Marguerite Solt's Story

Sitting on her porch, Marguerite Solt smiled brightly, loving the sunshine, almost felt like South Carolina, what an Indian Summer this week turned out to be, she had to admit, it was great. Usually it would be colder during the fall, the leaves were ruffling loose from their limbs, but holding on for dear life. But it would soon get cold, and when that happened she'd pack her bags and go somewhere, maybe this year she could fly to Aruba, all these centuries roaming the world but she'd never been there. Maybe she would go this time. At present, she was occupied with planning weddings and preparing decorations for other social outings customers came lining up for her services. Yes, the witch had a life. A normal one, she was an event planner, a wedding planner, and a designer of sorts. She had an eye for that. Plus the pay was great, she could afford luxe things, pay her cute house in full, snag a new car, and everything she would need to keep her end up. Though in all of this, she could find herself wondering, as she stared at the maple trees, and had a moment away from her desk to sip hot water with a slice of lemon and a sweet touch of honey, sitting on a wrought iron patio chair, she had felt her old life creeping up on her. The winds was scented with wolfs, vampires, and those miserable demons. Was that back already?

And Maria, that woman was a handful even in her senior years but by then Maggie couldn't stay long. Unlike the rest of the world that changed with age, she didn't, almost like a vampire. No one had to tell her, Maria was dead, she felt it as if someone had hacked off her arm. The pain was heart wrenching, for weeks Maggie had mourned her dear friend's death, but then when she returned years later and sensed Isabella, she knew, the woman was back. Although in a different form. A secret she would tell no one. Not that any of her friends were alive still that knew her, what she was, that would believe her. No matter, life moved on, and things were already kicking off. That boy was also here, Adacio's son, where had he been before was beyond her knowledge, like she was getting back to the program. She didn't need a crystal ball to know that she would come face to face with them. It was a matter of when, not if.

Aleksei was a player in this as well huh, she picked up on his vibes the instant she had driven back into this old town that was no longer just dirt rodes and small sparced shops. It had concrete and smooth asphalt. and was as modern-ish as any other town. Though one could argue that it stubbornly held on to some of its roots, a lot of its charm and vintage structures held up. People loved to keep their memories alive through these things and she would be lying if she said she wasn't just like them. Oh yeah she had her own collection of old-time memorabilia, that if she were to sell it to Pawn shops she would make millions. She owned the rarest of things, mostly witch stuff like the first gems and mystical stones like a precious lazuli stone her mother gifted to her on her fifteenth year (the one she had gave to Adacio to use to help seal the portal of hell,) ever crafted for magical use, the first wands (she stopped using them since they were just sticks with limited power usage) invented for witches or warlocks, a whole library of spell books, (she just goes to the Book of Shadows for a quicker access to the usual spells she'd ever need) things that belonged to important people she'd met that trusted her, (even the documentation as proof) and gifted her with their valuable materials for work she'd done for them, she keeps it all in perfect condition, and a whole bunch of stuff that she doesn't need but like the "collector" she is, holds on to anyways. These are things that she wouldn't show anyone except those she could trust. But that was something she also didn't hand out like free samples. Years and hardships taught her that trust was something that had to be given wisely. Since she had secrets of her own and not many people were understanding, it was a subject that she couldn't lightly discuss. Sticking around for more than a couple of years, cough-twenty-cough was her limit. She would have to go soon enough, as she had done before, only to come crawling back when enough time had passed. Until she either died, or got caught. Like that would happen.

"Dean, I remember you, just like your father, I wonder if you've grown up to be like him..." she sighed, taking a sip of her hot beverage, her limpid hazel eyes scanned the street before her as the cars crossed by. Adacio was something special, the rarest and oddest of his kind, just because he met Maria's mother, and then had a "touchy" moment once with Maria who really showed him what was worth living for. "Nothing can be more beautiful than doing work, that puts your soul at risk. That is what it means to truly be alive." Spoken from the seer herself, Maria was both a blessing and an angel. If only she were here now. Maggie smiled at the memories of her, and of her lasting effect on Adacio. That demon lord, so proud and yet oh so deliciously "human," knocking at her door just to talk about everything and nothing, they were all friends, her, Maria, Aleksei, even old Wolfgang that dog, how precious these memories were. She found herself toying with a ring she wore around her left ring finger. Her husband was out working his own in some business affairs. David Solt, a handsome man (also a supernatural warlock) something like herself, as old as Noah's Ark, has been with her through this journey a long, long time. Sometimes things were a bit sketchy between them, they would fight a big one, sometimes things would literally "blow-up" between them and they'd separate for months on end, but the make up sex was to die for. And eventually they got over whatever the hell they were fighting about in the first place and get back together. Like that Katy Perry song, Hot N Cold, that was them.

A telephone ringing inside her house brought her back to now, she was just about to get lost in years and years of memories, standing, she went inside and reached the phone on it's cradle just before it hit the fourth ring. Bringing the stylish, beautiful, antique phone to her ear she smiled at recognizing Billie's voice. The man was old, damn, how long was she gone? Well, she was glad to be back, here it goes.

"Hi Jenkins, you got my number, how did you know I was back?"
"You've stayed long enough to have your digits listed in the yellow pages, listen I need a favor to ask of you." came Billie's voice from the other end.
"Sure, anything for my favorite covert hunter." she said smiling brilliantly.

Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ

"Not just know your enemy, but know how to kill it. And to do that, you gotta get the basics of using weapons, how to hold yourself in a fist fight and my ultimate favorite, the laws or rules of battles. You'll learn it all, I know you will, but in baby steps. Alright?" he told her seriously, keeping his gaze on the road. No, he couldn't sugar coat it for her, not anymore, he wasn't joking when he said he was gonna train her hard -well maybe not too hard. But they were dealing with an entire nest of vampires, and not just any, purebloods. They were harder, meaner, and stronger. Not a piece of cake, and she would have to put brutal force into her moves, and strike with the utmost intention to kill, destroy them all. It was her life, or theirs.

At hearing her bring a light to her read, a journal not a book, he rose a brow. What she read was finally making sense, not some crappy writer's view on vampires -pssh they don't glitter in sunlight, at all. He smiled a small grin, but then it vanished when she mentioned that name again. Adacio, that name alone has been haunting him since that demon had first mentioned it, calling him the son of Adacio. What did it mean? Was it literal? But who the hell was Adacio? The hunter stole a glance at the italian girl, but she was watching the beautiful view outside.

He drove faster.




"They're here." Maggie said with a touch of a smile forming at her lips. They were all here. She sat on the edge of a lumpy couch, in the space that was part living room, part office -the hunter had a desk, piles of books and an open laptop there, it was not a happy sight and the designer within Maggie was begging to spring out, have her do something to define this space that she couldn't tell what it was.

Billie stood from behind his desk and went to the door to see the huntress/vampiress and the vampire. He was indeed shocked, so Dean wasn't kidding huh? He stepped aside and gestured for them to come on in, he'd caught the glimpse of Dean's Impala as it pulled into the lot, coming to a park, and the two doors from both sides swinging open. Isabella and Dean stepping out.

"So the meeting is here?" Dean asked, as he lead Isabella to the shop.

"Guess so, found your witch." Billie grumbled, he turned as the hunter entered through the door, along with the girl.

Maggie watched Selene and Michael curiously, what would they want with her? She'd never met them, but she'd met their kind. Selene she could see had a strong connection to the pureblood Michael, no one else would see it, but she saw the invisible bonds that tied them together. It looked like silvery ribbons, unwoven around them in the air, like wisps of evanescent smoke. Beautiful.

The same could be said for Dean and Isabella, but that bond was stronger, brighter. The witch's eyes widened, for a split second she could have sworn she was staring at Adacio, he was there again, and they were back in her home, him coming to her for a simple talk, one that would go on for hours. She knew virtually everything she had to know about the demon lord, he was more open to her than anyone it seemed. Maybe because the two were apart of the same world. She took a breath, telling herself that the man had died ages ago, this here was his son, who was also part human. Something flickered in her eyes but that was all, she then spotted the dark haired beauty that was Isabella, all grown up and she too possessed the same likeness as Maria. That was expected. She offered her a kind smile, almost "welcoming" her back. Though she knew the girl wouldn't be able to recognize the expression.

