Sweet Dreams to Nightmares - Chapter 21

She believed one could say that it resembled the feeling of that of a mother. Impregnated with life and love a connection is bound, iron clad, unable to sever. One heartbeat, one mind, one body. Perfect unification. Charlotta bequeathed the gift of rebirth upon her people but they had given her a much greater gift in return-courage. She had been powerless against her fears, her sorrows, her anxiety. Now, she knew deep within herself was the power to acquit them from their iniquitous incantation. Such a haunting feeling it was drumming against the tips of her fingers. B-bump, b-bump, b-bump. They resounded like timpani drums, keeping time with the flourish of her own symphony. The vibrations called to her, whispering of a future, she could not fathom. Her own blood coursed through her veins, undulating with the rhythm of her creed. She had something to cherish. Something to protect. She was their mother, their father, their sister, their brother, their lover, their friend, their sovereign. They were her and she, they. It was her duty to watch over them. It was her sole purpose to restore them to their peaceful lives.

The music of their life beat loud in her ears, filling her world with its awesome sound. Each beat matched her steps. She moved outside the small door with strength she had not possessed before. The arctic breeze could do nothing to freeze her still. Slowly she eased the door shut as if not to wake them. The clicking of the door signaled the beginning of her war. She would sacrifice her own life for theirs. Charlotta pushed off of the door and sprinted to the edge of the alley. Abruptly she placed her back against the wall and peered discreetly around the corner.

With the coast clear she sprinted out into the opening, preparing to implement the same plan as before while hoping for the same outcome. Hearing a crunch and a loud thud Charlotta snatched her head and spotted a werewolf on her heels, charging at her full speed. Seizing the opportunity, she turned around quickly, her foot sliding against the frozen cobble stones. Prepared to strike Charlotta lunged towards the werewolf. Suddenly, a beam of light struck between their paths blowing them away in separate directions. Disoriented, Charlotta pushed herself up from the snow, struggling to access her surroundings. She coughed from the debris and smoke that showered down upon her. She squint her eyes, piercing through the cloak as best as she could. As the debris settled her eyes came upon a gaping crater where she once stood. She lowered her hand cautiously.

"I wondered when you'd finally crawl out from hiding."

All at once Charlotta grasped the handle of one of her twin blades and placed her back flat against a nearby wall. Her eyes darted back and forth scanning for the source of the voice. In seconds her eyes locked on a figure standing in the darkness on top of a building. Charlotta gritted her teeth and narrowed her eyes as the figure stepped into the light, revealing an adversary she hoped she would face once again.

"For a moment there I almost lost hope." Mariscka smirked. "I was going to go down to that little rabbit hole where you stashed all your friends and snatch you out."

Charlotta's expression darkened. "You are aware of them?"

"Of course. It's only a matter of time before we go down there and collect those humans. That witch doesn't stand a chance. What was her name again... Sonya?"

Charlotta's grip tightened on her sword, "You shall not harm them!" She snapped viciously.

Mariscka dashed to the edge of the building and launched herself off of the edge towards her. "Just wait and see!" She hollered.

Mariscka suddenly disappeared in her line of sight. Her speed surpassed anything Charlotta had ever witnessed. Charlotta took a firm stance. Her eyes peered across her surroundings intently. She would have to remain calm. She would have to become one with her surroundings. She began to remember her years of training at her father's side. When the vampires were their enemies their unrivaled speed would give them the greater advantage against them. But he taught her that there was one way to cripple them. They would give off a stink, he would say, a trail that seemed to reverberate and clash with the stillness of the world. Timing was key. But most importantly, to gain the upper hand one would have to learn patience. One would have to wait. Draw them in to your domain, he would advise. Bring them in close and let them believe they have won. Listen and wait. The universe would out them.

Charlotta closed her eyes and exhaled little by little. The howl of the wind was a hallow whisper in her ears. Its arctic caress numbed her cheeks and prickled her skin. All was quiet. All was unmoving. Her chest rose and fell rhythmically as her being became immobile. Almost an imperceptible shift, she could feel the air about her change. Her hair pushed forward, teasing her face. In one swift motion Charlotta opened her eyes, took hold of her other twin blade, and sliced into the in air at her side. The smell of fresh blood ensued from a pressure against her blades. Mariscka appeared before her, slamming into the ground.

Abruptly she recovered. Nursing her side she flipped herself to her feet and lunged after Charlotta with brutal aggression. Her nails bared back, Mariscka made to rip out Charlotta's throat. Charlotta leaped back into a flip, catching herself on her hands and projecting herself back up. Her foot plowed hard into Mariscka's face, sending her toppling about. Mariscka planted her foot against the ground and recovered her balance. Seizing her moment of opportunity Charlotta did not allow her to recover. She began to attack with great speed, swinging and twirling her blades with the utmost of ease and masterful technique. Mariscka dodged her attacks, finding herself dancing close with death.

Their movements accelerated, seeming like flashes. Unable to keep her ground Mariscka grew desperate. She dropped low and came up in an uppercut, clawing for Charlotta's throat. Only inches away Charlotta did her best to dodge. Seeing Charlotta's balance slip in the snow Mariscka smirked deviously to herself as she expeditiously followed up and sliced her nails through Charlotta's shoulder. The force of her impact sent Charlotta spinning, landing face first into the ground. Charlotta recovered as best as she could. She grabbed her swords and turned onto her back. She crossed her blades and blocked just as Mariscka's foot struck upon them. She forced Mariscka back with a push of her swords. Bringing her legs up into her chest and propelled herself forward onto her feet. Mariscka was fast upon her once more, sending a barrage of attacks her way. Charlotta seemed to dance about her attacks, dodging them and gaining her rhythm once more.

Mariscka ducked under her attack and made to attack from behind. Charlotta immediately swung her blade behind her, aiming to slice her head clean off. However, sensing her attack Mariscka ducked once more and jabbed her nails into Charlotta's wound. Charlotta cried out and stumbled to her knee. A smile stretched sinisterly across Mariscka's face. She was insatiable for her agony. She needed more. She dug her nails deeper into her shoulder, enjoying the warmth of her blood spilling on her fingers. Charlotta cried out, her arm growing weak from pain. She gritted her teeth and used her free arm to plunge her sword into Mariscka's chest. Mariscka swatted her attack away easily. With her free hand she drew back her nails and made to stab through Charlotta's chest to her heart.

