A Modern Myth II

[Kàylà]

~Valkyrie's POV~

"Thanks for coming out her Matilda but I would feel better if you stayed here just incase Cecil needs you again. I may have been alive for awhile but I never learned the art of medicine. There was never any need for me to." I told her as we walked downstairs.

"I just can't Valkyrie. It's to hard. I'm trying because I understand that I'm the only one who can really heal his wounds but it's so hard." She looked like she was about to cry as she said this.

"I understand but don't be surprised if you hear from me again. I'll do my best to take care of this myself but I might need your help." I told her truthfully.

"I'll keep my cell on but please only call me if it's something major." She sounded desperate.

"Dont worry I can treat minor stuff but if it is major then I will call you. I'll have to hide your number from Kynaree though otherwise you'd be getting a call everytime Cecil felt even the tiniest bit of pain." I smiled a bit

"I wouldn't doubt that." Matilda tried to smile but it was strained. I knew it was hard for her to be in this house so close to Cecil and sometimes Rodger. I let out a sigh after Matilda left and held in another one as Rodger came in. I smiled at him and then headed to the living room while he headed upstairs to see Cecil. I sat on the couch and looked up at the ceiling. I still needed to think of something to tell Rivers when he got here.

Actually you still need to think of an actual plan to get Trudie back, good one Valkyrie I thought to myself. I sat like that for a little longer, avoiding trying to think of a plan even though I knew I needed to. Everyone was counting on me to get Trudie back, and by getting her back I ment not in a bodybag. "Nathan! I have issues!" I said aloud knowing he'd hear me. In a matter of seconds he was sitting next to me on the couch.

"Still can't think of anything to get Trudie back?" He asked with sympathetic eyes. That was something I loved about him, he understood how stressful being me was.

"Exactly. And each second that I can't think of something brings Trudie that much closer to death." I said and buried my head in his chest. He held me like that for awhile not saying anything and I was glad for his silence. I didn't want reasuring words, or anything like that. I just wanted his arms around me and his ways of being able to comfort me without words.

I looked at the clock and groaned. There was only half an hour left until Rivers came back. I was going to have to think of something fast. Hmmmm maybe Ember can help me out a bit. She might have some good ideas stuck in that complicated mind of hers. I thought to myself once again. "Ember!! Get down here!!" I called for her, trying to make it sound like she wasn't in any trouble. Though I seriosuly had no right to punish anyone here, except for maybe Kynaree since she did act like a child a lot of the time.

[Shinju]

I heard Valkyrie call me from downstairs. She had an air of tension in her voice. Perhaps she had an idea to get Trudie back? Or conversely and probably the correct answer, she didn't. I swiftly made my way down the stairs and over to where she was sitting. Valkyrie had a look of utter frustration on her face. She didn't have an idea.
“What's wrong Val?” Even though I already knew the answer.
“I just can't think of a plan to get Trudie back!” I waited for her to continue. There was an awkward silence for a moment and then she spoke. “I called you down here because I need you to help me think of a plan.” It was understandable that Valkyrie was having trouble. Oni had quite a force. But damn this put stress on me also. I nodded.
“Time is running out and the longer Trudie is there, the more danger she'll be in, so please we need to think quickly.” Her brows furrowed in worry. I bit my thumbnail thinking for a moment. My eyes trained on the sparkles adorning the ceiling. A gentle though flitted through my mind. Oni had always been madly in love with Valkyrie. Maybe we could use this to our advantage. My forehead wrinkled in doubt. Val wouldn't go for this idea. But I had to try. As she had said, we were running out of precious time.
“Ok Val, I have an idea but I don't think your going to go for it.” I was so glad my mental barrier was up or I would be toast. She looked at me carefully with curiosity in her eyes. I went for it.
“You have to fake that you are madly in love with Oni to infiltrate his base. Once he begins trusting you, he'll be distracted. He won't be thinking about Trudie or the rest of us, and we could have an opportunity to rescue her.” I waited for the explosion. She wouldn't do this. I know she wouldn't. But It might be the only chance we had.

[<^>Krustine<^>]

~Trudie's POV~

I was sitting at the dining room table, and I just happened to be eating easy mac when I saw a shadow pass through the door on my right. The figure was a silhouette of a scrawny male who came in and sat across the table. I didn't know what it was or why it was in my house. When it started talking I knew for sure it was Rivers and felt this pang of guilt for leaving things the way they were that day. "I miss watching Wheel of Fortune with you." I could tell the voice didn't come from just one person. It had a British echo.

Then, the shadow morphed with color until it began shaping into someone I recognized. Their brown hair and brown eyes showed and then I could see it was Cecil. He was staring at me with this expression on his face that told me something was up. "So I was googling the other day, and I happened to cross an article about the health factors of avocados. I thought you might like it." So he took out his blackberry, and the next second he was right beside me scrolling through the article on avocados. As I read I learned a lot of interesting facts.

The blackberry disappeared and when I looked up there was a pocket watch swaying back and forth in front of my face. "Rivers, what are you doing?" The figure who was right next to me had blond hair now and was across the table and appeared to be Rivers. "I'm hypnotizing you." He said ever so casually.

