Demon Wolf Saga : Stories of Willow Vallen

[Willow]

Stupid Humans : Greed
Demon Wolf
5.21.15

With her pack on her back she walked past the towering building of glass and steel and the busy streets. People honking as motorbikes weaved through and around people and cars alike. If she closed her eyes she could easily think she was in almost any big city in the americas. Mumbai one of the big cities in the heart of India and once again surrounded by the ignorant masses.

Though she didn't ask she was starting to wonder why they kept sending her out to the human world. Demanding she become more aggressive yet still sending her to a place where she had to hold back. It was always something fetch this, handle that, small changes to make the variables in line to the scenario.

Glancing at her phone her red eyes looking over the green box for her next instructions. That is how they handled her, how they gave her pieces and never the full picture, though it didn't always go the way they wanted,

Go to the silver and blue glass building and take the stairs up to the eleventh floor.

Street leading out towards the Arabian sea, silver water reflecting the moon, small quiet swishes as the small tiny waves licked the sand. It was alien to Willow to see the sea, no draugr, or zombies roaming the beach, just a few people out enjoying the cool evening air.

Silver and blue glass building was clearly new, not a fancy luxury apartments, but an office for those with expensive taste with a stunning view. The door was easy to get open with a small use of magic she stepped inside and headed for the universal symbol for stairs.

It not being a race she took her time going up, not to be winded or all sticky. Eleven floors is a lot of steps especially for the vertically challenged Willow. Being past dark there was not much to see outside, but she peeked out the window that sat at every floor landing. Finally coming to a stop in front of the door that had the hindi words and the number double one printed clearly.

Find the artifact, handle the observers.

Opening the door as she went out into the fancy lobby, four doors with fancy business names awaited her for her to choose. Looking at each one as she listened, the tingle of magic in the air pointed her at one of the dark glass doors of ‘Mahadeo Imports’.

The ruckus suddenly went silent as she walked in the unlocked doors. A small waiting area and a second reception desk blocking the expensive cubicle farm for the dozen or so employees. Quiet whimpers came from the maze of desks and half walls.

With a clear feeling of unease her hackles went up as she walked around the desk and towards the sounds of humans in distress. Though she didn't spend any time in an office before, things were out of place. One computer was on the floor, a laptop was sitting in the walkway, and the espresso maker was sitting on the conference table gurgling some even though its tail was not plugged into the wall.


Barricaded in the corner of one of the offices was the humans, whimpering in fear as they kept peeking over the desk they turned over expecting a fight. Seeing they were the observers she went to them first and they seemed to be in distress. Willow wasn't a hero, in fact she hated humans more than she would admit out loud even to her closest friends.

“Come to help?” One spoke in broken english. “They try to kill us!”

The other however spoke in hindi mumbling to herself as he peeked around the desk past Willow. Glancing over her shoulder she looked at the door she went past and the arrangement of electronics that seemed to have found places near by like they were watching them.

“What happened here?”

“Kāryālaya nārāja hai. Amērikā kē bŏksa kō khōlanē māpha kara dīji'ē. Cōra māpha kara dō, hamēṁ bacā'ō.” Again in the foreign language clearly panicked and pleeing.

“Shhh. Do not say this” Sushing the younger one before looking back at Willow. “Please help get us out of here.”

“What happened I need to know.” Repeating herself as she watched the two girls in dirty clothing and armed with cleaning supplies.

“Everything attack us, we hide in here.” Nodding as she spoke though it was clear there was more to it than that. Willow was sent after an artifact, not to rescue two humans.

“So no artifacts? Didn’t go touching something you shouldn't have?”

“Bŏksa khōlā, vaha patā karanē kī jarūrata hai. Śāpita bāta vāpasa dē dō” Younger one said pleading to the older maid.

“Jyādā paisē kē li'ē isakē lāyaka hai. Saṁ” The reply was harsh, clearly the older one was willing to hide the truth.

“Fine I go then.” Willow throwing up her hands and turning to leave.

“NOO! Don't leave us here.”

Stopping she took in a breath, turning slowly and facing the girls. “I know you think you found something special, maybe it's made of gold and you're just seeing monie. It is not worth it,” Stopping herself from explaining magic and spells she looked at the younger one. “Give it here.”

The younger maid looked up at the older one before grabbing at the girl and pulling something from her grasp. The item went flying as the older girl tried to take it back, clearly not wanting to part with this artifact. Willow took a step to the side, not wanting to touch it, in fear if it resonating with her own magics, watching the flat round object fly through the air and land on the expensive carpet.

A very old pocket watch now lying face down harmlessly on its old chain. It had a feel of magic coming from it and a faint glow from ancient runes scratched into its backing. They were so old the rune had partially worn away changing the spell slowly over time. Willow frowned as she squated down to look at the runes closer. Taking out a pen she grabbed some paper from the floor and drew the ones she could identify, Imbuer’s worst nightmare has always been time, this was clearly made before failsafes were added in the runes.

“Look out!”

Not even having time to look up as a laptop came flying through the open door and hitting her painfully in the head. Falling backwards Willow blinked a few times then sprung to her feet looking out of the room at who threw the sturdy Dell laptop at her head.

It became clear though that no one else was around, but the electronics had come much closer to the open door while she wasn't looking at them. Taking off her backpack she looked at the maids who had gone back to cowering behind the overturned desk.

“Is this why you're hiding?”

A calculator flew past Willow as she was turned away just missing her as it clattered against the window. Glancing up at the incoming horde of electronics, even touch pens were taking position to attack. Squatting over her bag unzipping it to get at the containment vessel inside.

Grabbed it free of the pack just as a phone leapt at her wrapping its head set cord about her neck, and pulling tight. Falling backwards as she grabbed at her neck, trying to keep the cord from strangling her. Letting out a sudden gasp of air as a computer tower can down hard on her abdomen, now adding to the truth that yes the electronics were out to kill her.

Willow was now done with playing, she would have to mess up their memories anyway, so why fight with her hands tied behind her back. Sending the electronics and everything else in the room hard against the walls and windows, in an explosion of energy, before ninja flipping to her feet.

Looking around she growled some scooping up the container and then scooping up the pocket watch in her unprotected hand. Then she just stood there frozen, staring off past the wall past the sky. This is why she didn't want to touch it, why she uses the container to pick things up, keeping her exposed hands away from magical things. Fighting to keep the artifact from feeding off her magic, keeping it from using her as a charging station.

Shaking her head she dropped the watch into the container, breaking the contact it had to her and the raw magic. Sitting in a chair she locked the vessel and took a few deep breaths, recovering from the small fight of magic. What spell was on the watch was impossible to say now over time as the runes got warn down the spell imbued changed to animate near by electronics.

“It over?” Soft voice from behind her.

“Yea.. but.. I have to do something first.”

Standing she looked at the two, cleary sisters and just trying to earn a honest and unhonest pay. “Here to help, I took away the trinket you wanted to sell to afford food.”

Holding out two gold coins for them to take, the cursed gold held out as an offer most couldn’t refuse. An artifact that her Keepers deemed useful in such times, though they only came in a limited supply.

“Is that Gold?” The older sister took it first and looked at it with greed in her brown eyes.

The younger one seemed hesitant shaking her head a few times but then taking it as Willow kept it within her grasp. They stood there frozen staring at the gold coins memorized, eyes glazed over with the spell. Looking at the wristwatch on the older girls arm, telling Willow that they activated the artifact nearly an hour ago.

“I am the Captain, and this is my gold. An hour ago my tale was told.”

Activating the spell on the coins as she gathered up her pack and the artifact. Both coins glowed when Willow spoke the magical words infused with magic as she walked away. Quickly making it back through the cubical maze and to the lift. The gold would turn to water, just like the old pirate tales, seeping into their skin and stealing the memories of the last hour away.

Stepping into an elevator looking out as the doors slowly close with the Indian elevator music playing quietly above. Sitting next to her was a lone vacuum cleaner, not just any kind, but a kirby vacuum that has its own transmissions and made of diecast metals. Sitting quietly like it had been waiting to join the fight but lacked the thumbs to push the buttons to get the doors open.

Reaching over she patted the vacuum lightly on the top of its hand stitched vacuum bag cover.
“Good boy.”

 

[Willow]

Runes of Binding
Demon Wolf
5.23.15

Picking herself up from the mat she looked at the old man, a low growl left her as she rushed in for an attack. It was becoming easier to tap into the darkness, the wolf within, they wanted her to be more aggressive, so they got what they wanted. That staff of his already left its marks on her arms and abdomen, backing her into a corner.

With it though came emotions she didn’t want to feel, disgust, anger, hatred, she wanted to kill the old man. For years of abuse, for all the times he broke her arm just because he could, just so she would know what pain was. For all those nights she sat locked away in the cellar starving for days denied basic needs, sitting in painful silence.

He was ready for her attacks, he had seen her wolf when she was a child. Things had changed over the last six years, now she was older and more powerful. The wolf only more bloodthirsty after being pushed back, wanting to see this man suffer.

Turning the tide as she weaved past his attacks, knowing a human without a weapon was defenceless. Turning she ducked below his swing and then sprang forward, going for the old man’s abdomen as she pushed him over.

Quick to use his staff to try to send her flying, he was not prepared for her to counter him. Pinning him down she grabbed on to the staff with both hands. The growl was deep in her chest as she pushed it down to his collarbone with all her weight.

Grunting and straining a few moments before his eyes went wide as his elbows touched the ground, losing his leverage that kept the staff away from his neck. With a choking gasp for air he spoke in Japanese, though his voice was hoarse and if he let up even a little she would choke the life from him.

“Urufubatafuraiookami...”

Lifting herself from the bamboo mat she looked around, rubbing her eyes some. A moment ago she was poised to kill him, now the room was empty. Rubbing her head as she sat up, a look of concern in her eyes as she stood.

Walking to her slippers she put them on and went to were the bo staff sat on the wall. It seems alright, no blood stains on the wood, or marks were she would have expected the man to struggle for his life. Heading out of the dojo, under the awning and back to her room.

Red eyes looked out at the rain, stopping to watch it and listen to it on the clay roof. The guardians did not move to apprehend her, no one moved to strike her, her wolf did not kill the old man. Opening the door she went in to her room sliding it closed and locking it. If she could kill someone with her will he would be the first man dead. Sometimes his words made sense, speaking like he cared, other times he reminded her how he would easily harm her or break her.

Pacing some she tried to remember what happened, tried to figure out why there was a gap in her memory. Remembering her wolf, and the hatred, then nothing. Willow never suffered from blackouts, and she didn’t have a bump on her head from a blackjack.

Walking to the rug she pulled it off the very large imbuing circle, saved for powerful imbuements like the amo she made for Patch and the binding she was about to make. Then plopping down on the beanbag chair and looked at the stack of books she grabbed for her next project.

Her plan was to imbue the spell into a piece of leather, something that held runes well and may survive more than one casting. Sitting in the near by corner she started looking through the books, marking the pages in each she wanted to pull runes from.

With no interruptions good or bad she soon had the books around her all open to the pages she needed. Hours of studying was not the funnest things she did, before she was let out of the Green Garden it was one of her only past times. There was more satisfaction in helping her friends, even if they will say she doesn't have to.

It was after sun down when she finally felt she had all the runes she needed. Making sure the combination of runes would work together and that in the end would do as she wanted. Taking out her chalk she started writing in the addition of runes into the open places within the imbuing circle. The circle burned into the wooden floor was five feet around, necessary to channel the amount of magic needed and infuse the magic into an object. Alone the infusing circle of runes added nothing to the spell it was the catalyst to infuse the spell necessary into an object.

Using the chalk to fill in the blanks, to put the spell she was infusing in place. The intricate circles and mystical letters and symbols, every piece of the final spell had to be perfect. Runes this large if done incorrectly could cause devastating damage to her and the building.

Then she took the object of power, and put them at their places. Salt, crushed bone. an antler from a white deer, pure black onyx, just to name a few of the items she needed for the spell of binding. lastly she places the piece black leather in its place. Carefully she opened the void crystal vial and rolled the single drop of the demon blood in the center of the leather.

The blackish blood sat just where she put it, the last needed to make sure the binding spell would hold. Everything was set as she knelt down on her knees’ and sat back on her heels, looking over everything one more time. Willow knew there was a hundred way this imbuing could go wrong, doing everything she could to make sure it wouldn't.

Looking at the blackish blood she focused on it and started weaving the anima around her. Weaving each rune in turn connecting them through magic so the spell would be imbued into the leather. Things seemed to be going on track, but then she felt the pull, the runes demanding more power than she was giving. Expecting this Willow worked to pour as much energy in to her weaving as she could, knowing the demand was based on the power of the blackish blood.

Binding anything be it fay or demon, was in simple terms making a cage weaved out of magic. Stronger the thing she was cageing the more power it would need to be caged. A cage made to hold a rat would not hold a human, a human cage would not hold a demon.

Brow wrinkled in concern as she was now madly grasping at anima, energy that normally hung around her in chaotic silken threads. Like a weaver she was watching the basket of thread start to run empty, leaving only one other source at hand, her living anima.

Willow closed her eyes and drew from her own life force to power this rune. Greatly underestimating the power of the demon she was going to bind. With so much energy already committed there was no choice she had to see it through. Stopping now would cause all the energy she put in to be expelled, violently, uncontrollably, and with destructive effects.

Final stages of the imbuement started with the items on the floor glowing as they floated up above the runes. The chalk also lifting up to meet the leather piece with a angry red glow. Pulling the threads to work to bring the final stages together, to put a lock on the magical cage she was forging.

Lifting her arms in time she covered her face, the wave of heat, and blast of kinetic energy sent her flying backwards. Blown right off her knees where she sat like a unwanted rag doll she was airborne for only a blink of an eye. Back hitting the wall with force she bounced and then landed face first on the floor. Still for a few moments as now everything hurt, from her back where it violently met the wall to her spinning dizzy head. Drained not only from the spell but the toll she took on her life energy, this time she lived through it.

Rubbing the back of her head finding the bump the wall gave her, before her hand went to the warm wet feeling by her lip. Touching the back of her hand to under her nose she pulled it away to see her own blood.

Crawling back to where she was she looked what was left of her hard work. As expected the objects of power were gone, used up in the spell. The black leather looked like someone had branded it, the runes she put in place now burned in to the thick hide.

Long breath of success, the imbuing worked, the spell of binding was now ready to be used. Rolling the leather up she wrapped a strap around it keeping it safe for if or when she had to use it.

Laying back where she sat she stared up at the ceiling, thinking over what went wrong. How she could so greatly underestimate the energy needed. She would have to make a crystal to power the cage, there was no way she would pour herself into it to hold the demon. Without a crystal to power it, it would not hold him long enough, it had to hold till help arrived.

It did not take long for sleep to claim her, for the nightmares to once again fill her visions as she slept. The puzzles and questions of what happened in the dojo, danced just out side her grasp. Memories lost to the great abyss, moment before she could have killed one of her keepers.

 

[Willow]

Caged Wolf
Demon Wolf
5.26.15

Screaming as she backpedaled blindly eyes not yet infocus past the horrors of her nightmares. Grabbing on to the blankets fighting against the tangled cloth, before she lost her hold on the bed altogether and toppled down to the hardwood floor.

A few deep breaths as she layed on the floor where she landed blinking away the fading images of fire, demons and death. Untangling herself from the blankets, before standing and tossing them back onto the bed in a heap.

Getting dressed in some sweats and a loose tee shirt, she headed out of her small room to the book repository. After sleeping most of yesterday she was not about to sleep all day today, though her body wanted her to.

Sore and still groggy she left her slippers at the door and walked into the maze of bookshelves and scroll holders. This was her sanctuary, a place were when she was allowed, she was content. There was even her own corner with a red bean bag chair surrounded by half sized book shelves covered in her comic book colections.

The plush bean bag hugged her as she sat, grabbing the awaiting book on imbuements and runes. Willow’s thirst for knowledge was one thing that was never sated, reading books and asking her friends a million questions. Even if she could spend her life down her she would never have time to read all the books around her.

It was her tummy that alerted her that she had been reading for hours, her day starting at dawn was now past noon. Puting the thin silk ribbon in her place she put the book aside and grabbed her slippers to head back to her room.

Stopping she looked at the sliding door that was the entrance into her room, she had not left it open not even a crack. Quietly she slid it open taking her slippers off as she snuck into her own room.

A snarl quickly took over her face as she looked at the empty room, her bed and her clothing missing, leaving only the rug in place. Sitting on the rug was a well built man in the signature green garden robes.

“Who the fuck are you, where's my things?” Willow’s russian accent spoken through a deep growl.

Opening his brown eyes he looked at her, expression blank. “Okami, Sit.” Clearly a command not a suggestion.

“Sit now.”

Pacing around him now feeling threatened by him and his sudden appearance on her territory. Sizing him up as her hackles went up making her messy while wispy hair appear even messier.

“Okami, sit, now.” Again a command as he kept his eyes locked with hers.

Finally Willow sat feeling she was in a defendable place, staying ready to attack or defend if the moment took her.

“Good. I am Takamoshi. Your new keeper, your old keeper Mrs, Myoko will no longer be handling you or your training. You will call me Keeper or Sir.. You will not speak unless spoken to, am I clear Okami?”

He was clearly Japanese, just like her stepmother was and her sensei was. Though he looked to be more military in how he sat and watched her. A gripping tightness in her chest as she listened, a sinking feeling of dread knowing this was a bad thing.

“Yes, sir…” Speaking softly not yet sure on where she stood or what was happening.

“Your old keepers were to easy on you. Mistakes were made in how they handled you, ones I will be correcting now. When you turned eighteen she allowed you a room in her home, and then at nineteen she gave you this room. This was a mistake, she let her feeling get in the way.”

A quiet growl as he paused in speaking, it didn't take a lot of brainpower to see where he was going with this. Bristling with anger as she listened, hands clenched till her knuckles were white as she watched him, trying to decide how best to kill him.

“You will be sleeping in the cellar, under lock and key, no more sneaking out. A cot has already been moved there for you, and a trunk for the clothing. On days you are to study you will be under watch, and all training will personally be over seen by me.”