A few moments later, Aleksei arrived, as though waiting for them all to be here. But someone was missing, the witch noted but said nothing of it. She silently watched the group as they exchanged glances, the little pureblood girl that had accompanied Aleksei kept herself close to him, eyeing the witch suspiciously, as if not liking her presence.


Dean lead Isabella to seat herself on the chair that was situated in the center of the circle, he sat next to her, Aleksei settled beside Maggie, he smiled at her, his expression saying "Long time no see, you look good," and he held on to Mina's hand, feeling her stiffen uncomfortably at his left.

Maggie returned the smile, hers replying "Thanks, you haven't changed at all."

Dean rolled his eyes, those two were like high school friends, meeting again as if they hadn't seen each other in a short time. Wow, he figured she was the witch, and without waiting to be prompted he addressed her, "You're a witch right?"

The witch tore her gaze from Alek to gaze sharply at Adacio's kid, he had the same stubborn chin as his father and that piercing stare that would make anyone tremble, but she did not. It didn't effect her the same way, "Yes, I am. My name is Maggie Solt. Pleasure."

Dean nodded, she didn't really look the part, more like a friendly neighbor, the kind that would welcome you into town with a maga-watt smile and a fruit cake in hand. Though he knew well that looks were deceiving, always were.

Billie didn't like the glower shadowing his kid's eyes, and he put his hands up in a "relax" gesture at the hunter, "Dean, I know her, she's not like other witches. We can all trust her."

"She's a witch."

"We all know that."

"Dean I've been around for a very long time, even before you were born. I've met your father, quite the handsome devil if you ask me."

Dean stared at her shocked, and something told him she was talking about Adacio -his real father.

Then the door swung open, "It's confirmed, Isabella is a prophesy, it ain't just an urban legend-" Veratos announced as she walked in, then smiled broadly at the collection of folks here, "Oh, are we having a party?"

"It's about time you got here, sit." Billie said, pointing to a chair that was next to Selene.

Closing the door, she strode on over to that very chair and sunk into it, she shouldered Selene, "So this is the witch huh? Looks young, and normal..." she whispered, her eyes spotted Dean and she winked at him, then she looked at everyone else. Yup, everyone was here. Let it all begin.

"Nice of you to finally join us," Selene remarked as Veratos plopped into the seat beside her. "I don't know about normal, but she definitely doesn't look ancient."

The huntress observed the witch, who watched all of them with a sense of familiarity in her dark eyes. She looked smug and comfortable, as if she had dealt with the likes of them before, or something. She wouldn't be surprised if the witch was familiar with her father, although she was a tad shocked when Wolfgang and Julian walked into the room, exchanging knowing glances.

"Marguerite, Avalon, it's been so long. What a pleasure it is to see you both again," said Wolfgang as he took a seat beside Julian.

When Isabella entered the room, his countenance changed drastically. She lingered in the threshold for a few seconds, examining the attendees with large curious eyes. When her gaze shifted to the witch, who watched her almost knowingly, she furrowed her brows. The woman did not fit the description of the witches of olde; she looked like a successful businesswoman, perhaps even a well kept mother of a young child, but definitely not a sorceress. An instantaneous headache momentarily obscured her eyesight, and when she closed her lids shut, she could see more images dancing around in her mind.

The same woman she had been seeing lately was there, but the most curious part was this vision also included Marguerite. The two were conversing about something while standing over two baby cribs; they lifted the children from their cradle, holding them close to their hearts while apparently singing an enchanting lullaby of some sort. A man whose face was blurred but his outline resembled that of Dean entered the room shortly thereafter, taking one of the babies- a blond boy- and kissing his forehead tenderly.

When Vera mentioned something about a prophecy, Isabella returned to the present time. She shook her head clear of the strange vision, then sat down beside Dean and waited for the meeting to begin. She had to admit, she felt entirely out of place; among the group of supernatural beings, Isabella felt like an oddball for being the only human with no special abilities. Feeling the tension rise when Dean addressed the witch, Isabella took his hand and squeezed it comfortingly. The situation was weird for all of them, and the only way they could get through it was if they worked cooperatively.

"If the legend is indeed a prophecy, then that means..." Selene began, though her voice trailed off as she shifted her attention to stare sorrowfully at Isabella.

Veratos smirked, "Normal as in, she looks like a regular if you know what I mean." she explained, then chuckling lightly, she added, "Yeah I wonder where she gets her miracle cream."

Maggie brightened at Wolfgang, with obvious recognition, the same look Billie gave his old hunter buddies whenever they stopped by. Then followed another young one, she greeted him with a smile. The witch's gaze lingered on the elder man long enough to see that he was settling in, just as effortlessly back into the "hunt" as any of them did, before swinging back to the Isabella, concern for the young Italian evident in her features when she closed her eyes and pressed fingers onto the side of her brow.

They all tensed around her, watching Isabella with equal bouts of increasing worry. It was all for her after all that they had gathered here for. Only when she opened her eyes again and looked about, smiling an embarrassed little grin.

Selene voiced her reaction to the hybrid Veratos' confirmation of Lombardi's future, even giving the girl that look that clearly said, "you're screwed."

Maggie rose like a woman in power, to address them all, especially Dean. She'd never imagine the things he wanted to do to her, witches. Damn why it had to be one of 'em?

"Well now, that's showing some spirit. Missy, I think you should learn some people skills, that is no way to think," she shot this to the ever so downer Selene who was quick to assume that all was lost. It wasn't --not yet it was. They had options, there was always options. At least Dean firmly believed there were.

Maggie then glided her light forest eyes back, meeting Dean's starer.

"Don't need to trust me Salvatore, but that wasn't why you requested my presence was it? We're here to discuss this young lady's situation," She gestured toward Isabella at his side. He clenched his teeth. How calm and almost amused did she have to be? He could just punch her. He almost did.

Maggie smirked a coy grin, that knowing look in her eyes, "Word around is she's already been spotted by the vamps." She divided her gaze from Dean to Alek, who gave her a simple nod of affirmation to that fact, before redirecting her gaze to Dean again.

Another secret smile tilted her lips, if only Dean could read her mind. Bitch.

"Now, you're all planning something am I right?" Stupid question, her smile grew as her eyes settled expectantly to Billie.

He nodded, "Yeah, as soon as I know what's what." Billie crossed his arms, staring from the witch to everyone else. Apparently it all came down to her. She was the center of their case, how freaking weird. She was just a normal girl, why did the vamps want her blood for, a power boost?

Dean wrapped his fingers around Isabella's hand, glanced at her for a split second, then turned his gaze to the witch, he cleared his throat, capturing her attention. In his most grave tone, laid it out, "Well, first things first, I got Billie to hail your witchy ass down 'cuz I'm somehow linked to her. To put it short, if something bad happens to me, if I die. So does she. I want you to undo it... If it's even a spell to begin with."

Maggie's eyes widened like saucers, she shot him a mean look, "Undo the Life-force binding spell? The one I created to not only bring her to life when she dies, but also make it work so that you don't die after she's revived? Hmm, hunter, are you sure that's a good idea? I mean, we're all here to protect her right? I just skipped to the part where you all fail, and she gets killed because face it, Fate is never wrong, and no matter how many times we may all try to thwart what's been written, it can't be completely avoided, " she shrugged, "thank me later, but that's a no."

"What?! So it was you?" Dean shot to his feet, staring eye-to-eye with the witch who looked as if she'd done the most wonderful thing in the world. "When the hell-how the hell...?"

"You were a baby when I linked you. Your father gave me permission. That simple. Don't you think we've already addressed this matter, thinking up so many ways in which we could all prevent this from happening? Prevent an innocent death?" she countered, her tone even, her gaze locked on him.

