much about you. Sarah realized that you had outgrown her training and you needed to learn by doing, so she told my dad to send me.”

  “Sarah knew about Hailey?” Was the first thought that came to Kathrine’s mind. She had no problem with Sarah setting up an elaborate scheme to get her out on her own. In fact, she had suspected Sarah had a hand in this. As smart as Kelly was, only Sarah could have planned all of this.

  “Yes, she knew,” Kelly smiled at Hailey and Kathrine wondered, was Kelly attracted to Hailey? She figured she would be at least a little jealous but she wasn’t. What a weird family she had. She wasn’t comfortable letting Hailey go to a complete stranger but a cousin was a different story. In all honesty, Kathrine would rather see Hailey with Kelly. Kelly was a kind and beautiful woman, Hailey deserved someone like that. Either way, Kelly wasn’t saying and Kathrine wasn’t going to ask.

  “We better get going,” John interrupted. “I know where they will be tonight, after that I’m not sure.”

  “They?” Kathrine asked.

  “Paul and Elyon will be at a warehouse near the boat tonight. I’m not sure what they are doing but it doesn’t sound good,” John finished.

  “You think Paul can handle your brother?” Kathrine asked Hailey.

  “Yes, but a little extra help wouldn’t hurt. My brother is sneaky. One on one Paul would win and Elyon knows this. He must have some plan or he would never challenge Paul,” Hailey explained.

  After their meal they all got ready then left the hotel and took the car Kathrine had rented to the docks. It was nearly dark when they arrived and John led them through a few alleys until they eventually reached the warehouse. It looked abandoned. There were no lights and it looked like it hadn’t been used in years.

  Kathrine could swear she saw the hooded man yet again. He appeared in a doorway to another warehouse and then disappeared just as quickly. She was really beginning to think she was making him up. Kathrine had a bad feeling about this and it wasn’t just her mysterious stalker. She couldn’t quite put her finger on what was making her so anxious. John had told her that the place would be abandoned, that Elyon was doing something in secret but something nagged at Kathrine’s brain. Something seemed off.

  John opened the door slowly and peered inside. He motioned for them to follow and slipped quietly behind the door. Kelly was next, followed by Hailey then Kathrine. Kathrine kept searching the alley and adjacent buildings, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. Was the hooded man part of this or just a figment of her imagination? She backed through the door eyeing the warehouse across from them. The door was wide open and she could swear she saw someone moving in the shadows. Being a cat Versi had improved her vision at night some but not enough to see in the pitch black that filled the other warehouse.

  Kathrine turned around to see Elyon standing on top of a box in front of her. Kelly and Hailey were on the floor with their hands handcuffed behind their backs. Two vampires rushed from her sides and she was not ready for them. They caught her wrists, each with their own handcuffs and then forced her arms behind her to close them both.

  “Don’t want to take any chances with you,” Elyon laughed. He had apparent heard about Kathrine. She doubted she could have broken one set of handcuffs, let alone two. The stories about her, it seemed, were growing.

  “What do you want?” Kathrine growled while testing the strength of the handcuffs. They were solid steel, she guessed. Even so, she heard the soft groan of the metal as she struggled against them. Maybe she had underestimated herself. Perhaps Elyon should have used three or maybe something stronger than handcuffs. Kathrine smiled to herself, Elyon didn’t know who he was messing with.

  That was when Kathrine finally understood what had been nagging her. She had subconsciously picked up on John’s agitation and anxiety. John was standing in front of Elyon without handcuffs. He was kneeling and had his hands out.

  “You’ve proven yourself, John. He
will reward you,” Elyon praised. He handed John a bag of blood and John tore into it. The blood dripped onto the floor and the smell nearly made Kathrine vomit. Then Elyon stepped around John to answer Kathrine’s question.

  “I don’t have any interest in you but Paul does,” Elyon scowled. “He should be here shortly.”

  “John, why?” Kelly begged.

  “I need the blood, grandma. I can’t live without it. I’m sorry.” John seemed somewhat sincere but the blood was still more important than his family or friends.

  “Then I’m sorry too,” Kelly said angrily. “I won’t protect you any longer.”

  “So full of spunk,” Elyon laughed. “No spiteful words from you sister?” Elyon turned his gaze to Hailey. The three women were now all on their knees with their hands behind their backs in front of him.