Already she wanted to kill him, her room was a reward, so was her freedom. Things he just walks in and takes away, like she was no more than a slave. Heart pounding as her eyes narrowed watching him as he smirked some.

“On my off days... sir?” The sir was forced out, he had done nothing to earn her respect, the only reason she was being obedient was fear. A tool they had used well in the past, years of conditioning her with pain.

“For now you may keep them, but you will not be coming home late. You will report back to your room on time. This is just a courtesy to you do not push me Okami, you still have much to lose.” Pausing he watched her a long moment, clearly sizing her up as well. “You will return on time each night. You will be learning the magic and weapons we tell you to. Do you understand Okami?”

“Is this because I killed sensei?”

His chuckle sounded cold and empty, like it was him chiding her quietly. “You did not kill anyone.” Expression going cold again. “That will change, you are a weapon, and no matter the target, you will do as you are told.”

Hearing enough she sprang at him, full of anger, energy crackling at her fingers. Bare feet having nice traction on the hardwood floor. Closing with him quickly in only a few long strides aiming to zap the living shit out of him.

Spring to his feet in an instant, he was quick, to quick, moving to dodge the arc of energy that left her hands and charred the wall. Grabbing her wrist he put a foot down behind her legs and twisted her whole body wrenching her arm behind her. Then kicking out her knees forcing her to fall forward as he grabbed her other hand.

Breathing hard blinking some as she felt his grip on her arms tighten, she was on her knees with him behind her holding her arms painfully against her back. “Your .. a bee?!”

“Yes Okami, you proved you need more than humans to teach you.”

Screaming out as she felt searing pain and flashes behind her eyes, as her body convulsed in his grasp. Then it stopped leaving her struggling for breath and hanging in his painfully tight grip. Willow knew this pain, she felt it before but this was not a cattle prod, it was the same arcing lighting she used on her enemies. He let her catch her breath just so she could scream again as the white hot pain coursed through her.

Tears dropped from her chin as she gasped for air again, hanging now by her arms as she fought through the lingering pain to stay conscious. Her head flopping forward as he jerked her upright, his hot breath on her ear, as his cold words left his lips.

“You have far more to worry about then sleeping on a soft bed and wearing expensive clothing. Tomorrow you can go out just as you normally do, just remember I am watching you.”

Whimpers escaped her as he picked her up and carried her down the steps to the cellar. Without any care for her he dropped her on the cot, turning away as she curled up whimpering in pain. The heavy door closed and locked, hearing him walk off and talk to the guardians.

“No food, then let her out tomorrow morning.”

Signed in body, her spirit nearly crushed by the cold reality she was stuck in. Working so hard for the last thirteen years to get what little they would give her, gone in a blink of an eye. Again locked away in the cold dark silent room suffering. Just when things were starting to improve, life makes sure she remembers her place in the world.

 

[Willow]

Trial By Fire
Demon Wolf
5.30.15


Taking off her slippers she walked on to the bamboo mat, watching the keeper who sat quietly across from her. Her red eyes studying what she could see, hoping she would find a weakness she could use.

Her first fight with him ended badly for her, though it was not in the dojo. This would be her first day of training with him as her teacher. The spider burn mark patterns on her arms were healed enough for her to uncover them. Though she left the magical burn on her hand covered for now, it was not healing as fast as it normally would.

Opening his eyes he stood and looked her over in her loose pants and a Celldweller band t-shirt. Walking to the wall he took two bo staves and tossed one at her, watching her as she moved and caught it with grace.

Willow paced now with a weapon in hand watching him as he found his spot once again. He moved with confidence, clearly coming from the military or some disciplined training of the sort. His robes covered most of his six foot and change frame but what she could see was clearly pure muscle.

“Okami, you will be given this one chance to prove your worth. Someone some place thinks you're destined for greatness, I think your just a tiny worthless witch, trying to stand next to real power in hope some of it will rub off on you. Fail me and I will take away everything and start from scratch. No going out, no phone, no personal items, starting over.” Brown eyes looked her over with contempt. “Understand?”

“I didn't ask for any of thi….” Trailing off she took a breath and looked down. “Yes Keeper.”

“Let's begin, when we are done. I will tell you if you get to keep your off days.”

He didn't even give her a bow before he attacked but he was holding back, his speed not nearly as fast as the other day. Quickly she moved to block his incoming blows with her staff, the sound of the clacks wooden staves colliding filled the room. He was far stronger than she was, soon she was finding herself dodging more then blocking. It would be easy for him to break bones if he landed any hits.

She was holding her own, but she was being purely defencive, not trying to land any blows just keep him from hurting her. Pushing her stamina he let the defencive dance go on, holding back less and less.

Willow didn't have a concept of time, just focused on surviving the onslaught of his attacks. Noticing as they went his attacks were hitting harder and he was moving faster, building up, testing her, pushing her. Trying to see how far she could go on defence alone, though she would never win a fight this way, she was not allowed to use magic in the dojo, leaving her at a disadvantage.

He was starting to overpower her, being resourceful she started trying to use the open room to her advantage. The clacks of the staves was coming less and less as she kept her distance.When one of the thundering clack echoed out she staggered from each powerful hit, as she worked to deal with the kinetic energy of the powerful bone braking blows.

The flash of flame made her squeak and back peddle, her mind going blank in a sudden grip of fear. A chuckle echoed where the sound of clacks once was, he found her weakness, or he read it in her file.

“N.. no magic in the dojo.. its a rule.” Stammering as she was catching her breath and shaking the vision of fire and horrors from her head.

“Life isn't fair Okami, do not question me again.”

A flame of fire leapt up from the mat in front of her, causing her to scream and tumble backwards to get away from it. Another plume of fire sprang up next to where she fell on the mat, causing her to scream again and try to get away from it.

Her brain switched to flight, the idea of fight was no more, all Willow wanted to do, the only thing on her mind now was get away from him and the fire. The work she had done on overcoming her fear was dashed to the wind. This was not a camp fire contained, this man showed no remorse about hurting her, he seemed to take pleasure in her suffering.

He had all the control, moving her one plume of fire at a time in to a corner. Trapped in the corner by the fire he controlled she panicked, feeling the anima in her and threads that floated around her building in strength with her fear.

“Stop…” She choked out. “Please stop.. STOP”

It wouldn't have mattered if she was talking to him or herself, emotions out of control, fear gripping at her, instinct and her wolf was all she had left. her mind shutting down with the torture of fear, and images she saw in the flames. Instinct that once saved her from fire was now ready and able to do it again.

Ice exploded outwards from her, crushing the spell of fire he had sent to torture her. Spears of frozen hatred flying towards him aiming to kill, to pierce his heart. She screamed with this sudden burst of energy, the spell not woven but ripped from her, just like it had when she was six.

The silence may have been hours long, or mealy minutes before she unballed and looked across the spiky fortress of ice at where the Keeper last was. Blood splattered the mat and the walls, ice shards embedded in the far wall and in the hardwood floor where he once stood.

Stuck in the moment she didn't move just looked on in horror at what she had done. Moments passed before her thoughts started creeping back to her. She killed him, no, her wolf killed him, she was not in control of this.

Screaming as the white hot pain grabbed her sending her to the floor convulsing in pain. There was no warning when he came back, the bees whisking him away to safety, something her mind did not get to before his return.

Whimpering as the lightning stopped he stood over her and put his boot on her hip pushing down on her side with painful pressure. “No magic allowed, you know the rules.” His words were full of rage, fueled by the painful experience of nearly dying.

No words escaped her past whimpers of pain, burns again marking her, but sparing her face. Everything hurt, she couldn't even move to look at him, the images of fire and flashes of pain still haunting her vision.

“You pass Okami, but now you will be punished for breaking the rules.”

Grabbing a handful of her white wispy hair he yanked to to her feet, causing her to yelp. Taking her back down to the cellar he tossed her into an empty room. “Weakness is not acceptable, a sword never flinches, and neither will you.”

Crawling into a corner she balled up, trembling in fear and in pain, her body healing what it could as she sat helpless. Willow healed faster than humans, because of the power in her blood, but it didn't make it hurt less.

Fire again jumped up around her, though not closing in but trapping her in the corner. Backing up scrambling she screamed, grabbing at the energy around her by it just slipped through her fingers. Taking away her magic sent her into a panic, screaming digging her bare heels against the cement to try to force more of her small body away from the flames.

“Leave her like that tonight.. tomorrow no food.”

By morning the fire stopped, leaving her trembling in the corner, tears staining her pale cheeks. Every sound she heard from a birds above to a guardian sneezing, made her flinch as her eyes were wide fixed on the door.

Her step mother never did this, never tortured her, though pain was given and bones broken, she never inflected this kind of pain. No this pain made her tremble and rock in the cold dark corner, reliving the pain of that night over and over in her head. The burning as she watched her mother slowly burn to death only a few feet from her, hearing the screams of everyone, everything she knew dieing to the flames.

 

[Willow]

Wolf's Hunger
Demon Wolf
6.2.15


As soon as they let her out of her cell she went to the library, there was so much to do and so little time. Staying away from her soft corner she found a place on a plush carpet to read her books. Not wanting to draw attention to them, seeing her comics were no longer there, but instead an illusion rune under her bean bag chair. They were not the only thing she replaced with illusions, the books she relied on for her rune work were also missing, save for the book she had in her hands.

Hearing the sliding door into the low room she closed her book and put it back in her book bag. Taking a lesser book about vampires out in its place pretending not to have noticed him as he entered the sacred place of knowledge.

“Come” Barking out the order as if she were just a beast.

Standing she walked over red eyes looking up at him as she felt the rage and hatred boil just behind her eyes. Finally she looked down trying not to challenge him with her gaze, trying to hold back her anger.

“Get your sneakers, and follow.”

Barely giving her time to tie the laces of her red and white sneakers, before he walked out into the rain. Following she kept up with him but stayed one step behind, not to be in his way. Walking out to the field behind the dojo, normally just an empty field.

Set up in the thick grass was the obstacles, things she had not seen since the early years of her training. Military grade equipment, no different then one would see at a military bootcamp, walls, barbed wire, ropes, nets, upper body and agility tests.

He looked her over, making her skin crawl with the growing desire to gouge out his eyes with her fingers. It was not usually this difficult to keep the dark thoughts away, to keep her wolf at bay. Though she referred to her wolf in third person, it was not something separate, not like some of her pack that had to chain their wolves up literally. With Willow’s magic so closely tied with her emotions, the darkness and thirst to kill was its own power, farel and driven by instinct.

“Go.” Ordering her to start.


No hesitation as she took off on the thick wet grass, feeling the adrenaline come to her as she tackled the first obstacle. If he was timing her she didn’t know or care, she enjoyed this, the running, jumping, climbing, blood pumping as she hunted invisible pray through the course.

None of the obstacles were impossible for her, she had seen all of them before, and knew different ways of solving each. All he could do was change the order of them, but in the end this was a lesson she had already mastered.

Panting some she stopped back at his side, her red eyes looking up searching for any sign of displeasure on her performance. Though she only found his brown eyes looking her over, seeing the quickly healing burns on her arms and appraising her and the performance she just gave.

Looking away from her his brown gaze went to a guardian at the far end of the field. There was no compassion in his eyes, no look of approval, just darkness. Looking the guardian over he nodded to himself.

“Kill that man.”

Blinking swearing she misheard his words as her fast beating heart jumped up in to her throat. Looking across the field at the guardian, she then looked back at the Keeper.

“Do not make me ask you twice.”

Darkness pulled at her mind, as she looked up at him so wanting to kill this Keeper where he stood. To make him suffer a thousand deaths, as she dragged his soul with her to hell. The words of Pan Ji slipped into her thoughts as she tried to hold back her rage.

Try not to resist him, I don’t want to see you hurt…. Holdback your wolf for just a little while longer..

Taking a deep breath she lowered her head obediently. “Yes Keeper.”

Smirking as she walked away from him, crossing the field towards the guardian. She didn’t know him, all of her Stepmother’s guardians went with her when she left. This man was one of his, he sent her to kill one of his own men. All guardians knew how to nature lock her, the one spell that disarms her ability to weave spells, even her wolf was declawed without nature magic.

Soon she was standing in front of the man, he was in the Green Garden robes with the seal of the dark serpent around his neck. He looked down at Willow looking her over for any sign of threat or danger.

Motioning to the burns on her arms she glanced back across the field at the Keeper. “Was he always like this?”

He relaxed some seeing she came with an innocent question. “It gets results.”

Stepping forward she looked at his pendant, her stepmother had one like it but she never whore it. “What does that stand for?”

“The dark dragon.” Clearly not wanting to entertain her or her questions.

The fight between her and her darkness went back to the day her world burned in fire. When her magic gained it potency, when her family died before her eyes. The tribe she was born to was like most Romani god fearing people, murder was an act that corrupted the soul.

That moment she lost the fight, rage, hatred, revenge, hunger consuming her. Grabbing his robes she pulled him forward, as claws of ice formed on her fist. He did not have time to think, no time to react, as the ice claws pierced his chest. Red eyes farel with emotions looked up at the man, growling as she steps out from under him so he could fall forward onto the grass.

Taking a step back she fell to her knees, she could feel him die. Not the pain of it, nor the surprise of the moment. Willow felt his soul, felt its release as it was fleeing the broken vessel. Feeling the heat on her back from the mark, pulsing with magic energy.

Watching with horror, shaking her head as she felt the soul linger. “No.. no.. please.. go”

The burning of her mark made her grit her teeth but it was not pain, no it felt more like hunger deep in her gut. Last time she felt this was when her tribe died, when thirty seven souls were released from their burning vessels all nearly at once.

The soul then was gone, no longer feeling it near by, or the hunger in her gut. Eyes fixed on the dead guardian and his blood that covered her now shaking hands when she pierced his heart. She didn’t hear the Keeper walk up and loom over her.

“Okami. Go spend the rest of your day in the library, food will be brought to you.”

Eye shot upwards as she sprang to her feet. Rage grabbing at her once again, again her wolf wanted to kill, wanted to take this man’s rotten soul. Willow is her wolf, her wolf lived in her emotions, ones she worked hard to fight, to keep at bay.

Turning she walked away, focusing on just getting one foot in front of the other. Holding her shaking hands close to her chest to hide them from him as he watched her go. Willow’s mind was racing, question on what was she again popped up in her mind. She didn’t have time to look, even with all the books at her disposal, she had to focus on her freedom.

Going to the bath first she scrubbed the blood off her shaking hands and face in the sink, before sinking to the bottom of the wine barrel tub. Opening her eyes she looked up at the water’s surface the muffled sounds of her heart beat, and the thoughts as they trampled her mind, was all she could hear. Staying down as long as she could, staying till her lungs burned for air.

Willow felt nothing, she had no remorse for killing that guardian. That scared her more than the idea that she stole his soul. -He- got what he wanted, he got her to kill a person with a soul. Controlling her and her wolf completely, to show her she was not just a witch, but a weapon.

Coming up for air she gasped and breathed hard, blinking the water from her eyes before rinsing her face. What was she to take a man’s soul? Was it in her blood or apart of the unseelie fay mark that graced her back?

Dresing she headed back to the library, where Keeper waited by the door. Pausing she looked up to him through the strands of messy damp hair, waiting for him to bark an order. He studied her, looking in her eyes, perhaps expecting them to be red with tears.

“How do you feel?” Though the question may normally be asked with concern, he had none, not for her or the man she just killed.

“I feel nothing..”

Swallowing hard she watched him turn and leave her there without another word or glance. Then she went back inside to her books. Spending the rest of the day finding runes and double checking her work, till she fell asleep there with her books.

Leaving the Green Guardians at the break of dawn she took her book bag and headed out. She still kept her arms covered, though her fay blood healed her quickly and without scars, it was now at that pink red stage where her skin iched.

Entering the gated ground of the estate, though she left the Green Garden at dawn it was far earlier after she walked through the bee tunnels. She looked at the magical wards as she made her way to the old mansion. The tracker in her back was shortwave, something they would have to be actively looking for her to use.

The butler opened the door, expecting her to arrive even at this early hour, watching her head in without her normal smile or wave. Going directly to the room where she stored her things, and the necessary materials for the ritual. Placing a few jars of powders near the drum of water before she emptied her books into the small pile with the other magical books she stole from the Green Garden.

Next she went and looked around the mansion for cleaning supplies, finding them she gathered a bucket of soapy water and a nice scrub brush. Carefully carrying the bucket she headed down the steps to the basement.

It was as Slayer promised, completely cleared out nothing but the steps and four walls. Rolling up her sleeves she went to work scrubbing the floor. Seeing it was one in the morning she didn’t expect or ask for any help.

A few hours of on her knees scrubbing before she got the slab floor spotless, all the loose rock was gone with any dust that may have settled. Carefully she took a can of resin and coated the floor with a very thin layer, only enough to give it a glossy shine, and make sure when she did her spell there would be no impurities. Watching it dry she looked over the last book she had one final source she used to make her runes as she sat on the steps above the glossy floor.

It was finally morning when the butler arrived again, finding her sitting in a corner with all the books open as she started her final check to make sure they would all work well with each other. Willow heard him come down and looked up at him as he carried a tray. He seemed to hesitate at the steps, not knowing what she was doing or if his entrance would upset the young witch.

“Miss, berries, custard, and cheese for you at the table.” Turning he retreated.

Looking back down she sighed, she was starving seeing she refusing food the day before. Willow knew she would need her strength, casting day was only two days away. Puting the books aside she got up and looked at the shiny floor one last time before going up the steps.

Willow looked out of place, dirty jeans and a tee shirt, hair messy and hiding half her face. Standing in a dining room fit for a baron, fruits cheese custard and juice laid out on expensive sparking china plates, and spotless crystal glasses.

With edicate unfitting the setting she scarfed her food, drinking gulps of juice to wash down the food she was consuming at a frightening rate. When she was done nothing was left but a few piece of cheese she didn’t seem to want to eat.

Hearing the clatter of plates as soon as she left the room the maids quick to work seeing they now had the joy of not seeing to an empty house. Her books waited for her back down in the basement, waiting for her final approval.

