Fallen Moon

Night had fallen in the forest, the young woman continued to run past the trees. The gorgeous stream of her platinum blonde hair danced with the wind. She had her hair tied up with a pink hair tie in a curly ponytail which, draped by her left ear. The moonlight shone down on her slightly pale skin. She dressed in a white button up shirt with a pink skirt that had floral designs on it. She wore long black socks with pink rose designs on them. Around her neck, she wore a chained necklace. The ring attached to the necklace read: “Jake, my protector.”

“The humans shouldn’t be too far from here,” She ran through the forest, her black combat boots crushing the fall leaves. “Whoa,” She fell off a small cliff landing into the muscular arms of her protector.

“Vanilla,” Jake let out a sigh. “You’re so clumsy sometimes,” He set her back on her feet. “You should try being more careful.” He has a point, she was just so excited about joining up with the humans. That’s if they’d accept her even though she’s a vampire. It was worth a shot, right?

“I guess you’re right.” Vanilla agreed. “We aren’t at the safety of the cabin anymore.” She put her arms behind her back. “I’m just so used to not worrying about the war.” She continued to walk through the forest. “Sometimes, I tend to forget about it.” She explained. “I guess it’s different for you.”

“Yeah it’s pretty hard when my job is to protect you.” Jake ran his fingers through his mid length black hair. He wore a solid black muscle shirt to cover his sculpted frame. “We should probably get a move on.” He put his hand in the pocket of his black jeans. “Don’t forget to stay behind me.” Jake pulled out a pair of fingerless gloves with a durable steel plate over the knuckle. “This way,” He put on the gloves taking careful steps through the trees. The chain necklace around his neck rattled as he moved. The ring that was attached to it was engraved with the words “Vanilla, My girl.”

“I’m not helpless Jake,” Vanilla extended the small metal piece in her hand into a full metal staff. “I told you. I wasn’t going to let you protect me all the time. I want to fight alongside you.” She put the staff away. “Now let’s get moving.” She took his hand walking deeper into the forest.

“Could you tell me why you’re so set on joining the humans?” Jake asked. “You get that they are the weakest and their numbers are only slightly higher than that of the werewolves. It’s only a matter of time before that changes.” He had a valid point but still.

Once the war began, it didn’t take long for humans to start to feel the effects of two powerful supernatural beings facing off. There was no warning, one moment the humans were safe, the next. A war broke out, werewolves were converting them to boost their numbers and vampires were feeding on them. No matter where the humans turned, they were being hunted. They were given two options.

The first and most popular option, they could take refuge in town. Once inside the town. They were safe whoever was hunting them would stop in their tracks being paralyzed by an overwhelming fear. Nobody knew what was scaring them off but whatever it was. It kept the humans inside the town safe. Soon after entering the town, the person that entered would also forget about the war and the fact, werewolves and vampires existed. This allowed vampires and werewolves to enter the town to get supplies. There was only one law made to them. Both sides had to keep their existence a secret from the humans inside.

The second option, they could defend themselves. Some humans chose to build a stronghold of their own. They had only one goal, they sought to help the humans that were being hunted. As the war progressed, their numbers started to drop drastically. What started as a rescue project became a fight for survival. This was the group Vanilla wanted to join. She felt that they would benefit from her help the most. She also had another reason.

“Come on,” Jake leaned against a tree. “What’s your reason?” He shrugged. “I’m willing to join them with you but. I need to know why we’re doing this.” He was going to think she was being silly. Still, he had a right to know.

“Okay,” Vanilla took a seat in the soft grass. She patted the grass next to her urging him to sit with her. Jake walked over taking a seat beside her. “I have been having this dream lately,” Her blue eyes looked up at the stars. “It’s more than that,” She corrected. “It’s a reoccurring dream that I’ve had since I was a child. I’m not sure why but I can’t help but feel like.” She clinched the necklace around her neck. “It has to mean something.”

“It could be just another girlish fantasy.” Jake draped his arm on her shoulder. “This dream,” He brushed her hair back. “Tell me more about it,” She rested her head on his shoulder. Her eyes remained on the stars.