"Hold!" Charlotta exclaimed.

The jewel about her neck sparked to life. As Mariscka struck a force hindered her drive, pushing her hand away as if repelling a magnet. Mariscka pushed desperately against the force, her body shaking as she inched closer and closer to Charlotta's chest.

"Expel!" Charlotta commanded.

Before Mariscka could break the bond a flash of light glinted from around Charlotta's neck. On command a beam of light shot out from the jewel and struck Mariscka in the chest, sending her flying dangerously fast into the distance. Her body collided against the ground, ripping up cobble stone as she slowed to a stop. Upon Mariscka's release Charlotta cried out in agony. She grasped onto her shoulder to ease the pain. She glanced down to the jewel and watched as its glow began to crackle and sputter until it dissipated into its dull form.

Her plans had vanished right before her eyes. She could not bring herself to believe it. She had not wanted to waste the jewel's powers on the girl but she had no choice. Her lips knitted into a fine line. Madness swelled inside her. First the freedom of her people and now this... it was twice that the girl took something from her. It was twice that she ripped away the only thing she could count on. She clutched onto her arm hoping to banish the rage which seemed to surge with each breath she took. She knitted her brow and turned her gaze into the distance as she heard pieces of cobble stone shift and hit the ground. She watched as the girl pushed herself up from the ground and stumble to her feet. Something about her seemed more crazed as her eyes set upon Charlotta in a wide, maniacal manner. Even though she was bruised, scratched, and bleeding her smile still remained.

"Looks like that pretty little jewel of yours died." Mariscka cackled. "What will you do now?" She yelled.

The girl was getting in her way. She had taken away all of her chances. She had destroyed her only source of freeing her people. It was her doing. From the very beginning. She had cursed them. She was responsible for her father and mother's demise. She was responsible for eradicating their prosperous kingdom. She was responsible and she would pay with her life.

Charlotta sat back on her haunches and rose to her feet. She began to walk towards the girl, listening as her deranged cackling seemed to mock her. Step by step her pace hastened little by little until she took flight with frightening velocity. In seconds,she was upon the girl who swung her nails for her face. Charlotta dodged her attack and drove her fist hard into her cheek. Sadistically Mariscka's body snapped around like a rag doll, twisting with Charlotta's fist until she was sent flying off her feet. Mariscka flew back, smashing into a pile of rubble. Before she could recover Charlotta was upon her, following up with an aerial attack. Mariscka caught her foot and threw her vehemently into an adjacent building. Building after building Charlotta plowed through them, leveling a block.

Her flight ended as she collided into the kitchen table of Sonya's home. Julianna screamed aloud. A loud crash resounded as she dropped a bowl of dirty water she was about to place upon the table. Sonya emerged from the back room where she had been nursing Charlotta's people. She immediately snatched Julianna behind her. However, her instinct to attack wavered upon seeing Charlotta writhe in pain on the floor before her.

"Charlotta?" Sonya cried in bewilderment.

Suddenly, Julianna screamed at the top of her lungs. Sonya twirled around to see Mariscka flying towards them. Sonya jumped through the hole which Charlotta created, raised her fist and punched into the ground. The force of the collision created an explosion. Cracks spurted out from the crater she made. They ripped forth on their own accord with flashes of light marking their trail. As they danced about, the ground rumbled and broke apart violently. Erupting from beneath the cracks was the body of a colossal basilisk. Breaking free from the ground it coiled up and struck at Mariscka. Mariscka grounded to a halt and jumped back a safe distance away. As the snake struck where she once stood she attacked and sliced through its neck. Its body swung around fiercely, knocking her back with a hard blow. Her back smashed and she dropped easily into a crouch on the ground. The snake's head mended and it sprung to life anew. Taking her off guard the snake shifted around with immense alacrity and swallowed her whole.

"Miss Sonya." Charlotta called wearily as she pushed herself up. Julianna rushed to her side and assisted her.

"No need for your words. She has spotted us and now I must fight." Sonya's words came hard. She could still sense the girl's life energy. Their fight was far from over.

"Then who shall tarry and safeguard your children?" Charlotta asked. Concern was riddled throughout her tone.

She had a point. Now that their stronghold had been discovered there was no doubt that they would swarm their home and attack. Anything could happen to them while her back was turned. Sonya fixed her eyes upon Julianna who met her gaze with distress in her eyes. "Julianna, I want you to take the children and hide in the back room with the werewolves. If anyone should come in there, I want you to kill them."

Julianna could feel her heart drop in her chest. She could not stand alone and protect her brothers and sisters. She could barely protect herself. She began to shake her head with dread. "But I'm not ready to-"

All of a sudden the basilisk's body began to bulge in an obscene manner. Without warning it exploded to pieces. Mariscka stood amongst its refuse gripping its heart in her hand. Mariscka was covered in its blood. Her eyes were wide and her pupils dilated. Her spine-chilling smile had returned, stretching across her face horrifically. "Very interesting." She breathed, crushing the heart easily into pieces.

Sonya watched the girl heedfully. There was something within her that disturbed her wholly. She knew she could not turn her back on Julia's friend. If she were to die not only would she have let down Julia but she would be leaving herself and her children open for the girl's next attack. As of now, her best option would be to work alongside Charlotta and hope that their numbers would destroy her. "Julianna," Sonya spoke, never shifting her gaze from the girl. "I don't care what you think you can't do." Her voice came steady. "Just do it!" She finally commanded at the top of her lungs. Julianna flinched as if her words could sting. "I don't care what you need to do, just do whatever it takes to guard them."

Mariscka threw her head back and let out a shrieking laughter. To think that a mere human would be foolish enough to brave a fight with her. It was all uproarious. It was not her blood she wished to spill but it would prove to be satisfying all the same. She would drain her dry and save the wolf for last. She would torture them until they both begged for death. Crippled with the pain from her laughter Mariscka leaned forward while nursing her stomach. Her mirth fell away to a sputter of chuckles until they were no more. She lifted her head and peered at Sonya through her hair which dangled lifelessly in her face. No longer did she smile. All emotion had abandoned her leaving her in a docile stupor. "I will enjoy killing you." Eager, she took a step towards them falling into a stride in their direction.