With the books laid out around the circle she started her runecrafting. The red oil pencil had magical elements infused into it, making setting the runes tonight that much easier. Willow was careful, double checking each line and set of symbols, one mistake and the house could be nothing more than a creator come casting day. Twelve books, twelve runes interlocking into a huge rune of circles and symbols. Easily twenty feet across, leaving an open spaces in each rune for the item of power they will need.

Gathering up her books she put them in a box, the butler was there even before she realized she was not going to easily get said heavy box up the steps. Leaving her standing on the steps she looked down at her work, the red glowing marks on the floor waiting for the charged gems Pan was making.

Looking for a change of atmosphere she walked to a sitting room with a notepad and a book. Placing the things down she looked around the room finding a stereo sitting quietly in a fancy cabinet. Hooking her phone to it, the goth music played quietly enough for her to think and do the complex work ahead but loud enough to keep her mind from wondering. Taking up the book she looked over the complex math problems on the page. The scary place where magic meets science, where she had to go from being just a witch to bring a math genius.

Having the look of a woman doing important work, the butler didn’t even make a noise when he placed some food down for her for lunch. Willow didn’t even notice it, until she finally lifted her head from her work, then the smell of the roast beef was suddenly in the air.

Leaving the work aside she ate half of the sandwich, and drank all the milk in the glass. Picking up her book and notebook she went back to the storage room and put the book away in its box. Sitting in the corner she double checked her math one more time, and then wrote out the proper measurements for each ingredient. Even down to milligrams of each item, for her to measure precisely come casting day.

Getting up she left her book bag this time, she was as prepared as she could be. Now she hoped Pan would do her task so she could set the runes in the resin, locking them in pace and stabilizing the channels of magic. Also the only time she will be able to make any corrections, not that she made any errors, just each of spell has its own needs, sometimes spells needed more channels to get along well with each other.

Leaving as the butler held the door for her, heading out to Eldwick.

 

[Willow]

Child of Medeina
Demon Wolf
6.4.15


Standing at the top of the steps she looked down at what she had accomplished. The complex runes now burned in to the resen, set and ready to cast. The Void crystal vessels sat in their spots though currently empty jugs for water and liquids, bowls for holding the powders. It was the most expensive part, seeing use of such vessels was not common, except among the most experienced witches. Magic would have no effect on the blessed crystal, keeping the complex items of power from having any sort of impurities from the vessels.

Grabbing her jacket she played with the replica rabbit's foot in her pocket. Her real one was in the protective care of Pan, keeping it safe from the Keeper, and from what she was planning to do. This plan would change her life, good changes , as well as scary ones.

Edgar was waiting for her as she walked to the door, she had been coming here every moment she could for the last two weeks. He knew she had a strict timetable for getting back. Holding a silver tray was a cookie for, his normal farwell.

“Mistress, will you be returning soon?” Proper and educated sounding in every word he spoke.

Pausing she took the cookie and nibbled on it. “Friday, Pan and perhaps Patch her mate will be here with me in the evening” Looking at the cookie a moment. “I know he did not agree to me having people over, but i need them for this” Pausing looking up at the man. “Just this once.”

He nodded though in the end he was not the lord of this manor he was however one of the few people who spent most of their life under this roof. Finishing the cookie she walked out, looking over the estate as she went.

It was one of many options, places she could stay once she was done. Though she had a lot of options she was slim on places she felt she would be safe. Pan and Patch offered a room in his flat, that was before they were engaged, also it is in Seoul. The Horned God would have a room for her if she asked, she knew enough of the staff, but with that she would be on her own. This place was safe, and close enough to everything.

Shaking her head she grabbed her skateboard and rolled through the bee tunnel. It was the fastest method of travel at her disposal, and if she had to climb down a rope to the lower branches of Argetha she could carry it in her backpack.

Pulling her hood up as she came out of the world tree in Seoul. Raining as always but it did not slow her down as she sailed down the twisting maze of streets. Passing the Dragon Dojo, a place she was not important enough to go into alone, in fact as far as they knew she was not a real dragon.

The Green Garden was at the end of a long street at the edge of a set of rice patties. Though at this hour of night only a few lanterns were lit no one out working the fields. The brick wall enclosed the japanese style estate look foreboding. Three building sat right up next to each other making a U shape, the center was the dojo and library , the two other buildings were appartments.

Cellars were more than uncommon in the wet city, they were not practical. The Main building had one though, built like a prison, thick cinder block walls, and perhaps a little magic made it possible. The hard clay roof was painted blue, though it had not been repainted recently and showed the red clay underneath.

Puting her skateboard away at the gate she walked in and went to the library. Even with her new Keeper’s rules, she tested to see how strict he really was. Finding just this one weak spot, he said she had to go to the cellar, but not correcting her when she was found sleeping in the halls of knowledge with the books.

Grabbing a few books on vampires she layed down on the soft carpet and opened one. Willow had read them once before, it was apart of her lessons with her Stepmother. She chose them because now that she knew a few she wanted to look through it again.

Morning found her asleep there book resting on the carpet open and she curled up where she once was on her tummy reading. A sharp pain in her side woke her up as she sprung to her feet ready to defend herself.

Keeper looked down at her clearly where he just kicked her like she was a sleeping mutt. Rubbing her side she left her stance and put her feet together bowing. Willow could not afford any errors not now, she needed to be allowed out so she could finish her plan.

“Come”

Following she left the book were they were, and put on her slippers. Walking her to the dojo he took his slippers off at the low room and waited for her. Then walked out on to the bamboo, and watched her. Her heart was racing now, fear, and rage, she didn't want him to torture her like he did last time.

Grabbing the bo sticks he handed her one, and then looked to the doors. Two guardians stepped in every door and stood shoulder to shoulder blocking all the exits. Watching this with mild confusion, not understanding why they would even try to trap her in this room. Then he spoke making her look suddenly to the Keeper.

“You are not lacking in ability, you know how to use your magic, you are well trained in the arts, you are able but seeming unwilling to do some tasks. Your weakness we can work on, your hesitation will have to be beaten out of you.”

Staying perfectly still she watched him as he paced his eyes watching her focused on her. Promising more pain made her clench her jaw, but she did not lower her eyes, nor flinch. There was something more going on, another test to see the work he had ahead.

Two people entered the room behind him, one was in chains the other a small old lady. Keeper stopped pacing and walked to them talking briefly as the man was unchained. The old woman moved next taking the man by the arm and putting him across from her.

It was like a switch in her, hunt mode, as she looked the man over. Every things about him how he walked how he stood, how his eyes did not look at her like prey, no he was afraid. He had been on a bus or in a car for a long while, his back hurt, the chains chafed his skin. By the cuts on his wrist he was right handed, and had a bad habit of biting his nails. Prison perhaps, or perhaps someone they set aside for such moments.

The old lady went back and stood next to Keeper, nodding to her as he tossed the prisoner the bo staff. His brown cold eyes went to Willow as he spoke with equally cold words. “Willow, Kill that man.”

Unlike the guardian she killed on tuesday this man knew she was going to kill him. This time she would have to fight and kill, and not the quick death she could grant with magic. Tightening the grip on her staff she spun it and took a stance seeing how the prisoner would react to her display of skill.

Eyes widening he reached down and grabbed the staff at his feet. Then back up at her, his forehead getting all wrinkled as he now was looking WIllow over. Perhaps it was the fact she was short, or the youth in her face, he seemed to hesitate.

Taking a deep breath she let it out slowly she had no other choice, fail and she would have to face the wrath of the Keeper. Embracing her darkness she changed her stance walking towards him watching him as she went.

Seeing her the red eyes, perhaps he saw the huntress in them, or the wolf that hungered for his mortal soul. Raising his staff he stopped hesitating backing away and looking around. He could see what Willow saw, neither of them could flee, one of them would be dead one would live, each of them with their own motivation.

The hunt begins, the first few moments was Willow testing him seeing if he was more than he appeared. Brutish swings, all muscle and no thought, the kind of man who normally just had to punch a wall to get what he wanted.

Aggressively going after the man, keeping him moving and swinging at air. The fight was not long, it only took twenty moves, and the first half was just seeing what kind of pray he was. Sweeping his feet out from under him she swung at his head, with lethal force. then brought the bow staff down through his neck, sealing the deal and ending his life.

Turning she looked at her Keeper and bowed, to hide the glowing tattoo on her back. Waiting watching her keeper converse with the old Japanese lady, as the spoke in hushed tones in a language she didn’t know. It gave her time as she felt the prisoner's soul as it was consumed.

Keeper then fell silent as the old lady walked away from him while he was talking, walking towards Willow. Something caught her attention and clearly her status made the Keeper just waiting for her return.

Old frail looking but still taller than Willow, and smelled of mothballs, her hair once black was now peppered and pulled back in a bun. Her old eyes looked Willow over, inspecting her.

“Your emotions… they are so potent and so intense. You feel strongly or you do not feel at all.”

Willow watched her as she spoke standing straight arms at her sides. Clearly this woman was a seer, or perhaps an empath.

“Coursity.. rage.. “ Looking back at Keeper. “You wish to kill that man.” Her old eyes drifting down to the bloody mess on the mat. “Yet you feel nothing about this one, no remorse. No.. your are angry you were forced to kill him, but not upset at his death.”

Eyes locking with the old lady, Willow filled her own mind with music. The one thing that made emotions, it makes people feel and Willow wanted to make a mask to hide from this woman.

Blinking as a small smile shifted the wrinkles on her face. “You are clever, far more clever than he knows. You are not controlled by your emotions, but you are far too passionate to be the weapon they desire.”

Eyes narrowed watching her as her hand tightened on the blood covered staff. No mask would hide the emotions she felt now, feeling threatened as her hackles went up. A foot shifted in the moment the woman paused in her speaking,

Chuckling now filled the room as the old lady laughed, turning she walked away from Willow. “Takamoshi, you do not have the chains to control a child of Medeina. The ten wolves will hunt you to the ends of the earth.”

Willow blinked at this not expecting the old lady to chide him. She knew more than Willow wanted her to and could have said anything. Dooming her to death even, but she laughed at the Keeper instead.

He looked at Willow clearly confused by the ladies response, and cross that he was dismissed twice. “Go leave us.”

A small bow she dropped the bloody stick next to the body, and walked to the low room to get her slippers. Once back to the library she took out her phone and put the word ‘ Medeina’ on a note. Something to look up later, clearly the old woman saw something when she looked into Willow’s mind.

 

[Willow]

Freedom in the Flames
Demon Wolf
FInal story for ‘Enter The Dark Dragon’ Chapter
6.6.15

With the room now empty, those who were there gone by her request. Pan and Patch went back to his flat to recover. Nerante was up stairs starting to clean up the arsenal of weapons they deployed and then starting repairs on the house.

The test of control went perfectly taking control of the doppelganger she made it get dressed. In its pocket was the the replica rabbit's foot, and the silver cross given to her by The Raven was around her neck. Looking through its eyes while her’s were closed she applied the black makeup to her eyes and lips. Then she left it resting lying on the floor of the basement, as she went up to a more comfortable room.

Going into the room that would be hers she sat on the carpet, it was empty except for a wall of boxes. Not yet furnished with soft things or a bed, though at this time none of that mattered. The floor was just fine, this would be her territory.

Picking up the softly glowing crystal she held it in both hands and took a few breaths. It pulsed with the doppelgangers heartbeat, though it was just a puppet, it had no mind or soul. Down stairs the puppet stood and opened its red eyes.

Everything felt natural, just as if she was doing it. Skateboarding down the long road past the rice patties, to the foreboding japanese style buildings that sat behind tall walls. It was not her though she could feel the cold rain on her face, just it was not the same.

The doppelganger was as perfect of a replica as Willow could make, even down to healed fractures of her past, and the mostly healed burns on her arms and back. One thing she could not do was make the puppet part fay. It was missing the intense emotions, the colors of life all now painted in a wash of gray. Everything the puppet touched was muted as well, no feeling of texture, or life, like the world was wrapped in plastic. This was how normal humans saw and felt the world, ones who did not feel the world with a touch or see with such bright colors.

The guardians opened the gate, as always as she handed over her skateboard. Walking towards the large building the one that housed the dojo and the library. Keeper was not far away watching her go towards the large building and taking the entrance to the house of knowledge.

Pausing she turned to look at him, the immersion of the puppet was close to real, like a dream. Their eyes met for a few moments as she waited for him to move his hands, he could allow it or send her to the cellar. Being a good slave she waited for his permission, and in time he waved her on as he went back into the apartments.

First test passed, he could not tell the difference from a distance. What ever the old lady seer said to him clearly made him rethink things and for now was leaving her alone. Quietly she hoped there was not a closer inspection in the future.

Leaving her sneakers at the low room she stepped up and walked through the maze of books. Taking a few choice books she brought them to the soft rug and started ripping out pages. Soon she was surrounded by crumpled paper she grabbed more books and started making a ring of them building them up in to a loose wall of books.

Sitting in the center of the ring she hesitated looking down as she grabbed the jar of liquid from her backpack. Willow knew in this plan she had to face her greatest fear, she had to stay controlling the puppet for as long as she could. A medical examiner had to see the evidence of her dieing in this fire, of the burns in her lungs from the smoak, the signs that this person died to the flames. If she left to early the puppet would just lay on the ground, like a corps. It felt nothing and would burn till its body was to damadged.

The jar had clear liquid in it but it was not water, no it was a chemical called dragon's fire, labeled by wizards and witches of old. All it needed to ignite was air, oxygen like what was in the room around her and was breathed in to her lungs.

Taking off the wax seal she took a breath, and then pulled the crystal topper. The small bright red flame leapt from the jar as air found its way in. In violent motions she splashed the fire outwards on to the books and the walls. The old japanese building quickly ignited, the chemical fire quickly starting to eat its way across the walls and floor to the book shelves near by.

She was shaking now, the puppet and the master who sat thousands of miles away. Even though she was not really there her mind was. Taking the last of the jar she upturned it on to her head, as the remaining liquid fire covered her.

Willow couldn't help but scream, the flames bite at her and burned away her skin. Dropping the crystal Willow’s eyes shot open as she backed away from it. Breathing hard she wiped the tears from her eyes, watching the crystal pulse. Then, it went dark as the glow of life faded from it leaving it looking smokey, like it too burned in that room.

With no bed Willow went to a corner and sat in it, there was a feeling of safety in corners, she needed to feel safe. Closing her eyes she drew her knees up to her chest and took a deep breath, she expected nightmares, but she could no longer fight the need for sleep, not when she was drained and exhausted.

A gypsy horse stood watching them as they walked up, ears perked eyes bright. Her mother's horse, happy to see its person approaching. Willow was just a child five years old, in her hands she held a carrot for the happy mare. Her mother had promised Willow that they would go out riding, but that promise was long over due.

Holding up the carrot the mare walked over to Willow and took it from her crunching it till even the green stems were gone. Putting up her hand again the mare leaned down sniffing and reaching with its upper lip. Finding a hand and not a carrot it pressed its velvety nose against her hand and snorted, making little Willow giggle.

With a firm grip on her daughter she placed her on the horse's shoulders, giving her some of the thick long mane to hold on to. Then she hopped up behind Willow and took the rope she attached to the coin decorated halter.

Away from the camp were her tribe was set up for the spring, out into the fields just freshly blooming flowers. Stopping her mother slip off the horse and then took her, walking with her to a place in the flowers they sat down. Pulling Willow in to her lap she kisses her on the forehead, and tried to make some peace with her daughters wispy fine hair.

Galloping around the field the Gypsy horse played, its thick long fetlocks and gorgeous long mane flowing as it ran and turned chasing the wind. They watched the mare play for a bit until her mother gave up on taming her wild hair.

Still mesmerized by the happy horse Willow only noticed her mother holding some lavender close to her face by the sudden wonderful smell. Reaching out she took it and sniffed the wonderful purple colored flowers.

“Moma, this smells good! I like it!” I LOVE it!”

Grabbing at the lavender she hugged it then held it up for her mother. Waving it around some so her mother would notice the action. Taking it Her mother braided it into her hair, smiling and humming as she did so.

“That is your flower Willow.”

“You gave it to me.”

“All of them, it’s your flower.”

“Aaaalll of them.. even that one way over there?”

“Umhum.”

The hands around her tightened as her mother winced in pain. Nearly doubling over before letting go of Willow and holding her head. This was not the first time her mother had a vision, she was a seer visions were common and always painful.

Waking up Willow looked around, she had been moved into a soft bed. She had already explored the mansion, this was one of the guest rooms, with nothing personal decorating the room. Getting up she stretched, and wandered back to her empty room to shower in her personal bathroom and change into sweats and a t-shirt.

Grabbing a box she went down stairs to the basement with it, setting it out of the way in the corner. Opening it she took out one of the four set of manual hand sanders, and the strips of sandpaper that came with it. Heading to the closest corner of the rune she got down and started sanding down the thin resin coat earacing the runes. The rune was only made for one purpose, and now that the ritual was done she wanted it gone.

Hearing the quiet footsteps coming down the stairs she looked up, the maid Holly gave Willow a small wave. Walking over she looked in the box and then back at Willow a moment picking up a manual sander and attaching a strip of sand paper to it.

Biting her lip some Willow watched her. “You don't have to.. “

“M’Lady, we want to.” Suzie’s voice behind her cutting Willow off.

Nodding some Holly smiled. “Many hands make for lighter work.”

Willow looked between them and nodded looking back down at the task at hand. It was faster but still was would take a few hours. Willow however did not get much longer before another set of feet hit the steps.

“M’lady, breakfast awaits you.” Edgar’s regal voice announced.

Looking up at the man in the suit Willow frowned, rolling off her knees to her heals. Looking around the two girls were sanding the runes away like it was a normal everyday choir. Finally standing she looked at them, as they paused in their work to nod at her encouragingly.

Heading up she went to the dining room, what ever hesitation she had about leaving them to work suddenly vanished. Waffles, fresh berries, and a small crystal platters of butter and freshly whipped cream.

“Waffels!”