“In the dream I was standing on a ledge.” Vanilla explained. “There was this man holding a sword. I turned to face him. The only thing I could make out was this tattoo of “P” that was placed on the right side of his neck. Each time, I try to piece the image of him together but that’s all I can remember.” She rose to her feet. “I stood there on the ledge of a horrid cliff ready to defend myself. Seconds before I do, he,” She placed her hand on her shoulder. “He strikes me with his sword leaving a brutal cut. I start to fall from the ledge into sharp rocks below. I thought I was going to die but,” Her lips formed a smile. “This woman comes in and she saves me at the last second.”

“Is this woman the reason you want to join the humans?” Jake questioned, she replied with a nod. “Do you have any idea of what she looks like?” He walked up to her. “It’s not like you need her. I can protect you. I took an oath, remember?” He pointed at her necklace. “I promised to keep you safe. After all, we’re going to get married.”

“I know that Jake,” Vanilla let out a sigh. “It’s just,” She put her hands behind her back. “I can remember the image of the woman who saved me so clearly. The rest is a blur but her. It’s like my dream is telling me to find her.” She clinched her necklace. “I tried to search for her picture in the vampire roster when they were going to recruit me. She wasn’t there and judging by her skill she’s too good to be hiding in the town. That only leaves one place,”

“Are you sure she isn’t a werewolf?” Jake offered.

“She had slightly pale skin like me,” Vanilla answered. “She wielded a unique sword and had this strange glowing rose colored hair. Her eyes had this unusual pink glow in them almost like they were shining. I could tell right away, she was powerful.” She let out a sigh. “I know it sounds bizarre and the chances of me finding her are rare. It’s just, I have to try Jake,” She turned toward him. “This dream, it has to mean something.”

“It’s definitely bizarre,” Jake agreed. “I can tell this is important to you so,” He let out a sigh. “We’ll join the humans and try to find her. This is the only place she could be right?” Vanilla replied with a nod. “If she’s not there then it will confirm that your dream was just that, a dream.” He took her hand walking with her. “I still don’t understand why you dropped the break up bomb like that.”

“I didn’t want to drag you into this.” Vanilla explained. “I figured if I told you my reason for joining the humans. You wouldn’t understand. So,” She let out a sigh. “I decided that I should go on my own but,” Her lips formed a sweet smile. “During the harvest festival when you proposed to me,” She clinched her necklace. “I started to realize just how much I care about you. I never wanted to leave you, I just wanted you to be safe.”

“You don’t have to worry about me,” Jake put his hand in his pocket. “I like being here to protect you. I would follow you into hell without thinking twice about it.” He draped his arm on her shoulder. “I love you Vanilla,”

“I love you too Jake,” Vanilla smiled back at him. “I can’t believe it,” Her feet stopped. The long white post with a cross at the end had served as her guide to the human stronghold. The post was now in plain sight located next to a church. The human stronghold, she found them. After what felt like a long journey, her destination was now in sight. “We’re actually here,” Vanilla ran through the grass plains running toward the church.

“Vanilla wait,” Jake reached out for her. “There could be-,” She continued to run toward the church. “Traps,” He let out a sigh. “She’s really something,” He raced into the plains after his dearest Vanilla. “So,” He stopped at the church where Vanilla waited for him. “Do you see the girl in your dream?”

“I don’t understand,” Vanilla’s eyes continued to search through the line of humans gathered at the entrance. There wasn’t a single person here that had the same description as the woman in her dream. “She’s not here,” Her heart sank in her chest. She was certain she’d be here.

“She might be inside,” Jake offered. “Let’s get in line.” She took her place in the line of humans. “What are you going to say to this woman when you find her?” He asked. “You can’t exactly say you’re the woman in my dreams. She might think you’re a few screws loose.” Vanilla didn’t know what to say to her. She figured the words would just come out. “It’s okay,” He put his hand on her shoulder. “Let’s just focus on finding her,” They stepped forward as another human was let inside. This line, it was like they were going through some sort of inspection before being let inside. -Inspection?!-

“Jake,” Vanilla whispered. “That woman,” She motioned toward the tanned skinned woman guarding the entrance. “I think she’s checking to make sure those she lets inside are human. I don’t think she’ll let us in, we’re not-,” Jake cut her words.

“We’ll just have to lie to her.” Jake answered. “If she doesn’t let us in.” He punched his hand. “We’ll just have to break into the church ourselves. Either way, we’re getting inside that church.”