"Yeah, well bang up job ya did, in case you have forgotten, I'm a damn hunter. I can get ganked by anyone of those bastards out there ya ever considered what'd happen then?"

He could feel the vampire staring, like an itch he couldn't scratch. "Salvatore, watch your tone, she's a witch and a powerful one." Aleksei warned him quietly, his auras spiking beneath his calm facade.

"Shut your pie hole, this is between me and her."

"I am verily aware of your daily ventures hunter, but given the circumstances, because of what you are, that is highly unlikely. That's how I knew this would work. Now, is that all you wanted me here for?" Maggie planted both hands on her hips, staring back expectantly, "Are we going to get to the part where we ambush the Italian vamps or discuss whether I can undo the spell? Because no matter what you say I won't undo it."

"Maybe this will change your mind," Dean held the Colt to the witch's forehead, the barrel pressed directly in between her brows. His finger on the trigger ready to pull and blow her brains out.

"How dare you, ingrate. Threatening my life after I did you the favor of helping to save this girl before you'd even known of what's coming for her? Get that thing out of my sight!" A thick force of brutal, electrical energies crackled in the room, a powerful gust of air whipped at the pistol in Dean's grip, smacking the weapon out of his hand, sending it flying over everyone's heads smashing through the glass window outside.

"Balls, this is exhausting," Billie muttered as he rubbed his brows and sighed. "Tell me when you get your head outta your ass so that we can get to what's important here ya idjit."

Dean shot him a look, "What? Are you even hearing what she's saying?"

"Dean don't be so grouchy, she was helping, don't you see, she's already known all this would happen even before you took on this case." Veratos explained like she knew who they were dealing with. She approached and wrapped her hands around his bicep using the distraction as an excuse just to get all close and touchy. Carmine lips curved into a sexy smile and her eyes glittered with pure want as she looked from him to Maggie.

Maggie rose her brows, noticing Veratos, "Precisely, you're a sharp one. He should learn from you... Now let's get back to the real-"

"Wait a sec, you said my father had a say in this? Are you talking about Adacio?" Dean interrupted, calming a little, and ignoring Veratos' painfully obvious hitting on him. He had to focus.

Maggie exchanged a knowing look with Billie who's face paled several shades of white. Now what?

"You didn't tell him?"

"Tell me what?" Dean glancing back.

"No, I haven't." Billie answered drily.

Maggie shook her head, "Well boy there's not much for me to tell you. That's a discussion for you and Billie to have."

"Billie." Dean turned, how did he know that this Adacio demon lord was his father -biological father and had never even told him? What a way to pull a fast one on him. He yanked his arm from Veratos and crossed the room, leaving with Billie.

Finding his gun near an old junked car he slid it back into its holster, then he followed.

"Ya just gonna walk out?"

"You know I hate witches right? I mean she could be lying her ass off in there. I'm not buying her crap." Dean just wanted him to know that as it was prickling in his head like a wild hornets nest waiting to burst. "'Cuz if my father is some jacked up demonic lord, you'd told me that a long time ago, right?" Dean trudged down a row of old cars with the older man, glad as all give out that he was outta that damn crowded and stuffy room. Yeah, call him claustrophobic, he didn't enjoy a space occupied by more than four people at a time. He glanced back to look at Billie, reading his face. He didn't like the guilt tripping he was seeing. Damn.

"Well yeah, Adacio is your blood relative if we're being technical. He's a... I don't know how to tell you this, he ain't all human if you know what I mean." Billie slowly admitted, watching Dean closely. "I've called your old man but it keeps going to voice mail, he won't pick up probably 'till he's done with his case."

Dean hesitated next to an old Chevy, black paint peeling off its banged up body. "Your saying all this time you knew James wasn't my father, that I'm a freaking son of the devil and ya never bothered mentioning it to me?"

Billie sighed, "Come on boy, like I could without James threatening to take you away if you knew the truth. I didn't have a choice."

"He took on another case?"

"Yup, one in Eden, North Carolina, something's wicked popped up, been leaving vics dead all over, hearts torn out. I think you know what that means."

"Right. So now he decides is a good time to turn off his cell during a hunt, wait until I see him." Dean released a shuddering breath, his fist pounding into the hood of the car, leaving a deeper dent. Another question poised in his mind, but it refused to crystallize.

"What are you thinking, gonna go after him?"

"No, whenever he gets here, I'll face him. Are you gonna tell me who Adacio is?"

"Boy I don't think you even want to know."

Dean nodded, the words that sounded like a warning tumbling around in his head. All the secrets, the lies, not only was Billie forced to keep his trap shut about something so serious, but his own dad never told him. And he had plenty of chances to.

"I'm tired of this, can't you just tell me, tell me if he's a monster." He felt his throat tighten and a burning in the back of his eyes. What was worse? Being a freak or the son of a monster? Maybe both.

Billie sighed deeply, "It's something James wanted to tell you himself, something I shouldn't even be talking to you about. I promised him I wouldn't tell you anything about it."

Dean looked at him pointedly, "Well I know he isn't exactly normal, and the fact that he made deals with a witch. What's with all the mystery here?"

Billie put a hand on his shoulder, "We'll cross that bridge when we get there, for now let's go back inside and focus on your case."

"No! I want freaking answers. This can't wait, I need to know what the hell I'm dealing with, it's… it's changing me. I see things, hear things I've never even…" He realized a bit too late he was yelling, his fists clenched so tightly blood seeped through his fingers where his nails bit into his palms. "What else are you not telling me? Huh? This Adacio guy is the reason I'm not normal isn't he? Is that why a witch tacked Isabella's soul with mine, betting on the juiced up horse not to kick it when things get hairy?"

Billie stared with wide eyes. As if he'd turned into some crazed beast. What did he think he couldn't put two plus two and connect the dots?

"That's what it looks like, she even said it herself and called it a favor. A favor for who? I never signed up for it. Heck I never even got a word in, and everyone is in on it except me."

Billie tore his gaze, surveying the lot, pain written all over his face. "I'm sorry kid, I didn't want things to get outta hand. I just wanted to keep you safe."

Dean unclenched his hands ignoring the sting in his palms, intrigued he brought his hand up watching as half moon incisions closed up fight before his eyes in a matter of seconds.

"I nearly died today, heck I think I actually was a doornail for a moment. Then outta nowhere my heart kicked back up into gear, that's how I knew. Something wasn't right."

Billie stared, he could feel his eyes on him, unlike with Aleksei it didn't feel cold and prickly. It was familiar and yet, he couldn't define the feeling, the new feeling that he sensed, some type of caution. As if he'd drop his marbles and what, lose whatever was left of his humanity? Did he even feel human anymore? He had demon blood coursing through his pipes, how much of himself was even normal anymore?

"We have to have a serious talk about this son, but there's a case. And you and I are the only ones here to work it right."

"But the bonds still hold? Sabrina the bitch won't lift it?"

Billie shook his head, "It wasn't my decision--"

"Hell it wasn't mine either, all I'm sayin' is that it's a bad call… My soul… My soul isn't even human is it?"

Billie grasped his shoulder giving it a firm squeeze, "You maybe a hybrid, but you're still got heart. You're my son I've told you that a bunch of times."

Dean lowered his hands and nodded. He wasn't going to continue arguing if a girl who depended on him was waiting. He decided he'd kust have to fight, keep going. Until he couldn't anymore and another hunter put him out for it. But until that day, for now she needed his help and that came first.

Inside the shop, Aleksei was discussing with everyone else some sort of strategy on how he would handle the bulk of the vampires while Isabella could hold her end and try to defend herself since there was no talking her out of going along with them. He seemed highly confident that Dean would train her well enough by the time prom night came around. Coming to end his statement soon after for Veratos to pick up and say, "I've acquired a satellite map of Italy, namely Rome encircled as the focal point. Avalon if we can figure out where exactly their nest is, we could strike 'em, take 'em down in numbers. The more out of the way, the easier it would be to get to the Alpha vampire, he won't have so many soldiers to back him up. Makes the fight even on our side," she opened a large map on the coffee table so that everyone could see it.