Sitting in the chair she picked up the fork and reached for the boat of maple syrup. She had not had them since she was a child, now it was a special moment enjoying the flavors and fluffy toasted waffely goodness. There was much work left to be done, but for now she was happy with a wonderful breakfast.

 

[Willow]

The Flavor of Life
Demon Wolf
6.11.15

In lazy loose pants, sporting an oversized tee shirt Willow walked down the beautiful hallways of her new home. Walking past the gym she could hear the sound of classic rock, music before her time playing loudly while Slayer pushed himself behind the closed door.

Edgar walked up behind her carrying a heavy looking puffy duffel bag the words ‘Lovesac’ printed on the side. Not looking encumbered though it was a heavy bag easily seventy five pounds. He clearly a professional, and knowing the bag nearly weighed as much as she did.

“Oh, you didn't have to I was going to go back for it once I saw where I wanted to put it.” Walking as she spoke out of politeness.

“M’lady, I insist.” Bowing his head only a moment. “Your breakfast will be waiting for you in moments as well.” His tone made it clear he was armed with a lecture if she did not show.

Chuckling to herself she spun around and walked backwards a moment. “I hear ya..”

Turning around again she opened the door to the grand library, holding it for him as he stepped in just behind her. It was wonderful, Willow’s new favorite room, more books than she could read in a lifetime. The room with a vaulted ceiling was thirty feet tall, all the walls were floor to ceiling solid old hard wood shelves. It even had a nifty leaning rail latter to aid in reaching the tall shelves, and it looked super cool. Off to the side there was one locked glass covered shelf clearly for very old antique books. The room was modernised, with a soft sofa, and a comfy looking sitting chair, dehumidifier, and a high tech stereo system.

Finding a nice empty corner Willow moved the small end table aside and counted out the space for her reading nest. “Here will be perfect!”

Putting down the heavy bag he stepped back, giving Willow room to unpack the object within. Unzipping the duffel bag she pulled out the compressed ball of fabric, before fluffing it. It didn't take long before the compressed crimson bag became a round happy plush sack. Flopping on the large soft nest she smiled up to Edgar.

“I will follow you for breakfast, but first where are the magic books?” Asking as she hopped to her feet.

Walking across the large room he looked at her. “Most of M’lords books are of the highest quality on many subjects, you will find most of the book about magical use over here. Though many book here touch on the subject in some way. “ Pausing he studied her. “Is there a specific subject you are looking for M’lady?”

Looking around a moment Willow was thinking. ‘Not really, I will find what I’m looking for later. “ Smiling she nodded. “To breakfast?”

“Of course M’lady.”

Sitting at the table Willow ate some of the fresh berries and cottage cheese, trying not to eat like some starved wolf. It was not normal for her to have food so easily available, not with the Keepers starving her so often, or the time they had her out homeless and hunting with no way of buying food for over a year. The feeling of having more energy, and not being hungry, was new and wonderful. Her tiny frame was not holding on to any fat, she spent too much of her days running and hunting monster in the wilds.

Eating most of what was put in front of her she looked around for Edgar. He was not hard to find seeming to always be where he was needed. Walking is as soon as she stood to go find him, standing ever ready, and attentive to serve.

“Oh perfect I wanted to chat.. “ Moving away from the table going to him, triggered the maids to come and start clearing the table.

“Yes M’lady, is there something you needed?”

“Seeing I officially live here now, I wanted to tell you I don’t like pork.” Noding some as she spoke. “I also wanted you to know that the girls can go in my room and see to it as they feel the need to. When I am in the basement working on spells I will ask to be left alone, a lot of preparation and regents go in to runecrafting and alchemy.”

Nodding as he listened, clearly making mental notes. “Are the staff allowed down there to dust M’lady?”

Thinking a moment she looked down going through the mental list of how she kept things down there. “Yes, I tend to put things away when I am done, and stage multi day projects to things are secure but out of the way. “

“Perhaps tonight you can show me how it should look, so we can keep it for you.”

Nodding she smiled. “Thank you for the food, I will not be coming home for dinner.” Pausing as he looked a tad more regal mentally preparing his lecture. “I wanted to try a new place, try some new foods. I will eat I promise.”

“Very well M’lady.” Nodding once in understanding. “Are you going out?”

“Yep”

Turning with a wrist flick wave she marched to her room changing into jeans and a shirt and grabbed her cute back pack and her new skateboard. Out the door wheels to the ground as soon as she got past the gravel driveway, heading towards the bee tunnels. There is no comparison in the mundane world to flying down the long branches of the world tree on a skateboard. Sailing past the custodians, and hugging the turns as you pass the swirling branches into other places.

Last time Willow tested it she had twenty minutes before the high of the anima became too much. It was like a drug, giving her a contact high, though unlike a pure fay or a bee her body could only handle so much. The skateboard made it faster and safer for her especially on the longer trips.

Walking out of the bee tunnels to the cold thin air, she took a deep breath filling her lungs. Eight thousand one hundred feet above the sea, surrounded by the thick forest of pine and aspen. Taking a sweatshirt from her bag she put it on and started her trek out of the woods.

Vail Colorado, the crown of the mile high city, and home of expensive restaurants. Wanting to try something new, and expensive food was new. Though she was not yet completely sure what she would eat, she at least had the means to get anything she wanted with the money Slayer gave her and the last of her savings.

Quaint shops just opening for the summer, selling knick knacks to seasonal affaire. Window shopping she looked in at the clothing, and shinies that graced almost every store. She went about mostly unnoticed, it being her first time here she spent much time seeing what things were around.

Skipping lunch she went exploring in the woods, hiking and meeting nature. Spotting elk as they wearily looks around and nibbled grass, the antlers on the bull’s nearly ready to shed the velvet off and start rutting. Wild turkey making silly noises as they tried to stay away from the curious huntress Willow.

As the sun started to set and the temperatures starting to drop Willow went back to the resort town of Vail. Larkspur is where her feet took her as she entered the expensive establishment. White silk table cloths, warm amber lights lit room, with polished copper decorations on the light colored masonry walls, and candles at every table.

A man in a suit, the materdee smiled at her. “Dining alone madam?”

Nodding as he offered her an arm and walked her to a table that had a wonderview of the trees and the tree line where snow still lingered. “Would you like some sparking water?” He asked as he put a simple page menu in front of her.

“Do you have root beer on Tap?”

“I will let your waiter know.” Giving her a smile as he walked away.

Looking over the menu she smiled at words she had never seen before, but they were attached to words she knew, making her mouth water. Soon a waitress came over smiling looking down at Willow, and putting the frosty glass of rootbeer in front of her.

“Do you need more time?”

“Nope, I would like.” Pausing to read the word the best she could before speaking them with her russian accent. “Bone marrow panade, skuna bay salmon, and apple galette a la michel darchi for dessert.”

The brunette nodded and turned to start the order, leaving Willow with the view and her wonderfully house brewed root beer. The Larkspur was starting it normal dinner rush as people started filling near by tables, all of them talking in polite tones as they talked about what they were ordering.

Food arriving the first plate was the bone marrow plate, a single cow femur cut in half laying displaying the rich buttery insides, sitting next to the shaved mushroom and celery leaf salad, and friended by some toasted brioche pieces to help cut the richness of the marrow.

Staring at the primal meal she smiled before picking it the tiny spoon she scooped some of the marrow free of the bone and put it on the toste. The bite was heavenly, rich beefy flavor buttery melty spread on the wonderful fresh toasted bread. The rest of the dish did not last long after that, as the wolfess decided she understood why wolves enjoyed this part.

Fay blood did not just run in her veins, it affected all of her senses. Willow saw a world with brighter richer colors, felt textures of the bark and even the life of the trees at her fingertips, and tasted all nature gave in every bite of her food. Gaia’s children felt everything more deeply and passionately then humans, the mortals whose eyes, ears, and hands were dulled to the world around them.

Salmon with summer squash raviolis came out next, as the empty plate was taken away. Willow tried it seeming to enjoy the ravioli's more than the fish. Normally she had salmon raw in sushi, so she had never had it in this texture before. Taking her time she ate what she wanted leaving some of the fish behind.

The desert finally came out as the dining room was also well into eating their food, leaving the talking to murmurs. The rich apple geletta, covered in a wonderful dark caramel sauce, sprinkled with just a touch of salt. The crown on the extravagant meal she just finished indulging, her fay scenes just adding to the experience of every bite, tasting more of the flavors, as she held the cool silver in her hands.

Walking back the waitress smiled down at her once again. “Did you enjoy your meal?”

“ Yes very much.” Nodding with enthusiasm. “ I would like to pay please.”

“The gentleman behind you has payed for your meal.” Announcing to Willow with a cheeky smile.

“The guy.. behind me?”

Turning Willow looked around the dining room with her red eyes, spotting a man in a nice black suit and white tie, he was lifting his wine glass as their eyes met. Olive skin and athletic build, his eyes were shocking blue standing out with his hair black as raven feathers.

“Thank you” Speaking to the waitress, as she stood up and grabbed her bag.

There are a few key words one could use to describe the tiny russian, shy was not one of them, no Willow was brazen as she walked past a few tables and sat across from the man in the empty seat. Her eyes meeting his once again, searching for anything to tip her off to who or what he was.

“Thank you for buying my meal… just kinda wondering.. why?”

Smirking he had no problem keeping his eyes locked with hers, the huntress’ gaze did not deter him, even a little bit. “I rarely see people enjoy and savor a meal as you have. The look in your eyes was of one who tasted more than just the meal before you, the very essence of the plants and animals it came from.”

Blinking Willow tilted her head, not expecting such an eloquent or deep reason. “Umm.. thank you. I’m Willow, what is your name?” The idea of calling him tuxedo mask did come to mind for some reason.

“Dimitri, It is a pleasure to see one who clearly enjoys life.”

It was hard to place his accent, it had touches of russian and romanian, dampened by his stay in the melting pot of languages called the United States. His skin backed up the possibility of him being european. Willow saw something as she studied him his eyes, a darkness deep in the baby blue oceans, eyes of one who had seen and lived far too long.

Seeing she was silent while studying him, Dimitri smiled, and held up a empty glass. “Wine?”

Red eyes shifted to the glass then the bottle, “No thank you.” Standing she pulled her cute back pack on. “I have place to go, be well Dimitri.”

Though she walked at her normal pace she was secretly fleeing. Dealing with her fair share of them in the past, the place the mundane world was not the place to make friends with a Vampire. Though she played innocent, Willow felt his pull on her mind, remembering the feelings of the past, the last time she was caught unawares by a vampire.

 

[Willow]

The Pain of Waiting
Demon Wolf
6.16.15

His mouth opened and closed as if breathing in long hard effort, but the med tech that looked into the man's blue lit eyes shuddered as he realized it for what it was. Silent screams. Unvoiced terror as whatever was happening in the junction of anima and technology. They pressed new wave of energies into him teaching his anima infused nano-tech to react-absorb-manipulate. This time, the scream wasn't silent. All monitors displayed the same running code at once that culminated into "I will save them from you" the conditioning crown that pumped manufactured thoughts into his mind exploded leaving burns on his head and face.

Screaming Willow bolted upright, setting the blankets on fire around her, not seeing the safe bed given to her in the green. She saw the wires and tubes, the computer interface they were torturing someone she loves.

The fae around her responded quickly to her distress and the fire she had set. One scooping her up in to a firm but caring embrace as another threw a thick blanket over the flames to squelch them. The Satyr held her making cooing noises to try to soothe her and she clung to him and cried. The fine white raw silk night gown her mother had given her the night before was now singed.

The images would not leave her mind clinging to the soft fur and chest not knowing or caring who or what was trying to sooth her. Though soon she was put down into a soft bed of moss, the guardian Satyr leaving her as the smaller more attentive brownies.

Taking a few deep breathes her hands shaking, not in fear, or because of the fire, this was pure rage. Pulling her knees up and wrapping her arms around them as she rocked herself back and forth. The darkness within screaming out for blood, for souls.

The brownies stayed near by, watching her and fretting, some carrying baskets of fruit others wooden bowls of water. They finally sat and started singing, trying to sooth trying to clam the huntress. Willow closed her eyes and remembered the kiss, the one she stole the brief moment of happiness before the realization.

Opening her eyes she looked at the brownies as they sang, as they tried to sooth her enough to take their offerings. Reaching out with her pale hand she took one of the wild berries and ate it, closing her eyes as she tasted the explosion of flavor.

Letting her legs go she accepted the basket and water, eating them like the starved wolf she was. Soon the basket was empty as was the bowl of water, and she was sated for now. Her clothing from the other room was brought to her, so she could dress and be happy.

Getting up she put on her sneakers and walked towards the doorway from the world of the Green back to Eldwick. The Satyr watched her clearly pleading she stay under their protection, safe in the green where her Mother would not have to worry.

“I will be back soon, I won't be going far.”

 

[Willow]

Rage and Loss
Demon Wolf
6.18.15


Seeing the nano structure carry Patch into the portal, his broken body matching his broken mind. Pan, and Copal following him into the Green, a sanctuary, and a place of healing. Willow stayed behind watching them as her fists clenched holding back the rage and power. Pent up waiting for two days, pacing as she realized what she was. Going out to save him, she was ready to kill, no wanting to kill, needing to rip apart their bodies and take their souls. Willow is the weapon they made her to be, sadly for them, it took her leaving the Dark Dragon for it to come to pass.

Now though the moment was passed, and two of her pack was now suffering, safe and sound. Both having wounds not of the body but of the mind. Something she could not heal with her magic even if she drained every drop of her fae blood from her body.

Rage choking her mind, she walked out of London to the bee tunnels and grabbed her skate board. Willow knew she had to hunt, though now with a choice, it would not be at the cost of souls. Having a choice and not driven by the overwhelming instinct to protect her own, she would hunt monsters.

Transylvania cold crisp air made her lungs hurt for the first few breaths, as she looked over the snowy woods. Putting her left glove over the bandage carefully, her only wound she got from the rescue, was the one she gave herself.

Putting her skateboard away in the tangled roots of the tree making sure it was out of the way for later. Turning she took off running down the mountain, not having any troubles maneuvering in the snow. Finally her feet landing on the paved road as she took off down it, at her own wolf driven pace.

The blinding rage was all she had, as she met up with the first nest of trolls. In her mind she was killing them, the ones she saw in her night terrors, the ones who harmed Patch and broke his mind. The ones who harmed her pack and were lucky enough not to cross her path as she helped him escape.

Lighting arced as her claws ripped through their hides, like an angel of death she was moving to the next before the last could hit the ground. Even as they tried to gather in numbers Willow was already cutting them down. Potent emotions bubbled and churned in her, her rage was beyond measure, and so potent it would drive a human mad.

Luckily no one lingered in her hunting grounds, no one to accidentally cross paths with the blood lusting huntress. There was no other word for it, her rage gathering in her for two days, boiling and seething. Now finally being released, as she chased her pray through the woods. Even as she felt the stitches pull and rip she didn't stop, the pain only pulled out her rage.

The trail of troll bodies lead back to where she started, the wild wolves already starting to feed on the free meal. Willow collapsed into the snow, her chest burning as she breathed in the ice cold air and breathed out puffs of clouds. Her hands shaking as her arm seeping out blood past the bandage, marking the snow with bright red.

Closing her eyes she trying to feel the world around her, feel the trees and the cold snow. Gaia never spoke to her, but the silken threads of Anima, called out to her all around her telling they were ready to be woven in to a spell. Though her body ached and her heart beat out of her chest, arm throbbing as the blood trickled out, she was not done. Willow's wolf demanded more, rage still pulled at her as she saw the pained face of Patch in her mind.

Ninja flipping to her feet she looked around, taking off again this time up the mountain. Okami Oni means Demon Wolf, that is what she was embodied as she again set out to revel in death. The dance of death perfected, vales of magic twirled around her as she pulled the fine silken threads. Silver claws reflecting the light of the just starting to show waxing moon, and the splash of red. Truly a dance of death, to the music of rage pounding in her mind.

Willow had never felt rage not truly, never had she needed to hunt so badly, never had she wanted to kill humans so badly. The music, of the hunt, the rage that pounded in her ears, the dance took her. Like being lost in any music in the club, allowing it to move her. It penetrated her mind and soul, pushing her body past the point of pain.

*******

Willow's eyes opened as she bolted upright, breathing hard as she looked around. Her room was as she left it, the bed by the window, and her book shelves and writing desk. Having no memory of leaving Transylvania, her heart pounded in her chest, no memory of going through the drug like air of the Agatha. Having no idea how she got home, or when.

Getting up she walked to the bathroom and took off her night gown. Her left arm was bandaged up, likely by Edgar, the faint memory of ripping her stitches made her frown. Then she looked in the mirror at her messy hair, and streaked mascara. Knowing if she did indeed get herself home, she must had fallen in to bed, if she made it that far.

Running a near scalding hot shower she stepped in and cleaned the dried blood out of her hair. Washing away the hunt from her skin and the make up from her face. Once clean she sat under the almost to hot water on the floor of the shower. She had a few new wounds, mostly bruises, seeing she was wearing her armor the primitive weapons of trolls only could bludgeon her.

Closing her eyes she tried to focus on the night, remembering her moment in the snow. The place she planned to be half way, clearly it didn't work out that way. Her body ached like she had ran home all the way from Transylvania to London. Nothing, not even glimpse of memory, no dreams either. The only thing she was sure about is she did not kill anyone with a soul. Grabbing a towel she stepped out in to the steamed room and dried.

Putting on some loose clothing, she left the room as she put her filthy nightgown in the bin to be washed. The hallways were mostly quiet as she walked barefoot to the dining room, peeking into the kitchen where Holly was.

“Holly.. can I....”

“Oh M'lady!” Cutting Willow's words off as she turned. “We are so happy your alright! Breakfast will be made right away.”

“I umm.. thank you. I will be a moment or two. I have something to do down stairs.”

Walking away her bare feet noiseless as she paused at Nernate's room. Putting her ear to the door, she herd nothing. Shaking her head a moment she walked to the wall and put her hand on it, casting a silent spell. Willow knew she could break his wards, and break his trust, she choose not to. Two beacons of life, sensing their anima, as well as object in the room that were magical. Satisfied that Edgar was seeing to him, she headed down the stairs to the cellar.