“I don’t think breaking into their stronghold is a good idea.” Vanilla argued. “We want to join their side.” She reminded him. “If we attack them, they’ll never let us join them. We need a better plan.” The next human was let inside, they stepped forward in line. She searched around the church for a way for one of them to sneak in. “I don’t see another way inside,” She whispered. “What are we going to do?”

“Let me handle the talking,” Jake offered. “I’ll get us inside.” The woman guarding the door began to check the couple in front of them. She started by examining the pupils of their eyes for any signs of change. She felt at their skin to check body temperature and even checked to see if they had fangs or bite marks. There was no way they were going to get past her.

“All clear,” She opened the door for the couple, letting them inside. “Next,” The woman was dressed in a blue battle robe that left her right shoulder exposed revealing a tattoo. The tattoo on her shoulder reminded her of the waves of the ocean. The robe also left her right leg exposed and was cut to reveal her toned stomach. This woman had to have quite a bit of combat experience.

“This must be a joke,” The woman brushed back the strands of her long black hair with blue tips. “You must either be dumb or flat out stupid which is it?” She crossed her arms at them. “You’re both clearly,” She stopped herself before she said the word vampires. “Why don’t the two of you just run along,” She reached for the sharp spear sheathed on her back. This spear, it was well designed. It had seen some use but was still in great shape.

The edge had engravings of the initials K.F. on it. The craftsmanship of the blue pole attached to the blade was remarkable and without a doubt sturdy. What really tied the beauty of the weapon together were the feathers that were tied around the tip of the pole. One feather was blue with white accents and the other white with blue accents.

“Let me explain,” Jake spoke before she drew her spear. “You’re right we’re,” Her blue eyes formed a glare daring him to say the word out loud. “Different.” He corrected,“We still want to help you.” He offered. “There isn’t a rule saying that we can’t, is there?”

“Trust me,” Vanilla stepped forward. “Jake and I,” She placed her hand on her chest. “We’re on your side.” She explained. “Please just give us a chance to prove ourselves to you. One chance, that’s it, if we fail, we’ll leave. I promise.” The woman leaned against the door shrouding herself in thought.

“This really isn’t my area of expertise,” She let out a sigh. “I’ll tell you what.” She jammed her spear in the ground. “My partner is out in the forest protecting our operation from,” She urged them to come closer. “Vampires.” She whispered. “If you two could go and get my partner. The two of us can have a chat and give you our answer.” She held her hand out to them. “The name’s Kassandra Fang. You can call me, Fang.” Jake shook her hand.

“I’m Jake,” He introduced. “This is my fiancée Vanilla,” He motioned towards her. “What is your operation anyway?” Fang didn’t answer. “Right, I guess it wouldn’t be wise of you to share that information with us just yet.”

“We’ll go and get your partner,” Vanilla took Jake’s hand. “Let’s get going.” Jake replied with a nod following her into the forest. “I don’t remember Fang telling us where her partner is?” The stars served as their only light source, it was going to be hard to find one person in a forest this size. “Where should we-,”

“I have a guess,” Jake’s finger pointed at the star filled sky. Every few seconds streaks of lightning flashed across the sky above them. Each flash was more vibrant than the next. “Stay here,” He tightened his hands into fists. “I’ll go check it out.” He started to walk toward the location where the lightning was coming from.

“I’m coming with you,” Vanilla raced to his side. “I can fight too, remember,” She pulled out her full metal staff. “Shall we,” She smiled, Jake replied with a nod.

Together they rushed toward the fighting. Vanilla stopped as her eyes met with the long gorgeous strands of the woman’s rose-colored hair. She dressed in a white vest, she wore fingerless gloves with a steel plate over the knuckle. She had on a short grey skirt with black combat boots. In her right hand was a sword with butterfly markings and the name “Raine” carved on the base of the steel blade. The edge of the sword shimmered in a faint pink aura that could barely be seen. The woman was flipping from vampire to vampire, cutting them down at rapid speeds. While she fought, flashes started to flicker in Vanilla’s mind. She recalled the woman who saved her in her dream. It was…

“It’s her,” Vanilla lowered her staff. “It’s really her,” She fell to her knees. She was right, her dream, it was more than just a dream. Her dream was telling her to find this woman. Now that she found her, she had to find out why.