Dean leaned in over her shoulder to inspect the colorfully and richly detailed map. Names of each important land mark and all the regions respectively, some of them even marked in as points of interest.

She indicated a little space in between the Palazzo Cardinal Seci and Hotel Columbus. "They're hotels, not your average nighters either these are like Four Seasons big. I have a feeling they're gonna have Isabella spend some time there. Lorenzo's words."

Could the key in his pocket reveal something to this puzzle? Maybe it could clue them in on something he was missing. "I doubt these vamps would announce where they hide, much less make it an obvious place. Finding them will be tricky."

Dean glared at the witch who ignored him, he then turned to stare at the map Aleksei was studying like the thing would magically tell him where the nest was with a giant green arrow. He rolled his eyes, this was not going to work and would only be a waste of their time, precious seconds he couldn't exactly spare. The clock was ticking.

"I think we should all just go to Italy, scope out Rome, and find a vamp or two from that nest, I doubt it'll be that hard for them to stay hidden, especially when they sense their bait is hooked and thrown into the sea. We'll all be there to keep her safe obviously, but if we're gonna go with that option, I think she needs a little hunter-how-to's down to a synch before anything. Can't be too careless here." Dean suggested, tapping the tip of his boot restlessly against the wooden floor.

"I second that notion." Billie agreed, standing near his desk heaped with old text books and reference papers.

Veratos glanced at her hunter pal, smiling as she always did, "I like where you're going Salvatore, but how long are we speaking here? This should be done soon, before they strike. I don't believe Lorenzo's gentlemanly act of kindness, they'll try to get to us first. I can feel it. They don't know how to play fair, especially when we have what they so badly crave."

"That depends on Isabella herself, what's your take on all this crap?" Dean peered at her, "It's your life we're talking about Isabella."

Veratos, Aleksei, Mina, and Maggie gazed her probably wondering the same thing. Surely she'd have plenty to say.

Michael sighed as Dean was quick to loose his cool and immidiately go all hunter-mode on the witch right then and there. Frankly the situation couldn't get any more worse, right? He rubbed his temples, taking a moment to consciously block the uneasy vibes swirling around him. They were giving him a headache and making his own vampire instincts skittish and on edge. It was true, vampires had quite the pack mentality sometimes. They picked up on one another's feelings and responded to them, often automatically. Of course, the 'alpha' was the one who set the tone, and as Michael watched Aleksei, he could tell why everyone else was feeling agitated. Could the hunter who wasn't a vampire at all sense it too?

He shot Avalon a quick glance, the pureblood's eyes were watching the hunter steadily.

Aleksei's aura could be felt powerfully, especially since they were all in the same room. It wasn't exactly dark, not like it could get when the pureblood was angry. It was just... unsettled, or perhaps frustrated. The fact that Aleksei was broadcasting instead of keeping it tightly under control like he usually did, however, meant that the feelings must be pretty intense.

"Salvatore, watch your tone, she's a witch and a powerful one." Aleksei was saying in that quiet, dangerous tone he had which usually signaled when it was wise to run for the hills.

When the colt was suddenly flying across the room, Michael flickered his attention to the witch and the hunter, for a moment there he thought he would have to jump to his feet and pull them apart. Something about Dean's father Adacio had been brought up, Michael didn't know who that was, he'd even looked to Aleksei, who's eyes veered to Isabella, more focused on her for some reason than the arguement, he could feel the tention building up in him. The pureblood must have found staring at her more soothing than watching the hunter and witch yell at eachother. Michael agreed, his fingers found Selene's hand and held it firmly. Soon Dean was out the door with Billie, extending the convo about Adacio maybe?

As soon as he left, Michael watched Maggie seat herself on the couch again, an indifferent look in her gaze.

For a while after, they were surrounded by a deep silence. A pause it was, to find that "calm" again. After a while Michael could sense Aleksei's aura slowly fade, like the pureblood was getting a 'grip' on himself.

"So, getting back on the task at hand, Isabella. Care to fill us in on whatever plans you have?" Michael asked, switching his sights to the Italian girl, this was all about her. Only her.

The conversation would pick up from there, reaching Aleksei who's tone was soft, and yet also forceful. He would find a way to locate the alpha, a task only he could well accomplish, while Isabella would be training with the hunter. Was it possible for the two purebloods to discuss this matter, maybe reach some sort of agreement? With the way things were going, Michael wouldn't be holding his breath for that. The girl was already their target and she'd already been given an expectent date. One that if they even tried to dismiss would have dire consequences befall them all. Vampire sized trouble would be inevitable.

Micheal listened as the pureblood revealed his plans to help defend Isabella's life if the situation resulted in the use of weapons, they weren't all sure exactly what the vampires would want Isabella for, only guessing that the prophesy would rewrite her future, but nothing could ever really be ascertained. It was funny to think that maybe this time the same thing wouldn't happen again. Maybe this time she wouldn't have to be subjected to such a horrific end. The Italian vampires could paint it out as her doing them a service all they wanted, point to the treaty as being the sole thing they stood by --but he nore Aleksei weren't buying it. The very same situation had been done before, and what did that fix? Nothing. These vampires are still egging him on, even now they still were.

Michael had known something like this were happening to Aleksei long before any of the others had been pulled into this mess. Isabella was being targeted and the proof was in the little packeges sent to the pureblood months ago. It was the only shared inforamation Michael had gotten from Aleksei. He trusted him enough to let him know how much of a strain this was turning out to be on him. And Michael felt bad, not only because there wasn't much he could do to help, but because all this could end up with them failing as the witch ahd pointed out.

Fate was never wrong.

But they would all try anyways, especially Aleksei, he didn't take no for an answer. Isabella was his life and he would die to defend it, all the way.

And Michael would be there, every step.

He hadn't noticed when the hunter had returned until he suggested that they all go to Italy to force the Italian vampires out of hiding, then asked Isabella for her opinion. He stared at the girl, everyone did.

"You know, for an 800 year old hag..." Selene hissed, though a sharp, reprimanding glare from Julian cut off her sentence. Michael squeezed her hand firmly, but as she watched Veratos unravel the map of Italy, she broke away from him and stood.

"We're dealing with two different enemies here; the Italians and the French. Now when they touched down in Sable, their intentions were to take Isabella and marry her off to one of their royal princes, but we all know that they have ulterior motives. As we've seen so far, her blood has some special quality to it, or something, which leads us to believe that these royals are after it too."

Selene walked over to the map and observed the circled locations. There was no way the Italians would agree to meet Isabella at a crowded place- prestigious, perhaps, but nothing obvious. That simply wasn't their style. The huntress furrowed her brows and exchanged perceptive glances with Veratos, who had confirmed that the prophecy on Isabella's life was indeed true. So the extent of the information she had shared was a given, and what had been a mystery still continued to be such; only the problem was finding a way to break it.

"We have established alliances with tribes all over Europe," began Wolfgang. His forest colored eyes traveled over the group, whom shifted their attentions accordingly. "Including Italy and France. Should this ordeal result in a battle, we can rest assured that we have multiples on our side."

"Do you think we could recruit a scout from one of the packs in Italy to locate the Italian empire?" Selene asked.

"That's certainly a possibility... although they're also likely to reject that idea. They might not be willing to risk exposure for a cause they deem lost."

"Well, what about France?"

"Now that won't be necessary, child," Wolfgang responded. "Unlike the Italians, the French like to boast about the ingenuity of their domain. For centuries they've taunted other sects by deliberately making known the location of their empire, which lies deep in the heart of Paris within the underground catacombs. Because these famous crypts are impossible for nonresidents to navigate, the French always held the homecourt advantage against those foolish enough to try and strike them."

Isabella had remained quiet and observant during this entire period. Her large golden eyes had become quite small and weary now; Dean's distrust of the witch and his temperament made her uneasy and increasingly more apprehensive of the situation at hand. She was struggling to hold herself together as her perception of the life she thought she had came crashing down in chaos all around her. It was difficult for the girl to piece things together, and her mind was working overtime to try and calculate every little fragment and detail. Then she perked up, and became serious.