A new imbuing circle was put down in the corner, something she needed to... The thought choked her some, and made her ball her fist. Grabbing an old wooden box she took a book out, on its cover was embossed a skull, and a symbol of dark magic around it. The book contained more forbidden magic, necromancy like blood magic was forbidden to her Romani tribe.

Willow having no interest in Necromancy, but magic that involved manipulation of souls was only contained with in the books pages. Opening it she turned to the place she had marked, soul shards how to make them charge them and trap souls in them. Luckily she only need to prime a shard, seeing the soul was willing and just needed a home.

Pulling the next article from the old wooden box she opened it, inside was perfect crystals each lying in a velvet lined bed. Willow remembered the shape of the socket, the place where Cici's soul shard once sat. Fingers tracing the shape in the velvet as she looked for one the same size and shape.

Taking the crystal with a white cloth she looked at it, as the pain swelled in her chest. Cici, was dead everyone accepted this, accepted she had sacrificed herself once again to save Ian her soul mate. Wrapping it in the cloth she grabbed the book and her red oil pencil and went to a corner of the room.

Stubbornness, or perhaps she was just unwilling or able to accept the loss. Drawing out the dark magic runes on the resin, glancing at the book to make sure all was as it needed to be. Placing the untouched crystal in its place, taking a ragged breath as she looked at the forbidden ritual she put out on the ground.

Putting her hand out over the runes she closed her eyes, channeling the energies she needed to prime the crystal. Keeping her eyes closed as tears streaked down her cheeks, potent and just as intense as any other emotions she felt.

Willow felt the spell finish, then she held back a scream, slamming her back against the wall as she balled up. The fae tattoo on her back was burning, like flames were clinging to her loose shirt and eating away at her flesh. Her bare feet smudging the runes and sending the crystal away from her as she pushed her back harder against the wall.

Forcing herself to her feet she grabbed the book and stumbled to its box. Closing the crystal bed she put the book inside and closed the wooden chest. The pain was lesser now as she looked across the room at the primed soul shard. Walking carefully towards it the pain once again grew as she retreated back towards her apothecary shelves. It was hurting her, was it pulling at her own soul, or the souls of those who died for her or by her hand.

Grabbing a void crystal container she found some soft cloth and lined it making a bed for the crystal. Looking across the room at the crystal again she took a breath, readying herself for the pain. Quickly she moved and scooped up the crystal with the container and sealed it. Falling to her knees she gasped for air, the searing pain subsiding slowly.

“M'Lady?” Holly peeked down the steps into the room.

“I.. will be right up..” Her voice was nearly gone and choked with tears she was holding back.

Grabbing the cloth she cleaned off the forbidden runes off the floor, before sitting and trying to push past the pain. Finally making it back to her feet she carefully carried the container to her room and put it in her backpack. Going to the bathroom briefly to clean the red grease pencil off her feet and wash her eyes.

Lifting her shirt she looked at the tattoo on her back in the mirror. The only change was now it seemed to pulse with energy, those that effect was fading with the pain. With a deep breath she let it fall back in place as she walked out to the dining room.

Eggs Benedict waited for her, the ham was replaced with smoked salmon, next to a small boat of hollandaise sauce. A smile crept its way over her face as she found her spot at the table. Taking huge bites of her food and washing it down with the juice, she was once again starving. With the rage she was unable to eat not able to keep any of it down, two days of not eating.

Looking over the wasteland that was once a wonderful breakfast, she took a deep breath. The potent emotions still had their grip on her but this time it wasn't rage. Walking to her room she closed the door and fell over in the bed, closing her eyes as the tears started to flow.

 

[Willow]

A New Life
Demon Wolf
6.19.15


The last few days left Willow exhausted mentally and physically, and in no small amount of pain. Only a skilled few could see it in her eyes, with her arm cut open and her hand burned no one asked. Walking in the mansion she waved to Edgar as she passed him with a fake smile.

“He is alright still?”

“In his room M'lady.”

Nodding she went back to walking up the old wooden stairs to the hallway of bedrooms. Opening her door she walked in and closed it. Going past the comic shelves surrounding her the fluffy lovesac, and her personal book shelf of old magic books. Willow fell face first into the soft bedding of her new bed, in her new life.

Growling some into the blankets she kicked off her sneakers and socks. Then rolling off the bed and walking to the large royal bath tub, leaving a trail of clothing as she went. The tub filled quickly with the crystal clear cool water, as she fought with the last few layers of clothing.

Taking a deep breath bracing herself before stepping into the huge fancy tub. The water steamed and sizzled as the cool water touched her green ink tattoo. Quickly she went under, submerging where her screams of pain would be lost in the liquid.

Soon she surfaced and gaped for air, leaning forward and hooking her arms over the edge of the tub. Closing her eyes she just breathed and tried to focus on anything else but the searing pain of her back. It was not a wound, not like her cut up arm or even the burn on her hand, it was a warning.

It was all playing in slow motion, the memories in her mind. The shimmering picture through her scrying spell, the Dark One cowering behind the illusion of her. Slayer was there the black sword lifted as he was about to render the illusion of her and his wolf in two. Already beyond all reason, even his own mind was not reasoning with him any more.

“Please stop him, he will kill us both, we will die!” Cowering behind her the Dark One pleading to her through the mirror.

Mind racing she turned and looked at Slayer, his broken body standing in a trance, blood leaking from cuts on his wrist, arms and neck. How.. how can I save him, it is his soul.. Instinct took over, she had to save him, had to protect him, even from himself.

Scarred right hand touched his right pectoral, where the intricate tattoo had been placed by her months before. This time though it was not her channeling magic that hurt her, no his skin cracked at her touch. Putting her hand on hot red coals, causing her to scream as her hand made full contact, with the burning skin.

She could feel it, just as before when a soul was fleeing a broken body, sensing it within the prison she made. Though this soul was not fleeing a body, it was about to tear itself apart. Focusing on it through the pain she grabbed on to it in jaws of the wolf, holding a wounded friend, not like taking prey into its maw.

Screaming again as she pulled it, her back felt like it was on fire, like someone was skinning her alive. The fay tattoo always burned some when a soul would be taken by her wolf. This though was a thousand time more painful. Still not let him go, if she did he would die, one of her pack would die. Pulling his soul free from the cage, freeing it from the nightmare it was forced into. Behind her the sword was only a breath from rendering the Dark one and the illusion of Willow in two.

The tattoo she got when she was five, done by an outsider to the tribe, and likely a Unseelie fey. Her real parents already knew what she would become. Letting out a deep breath she opened her eyes and looked at the open door to her room and the trail of clothing.

Willow suddenly relaxed like something in her mind clicked. She had spoken to Copal her new mother earlier, panicked, worried, and in need of guidance. Willow's identity crisis, torn between being the assassin the Dark Dragon who was making her into, a cold unfeeling weapon. The fay of the wylds just as her mother Copal who took her in to become the fay of her blood. Lastly being a monster of the Romani folklore, a soul thief. All of it was lifting from her shoulders, where it weighed down on her mind.

A smile crept across her pale lips. “Thank you Great Mother, I used it to help someone I care about. I'm not a monster, just a lost Fae. Thank you for making me who I am..“

 

[Willow]

Huntress in the Snow
Demon Wolf
6.25.15


Walking out on to the fresh snow Willow took off her jacket and fell over into it. Eyes closed just trying to feel the cold and the world around her, focusing on it trying to block out everything else. He came to her mind, he lit up as she smiled, a sparkle in his green emerald eyes.

It was just something she didn't have, no matter who loved her or how much they wanted her, she would never be able to feel the same. What she felt was related to love, but not the love one feels deep in their soul and between the legs.

Getting up she wiped the ice and snow off her back and legs, whatever she had going in in her mind and heart would have to take a back seat. It was time to hunt, time for the dance of death and her own growing blood lust to be sated. It was now time for the rage she had pent up to get out of her system. Willow's anger was aimed at many things, things she couldn’t do people she couldn’t save. Slayer confessing to her that he knew he might die, and he would do everything he could to make sure she couldn't help him, to make sure she was safe.

Putting her protective jacket back on she started running down the mountain side. The call to the hunt her dance of death now claimed her mind sending her turmoils to the wind. Grabbing the handles of her claws as the padded leather hugged her small fists.

Sliding down a hill of ice she kicked off half way down clearly the small chasm caused by a once flowing river that was now covered in a glass pane of ice. The scenery of the ever winter forest however was not what her eyes saw, no she was locked on finding and killing her prey.

It was slow clumsy, and ill prepared to face her wrath, its beady eyes didn't even make contact with hers before she sunk her claws deep into its round green hued gut. Turning her wrists she swiped outwards, ending its life quickly as she moved to meet the other two that sat surprised near by.

Springing in the air she kicked out with both feet to knock the first one over on to its round frame. Rolling away as the make shift scythe came down into the hard earth next to her, just missing her by a breath.

Kicking the wooden pole, that made the shaft of the weapon, fly free of the troll's knobby hands. Leaving the creature blinking at her a moment before the arch of silver lighting sent it toppling over. Lashing out with her magic before bringing her claws through the pillow folds of flesh that made up its neck. Then taking the scythe up off the snow she brought it down with all her strength into the remaining survivors skull.

Standing back she looked around and rubbed some of the blood off her face, looking for her next target. The arms that gripped her were from out of nowhere, she didn't see or sense anyone near by. Wrapping under her arms and then locking behind her head, forcing her to her knees in one powerful overwhelming motion.

Taking a few deep breaths she struggled against the hold as he sunk her knees deep into the snow restraining her. Willow froze breathing as the powerful arms held her, if it was going to kill her it would have, faster and stronger than here even on her best day.

“Lost little one?” Cold air on her neck as he spoke in a voice sounding as smooth as whiskey and glass. “Did you think this trinket would save you? Worthless.” Pulling back hard on the chain of her cross till it was nearly choking her.

Taking in a gulp of air she closed her eyes, and let her magics loose. The reaction was instant as he releasing her arms, the silver energy arching over him, making his even undead muscles spasm. As soon as her arms where free she lifted one knee and spun using her legs to get up. Claws catching and ripping flesh as she turned taking a step away from her so called captor.

Looking down at the slices across his abandon his messy dirty blond hair fell in front of his eyes. He was not the classic men of night you expect to carry the name of vampire, clearly he was one of the vermin Levi talked about with such disgust. Dirty clothing, clearly he was scavenging and living off Romani who left the protection of their camps with out a shotgun.

He was recovering slowly from her attacks, had not fed recently enough for his regeneration to kick in. She was not going to give him that chance, walking over to the makeshift scythe she beamed him over the head with it. Braking off the poorly held on rusted scrap of mettle, leaving just the wooden shaft.

Lifting his head after she beamed him, his black eyes locking with hers for a moment. She saw nothing more there then an animal, a soulless monster who would do anything to live. One who had no care for anyone but its self, a pest just as Levi called it, through and through to its soulless core.

Spinning the old wooden mop stick she whacked him in the head, as a splatter of his black blood now painted the snow. One more step forward as she sent the stick through his chest, into his heart. She didn't have to go to her back up plan, he screamed an unearthly sound. Flailing a few moments before he stopped moving.

Taking a step back she watched it, grabbing a stick and poking it some. It seemed dead, not moving though it never moved much to start with. Walking over she shrugged and grabbed the rusty pieces of scrap dropping it on the things neck and stepping on it, severing its head from its body.

Turing she took off running again, her hunt had only began.

 

[Willow]

Witch at Work
Demon Wolf
6.27.15

Getting up early she went directly down stairs to the cellar. Her bare feet not making any noise as she went down the steps. Turning on the light she went to her collection of regents and grabbed a laminated sign. The words read ‘Angel Witch at work Do not enter’ The word angel was written over the lamination with a sharpy at an angle to make room for the word. Going back up she put it on the door, letting the staff and Slayer know she was busy and not to be disturbed.

Heading back down she opened the duffel bag that sat on the counter waiting for her attention. Taking out the items she wanted, combat kevlar shirt, pants and a nice leather jacket. Leaving the ballistic plates in the bag seeing she was not going to imbue them.

The regents were already set aside, their small jars lined up for her. Taking them she walked back to the imbuing circle and the articles of clothing. Sitting she opened the kevlar shirt and spread it out over her lap. It was not hers this was clear, made to fit a very tall well built man, as she could easily sleep in it if she wanted.

Opening a jar she pulled out silvery thread, and a needle. Running the needle through in perfect stitches along the already existing seams of the shirt. Next she turned the pants inside out and ran the silver stitches along the seams of the pants up each leg to the seat and waist.

The sound of a platter being set by the door up stairs made her look up, she had easily lost track of time. Getting up she went up and retrieves the bowl of fruit and root beer left for her. Walking down she set it aside close enough to grab a fruit between tasks.

Lastly she spread out the trench coat carefully on the floor, making sure she can get to all the seams for stitching. After every seam she would take a bite of fruit, till the bowl was empty and the jacket done. Making sure her stitches would not be seen on the outside of the coat but would just go through the lining and tailored seams.

Now moving to the imbuement circle she had permanently set in resin on the floor. It was five feet across, originally made so she could imbue more powerful spells in to objects. The clothing was balled up and tied so all the pieces could fit in the center of the runic circles in the space allowed.

Taking out her red grease pencil she filed in the blanks within the large imbuing rune, filling in the spell she was infusing into the clothing. Items of power, the regents, were put in their places, each had a place to be within the spell written on the floor.

Sitting back she took a swig of her rootbeer looking over the runes and checking her work. Runecrafting was a science, there was no guess work, no pinch of this dash of that, everything was calculated down to a single grain of sand.

Getting up she walked to the apex of the rune and sat, looking at the bundles of kevlar and leather. Focusing on the rune she channeled magic into it, powering the imbuing rune then the spell. The five foot around mess of symbols and lines glowed as the items of power were consumed.

Taking a deep breath she looked at the rune and the bundles, feeling the drain of the casting. Untieing each bundle she laid them out again looking at them carefully, before putting her hand over the sections between each seam.

As her hand passed over each section the rune imbued in it it glowed. It was a circular rune with an asymmetrical set of triangles encasing six symbols, all surrounded by some fay lettering. Checking each section on all three garments before folding them back up and putting them in the bag.

Moving the duffel away from the runes she cleaned up the regent jars back in their places on the shelves. Mentally resetting the room for her next task, making sure the red grease pencil was completely cleaned up off the floor.

Void crystal box came out next as she carefully carried it to the imbuing circle. Treating the demonbane crystals as if they were tiny black bombs. Setting it in the center of the large rune before carefully opening it. The twelve black crystals laid on a black cloth, though they put it to shame being a black so pure no man could ever make a dye to equal it.

Closing the lid she pulled out her handy red grease pencil one more time. The runes were far more intricate for this spell then the last, she got the easy one out of the way first. The empty root beer mug joined the empty bowl before she was done laying the runs. Lunch arrived above and never retrieved, left to later be cleaned up, before she was done.

Jars soon joined her as she opened each one and put the necessary pieces in their places. Unlike earlier in the day these items of power all looked demonic, broken twisted things, sharp things, all back and burned. Only one item of power that stood out among the broken demon horns and black items was a pure white feather, and a piece of pure amethyst.

Making her way towards the apex she paused and made a detour to the small mini fridge. Taking out a small box she opened it and retrieved one yellow sphere. Puting the box away she popped the sphere into her mouth and took a moment to enjoy its flavor. Butterscotch shell that melted away to a creamed honey center. A treat made just for her and a great way to prepare for a large draining spell.

Sucking on the sweet she looked over everything again double checking every part of the rune before her. Sitting at the apex once again she closed her eyes, like before she powered the imbuing the rune then the powerful shielding spell. It was not a kind spell, it pulled at her demanding more then she was giving, the power to hold back demons.

Doubled over she took a deep breath, the items of power were gone, all that was left was the box. Exhausted, mind, body , and soul, casting a spell that was just beyond her abilities. The success of the spell was solely because of Pan. The anima seed given to Willow before the week of her freedom. Opening the crystal box she looked at the twelve crystals. With in the pure black demonbane crystal was now a small star of light, like each had an angel trapped within.

Getting up she took the box and went to the work bench, grabbing one of her cute wolf stickies, and a pen. Her writing was not the tidy cursive she normally wrote, but a letter that showed her exhaustion in every movement of the pen.

Slayer,

Put them equal distance around your ritual, they are made with Demonbane, handle carefully.

Willow

Sticking the happy wolf note on the box she started her trek up the stairs to the ground floor. She didn’t get far before Edgar magically came up to her and looked down at the box. Putting his white gloved hands around it with absolute care he nodded as he pulled it easily from her hands.

“I will make sure this is delivered M’Lady. Dinner will be...”

He was about to speak again but she turned and started heading towards the grand staircase that lead up to the bedrooms. Lifting a hand weakly she held it up in declaration. “I must sleep.”

Getting into her room she closed the door, looking at it a moment she considered locking it. Her hand however didn’t want to move to the lock so she left it. Heading to the bed she started to shed the loose clothing and pull her silk nightgown over her head just in time to fall into bed.

To Willow there was no limits, no boundaries, physical or mental when it came to protecting her pack. She didn't even consider the power needed to use demonbane in a spell, she just knew it is what needed to be done. There was little help for her now, as she slipped away in to nightmares she wouldn't wake from. Comatose to the world as she spent too much, gave too much, and would willing do it again to help them.

Sunday would slip away as she layed in her bed lost to night terrors. Willow’s red eyes finally opening once again monday in the early hours.

 

[Willow]

War Games
Demon Wolf
6.30.15

Leaving Mat’s flat she made it home in time to shower, change, and then see Slayer leave his room for the massive spread of food. Clearly he was making up for the years he had not been eating right. Willow knew better, she knew his body expended a massive amount of anima and energy during his ritual. With it the weight lifted from his shoulders he tummy decided food was in fact good.