Julianna clutched fretfully onto her skirt. The girl's demeanor was unsettling. She just wanted it all to go away. She just wanted the girl to disappear and never return. She knew she couldn't protect the children on her own nor did she want to leave her aunt to face the girl. If Charlotta could not stand ground with her then there was no way her aunt could. She just wanted to run. She wanted so desperately to grab onto her aunt and the children and run like they always had. They could do it. They could all escape and never look back. Why did it have to be any different this time? She wanted so much to tell her this but could not. She did not wish for her weakness to show. "But what of you?" She cried instead.

"I can take care of myself! Just go!" Sonya commanded stridently.

Diffidently, Julianna rushed to the children who huddled against each other and ushered them towards the back room. It was too late. All they could do now was hide. Her surroundings began to blur as tears swelled in her eyes. What could she do on her own? Why couldn't her aunt understand? Why couldn't she just stay and protect them?

Mariscka's stride began to advance with Julianna's movements. Like a shot she was sprinting towards them.

Julianna wasn't moving fast enough, Sonya thought. She needed to get them away and fast. Sonya swung her arm with conviction. "Go!" She yelled after Julianna.

Julianna dashed with the children to the back room. The distance between them and Mariscka fell away in seconds. As they all entered the room Julianna slammed the door shut behind her and locked it. Mariscka held her hand to her side as if she were holding a ball. A flash of light swelled in her hand and she leaped into the air. In the blink of an eye she brought herself down upon them, striking the ball down upon Sonya and Charlotta. An explosion erupted around them, leveling buildings and sending a shower of debris and smoke about them in a mushroom of ash and light. The smoke began to fall away and revealed Sonya standing in a large crater. She held her arms out above her, her hands outstretched as she fought to hold fast the barrier she had erected. Mariscka gnashed her teeth and struggled to break through the barrier with the pressure of her weight on her fist. As she pushed against it the barrier began to crack.

"Come on Charlotta." Sonya strained through her teeth. Her arms trembled and her feet slid back against the cobble stone as the barrier cracked once more. "It... is not time for you to give out on me now. Stand and fight." Charlotta watched in disbelief at the display of Sonya's power. She could not help hearing the cracking of the barrier as if it were glass shattering. "I don't know about you... but... I'm not ready to die...especially not by this crazed lunatic!" In her last bit of strength Sonya pushed the barrier away towards Mariscka.

The force of her push sent Mariscka flying into the distance. Mariscka flipped in the air with ease and landed in a crouching position, sliding to a stop.

Charlotta collected herself and stood to her feet. "I have not renounced you. Be that as it may, I do not desiderate for you to battle abreast of me. You have amplitudes to lose."

"Yeah, but not a whole kingdom. Besides, it sounds like you don't have confidence in me. Think about it. If we defeat this girl then there won't be a need to worry about the children."

Charlotta pondered on the notion. She could not help seeing the logic behind her words. Though she could not embrace the idea of risking someone else's life on her behalf she knew there would be greater strength and a greater chance of survival in numbers. She balled her fist, ready to accept whatever fate would hand them.

"Agreed."
"Don't be so cocky." Mariscka growled.

Their confidence though laughable was insulting. There was no way some disgusting witch and a filthy wolf would ever come to defeat her. "What, you think since you caught me off guard with your little magic tricks that you might have the upper hand?" Her eyes seemed to glint until they glowed with a white light. The Marks of Lucifer began to snake on her body, twisting and turning across her face and arms. The wind about them began to pick up ferociously. As the wind whipped around her it threatened to knock Sonya and Charlotta off of their feet. They both shielded their faces with their arms and squinted as the wind lashed at them. "Sorry to inform you but you guessed wrong."

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One minute flat. That's all that it took for Contessa to knock her flat on her back with ease, Vincent griped to herself. It was embarrassing. It was downright unnatural. She prided herself on always having the upper hand on and off of the battlefield. Now here she was scratched up and made to look a fool. Vincent growled as she combat crawled from underneath the rubble. The girl was getting the best of her. She could feel it. There was too much she was thinking about. Charlotta was probably a goner by now, trying like an absolute idiot to free her nation on her own. Julia was spiraling dangerously out of control with absolutely no hope in standing and surviving on her own in a fight. And now here she was, stuck to face the past that just had such a nasty and damning way of popping up to haunt her. She was through with it. She was through with it all. Nobody listened. Nobody did what they were supposed to. Things just happened and had a mind of their own.

To hell with it all! She didn't care anymore. No more worrying. No more compassion. If they were going to go off and do whatever they wanted on their own then she was going to do the same thing. People just had no consideration for others. They always thought of themselves first without taking other's feelings to heart. She didn't care if they were going to die. She didn't care if she ever saw them again. She was on her own like it always had been and how it should be. That way she could fight how she wanted. No regrets. She would put in her 110% to destroy her. And when her head was claimed she would go home to her non-existent castle and sleep for a week on top of the rubble not giving a second thought to their plight.

With one swift kick Vincent removed a large piece of rubble from atop of her. It broke apart and crumbled to pieces as it struck a wall across the room. She stabbed her sword hard in the ground out of frustration and began to drag herself to her knees. It was all so annoying. She heard a slight chuckle from across the room and snatched her gaze towards its direction. She couldn't help but scowl as Contessa looked down upon her with a sneer. She'd give her something to laugh about, Vincent thought. If she sliced her head clear off her shoulders, she'd love to see if she'd be laughing then. The thought of it alone made Vincent grip onto the handle of her sword.

"Vincent, it hurts me that all you wish to do is fight me." Contessa spoke innocently. Feigning sorrow, she placed her hand over her heart in great despair. "After years of aggression you'd think one would grow tired of fighting." She softly dabbed underneath her eyes with the back of her index finger.

There it was again, that damn show she loved to perform so much. Vincent didn't know what kind of sick playhouse Contessa was acting for but she wouldn't be a puppet in her act any longer. Vincent ran the backside of her hand across her mouth, whipping away the blood from the corner of her lips. "Why?" She rasped. Before speaking once more she coughed and spit a few feet out away from her. "Why? Why is it so important for you to be so close to me now? You never cared before."