“Are you sure it’s her,” Jake asked her, Vanilla replied with a nod. “All right then,” He readied his fists. “Let’s help her out.” Vanilla readied her staff. “Take this,” Jake jumped into the air. He struck the ground with his fist. The woman leaped into the air as his strike caused a massive earthquake to bury a large mass of vampires. “She-,” The woman landed on her feet beside him. “Just how strong are you?”

“Are you sure you want to know?” She snapped her fingers. A bolt of lightning struck her, once it did, surges of electricity began to run though her body. She entered a spin cutting down vampires in a swift circle. She unleashed lighting streaks from her body, shocking them after cutting them. The vampires tumbled back trying to get back on their feet. “Had enough yet?” The vampires charged at her.

“Guess not,” Jake rushed in punching a vampire in the jaw. “Vanilla, now,” She replied with a nod, spinning her staff at rapid speeds. A green aura built around her staff cloaking it in paralysis.

“I hope this works,” Vanilla blocked a vampire’s attack before he struck Jake. The aura enveloped the vampire’s body, paralyzing his entire body. “Jake, get him,” She ducked, Jake’s fist went past her striking the vampire through several trees. “We got him,” She screamed as another vampire tried to attack her. Jake punched the vampire knocking him back before he attacked her.

“Let’s end this,” The woman snapped her fingers, lightning struck her. She charged in cutting up the vampires at rapid speeds. While she was attacking, electric energy continued to build in her hand. “Take this,” She hurled a massive amount of lightning at the vampires. “It’s over,” She performed a back flip as a huge burst of lightning struck the ground. Jake grabbed Vanilla jumping out of the way of the attack. The bright flash faded, as the ground shook violently. The vampires were reduced to mere ash.

“Seriously,” Jake raised his brow. “How strong are you?” She didn’t answer.

“Thanks for the help,” She sheathed her sword. “I take it, Fang sent you to find me.” She leaned against a tree. “That must mean, you are here to join us.” She walked up to Jake. “Let’s see, you pack a mean punch,” She knocked on his chest. “Sturdy body frame, you can take a beating. Glad you’re on our side.” She held her hand out to him. “The name’s Raine,” Jake shook her hand.

“I’m Vanilla,” Vanilla held her hand out to her. “It’s nice to meet you, Raine.” Her lips formed a smile. “I was glad that I could help you.” Raine took her hand, shaking it.

“You’re not half bad for someone who hasn’t fought before.” Raine released her hand. “I’ll cut to the chase,” She urged them to follow her. “First, humans can travel in daylight. So,” She tossed Jake a pill bottle. “We must do the same.”

Vanilla couldn’t believe it. Raine didn’t give her a pill bottle. That could only mean, Raine already knew her secret. She’s only a half vampire. That means she could be out during the day. She didn’t understand. How could Raine possibly know that?

“Second,” Raine turned to face them. “Do not drink from the humans we protect. That could turn them and sucking the venom out isn’t an easy task. So, if you need to drink blood,” She tossed them two blood packs. “You drink these. The humans we protect don’t mind sharing their blood in exchange for protection. Just don’t overdo it,” Jake replied with a nod. “Lastly, I’m your leader.” She added. “If you follow my command, we won’t have any problems. If any of this is a problem for you. I suggest you leave now.”

“No problems here,” Jake draped his arm on Vanilla’s shoulder. “I must say I wasn’t expecting someone as strong as you to be working with the humans.” He walked beside her. “How come you aren’t with Lord Alexander?” He asked. “I thought he recruited all the powerful vampires.”

“I could ask you the same but I’m not,” Raine replied. “I respect your privacy. All I ask is that you respect mine.” She’s not one for sharing, is she? It wasn’t going to be easy to figure out why her dream pointed her toward Raine. Still, there had to be a reason. “We should regroup with Fang.” She instructed. “From there, you will be given a guided tour and be assigned to your new room or rooms whichever you-,” Raine’s feet came to an abrupt halt.

This presence, Vanilla couldn’t quite describe it but, it was like someone was in the forest watching them. She didn’t know who or what was watching them but she could feel a strong presence lingering in the shadows. “Jake,” She tapped his shoulder. “Do you feel that?” She asked.

“I don’t feel anything,” Jake answered. “Why did we stop?” His eyes started to wander the forest. “What’s going on?” Raine gripped her sword.

“We’re not alone,” Raine replied. “Jake, you should take Vanilla and leave. You’ll only get in my way.” She drew her sword. “I know you’re watching us. Why don’t you just come out? It’ll make my job easier.” They started to hear applause coming from the trees.