But before I could blink Cecil was leaning against the wall sipping from a cookie monster coffee mug, and then Rivers was back talking about Wheel of Fortune. He said I missed a really good episode, where this man from Czechoslovakia visiting his grandmother in Kentucky and he said he owned a pet monkey that he couldn't afford to feed anymore, so that's why he wanted to win. But ended up losing and giving his monkey to the host.

The identity continued switching from Cecil to Rivers, Rivers to Cecil for quite some time. When Barney appeared when the shadow disappeared and asked if I needed a hug.





I woke up screaming in a really comfy bed in a fancy room that seemed to calm me. I saw Oni in the corner of the room watching me with this sly smile pasted on his face.

"Have a good sleep?"

[--Kyle--]

(Kristi that post was awesome.)

--Xian's POV--

I listened closely to Ember's planned as she told Valkyrie. I was never good at spying, and I was almost positive Valkyrie could hear my thoughts, but I figured she was to engrossed with Ember's idea she didn't notice, or chose not to.

The idea was the best anyone could think of, but I was worried Valkyrie would never agree. But after a moment, I think she did. She nodded but with a pained look in her eye. But Im not sure if it was an understanding of the plan...or she was up for it, I was pulled away from the door before I could finish.

"DUDE!!!!!! The computer has a virus and I can't get it to stop wiggin' out on me!!!!" Ethan cried, with resemblance of Kynaree...weird. "How am I supposed to check my Myspace if the computer is BROKED!!!!!!!!!!"

Child, is the only word that came to mind. "I dont know, go to a computer fixer store! I'm busy!!!!" I went back to the door to try to listen in but they were gone.

I sighed and went into the kitchen. I was hungry. WAFFLES.

While I made the batter I looked out the window, watching Addy swing on the tire swing. She was so small to be involved with all this. I should send her somewhere...but where?

I burnt my waffles which made me mad so I through them away and resorted to a Pop-Tart.

"I have 23 followers on Twitter!!!" Ethan yelled to me.

"Woopdy freakin' doo..." I said quietly.

The T.V. blared Wheel of Fortune and some guy from Czechoslovakia had a monkey. Poor Trudie.

I decided to check on Cecil, but he was sleeping so I passed up his room and just went straight to the bathroom. I took a hot shower, then decided to take a nap. I dreamt of a butterfly morphing into a human...then the human morphing into a vampire...then the vampire morphing into a ghost, vanishing from my sight.

I woke up with a yelp (noticed the word 'yelp' was used in like the passed four posts hehe).

I ran to Valkyrie's room. I pounded on the door. "I know why he wants Trudie!!!"

She quickly opened the door and said "Explain."

"I had a dream, well more of a vision, and it was of a butterfly that turned into a human, but I think it was a faerie, and then the human turned into a vampire, and then the vampire turned into a ghost and then disappeared..."

"And..?"

"DR. D!!! All the mystical creatures and then the ghost! Trudie can see ghosts! Dr. D is one." I saw the realization before I even finished my sentence, she read my mind about it.

"Oni wants to find Dr. D." was all Valkyrie said.

(I thought I'd get the ball rolling...)

[Kàylà]

~Valkyrie's POV~

Ember's plan came to me as a bit of a shock. Me pretend to be in love with Oni? Yea that'll happen I thought sarcastically to myself. I realized though that it was about the only plan we had. We needed something better though, there was no way Oni would fall for that. He's way to smart, and he knows me to well.

"Well Ember that wouldn't be a bad idea except for the fact that Oni would never fall for it, but then again its the only plan we have." I started pasing around the room. There needed to be something else, something that I know Oni would fall for, something like a common interest. Something like revenge.

"What if we were to pretend that Nathan betrayed me and took over the coven, that the whole time he was using me to get into power and now I want revenge." I suggested. They seemed to ponder the thought and I could tell Nathan didn't particullary like it but I knew that if it was the best choice that he would go for it. I knew that if we did go with this plan though that I would have to be a very convincing actress.

"Are you sure you'd be able to pull it off Valkyrie? I mean convinicing Oni is going to be a very hard task." Nathan began. I couldn't help but roll my eyes a little. I had proved time and time again that I was pretty much capable of everything that didn't involve a stove.

"Don't worry Nathan I'll be fine. But I'll need you and Ember to take out any guards you see right away and as fast as possible so that way it will be less of a cleanup and then should probably get a couple search teams for Trudie." I told them.

"Dont forget Theo! We need to find him too!"Ethan yelled from the other room.

"Well no on ever said we had to get Theo. He'll only slow us down." I yelled bak at Ethan. "Anyways we need at least two people searching for Trudie, I'm not sure who yet, Rodger will be here with Cecil, I'll be with Oni, and then I'm not sure where everyone else would be." I finished.

Xian decided to join us then and sat down on the other side of the couch. He sat down with a sigh and looked like he was really annoyed. "I can help find Trudie and we might as well look for Theo because other wise Ethan will not shut up about it, his concious wouldn't let us leave Theo alone."

"Fine, you and Rivers will look for Trudie-" I was about to continue when Nathan cut me off.