Contessa smiled bashfully. "Au contraire. I've always cared for you." She professed amorously. She clutched onto her heart as if she were lovesick. "Just in a different sense. However, I do agree that I was a little irrational in my younger years." She glanced behind herself as if embarrassed.

Vincent chuckled. She was right. The girl was insane. More than insane! "A little irrational?" She questioned sarcastically. Using her sword as a crutch she pulled herself up onto her feet, stumbling about until she stood firm. "You tried to have me killed!" She yelled back, jabbing her sword at Contessa.

"Ah yes and how that realization pains my heart." Contessa slumped forward, resuming her unbearable grief. "But now my dear sister, I have found a different method to my predicament. One that doesn't allow you to die completely."

Die? Die? Did she honestly expect that she would allow herself to die in this unbearable hell hole by the likes of her? She couldn't think of anything more absurd. Besides, she had no qualms with the girl. To be honest she couldn't even begin to remember why she would warrant such a desire to kill her. She had far better things she could be doing than wasting time with her. "What do you want from me?" Vincent barked. "Why don't you leave me alone? If the problem of us sharing the same throne is the issue then take it!"

"How odd this is." Contessa sat back as if utterly perplexed. "Usually little sisters would jump at the chance for their older sister's attention. Come now Vincent, you should be grateful. My love is a hard thing to acquire. And there's nothing in this world that I would love more than to share the throne with you."

"Lies!" Vincent snapped. "You've always hated me!"

"No, you merely misunderstood." Contessa sang as if finally correcting a palpable wrong. "I've fallen hard for you Vincent. I'm one of those people that when their lover's attention isn't solely on them that they would kill to get it back. Vincent... you're my most favored person. You're the one that I love the most."

Vincent furrowed her brow. Something had changed within the girl. No longer was she playful as before but curiously fiendish. Her eyes gazed upon Vincent as if she were a hawk circling its prey. It was unsettling. She would have to be on her guard. "Why?"

"Because you hold something dear to me. You're the only one that can quench this thirst that I have. You know dear Vincent, it was you that father and mother favored the most. And you'll be very proud to know that I grew quite envious. I envied you to the point to where I couldn't breathe. You were the destined child and I merely a shadow of burden."

What game was she playing at? The girl knew very well that her parents hadn't visited her in years. They abandoned her in that castle ages ago, locking her away as if she were the plague itself. They left her with that pretend throne as a mere toy of distraction, so no questions would be asked. It was her they cherished. It was her they loved. What satisfaction would she get out of twisting these fables? Was she merely trying to get under her skin by rubbing salt on old wounds? "More lies." Vincent growled. "If father and mother love me so then why do they shun me?"

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"They do not shun you Vincent, they protect you. From me. They feebly believe that if they continuously blind me with unconditional affection and trivial materialistic processions that I may be deterred from swallowing you whole."

Filled with bewilderment, Vincent unwittingly lowered her sword. "Swallowing me whole?"

Contessa smirked to herself, reveling in Vincent's countenance. She uncrossed her left leg from over her right and re-crossed them with her right over her left, leaning forward as if to tell a story. "Did you know Vincent, that when I absorb an enemy into the portal in my hand that I acquire their abilities? Like this ogre for example." She swept her arms out before her as if presenting him to her. "Even though I have summoned him, my strength and stamina are of equal stature. Actually, past his because of all of previous poor and unfortunate souls that have met a similar demise."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because with these hands..." Contessa held out her clasped hands before her and opened them. Under her command her portals opened, drawing in the air about her as if they were a great void. "Your power will finally belong to me." An ominous smile claimed her lips. Closing her hands she crossed her arms across her chest. "Be on your guard and try to last long enough to where I'll be proud to have called you my sister."

Before Vincent could collect herself, Contessa jumped off the ogre and disappeared into thin air. Vincent gasped, shaking herself out of her stupor. Forcing herself to take action, Vincent dashed off into a sprint, hoping to gain higher ground. However, her flight was hindered as a powerful current pulled at her side. Vincent drove her sword into the ground and held on as if it were an anchor. She snatched around to see Contessa drawing close at her side. As fast as possible Vincent lifted up on her sword, prying up a large quantity of cobble stone and dirt. The dirt sprinkled in Contessa's face causing her flight to slow. Seeing her window of opportunity Vincent opened her portal and summoned forth five demon soldiers, who readied their blades towards Contessa.

"I told you that won't work!" Contessa shouted.

Contessa easily punched the cobble stone from her path towards Vincent. As Vincent back-handed the cobble stone away, the ogre charged upon her with his tremendous hand raised over her. The ogre brought his hand down hard, aiming to smash her flat. In the nick of time Vincent jumped to safety, however was blown away from the gust of wind his mighty blow caused. She toppled about until she jabbed her sword into the ground, catching herself on her knees. As she lunged to her feet, Contessa flashed her hand towards her demon soldiers, consuming them before they could strike. All at once she summoned them forth, their blades now turned against Vincent. Vincent sliced through the first soldier easily before becoming entangled in a fight with the other four. Her peril only increased as the ogre trampled after her, throwing fists and stomping about. As her strife seemed unbearable Vincent spotted the defeated soldier's sword on the ground.

Hurriedly she dove to reach the sword, dodging the ogre's blow by the skin of her teeth. As she grew near the sword, it suddenly shifted and slid from her path by the draw of Contessa's portal. Everything in her wake began to draw near. Rubble, soldiers, and the ogre slid towards their impending death. Still under the dance of her spell they swatted and cut after Vincent who used them to propel herself away from Contessa's draw. She flipped herself around off of the ogre's shoulder and took hold of the sword. She pushed forward towards Contessa and aimed to slice off her hand. Anticipating her move, Contessa pulled her hand away and dodged her blow. With no pull to hold them Vincent and the soldiers flew over her head and collided to the ground.