Eating a single english muffin with butter and jam she watched him wolf the food down. Grinning from ear to ear watching him eat. Around the third course she finally spoke, her words full of burning fae curiosity.

“Did you have any dreams last night?”

She knew he was plagued with night terrors, to the point he was not sleeping and his mind suffered. It was worse after his latest encounter with the Dark One, but now Dark One was gone.

Putting down his fork and knife, baby blue eyes looked at her as he spoke.

"Walking in darkness, just endless darkness never ending no matter how far I go. Then suddenly a light appeared, so I ran towards it. As I got closer it looked more like a person who held out an open hand. As I grabbed her hand, I saw her face, then woke up"

Tilting her head she looked at him, his words hung as there was a long pause still staring into her eyes.

"Messy white hair, beautiful red eyes, a sweet smiles, and silky white skin" Quiet as he spoke the last of his words.

If it was a confession of love, Willow would never know, to her it was a thank you. Her heart did not beat faster, nor did her blood flush her cheeks. “I'm an happy to be here for my Pack”

Nodding he went back to eating, silently knowing the truth. “Will you be going out?”

Drinking the juice Edgar toped off for her while she was not looking she nodded. “Yes, I want to go hunting.”

“Be safe.”

“I will pack the Lady a lunch.” Edgar spoke as he moved from his place of waiting to the kitchen.

Hoping on her skateboard she left the country mansions and past the forest bordering it. Combat gear covered by her black leather jacket as she headed into Edwick, and the bee tunnel there. Not stopping she raced pacted places she knew and to the staircase leading down into the tube station.

Rolling down the branches of the world tree, for now her time allowed in Agartha was limited. Though the more time she spend in the Green Wylds the more that was changing. Watching her heart shaped pink watch she went as far out as she could go safely before stepping into a watery portal.

Jungle vines hanged low over the crumbling stone steps that lead up from the bee tunnel. The sound of the deep jungle birds as they sang and chuckled over head. Moving the vines aside she looked around the jungle and smiled.

The desire to explore outweighed her need to hunt, at least today it did. Hiding her Skateboard among the roots and vines, she walked out into the warm moist air of the jungle. Setting her GPS on her phone she slipped it away and started off into the green wilderness.

Just like hunting she ran through the forest, like the fae huntress she was agile and quick. There was no pray but she chased ghosts and beams of light as they cut through the canopy. There was a bond she had with nature, the bond all those born of the Wyld have.

Looking up she saw rock that water had cut a large whole in, over time with patents. Taking out her phone she snapped a shot of it, smiling as she marked it for Twitter later. Once the phone was secure she took off again, listening to the water falls and jungle birds as they watched her.

Up a cliff, and up treese she easily climbed anything in her way, wanting to see the world and play with mother Gaia while her mind and heart was at peace. Another breathtaking view she took out her phone for, as she sat on the tallest point. Like a bird she perched in the tree and opened her sandwich. Edgar making sure she would not go hungry if he could help it.

After taking the picture she looked at her phone, oddly it had singal. She had spent most of the day out running the jungle greens, she did not expect to be able to make or accept calls. Her eyes went away from her phone as she saw a glint of something in a near by valley.

Taking out a scope she looked around hoping to catch a glimpse, of the shiny surface catching the sun and reflecting it, again. She saw it just teasing just below the trees in the valley. Putting the phone away before standing with a stretch. Curiosity that burned with as much intensity as all of her other emotions had its grip on her. Making her way off the tall cliffs and tangled trees she headed towards the valley and the glint of reflective surface she saw.

Deep ravine ran through the valley, below was a very fast moving white water rapids. Following it she watched the river rushing below knowing she would not be able to cross it, even if she got down the ravine walls safely. It took some doing and climbing a tree, she found a way across, and some vines to get her back on the ground.

Back on track she started making her way towards where she saw the shiny. It took her some time to notice the differences around her. The ground did not have as much growth, like someone had cleared the jungle floor. Willow’s hackles were up as she now walked, looking around keeping a keen eyes on everything around her.

A shined piece of metal around five feet square sat in a clearing on top of a large rock. The canopy overhead shifting causing light to occasionally reflect off the piece. Everything around her seemed wrong, unnatural, this was something not good.

Taking out her phone she looked at the GPS and turned to head back to the hidden bee tunnel. Starting off at a trot, keeping keen eyes on the world around her. The vibration of her phone startled her, as she was still holding it, sending it flying and skittering along the dark dirt ground.

Picking it up she looking at it as it had its message light flashing again. The number was an unknown one, someone she didn't give her number to. Touching the icon of her now cracked screen she looked at the message as her heart fell.

"Ready? We start at 12:00. You will receive your task soon."

Cleaning the dirt off her cracked screen before putting it in her pocket. According to it she had five minutes before she would get another text. In her mind that was five minutes to get as far away from here as fast she could.

Taking off in a run she ran in the direction of the bee tunnel, wasting no time to try to get herself home and away from this unknown threat. The five minutes passed by quickly as she slid to a stop, eyes going wide as she looked up.

The zig zag of red lines in the air in front of her, the trees cut back to make sure none of them would touch or get in the way of the red lasers. The telling truth however was the animal corpses that littered either side of the laser fence. The dead bring out scavengers who in turn died, and now was a layer of bones, and rotting flesh.

Covering her mouth she ganged, normally not affected by the smell of death, but this was something deeper than the zombies she normally would fight. This was something she despised, the darkness of humans, to destroy nature wastefully for there own selfish reasons.

The phone vibrated again, causing her attention to turn to her pocket instantly like it had offended her. Taking it out of her pocket carefully, she had forgotten about the text when she saw the laser fence and the careless destruction of nature here.

“The hunt starts now.”
“You are the prey”
“Run for your life”

Red eyes just looked at the texts as they came in. Three of them in a row declaring one thing, she was being hunted. Looking up she calmly put her phone in her pocket, and took out her claws from her bag. Willow came here to be at peace, to walk with Mother Gaia, trouble once again found her, or trouble called to her and she followed it. Unknowing that her wish to explore was a call from Gaia to remove the man-lings from her jungle.

Something in her snapped, normally she would shy away from hurting people. If it was her fay blood or her anger at the human who killed her tribe. Perhaps her wolf hungered and she was not resisting the call to take these ones souls.

Eyes narrowed she started off at a run, looking at the bare forest floor for traces of them. The growl in her was audible as she zipped around the large fenced in area. Tracking them as they tracked her, hopping they had no clue what or who she was.

Turning just as she felt it, the punch in the chest as she was kicked up right off her feet. Willow slid backwards with the feeling the air leave her as someone just punched her hard in the chest. Her ballistic plates doing their job at taking the built, but the kinetic energy had to go some place. Coming to a stop in the soft dirt at the base of a tree, as she coughed trying to get a full breath in her lungs. Then scrambling around the tree to take cover from the person with the hunting rifle.

Growling as she peeked over where the hunter was just a moment before pulling her head back. The tree next to her head exploded in bark and wood chips as he fired what he thought was a killing shot as she peeked.

Taking a breath she weaved a spell, now her heart was pounding in her chest. Grabbing the leftovers from her things she tossed it out over her shoulder before ducking low from behind the tree on the opposite side of the half eaten sandwich.

The decoy worked as he expended his next round on the sandwich bag. His armor was not made to deal with being struck by lighting, bullets sure, lighting not so much. His gun went flying as he convulsed on the dirt, giving her time to close with him.

The kill was quick, as she used her claws to remove his head. Stepping back she kept low and looked around, clenching her jaw as she looked for any other signs of life near by. Feeling the man’s soul flee the broken body it like the others went to her wolf, making her tattoo burn. The pain was brief and not near the pain she had experienced in the recent past.

The scent of others carried on the air, three or more other humans. Her attention changed though, she knew where she was, and the exit was not far away. The humans may not see it as an exit but she did, giving her the choice to spare them.

Willow knew she could keep killing and apart of her wanted to, the dark part she had worked so hard to keep it from become who she was. Taking off at a sprit she headed to the tree with branches that hung over the ravine. She could hear them behind her, shouting and running, even the zip and explosion of trees as they shot at her as she ran.

The mad leap off the cliff left her grabbing at the vines to save her from falling to her death. Crying out as she felt the punch of a bullet hitting the ballistic plates over her spine. It kicked her forward as she flailed at the vines grabbing one in her hands. Just as she swung and hit the far wall of ravine's rocky cliffs, that held the fast flowing water below.

Hanging there a moment before climbing up to the far shore away from the men with guns. They were not as close as she thought, and now she had underbrush to use as cover as she ran away as fast as she could.

If they chased her they would quickly be lost in the wilds of the jungle. The sun was going down as she got back to the bee tunnel and her skateboard. Two painful bruises and a soul for her troubles, as she made her way back to the heart of the tree and the exit to London.

 

[Willow]

Soul of the Matter
Demon Wolf
7.7.15

Puting her hand on the scarred tree she didn't even look up, feeling the icy chill of her home as the portal opened. Stepping through she left the world of man, and the streets of Eldwick for snow covered mountains and thick forests of the Green. Nestled in the Wylds was the home of her blood, a castle perched on top a hill. The main gate was painted red, a color of warning for all who wished to trespass. The castle beyond was as white as the snowy mountain nearby, with blue crowns on its spires to praise the sky.

Her room was as she left it, dark oak floors that matched the royal canopy bed and the chairs and sofa. A window seat that was covered with books she had been reading at some point, and the golden draped bed, with matching sheets, and a rabbit pelt blanket that was pulled down for cold feet and cold nights.

Willow did not walk alone on this hallowed ground, two elves greeted her as she came inside. Twins with long golden hair, and eyes like gems, they protected all who lived within the walls. Not to be forgotten the small army of brownies who lived and chose to serve, if you liked it or not. A flurry of movement as they ran ahead of her to prepare what ever her heart desired. A bath was poured into a wine barrel tub, fruits and cheeses laid out on the table in her room, and her white fae silk night gown laid over the golden sheets of her bed.

The brownies whisked away her clothing as she sheaded them, they would wash it, and put it in the dark oak dresser. Sinking into the tub she closed her eyes with the pain as her back sank into the water was almost a release as it soothed the pain. Hooking her arms over the edge she rested her head on them as she soaked in the lukewarm water.

Laying in the soft welcoming bed she closed her eyes, though sleep had not yet claimed her. Staring up at the wooden canopy above her as thoughts ran around in her mind like mice trying to steal any moment of peace she happened to find.

The room was blue and pulsed with life a heart beat of a great creature. Willow had seen this in a comic, the anvil sat in the center black as night. Crystals above also pulsing as it dripped water in to a cooling trough. The furnace doors were closed, though the pulsing still seemed to shine through the cracks of the door. Hanging next to the Anvil was a hammer of pure light all waiting for the creators to once again make souls.

Turning as the sound of velvet pulling across the floor caught her attention. There stood a woman, red hair flowing down her back in a cascade of crimson set in contrast to the dark hunter green of her elegant velvet dress.

The woman turned towards Willow appearing to have been waiting for her in the Forge. "Willow." Smiling as she looks over her shoulder.

Willow glanced back at the soulforge, not yet recognising the woman who stood before her. "Do they make Wolves here?"

"They make everything thing here, my dear.. Wolfkin, Cat-kin, Igraynians, like Ian and Patch. They even make Ambers and Willows." She smiles brightly and steps closer, before pausing with a sigh and looking down at herself and wrinkling her nose. The dress dissolves into a pair of well worn jeans, the corset transforming into a simple black t-shirt.

Willow recognized her now, her heart fell some seeing the woman she had failed. Cici, or when she was alive Amber, somone who died and gave her soul to protect Patch, becoming his soul-weapon.

"Welcome to the Forge, of course its all this you see it how you can understand it, as complex, or as simple as you need it to be. What you and I see are likely completely different though we see each at the same time."

Looking back at the forge. "But who makes them? Did they choose or were we mistakes?" The hammer of light and anvil of darkness still sat no more than tools in her mind.

"You and the others, were made based on what your scale needs. There are multiple realities, but I am not here, moreover you are not here, to hear about Agasti and the Scales. You are here to know this, dear heart."

Amber stepped forward and reached for her pale hands taking them. "As Amber, Cici, I was locked away in that ruddy weapon. I had…” She paused a moment finding the words. “Lost some of my Love for Patch, I had taken another lover. But when I was killed and brought here. I was given a choice. To move on and take what was due me, or I could return, as a Soul-Weapon to defend Patch. Now that I am broken, he has no Soul-Weapon and that concerns me. Pandora wouldn't understand I think, so I have come to you about it"

"You are not yet free." Squeezing the woman’s hands "I know you were important to him, I do not know what he is now, or what he can do. Ian, that burden has fallen on him."

"Ian, is the shattered part of their mind. The part that only focuses on the work, the kill, as you call him, the Wolf. He isn't the part with loyalty, he isn't the part that holds the heart. The heart is vulnerable, it was the heart what governed me, that spoke to me as his weapon. Ian, could not wield me he doesn't have that important part. Who will look after the heart now, Willow?"

"Are you asking me if you want to go back?" Tilting her head as she asked, now seeing what need brought the soul of Amber to her. Looking Amber in the eyes. "He has Pan, but even then he wants to protect her, and me. With you he always took his soul-weapon with him to battle and knew you would protect him. "

Amber's green eyes chilled and she looked at Willow with a penetrating gaze "No child. I can't, and won't go back. But If the time comes, and there's a desperate battle he'll need a soul-weapon to do his job as an Igraynian. He'd forgotten his purpose since his last death, but he has a purpose. When he needs a weapon it has to be someone who loves him Willow. As much as Pandora fits that bill, she doesn't fit the understanding. You I think do." Amber crooked a smile.

"I could make him one…“ Words trailing off a moment as her mind went to work. “With a piece of my own soul?" Frowning some not understanding if it would really help. "It would not be the same, I can't put all of my soul in it. "

"It doesn't have to be all of it, Lalina was never wholly Ian's, or Sarius' she was half of each and almost the most powerful of them all, only Rebecca was stronger." She waves the side comment away. "What I am saying is. I know good and well how much you care for Patch. I know you love him and were, very close to a physical commitment to that. The point is, don't abandon him, and if it comes to it. I am relying on -you- to guard him.

"I will make him a new weapon, and more amo." Nodding, her mind was made up, she knew and had always knew Patch needed Cici, she just didn’t know why. "I care about him so much, I know he needs a soul-weapon."

"I think there's something you should know Willow. He care about you too, he only backed off because you asked him to. Not to say he isn't happy with Pan, but he'd have done anything to make it work if you'd let him" Amber Smiled and leaned into place a kiss on Willow’s forehead "That will let you make the separation of your heart, your soul, easier if you decide to. I don't want you to feel I'm forcing this on you."

“I couldn't bare to have him suffer, I would've never been able to give him what he needs. I can now."

Amber smiles and nods, as her eyes become wet with unshed tears. Turning to leave as a portal from apparently no where opens, a white light pouring through. She inhales and winks over her shoulder "Then I can go home, I can leave it to you."

"Fine peace Amber.. he will never forget you." Smiling as she spoke it in her own way a quiet prayer for the departing soul.

"I know." Sticking her tongue out at Willow just before she disappears into the light.

Eyes shooting open as she gasped for air, her lungs felt tight and burned, as if she had not breathed the whole time she was there. Sitting up she breathed and coughed till she could fully fill her lungs with the crisp air of her room.

Sitting up she hugged her pillow, her mind racing with what she saw and what she must do. Reaching for her phone she looked at the time, midnight near exactly. Twitter icon now ever present on her phone since she made an account. Pressing it she read what people she knew were doing all over the world, one such person was only a hallway away.

Copalsmoke : Resting...trying to heal and screwing around on Twitter. Chat with me if you are bored.....

She sent a tweet back, staring at the screen in the dark waiting for a reply. Then once she got what she wanted to see on the screen she took her pillow with her as she walked down the hall and like a child she curled up next to her mother in the large soft bed.

The morning greeted her with an empty bed, no nightmares haunted her for a change. Her mind was far too occupied on how she was going to make a Soul-Weapon. As crafty as she was she was not going to be able to make a gun, she would have to pay someone to build it for her.

Getting dressed she left the green once again her mind and soul was overtaken with a purpose. There was an easy route she chose not to take, she could have Cici’s housing rebuilt. No Willow knew that for it to work he had to resonate with the soul within. Like reaching for a can of rootbeer and finding it to be diet coke, it would not work as well.

Edgar greeted her as she went into the house. “M’lord is out hunting, he did not expect you to be home today.”

Pausing she looked back at him with a smile. “I'm not home I need a book.” She informed him, though she wanted to stay, she knew she needed to not be distracted, and that she was not yet healed.

Book bag now filled and heavy she went back out and grabbed her skateboard. Out side of the sanctuary zone of Eldwick was a PC world. They really didn’t try to stop her from leaving, she did not appear to be magical in any way. A new laptop, portable charging station, page scanner, and a USB stick was bought with Slayer’s monie and added as one last thing to her book bag.

It did not take long before she was back in the Green once again. Unpacking her book bag as she kicked off her sneakers. Electricity was not a problem, she could easily power a portable charging battery and plug the laptop in to that.

Before they went off to save Patch and Cici from Division 6, Willow had already started her research on how Soul-Weapons were made. Just in case Cici’s housing was so damaged the Soul shard would need a new gun.

Books soon littered her bed and one of her end tables was cleared off to hold the laptop, with the portable charging battery. Willow was good friends with books, she loved reading and learning, this was no different. Scanning diagrams into the laptop, slowly piecing together a schematic of sorts.

The day passed quickly, too quickly for all she had to get done, each part of the weapon had to be perfect in order for it to not only house a soul shard, but to operate as a shotgun. The power and mini computer was the soul shard, it would spin up an energy coil and charge the shell that was put in the chamber. The magically infused amo Willow had already mastered making for Cici, would work just fine for the new gun. It needed anima not gunpowder, it needed a infused crystal not a copper jacket or pellets. It would never be a normal gun, but Ian had his toys, he knew and was use to not having the Soul-Weapon work in his hands.