"Rivers? The human kid? Why would he be involved in this and why not Kynaree?" Nathan asked me.

"I want Rivers to go instead of Kynaree to get Trudie because well.....actually I'm not sure but I have a gut feeling about this one so just go with it." I glared at him. I seriously didn't know why either but it seemed like the right thing to do. "Then Ethan and Kynaree will get Theo." I told them.

"So we have to convince Oni that you are full of rage and that you want revenge on your clan because I betrayed you and took over?" Nathan asked me trying to understand my thought process.

"Yup. I think he kinda expects something like that to happen. I don't know why but it always seems like he is just waiting for me to say something to him along those lines even though I know you would never do something like that to me." I smiled at him putting my hand in his. He smiled back at me and I wanted to stay like that for awhile but I knew that we had to get to work.

[×|{å†ìe×]

~<>~Kynaree's POV~<>~

Knocks pounded on my door loudly, "Kynaree, I need to talk to you." It was Valkyrie. I didn't answer instead I stuffed my face further into my pillow. The pounds increased in volume, I stayed like that until she began threatening to kick down the door. What's with her and kicking down doors? I slid off the bed and stomped over to the door. I quickly opened the door without anymore hesitation.

"What do you want?" I grumbled.

"We have a rescue plan to save Trudie" she replied.

"And Theo!" Ethan added from behind the corner, it was followed by a loud thud with a 'shh'.

"What are they doing there?" I asked pointing.

"We wanted to watch the show" Ethan answered, he, Xian and Ember peeked their heads around the corner and joined us.

"What show?" It felt like I was asking a lot of questions today and I wasn't asking them very nicely.

"We thought there would be doors being kicked down and fruit being thrown, but apparently we were wrong" Ember sighed and said she was going to her room. Xian and Ethan agreed that this wasn't what they'd expected either and left for the TV or computer.

Valkyrie began explaining the plan, how she was going to trick Oni. "As Ember and Nathan take care of the guards, Rivers and Xian are going to find Trudie. Ethan and you are going to be looking for Theo" I gasped, "I know I didn't want to save Theo either"

I squealed and hugged Valkyrie, "You mean I'm helping?!"

"Yeah, sure" she sounded uncertain now.

"Promise?"

She nodded, "Yes. Now I have to deal with Rivers" she sighed.

When she left I skipped off to Cecil's room, when I arrived at the door I burst through it. "Hi!" I sang. The room was dark, the curtains were drawn and the only light in the room was coming from his laptop screen. It reflected light off his face in an eerie way, but I noticed he looked a bit healthier than before, there was more color in his face and he was sitting up with ease.

"Hi" was his reply, his eyes only lifted from the screen for a moment and then he was glued back to it. I tried ignoring the lame greeting.

"How are you feeling?" I asked pulling up the desk chair.

"Okay" Again, a lame reply. I watched the screen, there were blocks falling and he was switched them around with his arrow keys. Then the screen had a big 'PAUSE' on it and he set the computer aside.

"Where's Rodger?" I wanted to talk about something, anything really. Sitting in my room pouting wasn't good for me.

"He left, had to do some more work." Now it was his turn to ask the question, "What are you so happy about? You're finally out of your room."

"Valkyrie apologized," I explained practically glowing.

He was smiling now, "About what?" he sounded skeptical.

"About being a jerk and treating me like a five-year-old"

"There's no way she apologized."

"Well, not exactly like that, more like 'Kynaree, I trust you enough to go on a rescue mission with us! Because you're awesome and not a five-year-old, and I'm sorry for being a jerk'. It was kind of like that"

He actually started to laugh, which made my grin increase. "Rescue mission" he finally said, "ridiculous."

"Huh?" I frowned.

"Seriously, what help would you be?" It felt like he was poking around my insides and trying to pull them out.

"I can help" I answered, feeling offended. I folded my arms across my chest, "I thought at least you would be happy for me"

It looked like I was offending him now too, "Well, I'm not happy for you. Why on earth would I be happy for you? It's not just going to be some fun thing where you break in, giggle, go around, find Trudie and just escape. This is going to be dangerous. You can't ju--" I bet he would've when on for an hour if I would've let him. I clamped his mouth shut with my hand.

"You don't even know the plan!" I exclaimed, "I'm not saving Trudie, I'm saving Theo." He pried my hand off his mouth and held it so I wouldn't cover his mouth again. Even though I had my other hand ready if needed.

"What the hell, that's even worse!" he laughed sounding hysterical, "You can't risk your life to save Theo.

"Just because he isn't our friend doesn't mean we can just let him die."

"Yes we can. Can't you just let the others save Trudie? Just say here with me?" Cecil pleaded.

"No, I really wanna go, I need to help in some way. Besides everything is going to be fine, you can't just look on the bad side of things all the time." I took my hand back. "I'm going, and you're stuck in this bed and can't stop me," I said triumphantly. "Then when I come back with Trudie and Theo, you'll see that you were just overreacting."

"You can't go... If you go then.. then.." I grinned, he was finally stumped.

"Then what?" I almost cackled.