  “This is a mistake Elyon. You won’t survive this. This is Ceralin’s step-daughter. She will hunt you forever.” Elyon looked afraid for a second and Kathrine wondered. What was so scary about Sarah? Everyone was afraid of Paul because of his strength but the reaction to Sarah’s name was one of terror, even if Elyon hid it quickly.

  “She hasn’t caught me yet,” Elyon said covering his fear with bravado.

  “For this she won’t give up,” Hailey growled. “Her father is Sarah’s one. She won’t be able to let this one go.” Again Elyon flashed terror then covered it quickly.

  “I’m not going to hurt her. Well, no one will know it was me. They will think it was Paul. He killed all of you because he found out about you and Kathrine. Ceralin will mourn her loss and blame it on you and Paul.” Elyon was sure of his plan but how was he going to best Paul?

  Elyon’s claws came out and his fangs descended. He looked vicious. He was a hairy man to start with so Kathrine could see how the werewolf legends came about. Elyon was muscular and scary. In a dark alley, facing this man, you would come away really thinking he was a beast. Elyon walked toward Kelly first and pulled back his hand.

  “That would be a bad idea!” Paul shouted as he walked in from a door on the far end of the warehouse. He was at least fifty feet away. Elyon turned to face Paul. Apparently he didn’t want to bet on whether Paul could reach him before he killed Kelly. Elyon was afraid of Paul, not the same terror he had at the mention of Sarah’s name but he was afraid. He tried to hide it but Kathrine could tell it was an act.

  “Just you?” Elyon asked, his voice shaking. “I figured you would bring daddy along.” Was his whole plan to annoy Paul? Did he somehow think this would give him the upper hand?

  “My father is more of a monster than you,” Paul spat back.

  “So, not a willing partner to daddy’s plans?” Elyon was gaining confidence, he was up to something.

  “Fuck you!” Paul yelled. “Let them go and I might let you live. I’ll just dismember you as punishment but you will live.”

  Elyon laughed loudly.

  “You didn’t answer my question. I’d like to know before you kill me.” Elyon didn’t act scared at all anymore.

  Kathrine had a bad feeling again. Like John, Elyon was hiding something and Kathrine just couldn’t figure out what he could possibly think would give him an advantage against Paul. Were there a hundred vampires hiding in the next warehouse, ready to jump Paul? Would Paul even care? With a sword Kathrine wouldn’t be afraid of a hundred vampires, surely Paul was better than she was. Kathrine’s thoughts drifted a little. Where there even a hundred vampires in the world? She needed to ask more questions when this was over.

  “I have no intention of answering it.” Paul walked cautiously closer as he spoke. He looked like he suspected Elyon was up to something.

  “Answer me!” Elyon yelled as he rushed to Kathrine and sunk his two inch claws into her neck.

  Paul stopped immediately. He thought he could make it to Elyon and stop him but he wasn’t willing to risk Kathrine’s life on it. Kathrine could see the fear in Paul’s eyes, maybe he did really love her after all.

  “I do what father tells me. What difference does it make if I believe or not?” Paul snarled.

  “It makes a world of difference,” Azazel hissed as he stepped out of the shadows in the corner.

  Now Paul was the one looking terrified. He would not make it to Kathrine before his father did. Azazel slowly and deliberately walked toward Kathrine while keeping his eye on Paul. Paul eyed his father angrily and started walking at the same speed.

  “I do what you ask, what else do you want from me? I’m the obedient son. I don’t have to believe in your grand plan to carry it out.” Paul adjusted his trajectory, instead of walking in front of Kelly he stepped behind her. He raised her to her feet by the shoulders then he slipped his hands down to the handcuffs and snapped the chain silently.

  “We don’t need her in the way,” Paul said then pushed Kelly over by the boxes where John was standing.

  “I agree,” Azazel growled. He still kept his eyes locked on to Paul. He wasn’t afraid of Paul but he was respectful of the great warrior his son had become. If any Asuune could hurt him, his son was that person.

  Next Paul walked behind Hailey and picked her up by the shoulders before throwing her at Kelly. He didn’t want to risk breaking the chains on her cuffs, he was too close to his father now. Hailey landed head over heels on top of Kelly. Paul then walked toward Kathrine.