“Impressive,” A woman with gothic style grey hair came out from the shadows. She was dressed in black crop top and black distressed jeans. The heels on her black leather boots were made of a steel sharp spike. She had a sword sheathed on her back. “Well done,” She stepped forward. “I must say you three handled those vampires pretty well.”

“Jake,” Vanilla hid behind him. “Look,” She pointed out the “P” tattoo located on the center of her chest. It was almost the same as the man who attacked her in her dream. The only difference was that hers is written in cursive.

“Sorry Raine,” Jake held up his fists. “I can’t let you deal with this woman alone.” He glared at the woman. “Who are you? And what’s the deal with that tattoo on your chest?” She smirked.

“Oh this,” She pointed at the tattoo. “It’s none of your business.” She pulled out her sword. “The name is Siren. Remember it well,” Her blue violet eyes shifted between the three of them. “One of you will be given the opportunity to be my pet. I just can’t decide who to pick.” Siren placed her finger on her lip. “I guess I have no choice. I’ll just have to fight you and see which one I’m supposed to pick.”

“Are you sure you want to do that?” Raine tightened her grip on her blade. “Personally, I don’t really care who or what you are.” She walked forward. “You’re a threat and that’s reason enough to take you down.” She glared at her. “Vanilla, Jake, leave this to me.”

“Forget it,” Vanilla drew her staff. “I’m not going to let you fight her alone.” This woman. She’s a lot stronger than those vampires they fought earlier. She could tell by her blue violet eyes that she wasn’t human. Her eyes weren’t of a lighter shade which means she isn’t a vampire. Werewolves were known for having a darker shade in their natural eye color. She didn’t have that either. “What are you?” She asked her. “I want answers.” She demanded.

“Too bad,” Siren readied her sword. “You’re not going to get any,” She disappeared, striking at Vanilla’s staff. She blocked, the sheer power of her attacks left gashes on her staff. She hooked Vanilla’s feet causing her to trip. “Pitiful,” She kicked Vanilla’s staff aside and held her sword to her throat. “It’s almost sad that I have to kill you.” She swung her sword, Jake jumped in the way.

“Not going to happen,” Jake blocked her sword, receiving small gashes on his arms. “You have to get through me first.” He struck her with a powerful punch. Siren dodged his fists as he continuously tried to hit her. “Damn it,” She dodged his punch, striking him with a powerful kick. Jake blocked being pushed back by her strength. “What are you?” He asked.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” Siren blocked Raine’s attack with her sword using one arm. “I haven’t forgotten about you.” She pushed Raine back, striking at her sword relentlessly. Raine continued to deflect her strikes. They were both moving so fast, it was hard for Vanilla to keep up. Raine struck her in the jaw with a backflip curling into a ball landing on her feet. “You’re good,” Siren smirked. “I might enjoy this.”

“Don’t count on it,” Raine snapped her fingers, a bolt of lightning struck her body supercharging her. She charged at Siren moving so fast, Vanilla could see at the least three of her moving. Siren continued to match her every strike until they stopped in a deadlock. Their blades interlocked as Raine tried to push her back. “Face it, you are out of your league.” Siren’s heels started to move across the grass.

“Is that so,” Siren’s feet continued to skid back. “You forget,” Her lips formed a devious smirk. “I’m only using one hand.” She grabbed Raine’s throat with her free arm, choking her. Raine snapped her fingers, the lightning cloaking her body began to react. Siren was shocked by the electricity surrounding Raine forcing her back. Raine gathered the lightning in her hand hurling it at her. Siren unleashed a loud scream, the sound waves from her vocals met the lighting blast cancelling it out. “I never thought I would have to use that.” She rubbed her throat. "It’s a real throat sore,”

“Try this,” Jake struck the ground creating a massive earthquake. The wave of earth came at Siren like a tidal wave. She inhaled and unleashed another deadly scream to neutralize his attack. She continued to scream using the power of the sound waves to push him back. “Damn it,” He covered his bleeding ears.

“Now you’re starting to piss me off.” Siren rubbed her throat. “What part of that shit hurts don’t you understand?” Raine held her ears, also being affected by her attack. It was so loud, what were they going to do against an attack like that? Vanilla forced herself to stand clenching her ears. “I’ll finish you off quickly.” She jumped into the air, jamming her sword into the ground. The power of the collision pushed all three of them back. She charged at Raine, slashing at her, Raine deflected her attacks. “You’re a persistent bitch, why won’t you die?” She yelled.