"Then I'm calling this whole relationship off" he said glaring, all of a sudden he was completely somber.

"Liar" I glared back.

It took him a few seconds to break the glare, "damn it."

"You can't stay mad at me. It's impossible" I leaned over and pecked his cheek. His expression was still one of disappointment, so pecked his cheek again waiting for a better reaction. A third time. "Cecil, I know you aren't mad at me, quit being a jerk."

"Fine. I'm not mad, but I'm not happy either" I planted a kiss on his mouth.

"How about now?"

"I'm neutral" That was good enough, I supposed.

[<^>Krustine<^>]

~Trudie's POV~

"What was that?" I asked when I finally came to.

"Have a good sleep?" He repeated.

"Um, sure."

"Well, I have to talk to you." While he said it, I could tell I really shouldn't help him by the look on his face, but all I could get out was "Okay."

He got up from the chair and walked over to the bed and sat next to me as I struggled to sit up. When I finally did he grabbed my hands in his and started "Trudie, I need you to tell me again that you can help me. Did you back out during the night?"

Yes, I thought. "No, I will, I promised." I can't believe you said that!?!?

"I need aid in finding a certain ghost." I couldn't think of anything to say so he continued. "I need help finding Dr. Octavian Dartan." When he said that my head exploded. I told you not to agree, now look what you got yourself into.

"Um, what do you need his help for?" I asked, my voice kind of shaky.

"We have some unfinished business."

While he was talking all I could think about was how gorgeous his misty blue eyes were. The way his jet black hair was falling over his eyes just made them all the more pretty. Not realizing it I started laughing. His eyes got hard. "What's so funny?"

"Oh, Nothing. What was it you were saying?"

"I was telling you what I needed you to do for me."

"Oh, right." I'll get right on that, not.

"Okay, well if you could find Dr. Octavian Dartan for me."

"Okay, I'll try now"


~River's POV~

I was late arriving at Valkyrie's house. I wasn't sure if I should come because I didn't want to find out what dangers Trudie was in, but after I made a Pro's and Con's list it came out in her favor. I had to help. I walked up to the door and Valkyrie opened it when I was reaching for the handle. "You're late" She said, stepping aside so I could step in.

"Sorry" Was all I said, I couldn't tell her that I was debating whether or not to come.

"I know you were debating on coming, but I'm glad you did."

[Kàylà]

~Valkyrie's POV~

The look of confusion on River's face almost made me burst out laughing. Almost. If it wasn't for the seriousness of all that was going on I probably would have. "I'll explain everything at some point. Right now I need to know that anything...I mean anything I tell you....will not leave this house."I told him coldly. Rivers' nodded his head and gulped, already frightened of me like most humans were. I lead him to the living room where everyone else was seated.

I motioned for him to take a seat and then began explaining to him almost everything. I told him about what we were, vampires, faeries, hybrids, demons. I told him about the war that the humans would never be aware of because it was to well hidden amongest our kind for them to notice. Then I told him about Trudie, I didn't tell him why Oni wanted her, I figured that was best for her to tell him herself, but I did tell him that Oni had her and that we needed to get her back.

"And you need my help why? It sounds like this Oni guy can rip me to shreds in seconds and you want me to help you? I'm still not sure if I believe any of this." Rivers voice shook a little as he spoke.

"We need your help, Trudie needs your help because even though she might be mad, heartbroken, and other emotions right now I doubt she would come back if just Xian got her and I can't send Kynaree in there to get her because they are both pissed at each other and I know Trudie wouldn't go with Kynaree. I know she doesn't wanna stay with Oni thats for damn sure but she also might be thinking differently now." I glared at him.

"Then have some of your guards or something get her." Rivers told me.

"I need them to be facing Oni's guards so that way we can actually get to Trudie and Theo." I continued to glare at him. Why wouldn't he just say yes? Was he really a self centered jerk? "Look it's either you help us or Trudie dies." I finished. I watched his expression soften and his thoughts flooded through my mind. Quickly I blocked them out not wanting to hear anyone's mind but my own.

"Just tell me what to do." He whispered but to me it was like in a normal speaking voice. Before he even finished his sentance I was rushing up the stairs taking them two at a time and burst into Cecil's room, not breaking the door down for once. He looked at me startled but then relaxed when he saw it was only me.

"What do you need Valkyrie?" He asked in a yawn as if he had just woken up.

"I need you to track down Oni's location via cell phone." I told him in a rush. Somehow he understood what I said and he took out his blackberry and after pressing a button put it up to his ear.

"Dad I need you to come to Valkyrie's with the equipment to track down a person's location through a phone signal." Cecil sounded all business like as he talked to his father. "Make it sooner like five minutes." He said and then hung up his phone. "My dad will be here in five minutes." He seemed proud of himself. I cracked a smile and headed back downstairs to help Rodger bring in the equipment when he arrived.