It was midnight when Willow left the Green Wylds, and the protection of her Mother’s home, once again. Willow knew exactly who she would pay to make this weapon, someone who knew nothing of the secret world or soul shards. Someone who would take money and give out whatever people payed him for, be it a gun he thinks will work, or one he clearly thinks is a trophy piece.

Russia no longer felt like a home to her, it was no longer the mother country. It was now a place like any other with its crime, and dark human hearts. The dark alleys and quiet neighborhoods of the past had new life in them, cleaning up the streets did not remove the crime, just gave it a fresh coat of paint.

Walking in to the unmarked door dressed in black with a black leather jacket. The man at the work table froze in what he was wielding and turned to look at her the torch turning down to just a small blue flame.

Broken english came from the russian, as he looked her over. “You lost little girl?”

Holding up a stack of rubles, the teal 1000 ₽ fanning out as they caught the air as she waved the stack. Speaking in now russian, voice confidant and fluid, as if she was the devil herself come to buy his soul. “I have a job for you.”

She now had his undivided attention, as he turned off the torch. “What can Yaroslav, do for pretty lady?”

Walking to his computer she waited for him to arrive sticking her stack of rubles away for now. Taking out the USB stick from her pocket she held it up. “Can you make this Yaroslav?”

Removing his welding gloves not to upset her as he took the USB stick and plugged in it. His forehead crinkled as he looked at the schematics, his eyes flicking between them and her. “This complicated gun.”

“Can you make it?” Demand was in her tone, clearly a woman of power.

“Many small parts, is it show peace? Does it have to work?”

“It has to work.”

“What does it do?”

“Now Yaroslav you ask too many questions.” A growl in her voice.

“No question, when do you want done?”

“Sunday morning. Drop everything else you are working on.”

“You pay….”

Willow cut him off still being an assertive alpha wolf. “When it is done and works.” Taking out the stack of rubles again she made sure he saw the bills and that it was in fact a stack of one thousands.

“Sunday yes... yes, come back sunday. Then you see.”

 

[Willow]

It’s a Matter of Soul
Demon Wolf
7.11.15


With her skateboard and a full backpack, and slung over her shoulders as she left the estate, things she needed for making a soul stone. As safe as the mansion was with Slayer keeping vigil, and Edgar with his amazing food, she needed to be away. No matter how much preparation, or how careful she was, it could take her life.

There was no back up plan, even with a few around her having a feeling she was up to something dangerous, she didn’t tell them where or what exactly she was doing. Dying would mean she had failed her pack, dieing without a known reason, or a way of telling them how to finish her work.

Saturday’s sun was just coming up she sailed down the road towards Eldwick and the bee tunnel there. Willow knew exactly where she wanted to do the ritual, a place that was uniquely hers. Skateboarding through Argetha, though she knew she soon would not be threatened by the place, she for now had only a limited time in there before its harmful effects.

It was suddenly three in the afternoon in Russia, jet lag had nothing on Argetha, ten minute trip from London to Russia. A warm summer day greeted her as she left the bee tunnel and headed to the train. Buying a ticket from the automated dispenser, she soon was staring out a window as she hugged her bag.

The fields of lavender was miles away from any city or town, they grew wild in her old childhood home. No Romani wagons came here any more, it was to far away from the cities, and to close to wolves.

Putting down her skateboard she put her backpack on it and laid down in the soft grass. There was no time for her to think about the life she lost. About the family that died to the flame, she had things she came here to do.

Getting up she opened her backpack and took out the rolled up piece of leather. Untying it she unrolled it then un folded it, laying the five foot piece of leather over the clearing of grass. Finding rocks she waited down the leather on each corner and side. Smoothing it out so it was laying flat and the rune burned into the thick bovine hide was smooth.

It would be the second time she sat down in front of the forbidden runes. The first time was to try to make a soul shard for Cici, with some hope she would have been able to save her. Now she knew it was for not, Cici, Amber was now at rest.

Grabbing the necromancy book she put it next to her on the hide, and then the pre-chosen empty soul crystal in its void crystal vial. She looked at the gem sitting in the bed of cotton, the pentagram cut crystal twenty millimeters around, with no sharp points.

Taking out the gem she placed it in the tangle of runes, next she started putting out the regents. Opening the book she turned to her pre-marked page and started putting the regents in the correct places within the runes.

Though she was not raising the dead, or doing any of the things people normally think of when they think of using necromancy. Things involving the soul was also kept on the black pages within the forbidden book. Willow would never have even touched this book if she didn’t need the soul shard information within.

Taking a breath she looked over the runes, and then closed her eyes. There was no doubt in her mind, this was what she -had- to do. Even knowing she was taking a piece of herself and putting it in the crystal to be lost to her forever. Lost to her but not lost, soon it would have a new purpose to protect Patch.

Opening her eyes she put out her hands, the lavender fields was the closest thing to a place of power she had, in a place she would have perfect clarity and focus. Powering the runes, she scrunched her eyes feeling the spell pull at her. Unlike before she was not priming a soul shard, no she was infusing one, with a piece of her own soul.

Visions of the past as she felt it pull at her soul, the spell cast to take just what she wanted to give, if it worked. The sweet kisses they shared, moments close as she listened to his heart, pinning him down staring into his blue eyes. The closest she ever came to feeling real love, as close as she could ever feel, and she knew she would never feel it again.

It was not like a scalpel cutting away at her soul, it was ripping away some of what little humanity she still had. Ripping away what little bit of real love she had in her. The possible future she could have had with Patch, the grand hunts, and in time even be the love to mend his soul. Every thing that could have been, if she had not realized what she was feeling would never, could never, be physical.

Willow had been screaming, the countryside empty of people would never had heard her. The spell had lifted her off the ground in blue light that pulled the piece of her soul away. No pain could describe what it feels like to have a maw of sharp teeth rip into your soul, and rip a piece off like so much flesh in the maw of a wolf.

Cool evening breeze brushed over her cheek and moved her hair from her face. Waking her up as red eyes opened and stared up at the sky, at the bunny clouds above as they pass by. It was not subtle, the hole in her soul, there was a cold emptiness she could feel.

Sitting up she looked around and then down at the glowing blue soul shard. Picking it up she stared at it and the swirling cold icy energy within. There was something surreal about staring at a peace of one’s own soul.

Puting her hand over her heart she took a few deep breaths, mind racing as she searched for the memories of Patch. She remembered all she had done, no new gaps in her memory but the memories were hollow. She knew she loved him, but she couldn’t recall what it felt like. The other feeling she still had were there and as potent as ever. Still would give anything to protect him, still cared if he was well and safe, if they were happy.

Looking down at the glowing blue crystal she put it back in the void crystal vial. Taking a deep breath she put it in to her backpack and pulled free a small throw blanket. Curling up on the rune covered cowhide she looked up at the stairs.

Walking through the park, the dried leaves crunching under her feet as she smiled and turned reaching out her hand. Turning the park was empty, no one was there to take her hand, no one to show the stars to. Turning in one spot she looked around, she could have sworn he was right behind her, that they were going to meet here.

Walking she headed toward the gate back to the pub, the place where her few friends gathered. The gate seemed further and further away, no matter how quickly she walked, and soon she was running.

Out of breath she fell to her knees, the gate out of the park seemed further and further away. They would miss her, they needed her she Lo… no she can't love. Willow couldn't even say what it would have felt like to love.

The sound of leaves crinkled next to her made Willow look up, her heart leap at the idea she wasn't alone. Her heart fell as her red eyes locked with the wolve’s red eyes. It circled her then leaned on her pushing her away from the gate and back towards the tree.

Standing she looked at the wolf, and then back at the Horned God Pub just past the gate. “They are waiting for me.”

Gurffing it grabbed ahold of her sleeve and pulled lightly.

“I.. I belong with them.. they will be my pack.”

Growling some it did not stop pulling her further back, away from the people she knew and cared about. Turning she looked at the open portal to the Wylds the cold ever winter air covering the dead leaves around it with snow.

“You don’t belong with them, you're not human. Love is a human emotion”

Takamoshi walked up from behind her taking her arm in his grasp “Love is weakness, a weapon strikes it does not hesitate, it does not question, it does not feel.”

Turning she looked at him as his grip on her arm became painfully tight. “No..”

“We knew what you would become all along… ”

Waking up she was gasping for air, bolting upright and then on to her knees coughing. Her chest felt tight like Takamoshi’s grip was clenched around it, squeezing the life from it. Time stretched on as the pain grew, then as suddenly as it started, it stopped.

The release from the pain was as almost as jarring as waking up to it, nearly claiming her as she felt faint. Bracing herself she closed her eyes, waiting for it to pass. As it did she once again felt the emptiness in her, the coldness that was slowly creeping into the now vacant part of her soul.

Sitting she slowly started cleaning up, packing away everything she used in the ritual the day before. Leaving her bag she walked into the lavender field and closed her eyes, trying to clear her mind. Memories of her birth mother came in with the scent and location, they too were hollow, devoid of the love she felt for the woman.

Looking around she nodded to the field and picked up her backpack and skateboard. Stopping a moment she turned and grabbed one stalk of lavender, holding it carefully not to upset the delicate flowers. It was a little bit out of her way, but she felt this was the time to finally say good bye.

The mass grave was not far, just further away from the cities and starting into the mountains. The ring of stones held back the dirt, were the charred remains of her tribe was buried. A single standing stone sat next to the tree the mound was built around.

Puting the lavender in front of the stone she backed away. “Good bye.”

Leaving the mountainside she headed towards the city, back into the heart of Russia. The trains took her swiftly with the rest of the morning commuters. Willow spent this time looking out the window watching the world.

Pushing open the door she looked around the workroom spotting the man sitting on his stool eating what ever he bought for breakfast. Yaroslav, a skinny russian with messy dark hair on his head, jeans that clearly had not seen clean water in perhaps weeks, and a tee shirt that had burn holes from his work.

“Yaroslav, is it ready?” Her voice cold as she stood watching him.

Startled he nearly dropped his to go box of food on the floor saving it at the last second and putting it down. Looking at her he paused a moment fear or hesitation before walking in to the back and bring out a weapon box.

Opening it he presented her the weapon, though his eyes were searching her face. Clearly he had no idea if it would work, and no idea if she would let him live if it didn’t. It didn’t look like it was made here in the small warehouse he had taken up as his workspace. Willow knew who she was paying, it looked military grade.

At least on the outside it looked like he got all the parts in place, that he was able to follow the complex schematic. The muzzle of the shotgun appeared the most complex on the outside, but the true test was what she couldn’t see. The special glass that covered the energy coils was dark and clearly what marked this weapon as a Soul-Weapon. There were two other parts were clearly not apart of a normal gun, the Soul chamber near the top of the gun, and the ammo chamber on the side.

Picking up the weapon she held it and looked closely at the symbol she had him etch into the gun above the counter weight. The kanji for the word wolf, ‘Okami’, was clear and easy to see. laser etched into the thick outer housing. Patch was free to call the soul within anything he wanted, but she knew this symbol was important.

Pulling out the Soul chamber she looked at the cylinder, twisting off the windowed cap and pulling out the cradle. Willow learned something from her time with Cici, that gun was not made to be able to save the soul if something went wrong. Amber’s soul and the gun’s housing were forever bound together. This was something she wanted to improve on, making it so if Patch needed he could take the soul chamber out to save the soul, save her soul.

Reaching in to her pocket she pulled out the void crystal vial. Taking the soul shard out she put it in place on the cradle, and then pushed the cradle back in and screwed the cap back on, locking it in place.

Looking at Yaroslav a moment studying him as he watched her closely, fascinated by what she was doing. Then she put the soul chamber back into place, again locking it down with an audible click. Now the window had a deep blue glow, reflections and connections darkening the color given off by the crystal as it started to glow brighter.

“If this works I will pay you and be on my way.” Leveling the gun at his computer, knowing she already stole back her USB drive.

“Wait Wait!! “ Standing in front of her waving his arms. “What are you doing?” His broken english now replaced with pure russian.

“Yaroslav, If this works I am paying you fifty thousand rubles. You can buy a new computer. I can’t have you make another weapon like this one.”

Staring at her he wilted some and looked at his computer, then back to her. Clearly he was weighing the value of whatever other information he had on his computer. Also there was a look in his eyes, he knew she would just as easily kill him if he forced her hand.

Stepping aside he moved some of his equipment away from the computer, clearly having no idea what would happen when she pulled the trigger. Taking out one shell she loaded the ammo chamber as the energy coils started spinning up, making the coils glow blue with soul energy through the window.

Willow knew the only reason she could use the weapon at all was because it was a piece of her soul within. No synchronization required, or need for them to resonate , though she didn't really have any skill at using such a gun.

The ammo chamber glowed just before she pulled the trigger. The shell left the muzzle of the gun and hit the computer tower. The sudden explosion of lighting that instantly engulfed the poor computer, and soon robbed the room of lights as the fuse box made a series of pops. Turning in the dark she put the gun back in its box and closed it before locking the box up and putting it in her backpack with much effort.

There was cursing in russian as Yaroslav tripped over tools and stools to get to the fuse box. Once he finally got the lights back on she was gone, leaving the stack of rubles on his desk near his completely fried computer.

Most of the day passed before Willow appeared back at the London countryside estate. She would go straight to her room and put the Soul-Weapon away some place safe and protected by magic. Then with no load on her back she would turn right back around and head out.

Edgar had just enough time to pack her a lunch, which he held out for her, as she walked past him as he held the door for her. “Hunting M’lady?”

“Yes Edgar.. always hunting.”

 

[Willow]

Aes Sidhe is She
Demon Wolf
7.14.15

Leaving Matt’s flat Willow walked down the steps to the street and glanced back up at his window. Seeing him she gave a small wiggle finger wave, before putting down her skateboard and kicking off.

A few bee tunnels later she came back out to the streets of London, and down the road that lead to the well protected estate. Leaving her skateboard on the walk knowing Edgar would likely put it away if she didn’t need it again.

Opening the door she paused looking up at Edgar as he lifted an eyebrow at her. “M’lady. Lunch is waiting for you in the dining room. Can I take your bag?”

Frowning some she nodded handing it over, she knew she had not been eating as she should, and he was doing his job. Making sure she was healthy and cared for, even if she was scarce with Slayer out of the house.

Sitting down she ate most of what he put before her. Slowly her appetite was returning since saturday, when her world was overshadowed in gray. The hole in her soul becoming less jarring, as she adapted, as her unseelie soul accepted the loss.

In her room she gathered up what few regents she needed, her coldren, and her blood tome. Then putting a fresh change of clothing in her bag, just in case she once again stayed overnight at Matt's flat.

Woods by the estate awaited her, it was more out of convenience she went there instead of traveling to a further away older wood. Willow didn’t exactly know what to expect, so she would rather not be in the house surrounded with magical wards when she tried to blood scry.

The walk was nice she followed the path she had walked a few times before, when the mansion felt to closed in. A small river cut along the path before the hill sloped downwards to a small lake. A flat rock reached out into the lake, over time the water had pulled away the loose dirt leaving it exposed and smooth.

Sitting on the outcropping she moved things out of her bag and put them down in front of her. Opening her book she turned to the marked page and reading it one more time to make sure she understood the blood magic written on the old parchment pages.

Leaving the book open she reached down and filled her cauldron with some of the lake's water. Taking out the void crystal vile she looked at the small amount of blood in it and put one drop of it in the water before closing it again.

Taking out her phone she set aside and hit the record button, making sure she had some recording of what she saw so she could look think up when she was done. Taking one more glance at the book before adding a reagent powder to the water that suddenly made it an oily black.

Closing her eyes she wove the spell, following the words on the parchment as they were written generations ago. Opening her eyes she looked into the black waters, tilting her head hoping to see something in the waters.

It first looked like her spell failed, the black water turning milky. It was not until the black made clear symbols in the milky haze. A spear, standing stones, sword, and then a cauldron, all symbols she had seen before in one of her many books. Then the picture changed, a sword and the symbol for man, humans not of the fae world.

The water churned then went once again clear, it answered the question she had asked. Looking at the phone she stopped the recording, clearly not as traumatic as she was prepared for. The vile had a little bit more blood in it, there was more she could find out for Pan. The hesitation was instinctual, it did not feel right looking further, asking more questions.

Ticking the vial away she cleaned up her work space and put the large book of blood magic back in her bag. Then repacking everything, making sure her things were well packed away so nothing would break on her hike back to the house.

Once back Willow went around the house instead of to the front door. Around the back was the garden, flowers growing near the old marble fountain. Sitting next to the small patch of lavender she closed her eyes.

They both knew he may change, that his humanity could be the price of being whole. In the end it was not becoming whole that nimbed him, it was finally saying goodbye, finally allow himself to let her go. She cared about Slayer, but not like a mate would, never like a mate would, more like a sister. It hurt, the thought of losing him like she lost Ivan, having him fade away.

Pulling the balisong from her boot, as it made the familiar clack clack, opening in her hand with smooth motions. Swiping out at the lavender stalks, she cut two free from the group, lashing out with her anger in blade form.

Clack clack, the knife folded away and was put once again concealed in her boot. Looking at the stalks she took a breath as the idea of just walking in to his room, and pelting him with the flowers while screaming ‘don’t go I need you’ came into her head.

Standing she picked up the flower stalks and walked into the back door of the mansion. Edgar was there in an instant ready to take her back from her and carry it up or down the steps. Suzie was not far behind him before she vanished into the kitchen and returning with a vase with water for the freshly cut flowers. The sudden flurry of aid made her stop and watch them as she handed over her bag and had the flowers taken from her and put in the vase.

She looked at the vase, as a tear was quickly wiped off her cheek with the back of her left hand. Memories of dancing with him, the slow waltz they shared in the ballroom, it to was now hollow. The love she felt for him was now also gone with the piece of her soul, the piece she ripped away. Willow still felt something for Slayer, a need that could not be described with words like love.

Turning she walked to the writing table were Edgar sorted the mail. Finding some blank cards he likely used as thank you cards when the need ever arose. She took out a pen holding it in her hand as she saw her hand was shaking.