“Sorry to disappoint you actually,” Raine dodged her attack, she spun striking Siren with a lightning- fueled punch to the jaw. “I’m not really all that sorry.” She gathered flames into her hand. “Now do us a favor and die.” She flung the flames at her, Siren prepared to unleash another scream. “You need a better strategy.” Glowing pink butterflies started to gather around Raine’s right arm.

“Butterfly,” Raine cloaked the butterflies in roaring flames and powerful electric currents. “Kamikaze.” She snapped her fingers. The millions of butterflies swarmed toward Siren creating explosion after explosion. The amount of power Raine possessed was beyond belief. How could anyone survive an attack with that much power?

“There’s no way she’s getting up from that.” Jake pointed out. The explosions cleared as traces of pink particles scattered to the wind. Vanilla lowered her staff. The fight was finished. It would be absurd for even someone like Siren to survive that. “I’m glad you’re on our side.” He patted Raine’s shoulder preparing to leave, she gripped his arm.

“Wait,” Raine gripped her sword. “She’s not dead yet,” Vanilla turned toward the smoke clouds formed by the attack. That can’t be right, Siren had to be- Impossible! – The smoke cleared, Siren had her sword jammed into the ground using it to help her stand. Her skin was covered in burn marks, gashes and electric currents danced across her body.

“This can’t be,” Siren glared at Raine. “I’m superior to your kind. You shouldn’t be able to hurt me. Who are you and how are you able to compete with me?” She pulled her sword out of the ground. “I don’t understand, you should have been dead by now.”

“That attack should have killed you.” Raine stepped forward. “No vampire or werewolf has ever survived after being hit with it. That could only mean you’re not like us. You’re something else and you’re going to tell what you are. Or,” She readied her blade. “I will just finish you off. It’s your decision.”

“You think you can kill me,” Siren yelled. “That does it,” She jammed her blade into the ground. “I’m sick of toying with you.” Clouds of darkness began to gather in the ground. She pulled something out of it like it was a portal. “My leader told me to be gentle but,” Siren held a guitar with skull designs in her hand. “You managed to piss me off to the point I no longer care.” She pulled a guitar pick from her pocket. “Die Bitch.” Siren strung the strings of the electric guitar creating a brutal shockwave to knock all three of them back.

“Vanilla,” Jake caught her, preventing her from crashing into a tree. “You okay,” She replied with a nod, getting on her feet. “Raine,” He started to check on her, she rose to her feet snapping her fingers. No way, a light blue aura cloaked her body healing her from the damages inflicted by Siren. “You can heal,” He gasped. “Seriously, what can’t you do?” He questioned.

“This isn’t the time for that,” Raine readied her sword. “We need to get close to her and take her down.” She bit her lip. “I hate to admit it, but I’m going to need your help to do that. Jake, you can take more damage than me. I need you to shield me long enough to get close to her. Think you can handle that?” Jake glanced over at Siren.

“I got it,” Jake’s lips formed a confident smirk. “Vanilla,” He placed his hands on her shoulders. “I need you to get somewhere safe. I can’t protect both you and Raine at the same time. Please don’t argue with me and just do what I say.”

“Okay,” Vanilla kissed his cheek. “Be careful.” She hugged him. Vanilla ran over to a tree taking shelter behind it. She hoped Jake could pull this off, Raine was skilled but unless she did something about that guitar. There was no way she could deal any significant damage to Siren. That is unless she did that butterfly trick again.

“Wait,” Jake pulled Raine aside. “Can’t you just use that butterfly attack?” He asked. “It worked the first-time, right?” She checked from behind the tree keeping an eye on Siren. “Well,” Raine turned her attention to Jake.

“It wouldn’t be hard for me to use it again,” Raine answered. “The thing is I can’t.” Jake started to ask, she interrupted him. “I have my reasons.” He replied with a nod. “Now get me close to her.” Jake started walking toward Siren, Raine followed behind him. Siren strung her guitar striking them with a powerful shockwave of sound. Jake held up his arms blocking her attack. He tried to hold his ground even as his feet started to skid back.