~6 minutes later~
"You're a minute late Rodger." I laughed. He glared at me and loaded a good portion of the tracking equipment into my arms. We headed upstairs and both Rodger and Cecil told me how to set everything up. Rodger helped me while Cecil just watched looking slightly bored while he made sure I had everything in the right spot. After everything was hooked up I searched through my recived calls until I found Oni's number. Why he never changed it I didn't understand but then again I no longer understood him. Gritting my teeth and calming myself down knowing that I had to make this my best perfromance ever I hit the call button and listened as it back to ring.

He answered on the 2nd ring. "Hello my darling." His voice was calm and smooth like he was expecting my call. As soon as he said that I let the fake tears roll down my cheeks and the real sounding sobs escape my lips.

"My love what is it?" He genually sounded worried. I let my anger at him build in me but let the fake tears continue so I would still sound upset.

"They betrayed me. They all betrayed me." I was proud of myself I sounded truely angry and hurt as I spoke the false words through pretend sobs.

"Who betrayed you?" He asked confused. I looked over at Cecil and he nodded. He had the location.

"They don't know I've called you Oni. They will find out soon though I have to get out of here. I need to talk to you in person." I let my voice shake with fear as I pretended to actually fear someone overhearing this converstation.

"Yes my darling yes. This is where I'm located I'm so glad you've come to your senses about joining me my love." He sounded excited and giddy like a child waiting to open their birthday presents. He gave me the address that I already knew thank to Cecil and hung up before saying another word. I took a deep breathe. The performance had only begun.

[×|{å†ìe×]

~<>~Theo's POV~<>~

I could feel my heart pounding in my ears, I looked over at Trudie. She looked a lot calmer than me, so I inhaled a few deep breaths, there was a slight possibility I was overreacting. We were seated in a long dining room, it felt so empty and every time I wriggled in my chair the it echoed. I tried staying still and silent but I felt nervous. I was Theo, Theo wasn't supposed to feel nervous.

The door whipped opened and Oni came in grinning. There was no explanation to how startling it was, he looked happy. Did he just come back from slaying a school of children? Or worse, was he planning on murdering me? Trudie looked somewhat surprised too, but she was so dazed it was hard to tell. "Good evening," Did he just wish us a good evening? My heart fell to my stomach. What was his new twisted plan? Get yourself together now, someone in my head called, use your charm, your wits, don't just curl up and give into him.

Great. Now I was going crazy, but the most crazy part that it was right. I couldn't give in to Oni. Not now. "Yeah, it is." I agreed, not afraid, but determined. Determined for what? Maybe something heroic, go out fighting, or maybe it was just not to piss myself.

Trudie didn't say anything, "And how are you?" Oni turned his gaze on her.

"Fine" her voice sounded small.

"What're you doing in such a good mood?" I asked, trying to sound light.

"Ah, I was just getting to that," his grin was gaucherie, and make me squirm in my seat again. "It seems we're going to be getting a visit from the majesty herself."

"Valkyrie?" I laughed nervously, assuming it was a joke at first.

"You don't believe me? I just got off the phone with her," before I replied, he continued, "Oh, or is it her you don't trust." I opened my mouth again but was interrupted. "I don't fully believe her either." He shook his head, still with the creepy smile.

"Why is she coming?" I wondered, acting like Kynaree by keeping the conversation going.

He laughed, "To rule as my queen, of course."

"Your queen?" I sounded skeptical, but realized that I should probably be playing along with Valkyrie. She was coming to save me, Trudie shifted in her seat, and Trudie, I added. "Yeah, things weren't going too smoothly before I left. Well, more like was sacrificed. Trudie and I both were," I looked over at her full of sympathy and sighed, "Their whole friendship circle isn't as tight as they make it out to be. I can see why she ditched them..."

"They ditched her..." he corrected.

"Even Nathan huh?" he nodded. "She was too good for him anyways" I added a pearly white smile at the end but quickly remember that this wasn't Kynaree I was talking to. He wasn't so easily persuaded with a smile at the end of every sentence. "He was probably planning on betraying her the whole time. He probably never really loved her, I bet he even convinced the others to go against her." I almost when on trying to sound sorry for her but Oni began talking.

"Yes, well, I've wasted enough time talking to you. However, you will serve as further use to me later. So I won't kill you now." he left us with one more creepy smirk and he whisked out of the room.

[Kàylà]

~Valkyrie's POV~

My hands were shaking after I got off the phone with Oni. Nathan quickly wrapped me in his arms and I let him. This was going to be harder than I thought. Failing to pull this off perfectly ment all of our deaths. "We need a way for you to know our location in case Nathan and Ember need backup when the are taking the guards out." I said trying to sound and appear calm.

"I thought that might be the case so I brought along some tracking devices. I've been thinking about this for a little while now about the equipment we might need so I also brought along these ear pieces so that way Nathan and Ember can comminicate with Cecil and I." Rodger smiled seeming proud of himself. He went to start putting them on everyone and explaining how they worked but after the first few seconds I blocked him out now really caring how it all worked just so long as it did. I had more important things to worry about.

I wasn't sure if Oni truely believed me over the phone but from how he spoke it seemed like he did, then again Oni was a good actor. I was lost in a daze until Rodger started putting the tracking device on me. I hadn't realized that he had finished with everyone else already. "There ya go Valkyrie now just don't get water on it other wise it'll break." Rodger smiled feeling important again. I gave him a small smile and headed to the kitchen.