Disoriented, Vincent rolled about on the floor onto her back. Feeling a looming presence, she snatched her eyes open to see a gargantuan shadow falling upon her as the ogre's hand moved to smash her. Vincent pushed herself out-of-the-way, missing his blow by inches. The force of the impact sent her flying away in a gust of wind. While sliding to a stop Vincent thrust her portal out, summoning a larger beast clad in armor. The beast charged, smashing all of soldiers with its foot and crashing into the ogre. At the same time, Contessa dropped from above using the wind of her summoning portal to slam Vincent to the ground. Under the powerful gust of Contessa's portal Vincent struggled to stand. Inching nearer and nearer, Contessa readied her other hand to swallow Vincent whole.

Hearing the clink of the chain around her neck Vincent soon recalled the witch's trinket. She detested having to rely on something so far-fetched but it was the only thing she had left. "Expel!" Vincent hollered at the top of her lungs in absolute desperation.

Under her command the jewel sparked to life. It glowed under her shirt and ripped through the cloth as it sent out an enormous beam of light towards Contessa. Taken aback, Contessa pulled back and crossed her arms before her to block. Upon impact the blast sent her flying across the room. Surprised by the witch's magic Vincent grabbed hold of the jewel and kissed it, saying a small thank you. She stumbled to her feet and struggled to remain standing as the stomping of the ogre and the large beast created enormous tremors in the earth. On the other side of the room, Contessa landed on her feet, sliding to a stop unfazed. She leapt into a full speed chase after Vincent, who managed to turn herself about and seek higher ground. Spotting a flight of stairs she made a dash for them, skipping up when she reached them.

Seeing her strategy, Contessa summoned a sword from her portal and slid to a stop at the bottom of the stairs. She drew back the sword and swung it with as much strength she could muster. As the sword sliced through the air, a ray of light shot off from its blade. The ray soared up the stairs after Vincent, ripping through them and the walls. With the ray on her heels, Vincent continued her flight. When she reached the top she threw herself down an adjacent hall. Altogether the ray of light flew past her. Immediately recovering, Vincent turned to take flight. However, she was met with Contessa's blade. Vincent dodged her attack and promptly reciprocated. A battle of swords instantly ensued, both of them equally matched.

Knocking Contessa's sword away Vincent kicked Contessa in the stomach, sending her sliding and falling to her knee. Vincent thrust out her portal and sent a ball of fire towards Contessa. Contessa raised her sword before her and blocked the ball. The fire dissipated, disappearing into the blade of Contessa's sword. Contessa's sword glowed with a red ferocity. She stood to her feet and began to step spin, gaining speed and strength. On her third spin, she swung her sword forcefully and released Vincent's attack back unto her. Vincent ran back in the direction of the stairs and jumped across the hole to the other side of the hall. Her foot landed on a weak spot of flooring, causing her to slip and fall. She caught herself and held on for dear life as the fire-ball ripped past her over her head. Clawing at the floor boards, Vincent struggled to pull herself up. As she managed to free herself from the hole Contessa jumped over the hole and aimed to land on top of Vincent, who dodged her attack.

Flipping to her feet, Vincent lunged after Contessa, swinging her swords. The two battled back and forth, their path leading them into an open air hallway above the sanctuary from whence they came. Just below the ogre and the beast continued in their tangle until they stumbled in their direction and crashed on top of the hall. Vincent did her best to try to keep her footing as she dodged the beasts and Contessa's attacks. Vincent glanced about her until her eyes rested on another open hallway just above. She leapt from Contessa's line of attack and propelled herself off of the ogre's shoulders, catching herself on the railing above. As she moved to climb up the beasts fell over, crashing through the railing. She broke her fall by landing on the ogre's shoulder once more and propelled herself into the air for the next open air hallway. As she flew towards the next hallway, Contessa swung her sword and sent a ray of light after her. Vincent landed perfectly on the railing however her foot slipped as the beasts shook the room. The ogre blindly grabbed onto the railing where Vincent perched and ripped it from the wall.

As Vincent's beast pushed the ogre back into the room the ogre broke through the hallway where Contessa stood, knocking her off balance. The ray of light struck the wall just above Vincent's head as she slipped and lost her grip on the rail. The hallway broke away from underneath Contessa and she hit a large piece of debris hard, sending her spiraling down. Vincent quickly grabbed onto the armor of her beast however lost her grip as Contessa flipped herself around and thrust her portal towards her. Vincent managed to flip her body around and opened her portal which in turn impelled her flight towards Contessa. Upon impact, their hands locked and they plummeted to the ground together. As the moment of impact drew near, Vincent forced Contessa underneath her and slammed her body first into the ground. All at once Vincent's beast gained the upper hand over the ogre and ripped its head clean off its shoulders, dropping the body to the ground. The smoke cleared and the room settled leaving Vincent the victor.

"It seems that I have you pinned and outnumbered." Vincent panted. "Your beast is defeated and now so are you."

Contessa did not speak. Instead, a malevolent smile began to claim her face. Suddenly, a ripple of bulges pushed up her throat. She began to lurch as the bulges increased and threatened to rip her open. From between her lips two skeletal hands began to part open her mouth. Vincent immediately yanked her hands free and retracted away from the grotesque sight. It was like nothing she had ever seen. A large arm suddenly emerged from out of Contessa's mouth and planted firmly into the ground a few feet away from Vincent. Vincent shielded herself from the gust of debris it sent flying her way. Its claws dug deep into the earth as it began to pull out a head followed by a body of what looked to be Death itself. The beast continued to pull itself out until it was fully free.

Contessa sat up unharmed. She pushed herself up onto her feet and politely wiped the saliva from the corners of her lips. She lifted her hand out in Vincent's direction and under her command, the beast belched out a blood curling screech. Vincent quickly shielded herself just as her beast ran to her aid and covered her with his hands. The breath from Contessa's beast rained upon Vincent's beast, melting away its skin, ligaments, and bones until it blew away into dust. Vincent slowly pulled her arms away from her face and peered about the room, wholly baffled by the great display of power. It was unlike anything she had ever witnessed. She was beginning to doubt her own strength. It was as if she were facing the great king of Avertarte himself. She heard her breathing quiver as she released her held breath.