“I’ve got you.” Raine cloaked her hand in healing energy. She continuously healed Jake, keeping him from falling back. “Push her back,” Jake forced himself to walk forward, breaking through the sound waves. Siren readjusted the dials on her guitar striking with an even stronger wave. Jake screamed as the waves struck him trying to force him back.

“Don’t even think about it,” Siren strung her guitar creating wave after powerful wave. Jake tightened his hand into a fist.

“That’s enough out of you,” He struck the ground creating a massive earthquake to combat the sound waves. Siren tried to push the tidal wave of sand back. He kept punching the ground adding more and more earthquakes. “Raine, do it,” Jake jumped into the air, he struck the ground using the last of his strength to blast Siren back with an earthquake.

“On it,” Raine flipped into the air over the earthquakes. She landed on her feet in front of Siren. Before she could play another note, she kicked the guitar out of her hands. She held her blade to her throat afterward.

“Jake,” Vanilla rushed over to him. “Are you okay?” She crouched down taking notice of the wounds covering his body. Even with Raine healing him, it was still a lot of damage for him to endure. He was struggling to even move.

“I’m fine,” Jake tried to force himself to move but dropped to his knees. “I just need a few minutes before I can get back on my feet.” Vanilla started to cloak her hand in healing energy to help him. “Don’t,” He warned. “You’ll draw attention to yourself.” She replied with a nod.

“Talk,” Raine glared at Siren as she held the sharp edge of her blade to her throat. “Or would you rather I finish you off?” She held the blade closer to her neck. Siren started to laugh like she told a joke.

“I have a better idea,” Siren kicked Raine’s sword out of hand. She spun striking Raine with a powerful kick. She pulled her sword out of the ground rushing toward Vanilla. Jake fought to get up to defend her. Vanilla drew her staff only to have it cut in half by Siren’s blade. She kicked Vanilla, knocking her on her back. Raine went to charge at her. “Hold it,” She held her blade to Vanilla’s throat. “You come near me and she dies.” Siren threatened.

“Hostages,” Raine stepped back. “I was under the impression that was beneath you.” She glared at Siren. “Just know, the second you hurt her. I’ll end you.” She tightened her grip on her blade.

“Jake,” Vanilla tried to crawl away from her. Siren grabbed her by her shirt, lifting her up by it. “Let go of me,” She tried to break free of her grasp but Siren was too strong. She couldn’t get free. “What are you going to do to me?”

“I’m going to make you my pet.” Siren answered. “Like I said before. One of you is going to be my pet. I admit there are better options.” Her eyes shifted over at Raine and Jake. “But,” She shrugged. “You’re the easiest target.” Vanilla struggled to get free but couldn’t. She had no idea what being Siren’s pet meant and didn’t want to find out. She had to get free but, how?

“Jake,” Vanilla continued to struggle. “Help me,” She was afraid of what Siren was going to do to her. She couldn’t be her pet. “Please,” She began trembling in fear. “Don’t let her take me.”

“Damn it,” Jake struck the ground. “Raine,” He closed his eyes. “I need to talk to you for a second.” He got behind a tree, and she followed him. “There’s something I need you to do for me,” He showed the tattoo on his arm bearing the mark for earth. “I know you know what this mark does.” She bit her lip. “You bear the marks for fire and lightning. that’s how you are able to use them.”

“Figured it out, did you?” Raine unzipped her vest showing him the mark for lightning on her chest. The mark for fire was located on her hand underneath her gloves. “I had a feeling that you had one. The question is,” She zipped up her vest. “Why are you telling me this now?”

“I need you to,” Jake stared down at the marking on his arm. “Burn the marking off my arm.”

“Earth is the only element. We don’t have,” Raine argued. “We need that marking, you’re the only person who has it. If I burn it, it’ll no longer work.” She explained. “I think I’m starting to understand.”

“If I don’t have this,” Jake pointed at the marking. “I can’t use it on you in the future.” He explained. “I’m going to trade myself for Vanilla.” She figured as much. “If we meet again,” Jake paused. “I might have to fight you and if that’s the case.” He placed his hand on the marking. “I don’t want to have this on me to use against you. I need you to get rid of it while you have the chance.”

“This might sting a bit,” Raine ignited her hand in flames touching the mark. Jake bit his lip as the flames left a burn on his skin. The mark for earth on his arm became nothing but a mere scar. “It’s done,” The flames dispersed on Raine’s hand. “Jake,” She glanced down at the ground. “I’m sorry, this is my,” He placed his hand on her shoulder.