Ethan was talking excitedly upstairs about the plan and I almost yelled at him to shut up but Xian beat me to it. This was one of the times when I wished tylonel worked on vampires since i was starting to get a headache from all the stress. That and I wasn't focusing on keeping my barriers around my mind up so everone's thoughts were jumble up in mine. I glared at nothing in paticular mad at myself. I sounded so whiny in my own mind. I quickly threw up all the barriers on my mind and smiled at the peace and quiet.

Now we waited for when we would strike.

[<^>Krustine<^>]

~Trudie's POV~

After Oni left, I was left in the room all by myself. Hypothetically, to think about finding Dr. D. I hope Oni didn't realize that I wasn't going to help him, that I was pretending. I hope he can't read minds.

I was thinking about the possible ways that Valkyrie was going to save me, when Theo bolted into the room. I can't believe he interrupted my thinking process. "I figured it out!" He said running over to the chair I was sitting in.

"Ugh, What?" I replied.

"Valkyrie," He whispered. "They're coming to save us."

"And what are we going to do when he catches us? He's smarter than we give him credit for." I guess I had to spell it out for him, we weren't getting rescued.

"No, I know it, Valk's got this all figured out."

"I don't know, they could be losing against Oni worse than we think. Maybe she really is joining sides." I couldn't hope.

"But, you must be forgetting something. It's them." He said walking out of the room.

Thank Heavens, I was waiting for him to leave since the second he walked in.

Valkyrie popped in my head. I thought about how she could invade and defeat Oni. I thought maybe just fighting, another war, but I knew Valkyrie was too smart to do that. She would think of something better than that. Maybe pretending something. Getting Nathan in on it... She'll think of something. She will. I won't be stuck here forever.

Oni walked in to see how I was doing. I told him I almost found him, but now, since I was interrupted I would have to start over. He got upset and walked out.




~River's POV~

Valkyrie told me what they were and what her plan was to get Trudie back. I didn't know if I should believe her at first, but I decided by the serious expression on her face. She told me what I was going to have to do to help, I mean it sounded pretty life risking to me. I was thinking about declining telling her that I didn't believe her, but then what would I do if they went and saved her and she came back to town and I saw her, how would I act? I couldn't do that to her, I had to help.

So, I found myself shaking my head yes. "Just tell me what I need to do."


(I would post longer but House is on so bye. Maybe I'll modify it when it gets done i don't know. Probably not.)

[--Kyle--]

--Xian's POV--

I walked into the bathroom, exhausted, not getting a lot of sleep lately.

The ear piece in my ear was lightweight and not annoying, so I was glad. I washed my face with a washcloth soaked with ice cold water. It woke me up a little.

Now that we were going to go save Trudie, I realized i couldn;t let Addy, or Luana for that matter get into this.

I walked outside where Luana and Addy were pplaying.

"Hi Xian," Luana said, I couldnt believe how well her speech had improved. "Want to play with us?"

"No thank you. I need to talk to you. Alone." Luana got up from the sand and walked with me to the side of the house.

"I can't have you two here anymore...Im sorry but it is to dangerous to hang around us anymore." I told Luana.

"Okay. I figured this would happen eventually. That is fine. I will need a little money to get an apartment in Seattle, and I'll get a job and Addy and I will be fine." She told me reassuring me.

"Wait, how do you know so much, you barely new what a house was before we came here."I said surprised that she was so "grown up".

"Well, school helped alot, and when Ethan is not on the computer, I do research. I've learned alot."

"Why Seattle? I mean why move there?" I asked.

"Because, that is where my father, Dr. D lived when he was human, and well alive. My mother is there, or atleast it is Addy's mother."

"What about the other's? Orian and them, where are they?"

"Well, I called them many times, and they were in Canada last time I asked. They said that they were learning so much and living like normal humans. They are happy there, but they will come to Seattle with Addy and I soon. We will be fine." She was right, I knew that they would be.

"Well, when do you leave?" I asked.

"Tomorrow, after you've gone. We will need time to pack and a vehicle, money too." She said, sheepish smile on her face when she said money.

"I will get you money, and you can take Ethan's old car." I said.

"Okay."

I would miss Addy, and Luana. It will be hard to say goodbye to them.

"I promise, if we make it out alive, we will come visit."

I did not know when we were leaving to get Trudie, but I figured it would be soon. I'll say good bye at the last second.

I went inside to tell Ethan. He started to cry.