"What if I was the scout?" she suggested, already prepared for the onslaught of pointed glowers she was about to receive that opposed the idea. "Just hear me out, okay? I think I might have the compass that can lead us straight to the lion's den."

She held her grandmother's leatherbound journal to eye level, the hint of a smile playing at her lips, though the swell of her mouth failed to grant it. She swallowed a lump in her throat; they would likely think her stupid and overestimating her abilities. She was a simple human with no special characteristics aside from her magic blood and questionable link to these two fueding vampire legions.

"If it's me they want, then they won't put up a fight and their guard may be lowered," she continued, matter of factly. "If I go to them willingly, claiming to want to speak with my mother, they might also be more cooperative. Dean and I are linked, so can't you also conjure up your magic voodoo and track me down? Say they grant me access- if I lube up with some vervain oil, then they won't be able to touch me, right? And by being in their lair, I could possibly figure out if my mother is a plausible ally. If we have someone they trust on the inside working against them, it'll be that much easier to make their empire implode."

She averted her gaze from the witch, to Dean, to Aleksei. Of course, this would be after her six months of intensive training, and Aleksei would be the one to accompany her inside. She knew he was the only one the Italians could trust.

"We can't just flat out attack them," Isabella added. "Their armies are both too large to take on. If we can make them crumble from within, then we won't really have to do much battling ourselves. The ones we really have to worry about are the French. I strongly believe the Italians are leaning more in our favor, but I can't say it's by much."

"What if we make them attack each other?" Julian suddenly suggested. "As in, we somehow give them a superiority complex- for example, when two alpha males challenge each other over the same turf, they usually fight until one of them submits. However, knowing the nature of the two empires, that might mean to their death."

Isabella shrugged. That was an interesting theory in itself. Selene watched them all curiously. Things were beginning to get messy, and ideas were being tossed around like a salad. She knew very well the hunter and Aleksei would oppose Isabella's suggestion despite her reasoning. Perhaps it would all bubble down to their trust in her ability to carry out skilled and intelligent assassinations when that day came. All she knew was that they all needed to put their heads together and impart each of their diverse skills and wisdom to Isabella. When it really came down to it, she was the one who would need it the most.

"For now, I believe we should focus on training the human," said Wolfgang, as if he had read the vampire's mind.

Dean took a moment to let it all settle in his head, right about now he was willing to go with anything. At first his reaction was to say 'no' at that idea, however Isabella had stated that she would indeed train first. Then why not? Give her a shot at it. Feeling the weight of the pureblood's stare on him, he slowly nodded, and looked to Isabella, "Alright, let's go with that one," he smirked, agreeing with it more and more as he processed it further in his head. Chick was right in a way, he would lean on this and not back track with the "what-if's" that would surely make him change his mind, "So I train you, you're ready in six months, you can take out a vamp by then, I'd say you're good to go. Get in with the Italian vampires, build some trust falls, while I hang back, then strike when they least expect it...."

Aleksei was like WTF? It was so obvious he was gunning for Dean to completely disagree and protest as he would.

"But on one condition, if, if you're not up to par with 'em, and one of them kicks your ass than you're not ready. And we do this my way." Dean gave them all that look, "Either that, or you're fucked."

Vera cracked up laughing, "I think he's right. I'm not a vampire but I know they're fighting style, I'll be keeping watch come that day, if I see you're loosing I'll kill it for you. But then you'd know what that means."

Aleksei sighed, putting Isabella in danger was something he wanted to avoid ultimately but when it came to something like this, he didn't think he had a say here. This situation was rolling into a mess of crap. Though in retrospect he couldn't say no to the training sessions. She could benefit greatly from them, it would prepare her for what was to come, possibly awaken her to the reality of it all. However, vervain oil? Where was she getting that from?

"We should focus on the now instead, train her well Salvatore and when the day comes, ultimately what comes out of it will determine our next move. I can communicate with the French, see what they want in all this. Had done it numerous times before but for different reasons." He said this to Salvatore, then he glanced at Isabella, she had to take a brief course in her vampire-killing know-how. "Vervain oil? Do you want to smell like a plant? That would never work against Purebloods, the only thing that would prevent them from touching you would be-"

Maggie seemed to have gained some interest at the topic of repelling vampires, she whipped out a small bottle from her bag and aimed it toward the Italian girl, "This is the perfect opportunity to test-drive my latest creation. Forbidden Fruit," She pressed her finger into the spray thing and a mist of its contents sprits outward in a tiny cloud.

Aleksei covered his nose and mouth with the sleeve of his shirt and turned his head away, but that wasn't enough, the stench permeated the air and he had to get some distance, Mina reacted in an identical manner. The vampires in the room all stood and almost too quickly went for the door.

"Smells like Hell!" Dean said, pretending to gag, he wasn't as sensitive to smells, but he'd smelled worse before. He too had skidded backwards, almost chuckling amused. That was funny! Vera was next to him, fanning herself, her expression priceless.

Billie pinched his nose shut, and nodded, "I call that a great vampire repellent. Like mosquitoes. Clever one Mag." He complimented, he too kept his distance.

"The secret ingredient? Pure vampire blood, aged hundreds of years, though I have yet to pass it on to the Hunter Association for approval. So let's keep it between us mm'kay?" She said with a smile, glad that it had worked well, she handed the tiny, rose shaped glass bottle to Isabella. Now it was hers to keep. "Only one sprits is enough to last hours, it's so strong it'll even withstand the rain. To get it off, a simple shower will do. Just don't get it on your clothes, the oils in it will stain." Maggie warned.

"Yeah, so I guess we got a new weapon on our hands, excellent. Mags, got anymore of that stuff, I can whip up some really useful bombs with that. I can't wait!" Vera said excitedly, she couldn't help her amusement, the other vampires were opening the door and stepping outside the shop --wow was that spray that strong? Damn.

"How's that Avalon?" Dean asked, glancing back at the pureblood, who wasn't too pleased that the girl he adored now stunk, worse than a skunk.

"That'll do, unless they keep a stash of gas-masks at hand, or stop breathing long enough to do the damage. It could work!" Aleksei replied, uncovering his nose and mouth to address the hunter clearly.

(Angel-Chii, I would really like for Lyra to be more associated with the group! How do we go about including her within the next few posts? Is she going to settle in the forest soon? It would be cool to get her acquainted with the rest of the wolf pack.)

Isabella winced as the spritz of pure vampire blood wafted in the air and landed on her delicate skin. The pain was near excruciating at first- a vicious sting as if acid had just been sprayed onto her flesh. Though that was something to be expected; even if she was a human, that didn't subtract from the fact that vampire blood still contained a highly potent venom. There was no pungent smell she could detect, however, and aside from recoiling from the sting for a few moments, she quite liked the subtle fragrance of rose and sandalwood. If she hadn't known any better, the witch may as well have given her a very pleasant perfume.

"Remarkable," she whispered, taking the rose shaped glass bottle in her fingers and observing the pinkish liquid within.

That's when she turned and noticed all of the vampires aggressively repulsed by the odor it truly emitted. Selene hissed violently, her teeth bared as she turned away and stifled her gag reflexes threatening to make her vomit. The newborn's eyes were stinging fiercely, and tears dotted the corners of her tightly squeezed lids. Even Wolfgang and Julian were reacting in disgust, though they responded in a manner that was more akin to being allergic. Because of their acutely adapt sense of smell, they were quite used to the vile scent of purebloods, and thus were a bit more desensitized to its potency. Still, the odor in itself could not be escaped.

"That's... quite an invention, Marguerite," said Wolfgang, sneezing. "Clever, indeed."

"I mean, as a weapon, sure," Selene added, still trying to recover from the blow. "Who's to say the royals will let her in smelling like that? They'll suspect something immediately. This should be used as a defense mechanism, and a very last resort at that."