Please do not fade away.. I would miss you my Wolf.
There is more left for you to live for
~Willow​

Taking a string from Suzie she tied the note to the lavender stalk. Handing the vase over to Edgar “Put the flowers in his room please.” Smirking as she yet again pictured a small animae Willow pelting him with them.

Walking up to her room she looked through her books grabbing one that was dedicated to symboles. Before heading back down following her nose to the smell of dinner. Opening the book so she can skim the pages as the french onion soup was placed before her.

Taking out her phone she snapped a shot and posted it to twitter. Making the maids giggle as she posted Edgar’s master piece to the interweb. Then she dug in enjoying the gooey cheese and the bread trapped under it.

 

[Willow]

Tears of the Naive
Demon Wolf
7.28.15

“What have I done... “

The makeup gone from her face there was no mascara to streak as she stared up at the dark oak wood ceiling of her canopy bed. The boxes of books, and well packed jars of spell regents, all line the wall of the sitting room. Everything felt cold, numb, like this was some sort of dream or nightmare.

Grabbing the silver cross around her neck she took in a long tattered breath. Willow could only cry for so many hours before the tears ran dry, leaving her body feeling soggy, and eyes red and sore. Curling up she grabbed her knees.

Thoughts still busy in her mind like tempest, all the mistakes she had made, and fear. The realization came down like a baseball bat from God, making her drop everything every plan she had on the ground. Everything, where she was living, what she was doing with her life, all of it.

The door opened with silent steps as Copal laid on the bed pulling her close. Willow was not pretending to sleep, so the pulling made her curl up in her mother's arms. Looking up at the green glowing eyes Willow started to speak.

“Mother I'm so...”

“Shhh chyld.” Quietly hushing as she ran her fingers through Willow's hair trying to sooth her. “Sleep baby girl, we will fix this.”

“I won't take bac...”

Opening her eyes she blinked as she focused on the far wall, past the canopy drapes that she left pulled open. Copal was already up and awake, leaving her to wake from the sleeping spell at her own pace.

Reaching for her phone and unplugging it from the portable charger battery, tapping the screen making it come to life. Looking over the night of tweets and texts left for her, one from her mother to state a few.

“Gods.. what have I done..”

Standing as her white silk night gown draped down to her ankles as she moved in to the room that was once sitting room. All of the soft plushy seats and sofas were removed to make room for the book shelves and large lovesac’s. Taking a box of books she opens it, looks at the titles on the spines.

Half the boxes were unpacked, even with her constantly shooing the brownies away before they could help. Also the texting she did with her mother, Rex, and Mat, taking up some of her time. Yes she could have used the help, but this was keeping her mind busy, keeping her brain focused. Though the pressure was building and slowly sapping away at her will, a depression pulling at her soul.

Flopping into the large red lovesac she closed her eyes, the tears trying once again to escape. Curling up on it she buried her face in the soft pho-suede cover. Trying not to cry again, trying not to think about what she did and who she was hurting.

“Bleep bleep bleep “

Lifting her head she stared at the phone just in each, the white wolf howling in the cold fog on the back cover. The red message light was blinking blue, telling her she had a text waiting. Red eyes just watched the phone, it may as well be a pile of waffles, with the look her eyes gave it. Willow really couldn't handle another message from Mat, the guilt was enough to send her back into bed crying.

Finally a hand freed itself from the red soft bag and grabbed the phone flipping it over and awakening the screen. The text popped up after a light tap to the screen, the picture showing her mother’s slender neck and beautiful jewelry.

CopalSmoke : Willow...I'm at the radio show with Rex...wanna dance away some stress?? Come play baby wolf… you need to get out.’

Biting her lip some, her new tiny sharp fangs not drawing blood this time, as she moved to reply. Taking a deep breath as her fingers went over the screen to the digital keys in russian.

Willow Wolf : No… I think I will just unpack my things… and sleep.’

The response came quick as Willow laid back on the giant ball of fluff. She had not danced in a weeks, not since she ripped up her soul. No that wasn't right, she had danced with Rex just the other night, how could she have forgotten? At this moment, she didn't want to leave her room, much less the castle.

CopalSmoke : ....well..if you want to come out later..please do..’

Holding the phone to her chest she closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. At least she knew where home was. She knew where she was safe, where home was, here she could be herself without any expectations.

Speaking to the empty room her red eyes fixes on the wooden beams and stone above. “I wanted to think I was like this for a reason, that this all had purpose. I.. am… am I more than a monster?” Taking a breath she shook her head some. “I have to find my purpose, I have to regroup and refocus. I am Alpha... I”M NOT PREY!”

Yelling of course got the brownies swarming her room, soon five of them were around looking for what ever upset her, ready to fix, clean, move, or bring whatever she needed. Not seeing anything fallen or broken they looked to her for cuts and bruises or a stubbed toe.

Taking a breath to calm herself she looked at them as they moved closer. “I am fine, you can go.” Watching them go as she tried to hold her composure, so they wouldn't rush back hearing her distress.

Door closed finally alone, she leaned back on her plush pillow ball. “What have I done.”

 

[Willow]

The Full Moon Calls for Blood
Demon Wolf
7.30.15

Awake she stared off at the open window, the cold winter air for the ever Wynter mountain blew in with a gentle breeze. Willow felt its pull a growing tension and subtle demand, like a wolf pacing at the door she knew what was pulling at her.

Life as a mortal had passed, the moon and the Wylds were her life blood, and called to her. The full moon never spoke but it called to her, awaking her wolf, her bloodlust. Getting dressed in clothing fit for hunting, jeans and throw away shirt, she grabbed her phone.

Looking down at it she growled some, not at it really just the need to hunt clawing at her. Opening Twitter, the new time sink of her life. Texting a clear message of her intent to not be reachable. ‘The moon is full, I feel the calling of the Wylds to hunt. I am leaving my phone in my room. If you value life, stay out of my territory.’

Throwing her phone on the bed she walked out of her room. Pausing she looked at a note stuck to her door, with a smirk. Angry words written on the paper was in the red glitter gel pen, clearly Saint was also feeling the moon’s demand for blood as well.

‘With the moon rising, and the wyld calling, now is not the time to talk to me.’

Pausing she put her hand over her back left pocket, feeling she was leaving something she normally was never without behind. Stomping to her bed she swiped the phone off it and stuck it in her back pocket. Feeling off balance without it and knowing it was her only lifeline, even though she didn’t want to bring it she did.

Leaving the Wylds she grabbed her skateboard and kicked off towards the bee tunnel and to the frozen lands of Transylvania. This was not Willow’s first experience with bloodlust, but it by far the most potent.

Everyone has their own way to deal with the need to hunt and kill. Some lock themselves away making sure no innocents will cross their path unknowingly. Willow chose a place so far away from people and brimming with soulless. Even if she took off running she wouldn’t reach a town or anything populated with anything but more monsters.

Willow had experienced two levels of bloodlust, one where she was aware. Enjoying the hunt, the kill, as she was ripping in to her next prey as the last was still falling to the ground. The other she lost herself to it, to her wolf completely. Leaving her lost and exhausted, with no memory of the hunt.

The icy mountains marked her territory, the glacial basin was home to those soulless who no longer felt the cold. Vampires, a dieing breed with bloodlines so diminished they can barely be seen as anything more than animals. Trolls, slowly pushing their way into the filthy remains of what the Vampires once called civilization, making use of what scraps they can find. Too far into the ice mountains for the Romani, and to isolated and out of teh way for the Vampire hunters to care. This is Willow’s hunting grounds, the hope she had no innocents would be hurt was left to its obscure location and extreme cold.

The ice cold air was a welcoming breath on her unseelie skin, as she entered her hunting grounds. They waited for her, scavenging what they could to survive, blood of deer, piles of scraps.

They were not prepared for her, for the fury and ferocity of the attacks she unleashed, the lighting and razor sharp claws. Bloodlust griped her quickly as she went from prey to prey leaving a trail of bodies and blood.

The cold snow on her back as she opened her eyes, she felt sore and exhausted, as the next day’s morning sun was rising. Sitting up she looked around taking a ragged breath as her stomach reminded her that food was not optional.

The terrain was not famulare, well above the tree line, where only her own footprints blemished the perfect snow. Looking at her shirt that was ripped, where claws and other makeshift weapons had taken her flesh and blood, moment she had no memory of. Her fae blood healed her wounds quickly the stained and shredded clothing was all the evidence she had that she was ever wounded.

Getting up as her stomach once again reminded her that she had not eaten in over twenty four hours. Shaken and dizzy she got out of the snow and leaned on a tree opening her phone to get the GPS working so she could get off the mountain.

Message waiting light blinked, as the screen on the phone blinked to life. Touching the button she looked at the icon of her mother’s smiling face and green glowing eyes.

‘How are you today, darling??’

Frowning seeing it was hours ago during the height of the bloodlust, during the gap in her memory. Tapping the screen as she leaned on the tree feeling weak and starving.

‘I am alright.. A tad lost in the woods, I Don't remember how I got here.’

Copal clearly had her phone handy as the reply came quickly showing concern in the few words typed. ‘Will you be ok??‘

‘Yes.. I can see my mountain top.. and i have GPS on my phone. Bloodlust.. Not use to the full moon having so much.. umph.’ Typing the her respond quickly to save her mother worry while the moon plages them both.

‘Oh yeah....that's a Wyld thing.’

‘I'm an Unseelie now.. Bloodlust is not new. Now I can look at a calendar and know when it will happen.’ Smirking at the words as she typed it, like a caterpillar who finally realized it now has wings.

‘It's nice to have some predictably.’

Swiping the texting app closed as she now looked at her GPS, the mountain in the distance, it was in fact one of the mountain peaks that marked her territory. Taking a deep breath she headed back down to the tree line, into territory where food worthy animals may wander.

A wolf in the snow she hunted watching the trails and small footprints. it took a few starving hours but soon she was sitting in the forest cooking a rabbit to sait her very real starvation. Noon she was walking back into the castle, glaring at anyone who looked at her tattered and blood stained clothing with questioning looks.

The clothing was shedded and tossed unforgivingly into bin to be thrown out. In the hot shower she closed her eyes as the water passed over her near perfect skin. Only one star burst shaped scar, on her right hand, lingered and refuse the fae’s healing blood.

Sitting on the tiles of the huge shower she leaned back on the stone walls just breathing. Everything felt numb, sore, her heart was strangely still as she listened to the water as it tapped the stone around her. Though sated her wolf, the darkness within, was still very much there. The moon was no longer at its peak but it still drew out her darker nature.

The water ran cold as she turned it off, and got out to the soft towel waiting. Walking over to the mirror she looked at her red albino eyes, and pale perfect skin. This was not her first day behind a mask, the lie she would wear on her face and in her voice. A bright smile crossed her pale pink lips like nothing was wrong in the world. The mask she would wear to cover her wolf’s dark intent, and primal hunger for death.

Grabbing modest clothing, a crimson wrap with a hood, black flair jeans, and her red converse sneakers. Going once again to the mirror she picked up the black mascara, giving each her white eyelashes a coat of black. Eyebrow pencil next turning her while eyebrows gray, befor she added the finishing touches with eyeliner. Black heavy lines around her eyes hiding the pink that was off putting to people. Completing her mask was the black lip paint, adding the definition a contrast her face normally lacked.

Running a brush through her damp hair it looked nice for about a minute before it went back to looking wild and messy. As good as she was going to get a bright smile her mask in place, she left the Green Wylds once again, heading to the place her friends meet in London.

 

[Willow]

Mirror Mirror
Demon Wolf
7.31.15

Walking down the path to the lake side, a place where she could easily concentrate and pull from the magic around her if she needed. Nothing is done without risk, not even the simple act of scrying. Willow had looked through the silver mirror to hell before, it was not pleasant, this time would likely be no better.

Sitting down on a smooth rock where the water had pulled away the dirt from around it. Opening her backpack she pulled out the three things she needed, the silver antique mirror, her enchanted grease pencil, and the void crystal vial that held three drops of Marcus’s blood.

Puting her backpack aside with her skateboard she started drawing the runes of magic on the silvery surface. Once the circles and squiggles were in place she took the vial and took one drop from it placing it in the center of the runes.

Channeling magic into the mirror the spell was then cast, making the solid surface appear like water, ripples as she poured magic into it. At first the spell seemed to not take hold, the ripples stopping and starting again, some small, some ripples that was like a single wave radiating out from the center. It took time, longer than she was expecting before the color shifted to red, first blurry before the details of a cavern wall came into focus.

Taking a breath she again poured more energy into it, hoping it would get a better fix on Marcus. The image was bodiless and meandered around the cave looking. Pillars of ash and smoke as it traveled along the long narrow cave.

Passing through a wall it finally came to a stop, showing a man’s back. The skin was lacerated were a fresh lashing, and torture had taken place. Hair long ratty and covered in ash, and uncared for as it laid over the patches of discolored skin showing dark ashen texture were domoic scales will likely soon grow. With his back to her, not yet noticing the silver pool of water in the air.

Glancing around some seeing what she could around the man, fearful of any near by. “Marcus?”

Turning his head clearly able to hear her voice, before turning around and facing where she was looking in. His eyes were foreign to her, demonic, like the eyes of the dark one she had battled before. Then he turned away shaking his head dismissing her voice as only one of many he heard in this place.

“Marcus, over here. You should see something.” Taking a breath she once again drained more of her magic in the mirror, at least the full moon gave her some extra fight. “Marcus, help is coming.”

He whipped around, glowing demonic eyes now focused on her in the dark. “”Who are you. What do you want from me?” Backing up some as he saw her reflection in the silver waters, not recognising the face after the many years he had been there.

“It’s me Willow. I need you to not forget, not forget us.”

“Willow?” Repeating her words as if trying to unlock a dusty memory in his mind. “Willow?” A long pause before the next words fell from his mouth. “Willow is dead.”

Forehead wrinkled some watching him and his decree. “I’m not dead, it's only been two months. We are coming for you, be ready.” Giving him a stern look through the mirror. “You have to -not- give up.. not yet.”

It was clear he was becoming agitated stepping back and looking for a near by stone. “This isn't funny!” The red in his eyes became intense as his voice went hoarse like he needed water. “Who is this!?!”

“Marcus, it’s me, remember when we danced with my mother the day I became free?” Mind racing as several possibilities started running through her mind. What if they get there and it's too late, what is he is like every other demon, what if he fights them.

Squinting his eyes and shaking his head like he just licked a battery port. “Impossible. Willow’s dead! Darcy is dead, Andjela is dead, Charles is dead!” Reciting words he thought were truths.

Getting her stubborn look she snapped back. “I’m not dead, Anj is fine too, she is grumpy but maybe that is because I just met her. Who is Charles?”

“Stop it!” Throwing the rock at the silvery puddle that held her reflection. To no effect as the rock sailed on through at to the rocky wall behind it.

“Marcus, remember we talked at the HG, I offered to help you with what your father did to you. I need you, - WE- need you to calm down and think clearly. When we show up we need you to remember us.”

“Impossible” Snapping back at her. “Its been over two hundred years!”

“Time is different there, it’s only been two months, we have not given up on you.”

Gasping like she hit him in the chest with her words and he stumbled backwards to the rocks behind him. “T… t… two months?” Mouth dropping open as he just stared off at her, through her. “Impossible… two hundred years… two hundred years… two hundred years…” Repeating as he reached up pulling at his hair, clearly distraught now.

“Marcus! Stop that! Take a deep breath.” Growling soome as she watched him, watched the man she knew who was so strong break down before her. “Time is different there, they are trying to trick you, to make it harder for us when we get there.”

Voice was quiet like he didn’t want someone near to hear his words. “Darcy can be alive still.” Then he spoke again like he was having an argument with himself. “No she’s dead. But she can come back... Marcus she’s dead, who is this girl?... Willow… Willow? What does Willow want?” Eyes once again back on her watching her.

Panic set in before her mind had engaged speaking before she was done processing what she was watching. “Marcus, I need you to remember. Don’t give up. We -ARE- coming, and when we do it will be hard enough to fight them.. we can’t fight you to.” Sucking in air as if to try to take back her words.

“Marcus is busy, you’ll speak to me and answer me!” Looking closer now his red eyes looking at her past her. “Yes… yes I remember you, Fae creature. Pretty little thing.” His movements seemed jerky with the look of a delirious man on his face. “Tell me Fae creature. Who is coming.”

Falling quiet she knew it was too late, that the words slipped out a moment after this new person started looking through Marcus's eyes. “Humm, interesting way to control him. That means you haven’t broken him, good because you won’t.”

Marcus called me, I protect him!”Cocking his head in the other direction then back to Willow. “How will you get here? Who is with you? Who many are you?”

“I have no interest in telling you.” Now that she showed her hand she may as well make them think she has all aces. “You are out of time wicked one. He will not be broken and you have no idea what is coming for you.”

A wicked smile crossed Marcus’ face. “Silly little fae girl likes to meddle in the affairs of those greater than her. We are many. We are persistent, We cannot falter, Where we die, we rise.”

Watching a fly buzz by and then land on the polished handle of the mirror.

“Marcus knows what I came to say.
I gave him something you can not take away.
It will shine bright like a star in his soul
Light that will never falter.”​

Moving to wipe the runes off the mirror, her words hopefully weaving the spell she would need later. One that would hopefully protect him in the years to come. Though she never knew if her magic would be able to reach through the mirror.

“You’ll all die!!!!”

His hand reached but would not get to her as she wiped the runes away breaking the connection. Noticing as three more flies came for her scrying mirror, as she wiped all the blood and red grease pencil off the shiny surface. “I think your right, and that is what scares you.”

Flies seem to start showing up in greater number as she put the mirror away. Willow watched them for a time, putting her bag down and stepping away as soon there was far more very interested in getting to the silver mirror.

Squatting she wiped her face and pushed her hair out from her eyes a long moment trying to remember. Thinking back on the hundred of books and what flies ment after a scrying. “Whose energy is in there?”

Getting up she headed into the mountains, into her territory far up in the snow. Crawling into a cave she went to one of the dusty chests and opened it. “Ok energy, you want to hang out in my mirror. You can.. maybe this will help us later.” Closing it into a magically sealed box. “Stay.”