[Shinju]

It was the day before the infiltration of codename Whack The Monkey. We needed a way to get to Oni's mansion that was fast and silent. It just so happened the that minister Henry Stanley McRoove, from the Ministry of Mythical Creatures was over to America for a visit. He was over with his investigation squad to get to the bottom of the Cecil and Rodger kidnapping. Apparently the minster was suspicious of the fact that either Rodger or Cecil, under the pressure of certain unknown persons, gave confidential file information away.
We weren't really concerned with that problem at the moment. That could be easily dealt with at a later time. Right now we needed transportation that suited our needs. Nathan and I were assigned the task of obtaining it, and the minister had exactly what we needed. He had the sleek, elegant, and brand spanking new Jaguar XJ.
It was late at night, about a half hour past midnight. Nathan and I arrived at the five-star hotel that McRoovey-kins was staying in. Everything was silent, except for the soft whisper of the wind. Surprisingly I wasn't nervous about hijacking the minister's car, I was more exuberant. Well, alright, I wouldn't be doing the actual hijacking, that task would be left up to Nathan, because in all honesty I had no idea how to hot wire a car.
We silently flowed over to the garages reserved for distinguished clientèle. I took out a blank key and went to work on the door leading into the garage. It didn't take me long to jimmy my way into the building. Inside Nathan and I, okay maybe just I stared in wonder of all the luxury high speed car models. Mercedes, Mustangs, you name the luxury or sports car and it was here. We spied the minister's Jaguar.
Soon I had the car door open and Nathan was going to work underneath the steering wheel. I began to wonder if security did nightly checks of the premises. A few sparks danced as he clipped wires and started testing the connection. Within a few minutes the car roared silently to life. I was surprised at how quiet the car was. You could hardly tell it was on. Well, maybe I couldn't really, but I'm sure Nathan could. He got in the driver's seat and I sat in the passenger side.
damn vampires were crazy drivers. I had heard horror stories from my house mates that Valkyrie was insane in the driver's seat. We raced by houses, they passed us in a blur. I was shocked that no cops stopped us.
“Have you ever been stopped before?” I asked,
“Vampires being stopped? Please...” he was now grinning widely. “Hm, I think I might consider just keeping Mr. McRoove's feline on wheels.” I rolled my eyes. Jeez, so lame.
“I'm pretty sure Mr. McRoove would notice that his beloved Jaguar was gone and have the authorities on the case right away.”
“Pfft, the way I drive, no old fart would be able to catch me!” He boasted.
“Who are you calling old? You're older than dirt!” That had him laughing. I just shook my head and smiled.
Soon we were back at the house and everyone was crowding into the backseat of the luxury car. Valkyrie got into her vehicle and sped off ahead of us. She would have to arrive there first, as to make sure nothing seemed suspicious. It took us a couple hours to arrive at the outskirts of the forest leading to Oni's mansion.
It was sunset. The sun faded into magenta and gold ribbons across the sky. A truly lovely night. But it was time to focus now. We drove through the forest, there was no road. It was quite bumpy to say the least. The minister's car was gonna come back with a few dings.
We reached the edge of the large courtyard of Oni's mansion. But we stayed far back enough with the lights of so none of the guards would recognize our presence.

[×|{å†ìe×]

<<Day of Whack The Monkey An Hour Before The Others Leave>>

~<>~Cecil's POV~<>~

I was paranoid. Totally and utterly paranoid. In fact, I was more paranoid then usual. It seemed like Kynaree was avoiding me, maybe she was dreading this good-bye too. Time was now ticking by rapidly. I had less than an hour to convince Kynaree to stay at the house. The coffee in my hand shook slightly and I realized it was just my hand wouldn't stay steady. Was this my seventh cup already?

"You okay?" My dad asked from the desk to my right.

"No." I answered setting my mug on my nightstand. The effort sent pain to my shoulder, it was a dull pain, more like a pulled muscle then a mangled bite mark.

"Well, would you try and act okay? I'm trying to concentrate." He turned around and eyed me up and down quizzically. He sighed, "You know, I'm just gonna go in the living room for a bit," as he neared the door he added, "Need anything?"

"Could you tell Kynaree to come see me before she leaves?"

Kynaree walked in before my dad could reply, he muttered a 'sure' under his breath as he exited the room. She quickly closed the space between us with a hug and sat at her now usual spot to my right. After staring at me for a while she asked, "Is there something wrong?" I nodded, "Don't tell me your still mad about the whole 'Me going on a super awesome rescue mission'." Then something occured to me, I couldn't keep her from doing this. It would only upset her.

"No, I'm fine with that", I lied. "It's just, I wish I were able to come with you." I lied once again, the thought of returning to Oni's made me sick to my stomach. Her face brightened and the smile I received was worth the lie.

"It's not your fault. Besides, it won't last long. My job's the easiest, and I have Ethan to help me." I loathed her optimism, did she have no doubts? Should I point out these doubts? Maybe I should just let her think everything's fine, she didn't need the curse of knowledge. Her gaze fell to the floor and her expression changed, "I hope Trudie isn't still mad. We didn't have the best good-bye."

"She'll have forgiven you by now," I told her. It felt like there was something weird lingering in the air as we spoke. We both knew the time was passing by, and we would soon need to say good-bye. Even if she wasn't doubtful in her task, I was. I still didn't know if she was going to come back.

"I, uh," she looked helplessly back and forth from the clock to me. "Love you" she finished.

This time I was fully awake, there was no way I was dreaming, and now I had to say something in return. I left her hanging for several moments. "I, um, I know" I wanted to kick myself in the face. Why can't I say it back? What the hell is wrong with me? My stomach twisted as I seen her face change. She smiled, it was a fake. It had to be.