"Still, I appreciate it, Madame Solt," Isabella interrupted, giving Selene a slightly pointed look. "Thank you."

She turned the attractive bottle over in her hands, a smile creeping over her rosebud lips. She then wondered what her grandmother might have said at the resourceful invention, and couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of it all. She could imagine a sort of incredulous reaction, then perhaps a nerdy, excited babbling about the intelligence behind the creation. She looked up at Aleksei, her grin still reaching from ear to ear, though her expression softened when she saw how he had withdrawn.

"So, we agree on something then, yes?" she remarked, a hint of playful sarcasm in her warm tone. "When should we start training?"

As she tucked the repellant carefully away into her satchel, she rose and turned to Dean, much too amused with the outcome of the situation. He truly hated the vampires, no matter if they were allies or not; that much was evident. He had the makings of a successful hunter, without a doubt, and she rested a little easier knowing that the intensity of his hatred also fueled his need to train. She would be receiving instruction from one of the greatest. They actually might be able to pull this off.

She turned to Julian and Wolfgang, who seemed quite ready to leave the place still stinking of rotten vampire blood.

"I don't think we've been properly introduced," she said, approaching them.

"You don't recall this, child, but you and I have been acquainted before," Wolfgang responded, offering her a knowing smile. "We were there when your mother gave birth to you, and the celebration that took place thereafter. Your grandmother and I were good friends. My name is Wolfgang Talbot. I have led the Northeastern tribe for longer than I care to admit..."

"And I'm Julian," he added. "The next in line to do so."

"Tribe?" asked Isabella. "As in..."

"Wolves," finished Selene, not looking up from her perch beside Michael. "Werewolves."

Isabella hesitated for a second. She had read stories about them; vengeful creatures that were incapable of retaining their humanity when they shifted. They were slaves to the moon, submitting to its whim and powerless to do anything about it. Like the vampires, they were damned, but they had no control of their actions.

"Don't worry, little one," Wolfgang purred, reassuring and calm. "The myths were created to keep the ignorant in fear. There is hardly any truth behind the lore."

"Yeah, you just don't wanna get caught with me on a full moon," Julian quipped with a wink.

"Well, where's your pack? Don't you travel in groups?"

"They're hanging back and guarding the den until we return."

Wolfgang smiled at the curious human. Her thirst for knowledge would be the salvation of the girl, a trait that she shared with her late grandmother Alessandra.

"We too can teach you many things, Isabella. We won't ask for your trust immediately, but we will gladly work to earn it. Wolves are good creatures to have on your side. Julian, do you have the charm?"

"Yes, grandfather," Julian replied, taking a little box from his pocket and handing it to Isabella.

"Although Alessandra was put to rest with her gift at her request," Wolfgang explained as the girl studied the little velvet container. "We made sure to construct something in its likeness. This is a symbol of our loyalty. Once it is received, we cannot break our promise to the recipient."

Isabella opened the jewelry box, her eyes beginning to glow when she gazed upon its contents. Resting within the box was a tiny wolf head intricately carved from a jade stone. Sitting in its jaws was a moon shaped charm of deep blue sapphire, and the entire thing, only about the size of a dime, dangled from a thin silver chain. This, she assumed, was their subtle way of expressing submission; if anything she had heard of werewolves so far were true, then silver was capable of harming them.

"Thank you, Mr. Talbot!" she exclaimed. "It's beautiful!"

Again, Wolfgang smiled. The girl's reaction was exactly reminiscent of Alessandra's, though her expression mirrored Maria.

"Now, shall we begin training?"

(I had a feeling that was your intention, and now I'm glad to see I was right! Maybe it's the fact that we've been at this for almost three years now, but I believe the three of us share some kind of virtual sisterhood of some sort, without sounding too scary and cultish haha. I mean, how many people can say they've had a dedicated roleplay partner like we have?)

Selene rolled her eyes as Dean stomped out of the shop in his predictably temperamental manner. Isabella watched him leave much like a puppy might gaze after its only companion, sighing when she very clearly read his 'do not disturb' demeanor. Somehow she could still pick up on the gut wrenching feeling he was likely experiencing, so she decided that whatever it was he had to tend to, she couldn't afford to bother him with her tagging along. Important matters such as these would have to be left to the professional, which she was a very long shot away from being.

"Madame Solt," Isabella said, her voice soft and innocently inquisitive. "Were you close with my grandmother also?"

Her gaze fell almost shamefully to her feet, then up to her pearl bracelet which she fingered sorrowfully. Her heart was heavy with longing for her grandmother, who had been her primary caretaker until she was about five years old. She had never known her grandfather nor her mother and there were no aunts or uncles that Alessandra ever spoke of. For all of her life, all Isabella had ever known was she and her father, and even then, their relationship was virtually nonexistent. He was always working and Isabella made herself busy with school and reading her books. The only companions she ever really had were the characters she met in her stories, and then there was Lyra, who always remained so mysterious.

"I guess what I'm really trying to find out is if you knew anything about my mother," Isabella continued, her tone suddenly becoming a little sad. "Like, how come she left? and why I've never met her before?"

Wolfgang watched the little Italian girl, a frown etching itself along his weathered features. Truthfully, he knew she would only find the answer if she found Sofia- namely, the one who gave birth to Isabella -herself. Even then, he wasn't entirely sure the woman would give her any closure either. Isabella studied the new gift in her hand and the journal in her other before she looked back up at Maggie.

"Nevermind," she said, though it was clear she was experiencing pain. "I wouldn't want to bother you with my interrogations. I'm sure you have much more important things to tend to. Thank you for everything, Madame Solt."



Isabella bit the dirt for what felt the the fifteenth time that evening.

"Is that seriously all you got, Lombardi?" Selene said, landing on her feet beside her. "I expected alot more from you."

"Give her a break, Selene," Julian added, joining the two, covered in leaves. "She's never had to do stuff like this before."

"I'll get it," Isabella replied in exasperation, picking herself up from the ground and spitting out dirt. Her lip was busted and a little blood trickled from the wound, which she wiped away with the back of her hand. "I promise."

"Don't overwork yourself, Isabella," Julian instructed, handing her a canteen. "It's only your first day. If you push yourself too hard, you'll just hurt yourself, and then you'll be totally useless."

"Don't tell her that crap, Julian!" Selene protested angrily. "It's absolutely imperative that she pushes herself to the absolute limit. These things will stop at nothing until she's dead- they're ruthless and won't show her any mercy. She has to learn to be the same."

"So you're saying she should sacrifice her sense of humanity to be a cold blooded killer? to be a vampire? Is that what you're saying, Selene?"

"She needs to think like the enemy in order to outsmart and eventually destroy him- so in a sense, yes."

"Would you two just stop it already?" Isabella finally cried. "I'm trying my best here. I'll try even harder, alright? I'll do whatever it takes."

"Isabella," Julian began, shooting Selene a pointed look of disapproval. "Don't forget, through all of this, just exactly who you are and who you're doing this for, okay? We can train you a hundred different ways but if you forget your purpose, and let the power consume you..."

"Then you will be no different than your enemy," Selene finished, checking the chamber of her new gun and holstering it. "Don't forget whose side you're on, Lombardi. For now, we're done with hand-to-hand combat class. Should we work on your gun-slinging skills?"

"I suppose."

"You still got that Baretta your boyfriend gave you?"

A deep scarlet flush started blooming in Isabella's glowing cheeks as she took the silver gun from her satchel and presented it to Selene. She chose to ignore the statement about Dean being her boyfriend, though she couldn't escape the utter embarrassment and the blushing in her face. She tried her hardest to remain composed and focused, despite the thoughts of the possibility running rampant in her mind.

"Good. I brought blanks. Now once you've loaded the mag, you're going to try and shoot Julian," Selene ordered with a smirk.

"What?! Why me?!" Julian asked, bewildered.

"Relax, puppy, I'll be running right there with you. Anyway, you got it, Lombardi?"

"Yeah, I got it."