"Come now Vincent." Contessa spoke with a small grin of satisfaction upon her face. "Now that I have played your game, can we please proceed to greater matters? If it is death that you fear then don't. You will still be alive, without free will. You will be under my control and do my biding. But do understand that there won't actually be a need to summon you for my goal will be accomplished and I will have acquired your power. To be truthful, I want you all to myself. Never to be touched by anyone else or seen by anyone else. With you inside of me we'll be together always and you'll belong to me forever. Submit to me Vincent and let us end our suffering of sheer, unbearable lonesomeness."

Vincent finally rested her eyes upon Contessa. She knew her expression betrayed her and revealed her devastation. It was a mistake that she regretted. She balled her fist to stop her trembling. "I'm not alone." She returned in as strong a tone as possible.

"Vincent, when one is solitary or has no one to stand by then they are defined as being alone."

"I do have someone to stand by. I stand beside someone who offers more than empty words." Vincent breathed. She couldn't stand that the girl seemed to hit the mark right on the nose on her first try. She was alone. She always stood alone. Julia and Charlotta always seemed to leave her behind. She was a mere after thought to them. They never cared for her pleas, never wished to hear her concerns. Granted there were much more important things to worry about then her hurt feelings they could still, at least listen to her. They only seemed to talk amongst themselves and decide things for her as if she were a child. Did she really have any real purpose for them? She dug her nails on the inside of her hand to expunge the doubts from her mind.

Contessa snickered. Vincent's decree sounded so ridiculous, so innocent. It was deliciously romantic like something out of a novel. "Don't tell me you're still clinging lifelessly to that girl?" Vincent did not respond. Instead, she dropped her gaze to the ground. "Vincent..." Contessa called, fighting her laughter from Vincent's retracted countenance. "Vincent, do you know how excruciatingly pathetic that is?" She could hold back no longer. She fell into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. "Tell me Vincent..." she spoke while catching her breath. She merrily wiped her tears away and placed her hand on her chest to calm herself. "Tell me... does she even notice you? I mean... does she even give you a second thought or... or the time of day?" She fell away back into her fit of laughs.

"It doesn't matter if she notices me or not. As long as I can stand beside her, I'm happy." Vincent said in a small voice.

The confession only tickled Contessa further, making her laugh louder and harder. "How... how cute!" She cackled. "Such denial! Such shame! Just when I thought, your life couldn't get anymore pathetic, you pull this out. Ha! Ha! Ha! Oh god Vincent... tell me, does she still favor that werewolf more than you?" Contessa watched Vincent closely, drinking in Vincent's actions as she flinched and stiffened her jaw. "Ha! Oh my goodness! She does!" Contessa erupted. "Oh Vincent, after fifteen years, she still undermines you. Being overlooked for a wolf... that's like favoring the scum on the bottom of your shoe over you. How sad. You still are alone. You're still so isolated."

"It's not true." Vincent whispered.

"Oh Vincent." Contessa wiped her tears and withdrew into a more somber countenance. "Oh my poor, poor, Vincent. You're in such denial. Like always you try to shield yourself from the truth. You haven't changed at all. You're still so very childish."

"It's not true. It's not... true." Vincent whispered to herself.

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When did it all begin? When did it all start losing control? Why couldn't people just do as they were told? Why did they have to have their own intentions? Their own agendas? Their own motives? There couldn't be anything more substantial than the bond between people. Why did there have to be more? Money, power, fame...they're all human inventions serving what purpose? Vincent could wrap her mind around it with no avail. Was she the idiot? Was she truly the naive innocent? She forced herself to remember. She tried to recall if ever at some point she was valued by anyone, needed by someone. It seemed that for most of her existence she was a mere burden or just a pawn to be used in someone else's game. The people who were her parents... had for once in their lives had they taken her into consideration? The people who were her friends... had they ever really truly valued her for more than what she could offer? Vague, uncertain, cloudy memories trickled slowly into her thoughts.

Was there something? Anything? A decrepit hut and a vision of a woman. She could remember the space and a woman inside. She was fiendish yet incomparable in wisdom and sight. An exceptionally powerful oracle. Sweet aromas of incense wafted about her. The robust fragrance of freshly ground herbs poured from her clothing. And something disquieting... something rotten and rank... the stink of human flesh stained her hands. She was cloaked and hunched over an altar shrouded in a darkness which had a life of its own under her command. There was crying. Vincent could hear an infant crying. Could it be her? Her earliest memory of life?

The infant squirmed and kicked on a table helplessly. The blanket which swaddled it began to come unloose. On the table were markings, far too ancient to decipher. A woman of no more than thirty years of age stood fretful in a corner. Protective of the child she clutched helplessly onto her husband who appeared to be the same in age. Her husband placed his hand on hers for comfort. He stood tall, not yielding to his susceptibility to the infant's cries. His dark eyes watched the cloaked figure closely seeming to trust her and yet remaining on his guard. Just outside the rickety doorway a child of no more than six years of age peered through the tattered cloth, bearing a striking resemblance to Contessa. Brimming with curiosity she managed to slip from her parent's carriage and eavesdrop on whatever it was that brought them here. She held onto a doll closely for comfort.

"Oh. The belly of the beast truly lies in this one." The oracle spoke. Her voice was gentle and melodious, clashing with her meager stature. "Not like that other one you brought me James." She swatted her hand dismissively towards the door.

The oracle's comment was enough to drive Contessa mad. She gripped the face of her porcelain doll until it broke into pieces.

"What do you see?" James stepped forward, filled with exhilaration.

"Lucifer must have taken a liking to you. What did you offer him? A thousand human corpses?" The woman joked.

"It's that promising?"

"Promising indeed."

The oracle turned from the altar and removed her hood. She was beautiful in an unnatural way. Though her form was frail, she appeared enriched with youth, her skin a ghostly white striking out like marble against many exotic piercings and crimson tribal markings over both her eyes. Her most striking feature was her ears as she was gifted with six which were large and came to points as if they belonged to a rabbit. Her hair hung long over her shoulder, shimmering silver in the dim candle light. As she moved towards the infant, chanting a spell of old, she opened her eyes which lacked any sign of an iris or pupil. Picking up a bowl of blood she continued to chant, dipping her fingers in the thick mixture. She stepped to the table and began to draw symbols, much like the markings on the table, on the infant-first on the legs, second on the stomach, third on the arms, and finally on the forehead. With the last symbol in place the symbols flashed, glowing a mesmerizing white light. The symbol on the infant's forehead began to shift, forming a circle which opened as if it were a portal.