  “Not her,” Azazel spat as he drew his sword and put it in front of Paul’s path. “She has everything to do with this. Do you think I’m stupid?”

  “Let me kill her,” Elyon begged.

  “Not yet,” Azazel decreed. “Paul and I need to work out our differences first. If you beat me you just might save her before my dog rips out her throat.”

  Elyon’s expression stiffened at the words Azazel used. He was no one’s dog, but he had no chance against either of these men. He just needed to keep his mouth shut and he would take Paul’s place. Kathrine noticed the sneer on Elyon’s face and decided it was the perfect way to help Paul.

  “Be a good dog,” Kathrine provoked.

  “Shut up, the adults are speaking!” Elyon released her throat and turned to watch them fight.

  Azazel circled Paul waiting for a sign of weakness.

  “Have to rely on your sword father, that’s hardly fair but you know you can’t take me without it,” Paul incited.

  “I’m not going to fight you, I’m just going to kill you.” Azazel swung the flaming sword at Paul and Paul dodged quickly to the side.

  Kathrine struggled with the handcuffs. She needed to act fast or Paul would be dead. Her anxiety and anger turned to terror and fury. Her claws came out stabbing the palms of her hands. Her fangs descended and Elyon noticed. He jumped at her as Kathrine snapped the chains of the handcuffs. She caught him by the throat with both hands as he ran forward. Her long claws dug into Elyon’s throat and he panicked. He began thrashing, trying to get his hands on her throat but before he could connect Kathrine ripped his head off.

  She ran at Azazel not knowing how she was going to deal with his sword. She knew from her father’s story that she probably couldn’t touch it, but Paul might be able to. Paul was the son of a Nephilim and an Angel. He had more Angel blood in his veins than any other Asuune except for her father. She hoped desperately that it was the reason her father had been able to touch the sword. If it had been because of who Mark’s father was then her and Paul were both doomed.

  Azazel slashed at her arm as she ran at him. Her animal side had taken over a little, the throat was the most vulnerable spot. She tried for his throat but Azazel was faster than she was. When she felt the fiery blade cut through her shoulder she screamed. Her father hadn’t described the pain well enough. It felt like her arm was on fire. The pain rivaled what she felt when she pulled the bullet out of her shoulder. Paul charged his father in anger. Azazel turned and stabbed Paul through the chest.

  “No!!!!” Kathrine screamed. She forgot her pain and ran at Azazel again.

  Azazel removed the sword fr
om Paul’s chest with a grin. He turned to Kathrine and back handed her. She flew across the warehouse landing near Elyon’s dead body.

  Paul struggled to get to his feet. He wasn’t dead yet. Kathrine got to her hands and knees. Paul was right, she wasn’t ready for this. She did the only thing she could think of. She clasped her hands together and looked to the sky.

  “I don’t know what to do. Please show me the way,” Kathrine prayed.

  “WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!” Azazel said ignoring Paul. “He will never answer you. He has given up on this hell. You’re all alone.”

  Despite his words Kathrine could hear the fear in his voice.

  “I’m sorry to keep asking for help but I don’t know what I’m supposed to do.” Kathrine shut her eyes and ignored the evil Angel that was closing on her fast.

  “He’s not listening!” Azazel raised his sword to remove her head.

  As he swung the sword toward Kathrine’s neck Paul caught the flat part of the blade with his hands. The pain was incredible, he felt like his whole body was on fire. He had never dared touch his father’s sword. He had seen humans catch fire and explode from touching it before but there was no way he was going to let Kathrine die. Paul held on to the blade with everything he had, his father was not going to kill her while he lived. Azazel raised his other hand to hit Paul and Kathrine caught it.

  “You can’t…” Azazel’s protest was cut off when he saw Kathrine’s golden eyes.

  “I listen to him so he listens to me.” Kathrine squeezed harder and Azazel’s wrists began to smoke. He had never felt pain before. The Angel of War had never been beaten. Being cast out of heaven before the Great War in Heaven started, he had never experienced this horrible sensation. Clear golden wings appeared from Kathrine’s back and unfurled. They were at least twenty feet wide. The wings looked like they were made of air that had condensed into a solid form and the light from them lit the room.