“Don’t blame yourself for this,” Jake encouraged. “You fought hard, Raine,” He yanked his necklace off his neck. “Do me a favor,” He placed his necklace in her hand. “Protect Vanilla for me. If you do that then, we’re even.” He patted her shoulder. “I guess this is goodbye Raine.” He walked up to Siren.

“Let Vanilla go, take me instead.” Jake offered. “I’m the one you’re after, aren’t I?” Siren’s eyes shifted back and forth from Vanilla to Jake. It was clear that she couldn’t decide which to choose. “This offer does have an expiration date.” He warned.

“Jake no,” Vanilla struggled to get free but couldn’t. She knew what he was trying to do. If Siren discovered that she could heal then, she’d choose her. Jake for as long as she could remember served as her protector. She didn’t know why but he said that his sole purpose was to keep her safe. “You can’t,” She couldn’t let him sacrifice himself for her, he’s her fiancé. They were going to get married.

“I accept,” Siren released Vanilla’s shirt causing her to fall on her butt. “No tricks,” She held her blade to her throat. “If either of you try anything, she dies.” Raine put away her sword. Jake removed his gloves and set them on the ground.

“No tricks,” Jake kept his hands up. “I’ll go with you but, you have to let her go.” He stared into Siren’s eyes. “Those are my terms.” Siren urged him forward, Jake walked toward her. Vanilla ran over to Raine hiding behind her. “You have me now let’s-,” Siren slashed his cheek with her sword leaving a gash.

“Don’t give me orders,” Siren glared at him. “I’ll leave when I damn well please.” She held her blood stained sword to his throat. “Before I go, there’s something you must do to prove your loyalty to me.” She smirked. “Kiss me,” No, Jake, he couldn’t, that’s her fiancée, Vanilla’s chest started to ache. “Do it or else,” She threatened, Jake grasped her neck bringing her lips to his. The mere sight left Vanilla in shambles. “Now to ensure that they won’t follow us,” She glared at Vanilla. “Denounce her,”

“What,” Jake stepped back. “I kissed you just like you asked.” Siren held her sword to his throat. “As you wish,”

“Vanilla,” Jake forced a swallow. “There’s something I’ve been afraid to tell you. I don’t think I was ever going to tell you to be honest,” His eyes lingered on the ground. “When you broke up with me,” He tightened his hand into a fist. “I met this woman, I was so upset that you left me and I’m really sorry but.” That can’t be, he’s lying, Vanilla refused to believe that Jake would do something like that to her. “I slept with her, it meant nothing, I proposed to you in order to make up for it.” He explained. “I’m sorry Vanilla, I didn’t mean to hurt you.” She fell to her knees.

“That has to be a lie,” Vanilla shook her head. “You would never do that,” She clinched her necklace. “You proposed to me because you were afraid of losing me and you wanted to be with me. That’s what you told me.” She glanced up at him. “Which is it?” Vanilla asked. “Did you propose because you felt guilty for hurting me or did you actually love me?” She rose to her feet. “Which is it Jake?”

“Both,” Jake answered. “What I told you just now and what I told you when I gave you that ring. They were both true,” Raine placed her hand on Vanilla’s shoulder. “Raine, take care of her for me. I’m no longer fit to protect her.”

“It’s been fun but,” Siren smirked. “It’s time we left,” She started to walk away. “Come, Jake,” She summoned. “Oh and,” Siren stopped. “Don’t even think about following us. If you do,” She held a blade to Jake’s throat. “I’ll kill him.” She lowered her sword. “Jake,” She called out. “I said we’re leaving.” He replied with a nod following her.

“Jake,” Vanilla clinched her necklace. “Raine,” She turned toward her. “We have to get him back.” Raine placed Jake’s necklace in her hand. “I don’t care what he’s done, I just want him back.”

“We’ll get him back,” Raine assured her. “Right now, we need to focus on getting back to church. It’s only a matter of time before Lord Alexander sends more vampires here.” She explained. “If we aren’t inside before our leader puts up the sacred barrier. We’ll be trapped outside with an army of vampires.” She started walking toward the church. Vanilla followed her inside. This wasn’t over, Vanilla would find a way to free Jake from Siren.