Isabella managed to successfully load a full magazine, then cocked her weapon and released the safety button. At the same moment, Damian, Lukas, and a few others emerged from the woods, taking their place behind Julian. Isabella studied all of them, her eyes widening as she became a bit puzzled.

"On the field, there's going to be a multitude of distractions," Selene continued, nodding at the rest of Julian's pack. "Your primary targets are me and Julian; you can't hit anyone else. These could easily be civilians or your comrades. Think you can do it?"

"She can barely hold that thing, Morrigan," Lukas retorted with a grimace. "She's gonna kill us all."

"I can do it," Isabella responded, though she wasn't necessarily sure that she could. "You guys better start running."

((Right? That's what makes a role play survive, no matter how long it takes, no matter what, as long as there are great dedicated players out there, willing to put their time and effort into completing a game, it makes working up the scene to the next post the more worthwhile. Plus the fact that we're so well close-knit and like a family, much more fun. Even if I've never ever met you, I consider you my sister Chii too! It's like every RP that we've ever been in together, we strive to stick to it until the end -though it would be more awesome if others were like that. It's pretty tough to find that one selection of players willing to discuss and work out a plot idea, role play, and go down that road from start to very finish. I thank God I've met you St. Valentine, I was at a point that I thought it was pointless to even join an RP and try to go through with it, when everyone else would give up in the plot, grow bored and drop it. I thank you for having stuck through with us, three years is a long time. LOL and I'm glad that we'll finally reach that point in this one, FINALLY! ^_^ end it. I hope for many more epic role plays for us to work in together to come. ))

---

They are doing this all wrong, should have given her a .22 because of the low recoil, have her practice her shooting first at a shooting range, this is all happening too fast. But who am I to butt in on how they decide to teach her? It was either me or Morrigan. She choose Morrigan, let's hope for her sake this doesn't get too bloody, Veratos thought, watching from her perch on a thick branch in the surrounding trees. Had Isabella been given any other weapon, except for the baretta (hunter crafted) she wouldn't have worried much. Yet, they all decided it was a good idea for the very inexperienced girl to play target practice with a powerful and deadly weapon (that shot three rounds instead of one or two) at the other wolves and vampires. Even Michael was joining the mix, becoming a target for the girl to try and shoot at. wish I had a camera on me, Dean is missing out... she smirked wickedly, imagining what would happen if Isabella were to get lucky and hit any of them. It was the afternoon, the winds swept a bit chillier this time, and everything seemed to be back to normal --as normal as all give out. So far, the threats of the Italian vampires have been already dealt with (they're waiting back in Italy for Isabella to make her grand appearance in six months time from now) and from this day forward, the girl is to train her butt off in handling weaponry in order to defend herself should these fang-faces decide to attack her for whatever damn reason, when she does show up.

The witch hadn't given anything away, of course she wouldn't, instead of answering the girl's question, she had left telling her, "Your life is like a really good book, each chapter a new day. I wouldn't want to spoil it for you by telling you things that would ruin it for you when you reach that part of this riveting tale now do I?" she smiled, knowing the girl wouldn't appreciate the riddle and constant cryptic messages flying her way every time she wanted a direct response, "in time, you will figure it all out, when you are ready everything will be clear for you. Good luck on your journey child."

Even Veratos had been a bit bothered, she knew the damn witch knew what was going on, and was hell bent on not letting anything out. The question was why? Wouldn't it be better for them all if they knew what the heck they were all dealing with? Wouldn't it be best to get a better understanding of the true nature of the beast they were going to stand up against all to defend this one girl? Particularly for Dean? When she dug in deep, even without his full realization yet, she was aware of what Isabella meant for the hunter. She is his moral compass, as soon as she was set in his path, everything that she knew about him changed dramatically. It wasn't just because of the amnesia, he was gaining lost memories back, they returned to him in tandem bursts, when something happened, it would trigger a similar memory. He wasn't the same anymore, she had seen it the second he took in this case, Dean saw something in Isabella that the huntress herself was now only beginning to see; Isabella embodies Dean's desire to protect and preserve what is good about humanity, perhaps this was his angel side kicking in. Being a Nephilim and all, even if he wasn't conscious about it, affected him greatly. For instance, when it came to taking on a case, Dean did everything he could to protect people, and Isabella dictates Dean's choices, in her presence, his decisions shifted with her in consideration. Always did. It wasn't everyday that a mere hunter decides he wants to put his all on the line for a human girl's life. Most hunters considered themselves first before anything, but Dean wasn't like most hunters. Not only did he have an unwavering commitment to protect Isabella, he got pissed pretty quickly if she's forced into potentially dangerous situations, that would explain his refusal to train her -why else would he be bailing on them now? If he really wanted to train her into a Lara Croft, cunning survivalist, he would have jumped right in and started today as the girl herself had insisted several times already.

Veratos watched as Isabella held the baretta firmly in her hands, the way Selene had demonstrated on proper gun aiming and handling before, and took a good stance to aim and fire at her moving targets. The hybrid wondered along with the train taking off in her mind about the very special girl that was no longer a simple case, was it something that the witch had mentioned that shook Dean's will to teach her? She had told them all rather unflappably that they just might all fail in the end, which was why she had tethered Lombardi's life essence directly to Dean's in case , no, when she were to be killed unfortunately, as a means to "protect" her as if she knew thus wouldn't work.

Or maybe, looking at it from a vantage point, Isabella was already inching her way, closer and closer to his hellish world. It was there, in her messy, black locks, the same shirt and jeans she was left with being the few things she had on her before her house was destroyed (now left to cinders) her only choice to surely make it, by picking up a damn gun and learning to kill with it, the look in her eyes... it all reflected her loss of a normal life as she knew it, and Dean, realizing himself his inability to shelter her from their grim reality. It was through this that those two would eventually develop a strong bond. It had already taken root and grown branches, when Dean told her he would protect her from the vampires.

There's was the story of a promise.

***

"Aleksei do you have to leave so soon?"

"I must in order to settle things once and for all, regrettably, I've been scheduled to meet them, but I've been putting it off. Now would be the perfect opportunity to put things at rest once and for all," the pureblood explained gently to his little princess as he was heading out the door. His things were packed, only a few necessary essentials while he was away in France, he wouldn't be but a few days, most likely a week while he worked through this situation with the French royalists, especially the appointed King of the vampire council there, Delano Delroy. He had known the pureblood prince when he was just a child, hadn't even grown out his fangs yet. In truth the pureblood himself was curious to how the boy, now in his twenties turned out to be, rumors circled that he had already gotten married and all, to a lady named Éclair.

"I wish I could join you," Mina admitted, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears, her hand gripping at his coat sleeve, capturing him there, her crimson hues held his gaze and despite his efforts to conceal his fatigue, she knew well enough that he wasn't fit for anymore days of unrest. He needed it and she felt it strongly in her heart. What irked her was his single-minded obsession with Isabella, all she could ever see when she fed from him was his memories fluctuating about everything and anything revolving that girl. She meant so much to him, so much that he would give his life to save her. He never had to mention it, she read the truth in his heart he never felt the need to hide from her.

And yet, there was something in all of this that even she wasn't aware of, another piece to this frustratingly difficult puzzle she hadn't quite figured out. A secret he was keeping. Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted when he lowered his face to hers, lightly meshed his lips with hers in a farewell kiss that made her heart jump wildly. His hands cupped the side of her face, his warmth making her flesh tingle all over, his hair rustling with hers as she stared into his claret eyes in wonder and concern. He lingered his lips over hers, "Who will take care of the house while I'm away love? I need you to stay here, I will return very soon-"

She gripped his wrists, as if in doing so, she could keep him here with her forever. Without him she didn't know if she could go on, she didn't know why, but a sudden dread filled her entire being, ebony ink spreading in a clear glass, making everything so hard to see through the thick black. "Please don't leave me again..."