"Very interesting. This is the prophesied child of which I spoke." The oracle studied the opening closely and gasped in temptation. "Such power. This is...." She smiled feverishly. "Yes... this is very promising." Drawn to child the oracle lost herself. She reached vehemently for the child as if to devour it.

"James!" His wife cried. She dashed for the table, throwing her body between the oracle and the table while scooping up her child.

Instantaneously, James shot forward. He summoned a hidden dagger from his coat sleeve and held it to the oracle's neck. "You will be wise and will not touch my child." He threatened.

The oracle retracted away, straightening her posture and closing her eyes. "My apologies my lord." James retracted his blade and stepped in front of his wife. "However, not all of prophecy was correct." The oracle pressed forward as if the incident never occurred. "Your child is of the gender of a female not male." She turned away returning to her altar.

"It matters not." He dismissed.

The oracle slipped her hood back on. "Oh, but it does." She glanced over her shoulder towards James and his wife. "For there is a kindred soul that is suffocating with evocable malice." Her eyes suddenly darted towards the door, locking fixedly on Contessa who jumped back from the doorway before her parents could spot her. "James, keep an eye on your first-born for it is tinged with hatred for your second." She turned her gaze back upon him. "With this child being a female it is easier for the first to engulf her."

"Engulf her?" James questioned confusedly. His wife cradled her child closely, cowering away from the oracle's words.

"Yes. That power your child processes is very intoxicating. Your first-born's power pales in comparison. However, your first-born will have the ability to take that which she feels as though is hers."

"What does her sex have to do with it?"

"If your child was a male he would be able to resist the powers of the first. Since the child is a female as such with the first, then there will be no problem in the alignment of becoming one being."

"This means?" His wife questioned in woe.

The oracle turned her back upon her, opening her arms out before the altar. "If your first born were to absorb your second then she will no longer exist and her power will belong to her."

"What do we do?" His wife cried with dismay.

"Do the best you can to sway her attention otherwise. Keep her away from this child as much as possible."

"Is there nothing you can do?"

Without a word the oracle turned from the altar and stepped towards James' wife. Reluctantly his wife offered her child towards her. In one quick motion, the oracle lifted the infant's blanket and with the blood remaining on her fingers she drew a symbol on the infant's shoulder and chanted a swift spell. The blood flashed a bright light before setting into a permanent mark. "This will lock some of her powers away. It will stave off some of the aura emitting from her. The rest is up to you." The oracle turned from the family and retracted back into the dark recesses, leaving them behind for good.

James' wife looked to James with doubt. She wanted so much to cry out for something more to be done but instead was stopped by James, who wrapped his arms around her shoulders. His wife cradled the child, holding her close as if she would fade away. In silence they walked together towards their carriage which awaited them. They entered the carriage silently, unsure of how to handle the new information. Contessa sat quietly inside the carriage, her broken doll rested in her lap. Her gaze remained fixed on the empty seat before her as her parents situated themselves in their seats. James' wife glanced towards Contessa, finding her to be a complete stranger in her mists. She held her child closely as she moved to remain in her normal manner.

"Contessa, what happened to your doll?" She inquired, her voice almost a quiver.

"It broke." Contessa replied blankly, her gaze remaining before her.

"Oh, well then we'll have to get you a new one now, won't we?"

"I suppose."

In a lurch the carriage pulled forward. The silence of the space was broken as the infant burst into laughter, reaching back for James who took her up in his arms lovingly. The infant took hold of one of his medals on his coat and bit down on it. James and his wife laughed at the infant's enthusiasm. They began to come and play with the child, easily forgetting the foreboding atmosphere which lingered over them. Shifting her gaze, Contessa maliciously stared at the infant from the corner of her eye.

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Upon their arrival home, the castle of Doltemenanya was in a buzz of commotion. Servants rushed to-and-fro accommodating the royal family's needs or preparing a feast for their return. The journey to see the oracle was a long one. It called for a tremendous five day trek into the mountains of eastern Amsterdam. Gone for ten days, it was a blessing for the family to return to their kingdom. Now things would return to its normal order and hopefully the wrath of their human counterparts would calm.

Good news for the kingdom wasn't necessarily good news for the royal family however. Many troubles rested on their hearts. To step inside their castle seemed as if to step inside a prison of trepidation. Everything seemed ethereal and the presence and efforts of their servants went unnoticed. All they could think of doing was getting Vincent to a safe place and distancing her from her sister. It was absurd to think that their own child could become their enemy but they wished not to risk it. The oracle's words always rang true, no matter how ugly the premonition. Each stepped they took quickened further into their home away from Contessa. James' wife ushered a servant to dote upon Contessa and lead her to her room. Contessa remained at the servant's side, watching as her parents seemed to lean against each other for support as they rushed their prized infant away.

Reaching a considerable distance from Contessa the weight of the oracle's premonition took its toll upon James' wife. Her knees buckled beneath her and her shoulders quaked tremendously as she began to sob. James grabbed his wife by the shoulders, holding her up and forcing her forward. In here the castle had eyes. There was no telling who was watching. They couldn't afford to fall apart and reveal their weakness. Not now. Pulling her along, James walked towards a set of mahogany doors. As if shielding a conspiracy, he cracked the doors open just enough for the two of them to squeeze through and immediately closed the door behind them.

His wife, in the last bit of her strength, stepped into the room and placed the sleeping infant inside a crib which rested in the center of the room. Gingerly, she tended to the child. Tucking her in, she ran her finger over her hair before planting a kiss upon her forehead. She pulled away in a moment of weakness and gave in to her sobs. Using the crib for support she collapsed to her knees, her body shaking as if she were a small child. She gazed about the room. It was the nursery which she herself constructed merrily and yet for once she could not remember a single happy memory inside of its walls. All of it seemed to erase away with that abysmal oracle's evil curse upon their name.