"Well, um, I just wanted to remind you..." she trailed off. You ass, it's three words. Just say it. She wasn't meeting my gaze, she was twiddling her fingers, trying to act casual.

"Yeah," I breathed. Feeling like an idiot.

"Mm-hm" she mumbled. She looked out the window, "I should probably be getting ready to leave"

"Please, don't die" I said, remembering those same words said to me a few months ago. This time when she smiled I could tell it was real. At least this time Theo wasn't there to ruin the moment.

"I won't," she promised. We shared a kiss before she closed my door behind her and then I felt like someone ripped out all my insides, put them in a blender and shoved them back down my throat. Ah, Hell, I was a total bloody moron.

[Kàylà]

~Valkyrie’s POV~
I drove off in my corvette trying not to think about those that I had just left behind. I knew it wasn’t permanent but it still felt like there was a giant hole ripping me apart where my heart used to be. If I was to face Oni and make him believe my lies I needed to turn myself to ice, there was no other way. I had told Ember and Nathan to wait a couple days after they arrived at Oni’s hangout before entering and taking down the guards. I wanted them first to located exactly where Trudie and Theo were, how many guards, and how many were nearby incase Oni’s men needed backup.

I kept driving taking the appropriate turns when needed and in under two hours I was there. It normally would have only taken me about an hour but I wanted the time to think. It wasn’t until I had started driving that the reality of maybe not coming out of this alive hit me. I didn’t dare turn down that road yet…no not yet. I had too many emotions still going through me. The goodbye I gave Nathan was the hardest thing I ever had to do.

~2 hours ago~
Nathan and I sat on my bed, him holding me in his arms, neither of us speaking. We just sat there listening to each other breathe. Neither of us wanted to say goodbye. Neither of us wanted the possibility of it being our last goodbye. I turned his face towards mine and kissed him gently. He responded with desire and hunger, passion and lust. I wanted to give in but now was not the time and he knew that. It would be even more painful of a goodbye if we had. Time was ticking away and as I looked up at him I noticed that his eyes were shinning. Not in joy but out of sadness. I had never once seen a male vampire cry. Not even when their mate died. They were too good at hiding their emotions, hiding what made them feel. He turned his head away from me not wanting to let his emotions slip in front of me. How I sometimes hated male pride, and I thought humans were bad when it came to pride! Finally the time came to where I had to leave and I hugged him tight not wanting to ever let go. I started to get up but he pulled me back down whispering three words into my ear. “I love you.”

~Present time~
My eyes started to water as the memory came back to me. Even though it was only two hours old it felt like an eternity ago. I had parked alongside the road and I stayed there for a few more minutes, controlling my emotions and painting a mask of anger and betrayal onto my perfectly composed face. If it wasn’t for the fact that I was afraid of letting my emotions slip again I would have smiled at how the transformation of my face took place, one that was filled with love and sadness to anger and hurt. I put the corvette back into drive and pulled back onto the road and headed down the side-road that would lead me to Oni’s little hide out.

Whenever I imagined Oni’s hide out I expected a small little cabin or something. Something along the lines that a hunter would use during hunting season, boy was I wrong. The place was like an old abandoned castle and I wanted to kick myself for not recognizing the address when Oni told it to me. It was the home of another vampire family. One that I could not bring myself to remember the name of. I had been here before that much I remembered. As a child my parents had took me because they had needed to have a council meeting there. I remembering complaining about having to go, wondering why we couldn’t have it at home like normal. They never had given me a response for why it had to be here that one time. They had just told me to shush and mind my manners while we were here.
At the end of the driveway I parked my car and turned the ignition off. I took a deep breath and got out of the car. A brisk wind ruffled the leaves and I shivered but not from the cold, from something that was making the hair on my arms rise. This was defiantly the place. I was about to knock on the door when Oni was already standing in the door way.

“My darling I was starting to wonder if you would come!” Oni’s eyes gleamed with happiness or was that suspicion that I saw?

"Hurry incase someone tried to follow me." I pushed past him and headed inside. He kept trying to embrace me in his arms but when he saw the anger etched into my face he backed off a little.

"My sweet tell me what has happened?" Was that real concern in his voice or was he putting on an act just like me? There was no other way to find out then to tell him of the story that we had conjured up back at my home. I told him how Nathan had betrayed me, wanting nothing from me but my place on the throne, how he tried to have someone kill me. I watched Oni's face carefully as he took in lie after lie. He seemed to believe me but then again I wasn't sure. Oni was great at lying, he had us all fooled when we all found out that he was working with Dr.D not to many months ago.

When I finished I let tears roll down my cheeks and he moved over to sit by me on the couch and wrapped his arms around me. This time I let him, I needed him to think that I was falling in love with him also.

"Lets go my love, I'll lead you to one of the bedrooms. We can discuss this more tomorrow, right now I bet you are exaughsted." I knew right away this was one of his tricks so I let my eyes go heavy and followed him to one of the spare rooms. He knew I wasn't the least bit tired but by giving me time to myself he wanted to see what I would do. So instead of after leaving right after him I sunk under the covers and drifted off into a troubled sleep.