He smiled tenderly, eyes closing at her smell, her warmth, her touch, so tantalizingly addictive, inviting, her body practically calling to him. How could he refuse? He wanted to stay and grant her every wish, dote to her every command, give her the royal treatment she so well deserved, the attention from him that she craved, as he did hers. She was of great significance to him, an important component in his life. Without her he didn't think he had it in him to keep going every day. She was his rock, and if he was strong, he was for her. Mina was the light in his world of doom and despair. But, it was because of her that he wanted to continue his purpose, not only her, but for Isabella, and the rest of the world that didn't need lingering purebloods dictating their lives. He wanted to live long enough to see the people live in a world that was devoid of fear because of the purebloods and what they did. He wanted to abolish them, so that the problem of ex-humans, monsters would no longer be a constant issue. So that everyone would be safe from the threat of benevolent purebloods. Since there were so very few pureblood families left, taking them out wouldn't be so difficult, all he had to do was strike, and destroy. Surely the hunters would approve, and even if they didn't that wasn't the case.

"I'll see you soon Mina," Aleksei whispered, then he pulled away and walked out the door. That would be the last time Mina ever saw of him after that day, though what he left behind was a dear black wolf, the only connection she had of him --one that would ceaselessly follow her everywhere she went. Sure enough, a similar one was prowling after Isabella as well, after all both Mina and Isabella were his precious gems. Both completed his heart, and even if he was away, he was always close. That was his promise. One that he would always keep.

***

By the time Dean would reach Morehead Memorial Hospital, it'd be well passed midnight, visiting hours were over but from the grim expression set like etching on stone in the doctor's faces and the unreadable looks and sympathetic glances the nurses kept giving him, he knew that his father was in very bad shape. They gave him a twenty percent chance at survival, and despite their efforts at keeping the hunter away, since he was the only son and the only one in the family left, they had a heart and let him into the ICU. James was a stranger in that bed, he had tubes going into him, white, blood stained bandages wrapped around his head and arms, his expression older than he was, his knitted brows a sure sign that he wasn't dreaming pleasantly, and his complexion paler than Dean's. As the boy approached him, he fought back the urge to go back to the doctors and demand that they do more for him. Save him. If the kid had to give up anything from his own body to preserve his father's life, anything at all take it, but please, please save him. But he couldn't do that, even if he tried, his genetic make up and "blood" would never be compatible with his father's.

"Dad... Please don't die on me... I'll never forgive you..." Dean hissed, standing at the foot of the bed, his feet heavy like lead, making it that much difficult to move closer.

"Glad you're...here....need to talk...now..."

Dean's eyes flew to meet his father's ever so penetrating stare, as if they weren't in a hospital, his life hanging on a thin thread, and they were back in the motel, James demanding him to stow his crap and pick up the family business, continue on --aware that this day would come. It infuriated Dean that he would push himself like this, it always did, but nothing he could say would ever change that fact that his father was a fighter, down to the end. Would always be, a stunning streak of willpower and pure stubbornness at its up most high. Even if the man lying in front of him wasn't his biological father, Dean would consider him his all, no matter what.

"Forget talk, you have to rest, I'm not leaving your side until you get better. And you will." Dean retorted, the strength in his tone carried his belief in the words as well. James would be fine, give him a few days and he'd be golden, they'd return to Jenkin's Auto and discuss this mission, work it out and reach a definite conclusion. Set a plan one that James excelled at. Everything would be alright, he had to believe it.

James could tell, his son was hoping for the best, that was the problem, things could only get much more worse and darker for the kid. He had no idea what was in store for him, if only he could be there. As it turned out, his time was up and there was nothing they could do about it.

She was there, a woman clad in black, dark hair tied back neatly in a pony-tail. Her grey eyes watching him directly, waiting.

The Reaper.

Dean felt her presence but could not see her. How could he? He wasn't the one dying. But the chill she left in her wake made his nerves run with ice, making it nearly unbearable to remain in the same room.

"I won't Dean, and I can't have you heal me either. It'll only complicate things further. I don't have much time. So listen to me, and listen to me well, I won't repeat myself..." James said.
"What do you mean heal you... I can do that...?"
"You are a Nephilim, you can, but I demand that you don't."
"Why the fuck not?! You'll die if I don't heal you!"

James sighed, looking quite tired, making his son listen to him was going to be a chore, "I don't have much time Dean listen to me damn it!" The man's green eyes widened at the gentle touch of Dean, the boy had placed his hands on the severely injured man's chest and forehead, "I've seen plenty of movies, let's hope this works..."

"Dean don't!"

The Reaper rose her brows, stared at Dean, "Someone else will have to go, you have your stubborn son to thank." then she vanished.

"No...Dean..."

A light escaped the kid's hands, covering the entire room in blinding brightness that only lasted a few seconds, then faded and everything was the same, James was fully healed and gripping at Dean's coat, "What did you do?!"

Dean locked eyes with his old man, most people would appreciate being saved from near death, guess James wasn't most people. He didn't look anywhere near afraid, glaring back at him, he said, "Healed you, a thanks would be nice!"

"I should have died, I was ready to... I wanted to be with...With..." He frowned, looking away with a sudden guilt that made his insides twist.

"I know, you wanted to be with mom, I'm sorry but I can't loose you. I know we haven't always been the perfect family... But I need you... Now you can tell me who Adacio is..."

"Someone is going to die tonight, and it'll be all your fault." James muttered grimly, releasing his hold on the boy. It couldn't be helped, the kid was a reckless mess.

Dean grit his teeth, and reached for Jame's shoulder, giving it a comforting squeeze, "At least it's not you, I'm not ready to loose you yet. Now let's get out of here."

The ride back to Sable was a silent one, both father and son would return back to Pair-O' Dice Motel at around eleven in the afternoon, James would be more worn out than Dean and still pretty angry at his son, refusing to answer the questions the kid kept asking him every now and then, he left to shower, Dean informed him about the case and that he would be out most of the day while helping Lombardi out.

The first place the hunter hit up was the cemetery, here he found a level of peace he couldn't find anywhere else. Yeah, he felt bad, he knew the consequences that came with making the Reaper take another life besides the one it came for and he would probably go to hell for it. Whatever, he would put effort on caring for that when the time came, but for now, he would have to focus on the here and now. And right now, things just looked more muggy and confusing than ever.

"Tell me what you know, I want details."

"About your father."

Dean glanced at the woman pointedly.

"He was a demon lord, Adacio, he's called the traitor back in the demon realm. They all hated him, banished him, a cruel fate worse than death. That was of course after his affairs with Ella and Maria and the whole gang that surrounds you. Namely Aleksei and the witch. I couldn't tell you before until you knew more. I'm in this because it was you who had once told me to risk it all for the sake of mankind, that was why you had became a hunter, but then I guess it got to you bad when one of our companions died, you wanted to quit hunting, even gave me your weapons to put away. I'm glad that you're not like that anymore, I need you to stow your crap and move forward. Get me?"

"That's annoying, you don't keep that kind of shit to yourself Veratos, damn," the hunter said bitterly, now he wasn't just a hunter, a damn angel-demon too? Perfect. "but I do... Where's the vampire?"

"He's taken off to France, I think he wants to persuade them to call off going after Lombardi, I agree. The less threats, the more we have a chance at winning this." Vera explained, leaning against a tree, taking a sip of coffee in her hands. She kept her eye on the hunter as he gazed out to the head stones before them. The dead lay below, merely bones and scraps of clothes all together in a long box. At least they could all rest peacefully, they didn't have anything to worry about.

"Isabella... did she have fun?"

"I suppose so, I remained long enough to see her shooting at a pack of wolves and a few vampires. Across town there were a bunch of demons partying as usual -the ones that had lingered after you closed the portal. Took care of 'em, so no concerns there and not much casualties either."

"I saved my father's life last night, a bunch of rogue were wolves fucked him up bad. Nearly killed him. They could still be out there, he never told me if he was able to gang them. I'll have to look into it." Dean said glumly, starting to walk away.

"You're trying to stay out of Lombardi's traning sessh's huh? Do you really think we just might fail? Why not try first?"

"I don't think I can."