She looked back towards James who stood only a few inches from her, watching her closely. His eyes were clouded over and the lines upon his face spelled his sorrow. She struggled to pull herself together for his sake. He who could not give in to emotion... it seemed selfish of her to cry before him. She caught her breath in a set of ragged gasps, wiping the evidence away that she had ever shed a tear.

"James, what do we do?" Her words trembled, seeming more as if to beseech than to question. "I am stricken with fear with what Contessa might do. It's not normal. A mother should never have to fear her own child."

"Arita, you must steady your nerves." James replied. His words carried the same hard tone as before but his composure betrayed otherwise. "By showing fear to your child it will only provoke her to take advantage. Remain stern."

Arita released the side of the crib. "Remain stern you say? If only it were so easy to do as you opening your mouth and saying it." With so much despondency she gestured wildly with every word she spoke.

"Do not fret Arita." James attempted to sooth her. He took up her hands in his and guided her to her feet. "We shall find a way."

Arita did not believe him. How could she when in his eyes she could see the ugly truth. He himself was afraid and there was nothing they could possibly do. She did not voice this. Instead she allowed herself to fall into his large frame and rest upon him for strength. Reluctantly they left the nursery behind, closing the door as softly as possible. As they turned to leave Arita caught a glimpse of a small figure in the corner of her eye. She flinched within James' arms and snatched away from his hold.

"C-Contessa." She stammered.

"Hello mother. Hello father." Contessa greeted merrily while rising from the floor where she had been sitting. "Is the little baby asleep?" She inquired while tipping her head to the side innocently.

"Yes." Arita replied, almost in a whisper.

"Oh, too bad." Contessa glided to the door of the nursery and placed her hand upon it. "I really wanted to play with her." Arita and James did not speak nor did they move. Instead they watched her closely for any sign that might reveal the true nature of the stranger that now stood before them. Feeling their eyes upon her, Contessa returned their gaze with a sweet smile. "I guess, I'm off to bed then. Pleasant dreams."

Turning on her heel, she skipped joyfully down the hall, leaving Arita and James behind in their desolation.

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It had been hours before Contessa's last visit to the nursery and she felt within herself that it was time to make another. It would be high noon now, so her parents and any servants that might happen, would now be locked away deep in their slumber. Contessa could not think of resting now. All she could ponder on were the despicable words of that wretched old hag. There was no way that some infant surpassed her in strength. She had already begun to show great potential in her display of power and yet now just because of a few cracked bones and some magic light show the witch wanted to take it all away from her. She would just have to make a few adjustments to the witch's tale.

Contessa slipped from her room and ventured out into the castle. She enjoyed how empty and hollow it seemed. Everything was still and untouched. It was as if she happened upon a treasure all her own for the very first time. Nothing was sullied. Nothing was moved. Everything rested in its proper place in perfect, pristine harmony. Giddy at her find, Contessa raced down the halls leaving trails of laughter as she slid in her stockings across the marble floors. She jumped, hopped, and twirled her way to the third floor where the nursery rested.

Coming upon the mahogany double doors, Contessa slowed her proceedings down to catch her breath. A grin possessed her lips as she let her fingers glide up and down the wall until her hand rested upon the door knob. Softly she turned the handle and eased the door open. With enough space to slip through, she tiptoed into the room and carefully closed the door behind her. Her eyes instantaneously locked on the crib in the center of the room. She grabbed a chair at the far side of the room and pushed it to the side of the crib. She climbed into its seat and rested her chin on the side of the crib. For a brief moment she listened to the infant breath and watched its chest rise and fall.

"Aw, look at the baby sleeping." She sang. She reached inside the crib and ran her fingers gingerly through the infant's hair. "Such a treasured child, a promising child." With her other hand behind her back a cloud of black smoke rose out of thin air until it took on a solid form of a dagger. "I was the promising child before you arrived." Her demeanor darkened. "I see no need for your existence."

In a flash, she raised the dagger over her head and brought it down upon the child with all the strength she could muster. As the dagger fell upon the child a barrier sparked forth, forming a bubble around the infant, thwarting Contessa's attack.

Taken aback for only a brief moment Contessa smirked to herself, "Clever, but it's going to take more than that."

In rapid succession, Contessa began a barrage of wild stabbing upon the barrier. Each strike was thwarted and yet each strike brought the barrier closer and closer to breaking. As a large crack began to form over the infant's heart the infant awoke, crying out at the top of its lungs. Contessa began to madden into a wild frenzy. She was so close she could almost taste it. Upon her last strike the barrier broke open. Contessa's moment of ecstasy was met with a rude awakening as a beam of light sparked from the barrier and plowed into her chest. She was knocked off of her chair and crashed mercilessly into a glass window on the opposite side of the room. The window cracked from the weight of her collision. Summoned by the cries of their child, Arita and James burst through the doors of the nursery and quickly rushed to the aid of their child. Contessa discreetly evaporated her dagger in a puff of smoke.

"Vincent!" Arita cried as she extracted the infant from the crib.

James quickly surveyed the room before turning his attention upon Contessa, who struggled with pushing herself to her feet. "Contessa, speak with haste. Why are you here?" James questioned swiftly.

"I couldn't sleep and sought the company of my younger half." Contessa supplied. "I guess I said something she didn't like."

"Contessa, listen to me. You are to stay away from your sister. Do you understand?" James commanded.

"But why? Are not sisters supposed to enjoy each other's company and cling together always?" Contessa inquired innocently. She tilted her head to the side and furrowed her brow as if she were puzzled by his request.

"In this case, it's different." James returned.

"Different." Contessa echoed.

"Yes, your sister is much different from you and needs only certain attention."

"Oh..." Contessa watched her mother closely. She measured the amount of concern and alarm across her face until she dropped her gaze on the infant who by now had fallen away in quiet slumber. They had made a mistake, Contessa thought to herself. She turned her eyes away and glanced behind herself. "I see."

"I'm glad you understand." James softened. "Now come, let's get you back in bed."

Contessa turned her gaze upon him and smiled sweetly. She ran to his side and clung happily to his arm. James returned the affection as he scooped her up into his arms. Contessa wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed him affectionately. As he walked her from the room, she stared upon the infant full of spite, watching as her mother tended to the child.

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